Difference between revisions of "Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe title screen.png
 
| bobscreen=Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe title screen.png
−
| publisher=[[Sega]]
+
| bobscreen2=AxBattler GG JP TitleScreen.png
−
| developer=[[Sega CS]], [[Aspect]]
+
| tab1=US/EU
 +
| tab2=JP
 +
| publisher=[[Sega]]  
 +
| developer=[[Sega CS2]], [[Aspect]]
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Tec Toy]]|region=BR}}
 
| system=[[Sega Game Gear]]
 
| system=[[Sega Game Gear]]
−
| genre=RPG
+
| genre=RPG{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045745/https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html}}
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
 
| series=''[[Golden Axe (series)|Golden Axe]]'' series
 
| series=''[[Golden Axe (series)|Golden Axe]]'' series
 +
| languages={{LanguageList|jp|en}}
 
| releases={{releasesGG
 
| releases={{releasesGG
−
| gg_date_eu=1992
+
| gg_date_jp=1991-11-01{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045745/https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html}}
 +
| gg_rrp_jp=3,800
 +
| gg_code_jp=G-3306
 +
| gg_date_us=1992-03{{magref|egm|32|154}}
 +
| gg_rrp_us=29.95{{magref|gamepro|34|76}}{{magref|vgce|40|54}}
 +
| gg_code_us=2405
 +
| gg_date_eu=1992-04{{magref|ctw|384|17}}
 
| gg_code_eu=2405
 
| gg_code_eu=2405
 +
| gg_date_uk=1992-04{{magref|ctw|384|17}}
 +
| gg_code_uk=2405
 
| gg_rrp_uk=29.99{{magref|segapro|8|68}}{{magref|segapower|30|45}}
 
| gg_rrp_uk=29.99{{magref|segapro|8|68}}{{magref|segapower|30|45}}
−
| gg_date_us=1992-03{{magref|egm|32|154}}
 
