
The first Golden Axe video game was released in January 1989. There have been further editions of the game over the years but nothing since 2008. Are fans ready for another instalment in the Golden Axe world and what should we expect from a new Golden Axe game?
The original Golden Axe game was developed by Sega for the Sega System 16B and released as an arcade game in 1989. The side scrolling beat 'em up allowed players to take control of one of three warriors with the aim of ending the evil reign of Death Adder, who holds the Golden Axe. The game progressed by defeating Death Adder’s henchmen, including skeletons and knights. The game received positive reviews and was later released on the Master System and Genesis.
The original Golden Axe game continues to be played today and is available for iOS and Android. There is even a Golden Axe slot game and you can play the latest slots at new sweepstakes casinos. Get started here: https://www.vegasinsider.com/sweepstakes-casinos/new/. The Genesis version of the original Golden Axe game has also been made available on the Nintendo Classics service.
Following quickly on the heels of Golden Axe came Golden Axe II in 1991. The following year, an arcade exclusive, Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder, was created and this game was very popular, leading to a version being released on the Astro City Mini in 2020. Then came Golden Axe III in 1993, which was primarily a Japanese release. There was a long break until 2008 and Golden Axe: Beast Rider for the for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This was an interesting game in the Golden Axe series because it was the first version to be played in 3D but unfortunately the reviews were poor and fans of the franchise felt let down.
With the older versions of the game being made available for mobile, there is clearly demand for Golden Axe games. However, the 2008 instalment was a big let-down and fans of the franchise wanted more from what was regarded a bad game. So, it is clear the gaming world is ready for a new entry in the Golden Axe series and in 2023, at The Game Awards, a new Golden Axe game was announced by Sega.
There is no official release date as yet and we do not know on what platforms the game will be available. However, from the small clip that was made available at The Game Awards, we do know the new Golden Axe game will be in 3D and thankfully, it looks vastly superior to Golden Axe: Beast Rider. There were also multiple player controlled characters on the screen at one time, which suggests a multiplayer co-operative mode, which would be a welcome addition to the game. Ax Battler, Gilius Thunderhead, and Tyris Flare were all present and players will be eager to control their favourite characters from the original Golden Axe game.
The gameplay looks set to mimic the beat-em up style from the first Golden Axe game and the storyline could even be a retelling of the original. There is great anticipation surrounding a new entry in the Golden Axe series and although we may potentially have to wait until 2027, fans are hopeful Sega will deliver a fantastic game.