Difference between revisions of "Golden Axe III"

Latest revision as of 11:50, 18 October 2024

For the unlicensed Famicom game, see Golden Axe (Famicom).

n/a

Golden Axe III

System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console, Steam, iOS

Publisher: Sega

Developer:

Sega CS1^[1]

M2

Distributor:

Samsung (KR)

Sound driver: SMPS 68000

Genre: Action^[2]^[3]

Number of players: 1-2

Official in-game languages:

English

Release	Date	RRP	Code
JP	1993-06-25^[3]	¥6,8006,800	G-4093
US ▼ (Sega Channel)	1996-05-01^[4]	SUBsub
KR	199x		GM8087JG
AS	199x		G-4093
JP ▼	2007-09-04^[8]	600pts600^[9]
US ▼	2007-10-22^[5]	800pts800^[5]
EU ▼	2007-10-05^[6]^[7]	800pts800^[6]
JP ▼	2011-05-12^[10]	¥333 (350)350i^[10]		9+
US ▼	2011-05-12^[11]	$2.992.99^[12]		9+
EU ▼	2011-05-12^[11]	€1.591.59^[12]
UK ▼	2011-05-12^[11]	£1.991.99^[12]
AU ▼	2011	$2.992.99^[12]
US ▼	2012-05-02^[13]	$2.992.99^[14]	211202
EU ▼	2012-05-02^[13]	€2.492.49^[14]	211202
DE ▼	2012-05-02^[13]	€2.492.49^[14]	211202
UK ▼	2012-05-02^[13]	£1.991.99^[14]	211202
AU ▼	2012-05-02^[13]	$3.493.49^[14]	211202
US ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	$0.990.99^[16]	211202
EU ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	€0.990.99^[16]	211202
DE ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	€0.990.99^[16]	211202
UK ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	£0.790.79^[16]	211202
AU ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	$1.351.35^[16]	211202
US ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	$0.990.99^[16]	211202
EU ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	€0.990.99^[16]	211202
DE ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	€0.990.99^[16]	211202
UK ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	£0.790.79^[16]	211202
AU ▼	2019-02-01^[15]	$1.351.35^[16]	211202

Golden Axe III (ゴールデンアックスIII) is a Sega Mega Drive beat-'em-up game developed by Sega CS1^[1] and published by Sega. The third game in the Golden Axe series, it was physically released in Japan, Asia, and South Korea in 1993, and was later broadcast via Sega Channel in 1996.

Story

Many years have passed since the events of Golden Axe and Golden Axe II. With Ax-Battler and Tyris-Flare having long since passed away, Gilius Thunderhead, the only surviving hero from the previous games due to the dwarf tribe's relatively long lifespan, took on the task of returning the Golden Axe to the gods who had departed to the ends of the earth so that it may never again be misused. A few weeks after having set sail from his home country with the Golden Axe in hand, Gilius' ship was ravaged in a sudden storm. The entire crew was thrown off, and the Golden Axe was lost.

Gilius barely survived, and had awoken in an unfamiliar continent - the kingdom of Splash Hill in Eastland. Recalling what had happened, the last thing he could remember before losing consciousness was the sound of evil laughter. After regaining the ability to walk six months later, Gilius discovered that Damud Hellstrike (ダムド＝ヘルストライク), the Prince of Darkness, has taken away the Golden Axe and put an evil curse over all the warriors in the continent while also having captured the land's king and princess. Gilius lifts the curse from one of the heroes, who must take Gilius' place and journey to free the others from the curse, defeat the villain, and return with the Golden Axe.

Gameplay

Branching paths

The game is a belt-scrolling beat-'em-up, similar to the previous entries in the series. It includes new characters, new moves (special attacks, teamwork attacks and teamwork magic spells), and forks within stages where players can choose which path to take. There are five selectable characters, and two players can play simultaneously.

Characters move in any direction using the D-Pad. They can run with or . They jump with and can jump higher when running. Sarah and Chronos can triangle jump off walls by pressing the D-Pad toward the wall while pressing or double jump by pressing again in midair. Characters attack enemies in front of them with . They have special attacks when jumping, running, or jumping while running. They can grab enemies in close range with and then hit them with again or throw them by holding the D-Pad away from the enemy while pressing . They can perform a sweep attack with +. They can attack enemies all around them with +. Every character has a powerful unique techniques performed by holding or while pressing +. Each character also has a projectile attack, performed with + for Kain and Cragger and with + for Sarah and Chronos. In two-player games, the characters can do team attacks by facing the two characters toward each other; when the characters acknowledge each other, one player can press to throw the other.