−
| gg_rrp_us=29.95{{magref|gamepro|34|76}}
 
−
| gg_code_us=2405
 
−
| gg_date_jp=1991-11-01
 
−
| gg_rrp_jp=3,800
 
−
| gg_code_jp=G-3306
 
 
| gg_date_br=1992-07{{magref|supergame|12|38}}
 
| gg_date_br=1992-07{{magref|supergame|12|38}}
 
| gg_code_br=012100
 
| gg_code_br=012100
 +
}}
 +
| savetype={{SaveType
 +
|GG|password
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (アックスバトラー ゴールデンアックス伝説), known in Brazil as simply '''''Golden Axe''''', is a [[Sega Game Gear]] platform role-playing game developed by [[Aspect]] and published by [[Sega]]. It was first released in Japan in November 1991.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045745/https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html}}
 +
 +
The game is a sequel to the [[Sega Master System]] action role-playing game ''[[Golden Axe Warrior]]''. Similar to how that game is highly derivative of the popular 1986 game ''[[wikipedia:The Legend of Zelda (video game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''Ax Battler'' derives its design from that game's sequel, ''[[wikipedia:Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''.
 +
 +
==Story==
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Ax Battler, Introduction.png|width=160|Introduction}}
 +
Death Adder is laying siege to the entire world. He steals the Golden Axe, a magical weapon that grants its wielder unimaginable power, from its hiding place in Firewood Castle. To prevent Death Adder using its powers to destroy the world, the King of Firewood Castle calls upon the help of his strongest warrior: Ax Battler.
 +
 +
==Gameplay==
 +
{{ScreenThumb2|Ax Battler, Town.png|Ax Battler, Character Status.png|width=160|Town and character status}}
 +
{{ScreenThumb2|Ax Battler, Overworld.png|Ax Battler, Overworld Battle.png|width=160|Overworld and battle}}
 +
{{ScreenThumb2|Ax Battler, Training.png|Ax Battler, Training Battle.png|width=160|Training house}}
 +
The game consists of overhead RPG segments exploring an overworld and towns interspersed with side-scrolling battles and stages.
 +
 +
As the player traverses the overworld, enemies randomly attack, prompting the game to switch to a side-scrolling battle scene. Ax Battler must defeat the enemy by striking it or using magic abilities until the enemy runs out of hit points. If Ax Battler is hit by the enemy, he loses a hit point and the encounter ends; if he defeats the enemy, he collects magic vases, which are the game's currency.
 +
 +
The player can find and enter towns from the overworld. Towns usually contain an inn where Ax Battler can rest and replenish his health for a fee, a training house where Ax Battler can learn a new ability if he wins a battle, and a password house where the player can receive a password for continuing the game at a later time. The player can talk to NPCs that sometimes provide hints. The overworld also contains special landmarks, which are side-scrolling platforming stages that the player must complete to collect an item to advance or to travel to a new location.
 +
 +
In the overworld, the player can move Ax Battler with the D-Pad. The player can invoke a menu with {{2}} (or dismiss the menu with {{1}}) to talk with NPCs, use an item, or search the area. The player can open a status screen with {{Start}} that shows Ax Battler's health, the amount of vases collected, and the special attacks learned. The player can also choose a magic technique from this screen.
 +
 +
In the side-scrolling action scenes, Ax Battler moves with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouches with {{down}}. He jumps with {{2}}. He attacks with {{1}}, which can be done while crouching or jumping. He can use a magic technique with {{Start}} (when standing on the ground).
 +
 +
Health for both Ax Battler and his foe (in a battle scene) is indicated by rectangles at the bottom of the screen. An orange rectangle represents one hit point and a blue rectangle represents two hit points. Ax Battler has a maximum of six hit points. If he loses all of them, he is defeated and revives in the password house of the last town visited; the player can choose to continue the game if desired. Though Ax Battler retains the special attacks he has learned and the items he has collected, he loses all of his vases after continuing.
 +
 +
===Town===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=House
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ax Battler, Buildings.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Houses contain NPCs, who sometimes provide hints on how to proceed if Ax Battler talks to them.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Inn
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ax Battler, Buildings.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Ax Battler can rest at an inn to restore his hit points for a fee.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Password House
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ax Battler, Buildings.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=The player can receive a password here that can be used to continue the game at a later time.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Training House
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Ax Battler, Buildings.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=144 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Ax Battler can fight a battle here that teaches him a new ability if he wins.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Magic abilities===
 +
Magic abilities are all initially available and can be selected through the status screen from the overworld.
 +
 +
*'''Earth:''' Does 1 hit point of damage. Costs 2 vases.
 +
*'''Thunder:''' Does 2 hit points of damage. Costs 4 vases.
 +
*'''Fire:''' Does 4 hit points of damage. Costs 8 vases.
 +
 +
===Special attacks===
 +
Ax Battler learns special attack skills from training houses in each town. These abilities work in both the battle sequences and the platforming stages. Some abilities are necessary to learn in order to complete the game.
 +
 +
*'''High Jump:''' An extra high jump performed with {{up}}+{{2}}.
 +
*'''Upper Swing:''' An upward sword swing performed with {{down}}+{{1}} that does twice as much damage as a standard attack.
 +
*'''Jump Swing:''' A downward cut performed with {{up}}+{{1}} in midair that does twice as much damage as a standard attack.
 +
*'''Super Swing:''' A semicircular sword slice performed with {{up}}+{{1}} while standing.
 +
*'''Run and Tackle:''' Ax Battler can now run with {{left}} {{left}} or {{right}} {{right}} and then tackle an enemy with {{1}} while running. This ability can also destroy some objects.
 +
*'''Jump Attack:''' A downward jab performed with {{down}}+{{1}} in midair that does twice as much damage as a standard attack.
 +
 +
===Items===
 +
Items are usually necessary to progress.
 +
 +
*'''Bomb:''' Levels mountains on the overworld. Found in the Spooky Cave.
 +
*'''Crystal:''' Summons a giant turtle to ferry Ax Battler across the water. Found in the Peninsula Tower.
 +
*'''Key:''' Found in the Death Pyramid.
 +
*'''Compass:''' Given to Ax Battler by a wounded soldier in the Holmstock town.
 +
*'''Fruit:''' Found by inspecting a tree to the west of the Maze Forest.
 +
*'''Magic Stone:''' Found by inspecting a tile to the northwest of the North Valley town.
 +
 +
===Special landmarks===
 +
These are action stages that appear in the overworld.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=240|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Spooky Cave
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Spooky Cave.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-SpookyCave.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Peninsula Tower
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Peninsula Tower.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-PeninsulaTower.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Turtle's Back
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Turtle's Back.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-TurtleIsland.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Death Pyramid
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Death Pyramid.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-DesertPyramid.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Evil Cave
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Evil Cave.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-CursedCave.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Maze Wood
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Maze Wood.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-MazeForest.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Gayn Mountain
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Gayn Mountain.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-GaynMountain.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Eagle's Back
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Eagle's Back.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-GreatGreatEagle.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Ice Cliffs
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Ice Cliffs.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-SnowSlope.png
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Death Adder's Castle
 +
| screenshot=Ax Battler, Stages, Death Adder's Castle.png
 +
| map=AxBattler-GG-DeathAddersCastle.png
 +
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (アックスバトラー ゴールデンアックス伝説), known simply as '''''Golden Axe''''' in Brazil and released in 1991 for the [[Sega Game Gear]], is the second game in the [[Golden Axe (series)|Golden Axe series]] to depart from the usual gameplay formula (the first being ''[[Golden Axe Warrior]]'', released earlier that year).
 
