The game up for discussion today is the very definition of a co-op classic. Two players can play together, working toward a common goal. In this case, that goal is whacking bad guys on your way to putting the smack down on the big boss, Death Adder. The game is an absolute classic, as well; it spawned several sequels, and its influence can be seen even in upcoming games like Sacred 2 and Diablo 3. In honor of the Olympics, then, I bestow a gold medal on the undisputed Co-Op Classic: Golden Axe.
I have to be honest, it was watching the video for Sacred 2 that got me thinking about Golden Axe. The similarities between the two games are astounding. Fantasy setting? Check. Magic spells and swordplay? Uh huh. Mounts to ride around on? You got it. Even the gratuitous cheesecake shots from Sacred 2 were reminiscent of Golden Axe's chain-mail bikini-clad Tyris Flare. I guess everything old is new again!
It could be argued that the formula for Golden Axe is archetypal. Players choose from three separate characters, each of whom has different strengths and weaknesses. The dwarf wielded a wicked battle-axe, and could cast lightning, albeit weak. Tyris , the female fury, had the best magic, and could store up to six bars at once, before unleashing her fiery spell. The male warrior, Ax Battler (how imaginative!) was in between the two, equally effective with earth magic and his sword. Yes, you got that right, a dude named Ax Battler wielded a sword.
The most memorable feature of the game, to me, was being able to use mounts. It is cliche now, really, but at the time, it was new, cool, and exciting. The first few levels, the only available mount was an odd bird creature with a lizard like tail, which could sweep all over, knocking down foes. However, if you made it far enough, other mounts, almost draconic in appearance, were available. These uber critters breathed fire and were the Cadillac of the game's mounts, for sure. It was such a good feeling to beat a baddie off a dragon, hop on it, and then use fire breath to fry the same guy.
I'm not sure how well Golden Axe would hold up today. I took a look at some screenshots, and thought to myself, "Wow, I don't remember it looking that bad." If you can look past the primitive graphics, though, there is a core experience to the game that even modern gamers can appreciate. Golden Axe was released forXbox Live Arcade last year, for the low price of $5. I'm tempted to download it just to play through it with my kids for old time's sake. I just hope I'm fast enough to kick the magic potions out of those irritating little men when they run by!
co-op classics
The death sound in the game spawned an entire inside joke with my friends for years.
They simply go "blah"
I think the game still holds up fairly well. I know I had a ton of fun with the XBLA version, and I won't be surprised if they decide to make an updated graphics version down the road. Definitely a good time though.
It's a shame the new one is NOTHING like this.
OMG I made the first comment but it renamed me to Anonymous XD
Nevermind, I said what I thought
Total Comments: 5
CommentCoG UserName:
CoG Password:
Comment:
- Co-Op Classics: Diablo II, Lego Indy, and Ben 10 ("This Week" Edition)
- Co-Op Classics: Gauntlet Legends and Gauntlet Dark Legacy
- Co-Op Classics: Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Co-Op Classics: Justice League Heroes
- Co-Op Classics: Vendetta
- Co-Op Classics: Serious Sam
- Co-Op Classics: Gauntlet and Gauntlet II
- Co-op Classics: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Related Games
Platform: Xbox Live Arcade
2-Player Online Co-Op
2-Player Local Co-Op
Platform: Classic
2-Player Local Co-Op
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 on Playstation 3
Super Mario Galaxy on Wii
Gears of War (Windows) on PC
Castle Crashers on Xbox Live Arcade
Pixel Junk Monsters on Playstation Network
View the top Co-Op Games on Each Platform including our family friendly list!
This game rocks, and so does the "older" games. As in "older" I talk about games that came out 1 or 2 years before (and all of those before that).
People don't play those games because they don't have great graphics. So? When the game was released noone was seeing the graphics those days and they had FUN while playing it! And that's why I have 11 Emulators on my PC and about 10.000 Roms To have fun playing old games, whether I knew them or not. And graphics doesn't count, just the Fun-Factor (and if it's playable in Coop )