The mischievous thieves from the original game who carried magic potions and food have returned. They can be attacked to drop power-up items, including food that replenishes health and magic potions, which are picked up by pressing while standing over them. When characters have at least one magic potion, they can cast a magic spell with , which attacks every enemy on the screen. Magic potions are kept in an inventory for each player. The power of magic spells increases when a new segment of the potion inventory is filled; each segment requires more potions to fill than the last. Casting a magic spell consumes all of the potions in the last full inventory segment as well as any potions in an unfilled inventory segment. There are three levels of magic for every character.

Each character has a health meter and drains as the character takes damage from foes. When the meter is totally drained, the character loses a life but revives in place at the cost of an extra life. If there are no extra lives remaining, the game can only be continued if the player has credits remaining. There are two selectable difficulty levels (Normal and Hard). Hostages appear in many of the stages, usually guarded by an enemy that must be slain to free them. Some hostages are trapped in barrels or other destructible scenery. Freeing a hostage earns an ankh, and an extra life is rewarded for every five ankhs earned.

At certain junctions in the stages, players can choose the next path to take, which determines the next stage that is played. Some of the stages end with fights against "cursed" versions of the other characters; winning the fight frees the character from the curse. In single-player games, the player has three other characters to free; in two-player games, there are only two. If players choose a route to the Golden Axe that includes freeing all of the cursed characters and defeat Damud Hellstrike without using a continue, a second fight with Damud Hellstrike is unlocked, which gives the good ending once won. Players are given a rank (from F, E, D, C, B, A, AA, to AAA) after completing each stage, based on their score, and shown the rank and the route taken upon completing the game.

Characters

	Kain Grinder^[17] (カイン＝グリンダー)^[18]
	A mercenary resembling Ax Battler that excels using the battle sword. His close friends were killed and his tribe was torn apart by the demon army, so now, responding to Gilius's call, he will face the demon army to satisfy his revenge.^[19]^[20]^[21] His attack has the best range in the game and does the second-highest damage, but his movement and attack speed is middling. He uses water magic.
	Sarah Barn^[17] (サラ＝バーン)^[18]
	A swordswoman resembling Tyris Flare. She once belonged to a troupe of traveling entertainers, but ever since the soldiers of the demon army suddenly appeared and killed her friends, she has been waiting for her moment of revenge. Wielding the Blue Dragon Sword passed down from her father, she dances nimbly around her opponents, and tears them up.^[19]^[20]^[21] She has high movement and attack speed but average damage and range. She uses fire magic.
	Chronos "Evil" Lait^[17] (クロノス="イビル"=レート)^[18]
	A humanoid black panther. He was once a human, but was turned into a half beast by the curse of the demon king Damned, who obtained the Golden Axe which amplifies his evil powers, placed a curse on him. He has joined the fight to defeat the demon king and regain his human form.^[19]^[18]^[21] He has high movement and attack speed but average range and poor damage. He uses wind magic.
	Proud Cragger^[17] (プラウド＝クラッガー)^[18]
	A giant who boasts super strength. He has lent his strength to overthrow Damned after Gilius rescued him from underground confinement by the demon army. His attack power is notable even amongst the four.^[19]^[18]^[21] He is sometimes mistranslated as Broude Kragger^[22] He is the slowest character in the game and has poor attack range, but he does the most damage. He uses earth magic.
	Eve (イーヴ)^[23]
	A warrior who appears as a boss character in multiple stages and as a playable character in the VS mode.

Bizarrians

Rideable monsters called Bizarrians appear in the stages, ridden by enemies. After dismounting the enemy riding them, a character can hop onto the creature to ride it with . Each Bizarrian has its own unique attack. They cannot attack while jumping but can perform a charge attack while running. Bizarrians can be dismounted with +.

	Green Snail
	Attacks using its short tongue.
	Purple Snail
	Attacks using its long tongue.
	Green Dragon
	Attacks by grabbing and throwing enemies with its bite.
	Red Dragon
	Attacks by belching a fast-moving wave of fire that rolls across the ground until hitting a target.