  
−
Whereas Golden Axe Warrior was a clone of ''The Legend of Zelda'', ''Ax Battler'' is inspired by ''Zelda II: The Adventure of Link''. Unlike other games in the series, Ax Battler starts with few attacks and must earn new ones by fighting at training dojos in each town. The currency of the game world is vials, which also double as a magic weapon.
+
==History==
 +
During development, the game was known under the working title of simply '''''Golden Axe'''''.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210613031337/https://www.smspower.org/forums/15531-UnreleasedMasterSystemGameWallball3D}} Ultimately, only the game's Brazilian release would retain this original name.
 +
 
 +
==Versions==
 +
===Localised names===
 +
{{aka
 +
|en_name=Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
 +
|us_name=Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
 +
|jp_name=アックスバトラー ゴールデンアックス伝説
 +
|jp_trans=Ax Battler: Golden Axe Densetsu
 +
|br_name=Golden Axe
 +
}}
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
−
{{multicol|
 
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
 
*'''Planning:''' [[Katsuhiro Hasegawa|The Hase]]
 
*'''Planning:''' [[Katsuhiro Hasegawa|The Hase]]
−
*'''Design:''' K.Tamun
+
*'''Design:''' [[Tamun|K.Tamun]]
−
*'''Program:''' [[Noriyuki Tabata|N.Tabata]], H.Saexa
+
*'''Program:''' [[Noriyuki Tabata|N.Tabata]], [[Hiroyuki Saigusa|H.Saexa]]
 
*'''Data:''' [[Kojiro Mikusa|K.Mixa]]
 
*'''Data:''' [[Kojiro Mikusa|K.Mixa]]
−
*'''Sound:''' [[Keisuke Tsukahara|PP.Chung]]
+
*'''Sound:''' [[Psychedelic Chung|PP.Chung]]
 
*'''Program:''' [[Kazuyuki Oikawa|K.Oikawa]]
 
*'''Program:''' [[Kazuyuki Oikawa|K.Oikawa]]
−
*'''Cover Art:''' [[Julie Bell]]
+
*'''Cover Art:'''  
 
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
 
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Ax Battler GG credits.pdf
 
| console=GG
 
| console=GG
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
 
*'''Japanese cover artist:''' [[Jun Satoh]]
 
*'''Japanese cover artist:''' [[Jun Satoh]]
−
| console=GG
+
*'''Japanese manual artist:''' [[Sega Consumer Design Development Dept.]] ([[Mari Koizumi]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240408105717/https://vgdensetsu.net/2_MariKoizumi.html}})
 
| source=[[Sega TV Game Genga Gallery]]
 
| source=[[Sega TV Game Genga Gallery]]
 
| pdf=Sega TV Game Genga Gallery.pdf
 
| pdf=Sega TV Game Genga Gallery.pdf
 
| pdfpage=67
 
| pdfpage=67
 +
| console=GG
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Western cover artist:''' [[Julie Bell]]
 +
| source=Uncredited
 +
| console=GG
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 52: Line 219:
 
==Promotional material==
 
==Promotional material==
 
{{gallery
 
{{gallery
−
|{{galleryPrintAd|BeepMD_JP_1991-11.pdf|bemega|1991-11|140}}
+
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1991-11|140}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
−
<section begin="GG_ratings" />{{ratings
+
{{ratings|GG}}
−
| icon=GG
 
−
| consolesplus=72
 
−
| consolesplus_source={{magref|consolesplus|11|125}}
 
−
| gamepro=80
 
−
| gamepro_source={{magref|gamepro|34|76|printpage=74}}
 
−
| gamesx=40
 
−
| gamesx_source={{num|30}}
 
−
| gz=73
 
−
| gz_source={{num|3|page=57}}
 
−
| joystick=85
 
−
| joystick_source={{magref|joystick|22|163}}
 
−
| playerone=80
 
−
| playerone_source={{magref|playerone|20|108}}
 
−
| segapro=77
 
−
| segapro_source={{magref|segapro|8|68}}
 
−
| sfsw=75
 
−
| sfsw_source={{magref|sfsw|1992-01|24}}
 
−
| supergame=82
 
−
| supergame_source={{magref|supergame|12|38}}
 
−
| supersonic=90
 
−
| supersonic_source={{magref|supersonic|1|24|printpage=28/29}}
 
−
| zero=87
 
−
| zero_source={{magref|zero|33|78}}
 
−
}}<section end="GG_ratings" />
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Game Gear
 +
| region=JP
 +
| front=AxBattler GG JP cover.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| cart=Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe GG JP cart.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
Line 99: Line 250:
 
| front=Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe EU front.jpg
 
| front=Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe EU front.jpg
 
| back=AxBattler GG EU Box Back.jpg
 
| back=AxBattler GG EU Box Back.jpg
−
| spinemissing=yes
+
| spine=Ax Battler GG EU BoxSpine.jpg
 
| cart=AxBattler GG US Cart.jpg
 
| cart=AxBattler GG US Cart.jpg
 
| manual=Axbattler gg eu manual.pdf
 
| manual=Axbattler gg eu manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
−
| region=JP
+
| region=FR (Blister pack)
−
| front=AxBattler GG JP cover.jpg
+
| front=AxBattler GG FR blister front.jpg
−
| back=
 
−
| spinemissing=
 
−
| square=yes
 
−
| cart=Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe GG JP cart.jpg
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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===ROM dump status===
 