Thieves

Thieves appear sometimes and drop items when attacked. Items can be picked up by pressing when standing over them.

	Green Thief (緑のシーフ)
	Green thieves drop health items.
	Blue Thief (青いシーフ)
	Blue thieves drop magic potions.

Items

Items are dropped by thieves when they are attacked or sometimes found within destructible objects such as barrels or chests.

	Apple (リンゴ)
	Restores a small part of the character's health meter.
	Meat (肉)
	Restores a large part of the character's health meter.
	Life Up (ライフアップ)
	Permanently increases the length of the character's health meter and completely restores any lost health.
	Magic Potion (魔法のツボ)
	Adds another magic potion to the character's inventory.

Stages

	Stage 1: The Vast Field
	The player can choose to play stage 2A (upper path) or 2B (lower path) after completing this stage.
	Stage 2A: Ancient Mound
	The player proceeds to stage 3A after completing this stage.
	Stage 2B: Tender Hamlet
	The boss is Cursed Proud Cragger (or Cursed Kain Grinder if playing as Proud Cragger). The player can choose to play stage 3A (upper path) or 3B (lower path) after completing this stage.
	Stage 3A: Dim Jungle
	The player can choose to play stage 4A (upper path) or 4B (lower path) after completing this stage.
	Stage 3B: Cave of Crystal
	The player proceeds to stage 4B after completing this stage.
	Stage 4A: The Scorching Sand
	The player proceeds to stage 5A after completing this stage.
	Stage 4B: Bloody Street
	The player can choose to play stage 5A (upper path) or 5B (lower path) after completing this stage. The boss is Cursed Sarah Barn (or Cursed Kain Grinder if playing as Sarah Barn).
	Stage 5A: Death Mountain
	The player can choose to play stage 6A (upper path) or 6B (lower path) after completing this stage.
	Stage 5B: A Voyage to Castle
	The player proceeds to stage 6B after completing this stage.
	Stage 6A: Ride the Whirlwind
	The player proceeds to stage 7 after completing this stage.
	Stage 6B: Cursed City
	The player proceeds to stage 7 after completing this stage. The boss is Cursed Chronos Lait (or Cursed Kain Grinder if playing as Chronos Lait).
	Stage 7: The Gate of Fate
	The player proceeds to stage 8 after completing this stage.
	Stage 8: The Castle

	Final Boss
	If players have freed all of the cursed characters, a second fight with Damud Hellstrike is unlocked after completing the last stage, which gives the good ending once won.

VS mode

Character select

There is a competitive mode in which two characters can fight each other in a single match, using the same moves and controls as the regular game. It can be played by a single player against a computer-controlled opponent or by two players. Any of the four playable characters from the main game are selectable, plus the boss character Eve (イーヴ), and both players can be the same character. There are four different backgrounds that can be chosen.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

History

Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by Boris Vallejo.

Development

Golden Axe III was once planned for a Western release^[24]^[25], with Sega of America commissioning acclaimed fantasy artist Boris Vallejo to create packaging artwork. While the piece was finished, the Western version of the game was never released. However, in line with previous entries in the Golden Axe series, the Japanese version's artwork still draws significant inspiration from Vallejo's fantasy artwork.

Legacy

The game has since been brought to the Wii's Virtual Console service, was part of the Sega Mega Drive Collection, Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection and Sega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe, and has been made available for more regions of the world. iOS and Steam versions were also released in 2011 and 2012, although the iOS version was removed from sale on iTunes in 2015.^[26]

Versions

Version history

Main article: Golden Axe III/Changelog.

System	Version	Size	Date	Comment	Ref	Icon
	0000020000000000000000000000002.0.0	5.6MB	201211292012-11-29	iOS6 Support	^[27]
	0000010000000000000000000000001.0.0	4.7MB	201105112011-05-11		^[28]

Production credits

Main article: Golden Axe III/Production credits.

Digital manuals

Steam manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Golden Axe III/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-04: "April 1993" (1993-03-08)

Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-06: "June 1993" (1993-05-08)

Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-07: "July 1993" (1993-06-08)

Print advert in Game Champ (KR) #1993-08: "xxxx" (199x-xx-xx)

Artwork

Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by Boris Vallejo.