===ROM dump status===
 
{{romtable|
 
{{romtable|
−
{{rom|GG|sha1=FF7931D3461C69FFC3A82D892AE3BB3BB00788B3|md5=2AA1025039E174F7E5168CE09CDE3113|crc32=DFCF555F|size=256kB|date= |source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
+
{{rom|GG|sha1=FF7931D3461C69FFC3A82D892AE3BB3BB00788B3|md5=2AA1025039E174F7E5168CE09CDE3113|crc32=DFCF555F|size=256kB|date=1991-08-23{{intref|Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe/Hidden content}}|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=}}
−
{{rom|GG|sha1=9F5BF2973225B8EE337FCEC460829724A0C63D9E|md5=71E87C98E849C71DFD9A21A4A9FF56B4|crc32=663BCF8A|size=256kB|date= |source=Cartridge (US/EU)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
+
{{rom|GG|sha1=9F5BF2973225B8EE337FCEC460829724A0C63D9E|md5=71E87C98E849C71DFD9A21A4A9FF56B4|crc32=663BCF8A|size=256kB|date=1991-12-10{{intref|Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe/Hidden content}}|source=Cartridge (US/EU)|comments=|quality=}}
−
{{rom|GG|sha1=|md5=|crc32=|size=|date=1991-10-08|source=|comments=|quality=|prototype=yes}}
+
{{rom|GG|sha1=fe0f433aebd6e3c4b61e4e155323fe6932369459|md5=1d8cc7e9a742312294fc1dace252907f|crc32=3435ab54|size=256kB|date=1991-10-08|source=EPROM cartridge|comments=|quality=|prototype=yes}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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<references/>
 
<references/>
  
 +
{{AxBattlerOmni}}
 
{{GoldenAxe}}
 
{{GoldenAxe}}

Latest revision as of 17:36, 21 September 2024

n/a

  • US/EU
  • JP

Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe title screen.png

AxBattler GG JP TitleScreen.png

Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
System(s): Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Distributor: Tec Toy (BR)
Genre: RPG[1]

















Series: Golden Axe series
Number of players: 1
Official in-game languages:
  • 日本語
  • English
    • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Game Gear
    JP     		¥3,8003,800 G-3306
    Sega Game Gear
    US     		$29.9529.95[3][4] 2405
    Sega Game Gear
    EU     		2405
    Sega Game Gear
    UK     		£29.9929.99[7][8] 2405
    Sega Game Gear
    BR     		012100

    Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe (アックスバトラー ゴールデンアックス伝説), known in Brazil as simply Golden Axe, is a Sega Game Gear platform role-playing game developed by Aspect and published by Sega. It was first released in Japan in November 1991.[1]

    The game is a sequel to the Sega Master System action role-playing game Golden Axe Warrior. Similar to how that game is highly derivative of the popular 1986 game The Legend of Zelda, Ax Battler derives its design from that game's sequel, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

    Story

    Ax Battler, Introduction.png

    Introduction

    Death Adder is laying siege to the entire world. He steals the Golden Axe, a magical weapon that grants its wielder unimaginable power, from its hiding place in Firewood Castle. To prevent Death Adder using its powers to destroy the world, the King of Firewood Castle calls upon the help of his strongest warrior: Ax Battler.

    Gameplay

    Ax Battler, Town.png

    Ax Battler, Character Status.png

    Town and character status

    Ax Battler, Overworld.png

    Ax Battler, Overworld Battle.png

    Overworld and battle

    Ax Battler, Training.png

    Ax Battler, Training Battle.png

    Training house

    The game consists of overhead RPG segments exploring an overworld and towns interspersed with side-scrolling battles and stages.

    As the player traverses the overworld, enemies randomly attack, prompting the game to switch to a side-scrolling battle scene. Ax Battler must defeat the enemy by striking it or using magic abilities until the enemy runs out of hit points. If Ax Battler is hit by the enemy, he loses a hit point and the encounter ends; if he defeats the enemy, he collects magic vases, which are the game's currency.

    The player can find and enter towns from the overworld. Towns usually contain an inn where Ax Battler can rest and replenish his health for a fee, a training house where Ax Battler can learn a new ability if he wins a battle, and a password house where the player can receive a password for continuing the game at a later time. The player can talk to NPCs that sometimes provide hints. The overworld also contains special landmarks, which are side-scrolling platforming stages that the player must complete to collect an item to advance or to travel to a new location.

    In the overworld, the player can move Ax Battler with the D-Pad. The player can invoke a menu with 2 (or dismiss the menu with 1) to talk with NPCs, use an item, or search the area. The player can open a status screen with  START  that shows Ax Battler's health, the amount of vases collected, and the special attacks learned. The player can also choose a magic technique from this screen.

    In the side-scrolling action scenes, Ax Battler moves with Left and Right and crouches with Down. He jumps with 2. He attacks with 1, which can be done while crouching or jumping. He can use a magic technique with  START  (when standing on the ground).

    Health for both Ax Battler and his foe (in a battle scene) is indicated by rectangles at the bottom of the screen. An orange rectangle represents one hit point and a blue rectangle represents two hit points. Ax Battler has a maximum of six hit points. If he loses all of them, he is defeated and revives in the password house of the last town visited; the player can choose to continue the game if desired. Though Ax Battler retains the special attacks he has learned and the items he has collected, he loses all of his vases after continuing.

    Town

    Ax Battler, Buildings.png
    		 House
    Houses contain NPCs, who sometimes provide hints on how to proceed if Ax Battler talks to them.
    Ax Battler, Buildings.png
    		 Inn
    Ax Battler can rest at an inn to restore his hit points for a fee.
    Ax Battler, Buildings.png
    		 Password House
    The player can receive a password here that can be used to continue the game at a later time.
    Ax Battler, Buildings.png
    		 Training House
    Ax Battler can fight a battle here that teaches him a new ability if he wins.

    Magic abilities

    Magic abilities are all initially available and can be selected through the status screen from the overworld.

    • Earth: Does 1 hit point of damage. Costs 2 vases.
    • Thunder: Does 2 hit points of damage. Costs 4 vases.
    • Fire: Does 4 hit points of damage. Costs 8 vases.

    Special attacks

    Ax Battler learns special attack skills from training houses in each town. These abilities work in both the battle sequences and the platforming stages. Some abilities are necessary to learn in order to complete the game.

    • High Jump: An extra high jump performed with Up+2.
    • Upper Swing: An upward sword swing performed with Down+1 that does twice as much damage as a standard attack.
    • Jump Swing: A downward cut performed with Up+1 in midair that does twice as much damage as a standard attack.
    • Super Swing: A semicircular sword slice performed with Up+1 while standing.
    • Run and Tackle: Ax Battler can now run with Left Left or Right Right and then tackle an enemy with 1 while running. This ability can also destroy some objects.
    • Jump Attack: A downward jab performed with Down+1 in midair that does twice as much damage as a standard attack.

    Items

    Items are usually necessary to progress.

    • Bomb: Levels mountains on the overworld. Found in the Spooky Cave.
    • Crystal: Summons a giant turtle to ferry Ax Battler across the water. Found in the Peninsula Tower.
    • Key: Found in the Death Pyramid.
    • Compass: Given to Ax Battler by a wounded soldier in the Holmstock town.
    • Fruit: Found by inspecting a tree to the west of the Maze Forest.
    • Magic Stone: Found by inspecting a tile to the northwest of the North Valley town.

    Special landmarks

    These are action stages that appear in the overworld.

    Ax Battler, Stages, Spooky Cave.png

    		Spooky Cave
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Peninsula Tower.png

    		Peninsula Tower
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Turtle's Back.png

    		Turtle's Back
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Death Pyramid.png

    		Death Pyramid
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Evil Cave.png

    		Evil Cave
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Maze Wood.png

    		Maze Wood
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Gayn Mountain.png

    		Gayn Mountain
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Eagle's Back.png

    		Eagle's Back
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Ice Cliffs.png

    		Ice Cliffs
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    Ax Battler, Stages, Death Adder's Castle.png

    		Death Adder's Castle
    Map: 1️⃣ 

    History

    During development, the game was known under the working title of simply Golden Axe.[10] Ultimately, only the game's Brazilian release would retain this original name.