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average

Publication

Version

Score

1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)

80

^[29]

Beep! MegaDrive (JP)

NTSC-J

50

^[30]

Cool Gamer (RU)

80

^[31]

Computer & Video Games (UK)

NTSC-J

62

^[32]

Dengeki Mega Drive (JP)

NTSC-J

52

^[33]

Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)

80

^[34]

Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3 (RU)

80

^[35]

Famitsu (JP)

NTSC-J

65

^[36]

Game Power (IT)

PAL

81

^[37]

Hippon Super (JP)

NTSC-J

60

^[38]

Hobby Consolas (ES)

86

^[39]

Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 2 (RU)

90

^[40]

Joypad (FR)

NTSC-J

70

^[41]

Mega (UK)

NTSC-J

79

^[42]

MegaTech (UK)

NTSC-J

55

^[43]

ProGames (BR)

75

^[44]

Sega Power (UK)

NTSC-J

34

^[45]

Sega Pro (UK)

NTSC-J

57

^[46]

Sega Zone (UK)

NTSC-J

6

^[47]

Sega Force (SE)

NTSC-J

76

^[48]

Sega Mega Drive Review (RU)

74

^[49]

Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)

NTSC-J

61

^[50]

Tricks 16 bit (RU)

58

^[51]

Video Games (DE)

NTSC-J

74

^[52]

	66
Based on 24 reviews

Golden Axe III

Mega Drive, JP
Cover
Cart Manual Epilepsy Warning

Mega Drive, KR
Cover
Cart

Mega Drive, Asia
Cover
Cart Manual Epilepsy Warning

Technical information

Main article: Golden Axe III/Technical information.

External links

Sega of Japan Virtual Console pages: Mega Drive
Nintendo catalogue pages: US, UK
Sega of Japan catalogue page: iOS (archive)
Golden Axe III on iTunes: JP, US (offline)
Golden Axe III on Steam

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050616/p1 (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-05 20:11)
↑ File:GoldenAxe3 MD JP Box.jpg
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/Rtt7kLsB_ps/m/HMXOULi-OWoJ
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 02:20)
↑ ^6.0 ^6.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/golden_axe_iii (Wayback Machine: 2017-07-05 10:05)
↑ https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Golden-Axe-III-277512.html (archive.today)
↑ https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/04.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-05 23:40)
↑ http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_axe3/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-09-15 20:44)
↑ ^10.0 ^10.1 http://www.4gamer.net/games/049/G004989/20110512066/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-03-21 09:31)
↑ ^11.0 ^11.1 ^11.2 http://blogs.sega.com/2011/05/12/golden-axe-3-streets-of-rage-3-now-on-itunes/ (Wayback Machine: 2015-07-27 03:49)
↑ ^12.0 ^12.1 ^12.2 ^12.3 http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/25/prices-so-low-theyre-scary/ (Wayback Machine: 2017-08-29 16:30)
↑ ^13.0 ^13.1 ^13.2 ^13.3 ^13.4 https://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-09-12 22:20)
↑ ^14.0 ^14.1 ^14.2 ^14.3 ^14.4 http://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 19:34)
↑ ^15.0 ^15.1 ^15.2 ^15.3 ^15.4 ^15.5 ^15.6 ^15.7 ^15.8 ^15.9 https://steamdb.info/app/211202/history/?changeid=5755267
↑ ^16.0 ^16.1 ^16.2 ^16.3 ^16.4 ^16.5 ^16.6 ^16.7 ^16.8 ^16.9 http://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-09-12 22:20)
↑ ^17.0 ^17.1 ^17.2 ^17.3 File:GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf
↑ ^18.0 ^18.1 ^18.2 ^18.3 ^18.4 ^18.5 File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 7
↑ ^19.0 ^19.1 ^19.2 ^19.3 https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/genesis/586215-golden-axe-iii/faqs/51321 (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-22 12:19)
↑ ^20.0 ^20.1 File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 6
↑ ^21.0 ^21.1 ^21.2 ^21.3 http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/ (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-22 12:03)
↑ @SEGAForever on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-23 08:23)
↑ File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 29
↑ Sega Pro, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-10), page 20
↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1994-05-09), page 17
↑ http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/18/8622645/sega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play (Wayback Machine: 2017-11-08 17:39)
↑ http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2014-10-25 09:37)
↑ http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2011-05-22 11:32)
↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 90
↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "July 1993" (JP; 1993-06-08), page 21
↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 94
↑ Computer & Video Games, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-15), page 54
↑ Dengeki Mega Drive, "August 1993" (JP; 1993-07-08), page 35
↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 320
↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 90
↑ Famitsu, "1993-07-02" (JP; 1993-06-18), page 39
↑ Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 72
↑ Hippon Super, "August 1993" (JP; 1993-07-03), page 42
↑ Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 58
↑ Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2001-08-27), page 187
↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 116
↑ Mega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 53
↑ MegaTech, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-20), page 66
↑ ProGames, "Setembro 1993" (BR; 1993-0x-xx), page 31
↑ Sega Power, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-05), page 50
↑ Sega Pro, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 83
↑ Sega Zone, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-xx), page 58
↑ Sega Force, "6/93" (SE; 1993-09-30), page 12
↑ Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 63
↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87
↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 16
↑ Video Games, "10/93" (DE; 1993-09-29), page 97