    Versions

    Localised names

    Also known as
    Language Localised Name English Translation
    English Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
    English (US) Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
    Japanese アックスバトラー ゴールデンアックス伝説 Ax Battler: Golden Axe Densetsu
    Portuguese (Brazil) Golden Axe

    Production credits

    Source:
    In-game credits
    Ax Battler GG credits.pdf
    [11]
    Source:
    Sega TV Game Genga Gallery[13]
    Source:
    Uncredited


    Magazine articles

    Main article: Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-11: "November 1991" (1991-10-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg

    Artwork

    • AxBattler Art 1.jpg

    Physical scans

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    53
    		[14]
    Consoles + (FR)
    72
    		[15]
    Console XS (UK) NTSC-J
    56
    		[16]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    63
    		[17]
    Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
    37
    		[18]
    Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
    48
    		[19]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    80
    		[3]
    Games-X (UK)
    40
    		[20]
    Game Zone (UK) NTSC-J
    73
    		[21]
    Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
    30
    		[22]
    Hobby Consolas (ES)
    59
    		[23]
    Joypad (FR) NTSC-J
    85
    		[24]
    Joystick (FR)
    85
    		[25]
    Mega Force (FR)
    75
    		[26]
    Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
    67
    		[27]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
    39
    		[28]
    Player One (FR)
    80
    		[29]
    Play Time (DE)
    70
    		[30]
    Power Up! (UK)
    75
    		[31]
    Power Play (DE)
    77
    		[32]
    Sega Pro (UK)
    77
    		[7]
    Sega Pro (UK) NTSC
    56
    		[33]
    Sega Force (SE)
    75
    		[34]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    46
    		[35]
    Supergame (BR)
    82
    		[9]
    Supersonic (FR)
    90
    		[36]
    VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
    80
    		[4]
    Zero (UK)
    87
    		[37]
    Sega Game Gear
    		 66
    Based on
    28 reviews

    Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe

    Game Gear, JP
    AxBattler GG JP cover.jpg
    Cover
    Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe GG JP cart.jpg
    Cart
    Game Gear, US
    Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe US back.jpgNospine.pngAx Battler A Legend of Golden Axe US front.jpg
    Cover
    AxBattler GG US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe GG US Manual.pdf
    Manual
    Game Gear, EU
    AxBattler GG EU Box Back.jpgAx Battler GG EU BoxSpine.jpgAx Battler A Legend of Golden Axe EU front.jpg
    Cover
    AxBattler GG US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Axbattler gg eu manual.pdf
    Manual
    Game Gear, FR (Blister pack)
    AxBattler GG FR blister front.jpg
    Cover
    Game Gear, BR
    AxBattler GG BR Box Back.jpgNospine.pngAxBattler GG BR Box.jpg
    Cover
    Axbattler gg br cart.jpg
    Cart

    Technical information

    ROM dump status

    System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
    Sega Game Gear
     ?
    CRC32 dfcf555f
    MD5 2aa1025039e174f7e5168ce09cde3113
    SHA-1 ff7931d3461c69ffc3a82d892ae3bb3bb00788b3
    		256kB 1991-08-23[38] Cartridge (JP)
    Sega Game Gear
     ?
    CRC32 663bcf8a
    MD5 71e87c98e849c71dfd9a21a4a9ff56b4
    SHA-1 9f5bf2973225b8ee337fcec460829724a0c63d9e
    		256kB 1991-12-10[38] Cartridge (US/EU)
    Sega Game Gear
     ?
    CRC32 3435ab54
    MD5 1d8cc7e9a742312294fc1dace252907f
    SHA-1 fe0f433aebd6e3c4b61e4e155323fe6932369459
    		256kB 1991-10-08 EPROM cartridge Page