Golden Axe III
	Main page \| Maps \| Changelog \| Credits \| Hidden content \| Magazine articles \| Video coverage \| Reception \| Region coding \| Technical information \| Bootlegs No results

Golden Axe series of games
	Golden Axe (1989) \| Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder (1992) \| Golden Axe: The Duel (1994) \| Golden Axe (slot machine) (2010)
	Golden Axe (1989) \| Golden Axe II (1991) \| Golden Axe III (1993)
	Golden Axe (1989) \| Golden Axe Warrior (1991)
	Golden Axe (1990)
	Electronic Golden Axe (1990)
	Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe (1991)
	Golden Axe: The Duel (1995)
	Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 5: Golden Axe (2003)
	Golden Axe: Beast Rider (2008)
	Golden Axe (2009) \| Golden Axe (2017)
	Sega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe (2012)
	Golden Axed: A Cancelled Prototype (2020)
Golden Axe related media
	Golden Axe I & II (2016)
	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)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20210605201110.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fsifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp.2Fentry.2F20050616.2Fp1-1] 1.0 ^1.1 https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050616/p1 (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-05 20:11)

[:File:GoldenAxe3_MD_JP_Box.jpg_p-2] File:GoldenAxe3 MD JP Box.jpg

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[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20101123022025.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.nintendo.com.2Fgames.2Fdetail.2F49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ-5] 5.0 ^5.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 02:20)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170705100545.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.nintendolife.com.2Fgames.2Fmegadrive.2Fgolden_axe_iii-6] 6.0 ^6.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/golden_axe_iii (Wayback Machine: 2017-07-05 10:05)

[https:.2F.2Farchive.is.2FoSu9E-7] ttps://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Golden-Axe-III-277512.html (archive.today)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20180305234050.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fwww.nintendo.co.jp.2Fwii.2Fvc.2Fsoftware.2F04.html-8] ttps://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/04.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-05 23:40)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20070915204431.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fvc.sega.jp:80.2Fvc_axe3.2F-9] ttp://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_axe3/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-09-15 20:44)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20190321093139.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.4gamer.net.2Fgames.2F049.2FG004989.2F20110512066.2F-10] 10.0 ^10.1 http://www.4gamer.net/games/049/G004989/20110512066/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-03-21 09:31)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20150727034953.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fblogs.sega.com.2F2011.2F05.2F12.2Fgolden-axe-3-streets-of-rage-3-now-on-itunes.2F-11] 11.0 ^11.1 ^11.2 http://blogs.sega.com/2011/05/12/golden-axe-3-streets-of-rage-3-now-on-itunes/ (Wayback Machine: 2015-07-27 03:49)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170829163045.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fblogs.sega.com.2F2011.2F10.2F25.2Fprices-so-low-theyre-scary.2F-12] 12.0 ^12.1 ^12.2 ^12.3 http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/25/prices-so-low-theyre-scary/ (Wayback Machine: 2017-08-29 16:30)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20190912222045.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fsteamdb.info.2Fapp.2F211202.2F-13] 13.0 ^13.1 ^13.2 ^13.3 ^13.4 https://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-09-12 22:20)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20130522193403.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fsteamdb.info.2Fapp.2F211202.2F-14] 14.0 ^14.1 ^14.2 ^14.3 ^14.4 http://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 19:34)