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-12-07 04:57)
    2. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 154
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 GamePro, "May 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 76
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "May 1992" (US; 1992-0x-xx), page 54
    5. ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1992-04-27), page 17
    6. ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1992-04-27), page 17
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Sega Pro, "June 1992" (UK; 1992-05-21), page 68
    8. ↑ Sega Power, "May 1992" (UK; 1992-04-02), page 45
    9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Supergame, "Julho 1992" (BR; 1992-07-xx), page 38
    10. ↑ https://www.smspower.org/forums/15531-UnreleasedMasterSystemGameWallball3D (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-13 03:13)
    11. ↑ File:Ax Battler GG credits.pdf
    12. ↑ https://vgdensetsu.net/2_MariKoizumi.html (Wayback Machine: 2024-04-08 10:57)
    13. ↑ Sega TV Game Genga Gallery, Graphic Sha, page 67
    14. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "November 1991" (JP; 1991-10-08), page 39
    15. ↑ Consoles +, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 125
    16. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 147
    17. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "April 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 32
    18. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 164
    19. ↑ Famitsu, "1991-11-01" (JP; 1991-10-18), page 39
    20. ↑ Games-X, "14th-20th November 1991" (UK; 1991-11-14), page 35
    21. ↑ Game Zone, "January 1992" (UK; 1991-12-18), page 57
    22. ↑ Hippon Super, "November 1991" (JP; 1991-10-04), page 91
    23. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Mayo 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 76
    24. ↑ Joypad, "Janvier 1992" (FR; 1991-12-1x), page 106
    25. ↑ Joystick, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 163
    26. ↑ Mega Force, "Mai 1992" (FR; 1992-05-05), page 72
    27. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Junio 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 79
    28. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 143
    29. ↑ Player One, "Mai 1992" (FR; 1992-05-10), page 108
    30. ↑ Play Time, "7/92" (DE; 1992-06-03), page 96
    31. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, May 02, 1992" (UK; 1992-05-02), page 1
    32. ↑ Power Play, "6/92" (DE; 1992-05-13), page 158
    33. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 74
    34. ↑ Sega Force, "1/92" (SE; 1992-xx-xx), page 24
    35. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 88
    36. ↑ Supersonic, "Mai/Juin 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 24
    37. ↑ Zero, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-11), page 78
    38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe/Hidden content


    Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe

    Ax Battler A Legend of Golden Axe title screen.png

    Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception


    Sega Game Gear
    Prototypes: 1991-10-08



    Gilius Thunder Head punching sprite Golden Axe series of games
    Arcade
    		 Golden Axe (1989) | Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder (1992) | Golden Axe: The Duel (1994) | Golden Axe (slot machine) (2010)
    Sega Mega Drive
    		 Golden Axe (1989) | Golden Axe II (1991) | Golden Axe III (1993)
    Sega Master System
    		 Golden Axe (1989) | Golden Axe Warrior (1991)
    Windows PC
    		 Golden Axe (1990)
    LCD handheld game
    		 Electronic Golden Axe (1990)
    Sega Game Gear
    		 Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe (1991)
    Sega Saturn
    		 Golden Axe: The Duel (1995)
    Sony PlayStation 2
    		 Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 5: Golden Axe (2003)
    Xbox 360
    Sony PlayStation 3
    		 Golden Axe: Beast Rider (2008)
    iOS
    Google Android OS
    		 Golden Axe (2009) | Golden Axe (2017)
    Xbox Live Arcade
    		 Sega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe (2012)
    Steam
    		 Golden Axed: A Cancelled Prototype (2020)
    Golden Axe related media
    Music
    		 Golden Axe I & II (2016)
    Book
    		 Sega Mega Drive Attack Manual Book Tatsujin & Golden Axe (1990) | Golden Axe (1992) | Golden Axe: Beast Rider Official Strategy Guide (2008) | The Art of Golden Axe: Beast Rider (2008)
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