[https:.2F.2Fsteamdb.info.2Fapp.2F211202.2Fhistory.2F.3Fchangeid.3D5755267-15] 15.0 ^15.1 ^15.2 ^15.3 ^15.4 ^15.5 ^15.6 ^15.7 ^15.8 ^15.9 https://steamdb.info/app/211202/history/?changeid=5755267

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20190912222045.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fsteamdb.info.2Fapp.2F211202.2F-16] 16.0 ^16.1 ^16.2 ^16.3 ^16.4 ^16.5 ^16.6 ^16.7 ^16.8 ^16.9 http://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-09-12 22:20)

[:File:GoldenAxe3_Steam_manual.pdf_p-17] 17.0 ^17.1 ^17.2 ^17.3 File:GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf

[:File:Goldenaxe3_md_jp_manual.pdf_p7-18] 18.0 ^18.1 ^18.2 ^18.3 ^18.4 ^18.5 File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 7

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20230722121924.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fgamefaqs.gamespot.com.2Fgenesis.2F586215-golden-axe-iii.2Ffaqs.2F51321-19] 19.0 ^19.1 ^19.2 ^19.3 https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/genesis/586215-golden-axe-iii/faqs/51321 (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-22 12:19)

[:File:Goldenaxe3_md_jp_manual.pdf_p6-20] 20.0 ^20.1 File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 6

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20230722120312.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fvc.sega.jp.2Fvc_axe3.2F-21] 21.0 ^21.1 ^21.2 ^21.3 http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/ (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-22 12:03)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20230723082358.2Fhttps:.2F.2Ftwitter.com.2FSEGAForever.2Fstatus.2F1244027207544123392.3Flang.3Den-22] @SEGAForever on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-23 08:23)

[:File:Goldenaxe3_md_jp_manual.pdf_p29-23] File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 29

[:File:SegaPro_UK_21.pdf_p20-24] Sega Pro, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-10), page 20

[25] Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1994-05-09), page 17

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20171108173927.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.polygon.com.2F2015.2F5.2F18.2F8622645.2Fsega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play-26] ttp://www.polygon.com/2015/5/18/8622645/sega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play (Wayback Machine: 2017-11-08 17:39)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20141025093745.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fitunes.apple.com.2Fus.2Fapp.2Fgolden-axe-3.2Fid434998986.3Fmt.3D8-27] ttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2014-10-25 09:37)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20110522113250.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fitunes.apple.com.2Fus.2Fapp.2Fgolden-axe-3.2Fid434998986.3Fmt.3D8-28] ttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2011-05-22 11:32)

[29] 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 90

[:File:BeepMD_JP_1993-07.pdf_p21-30] Beep! MegaDrive, "July 1993" (JP; 1993-06-08), page 21

[31] Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 94

[:File:CVG_UK_142.pdf_p54-32] Computer & Video Games, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-15), page 54

[:File:DengekiMD_JP_04.pdf_p35-33] Dengeki Mega Drive, "August 1993" (JP; 1993-07-08), page 35

[34] Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 320

[35] Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 3, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 90

[:File:Famitsu_JP_0237.pdf_p39-36] Famitsu, "1993-07-02" (JP; 1993-06-18), page 39

[:File:GamePower_IT_20.pdf_p72-37] Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 72

[38] Hippon Super, "August 1993" (JP; 1993-07-03), page 42

[:File:HobbyConsolas_ES_023.pdf_p58-39] Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1993" (ES; 1993-xx-xx), page 58

[40] Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2001-08-27), page 187

[:File:Joypad_FR_023.pdf_p116-41] Joypad, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 116

[:File:Mega_UK_12.pdf_p53-42] Mega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 53

[:File:MegaTech_UK_21.pdf_p66-43] MegaTech, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-20), page 66

[:File:ProGames_BR_03.pdf_p31-44] ProGames, "Setembro 1993" (BR; 1993-0x-xx), page 31

[:File:SegaPower_UK_46.pdf_p50-45] Sega Power, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-05), page 50

[:File:SegaPro_UK_23.pdf_p83-46] Sega Pro, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 83

[:File:SegaZone_UK_11.pdf_p58-47] Sega Zone, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-xx), page 58

[:File:SegaForce_SE_1993_06.pdf_p12-48] Sega Force, "6/93" (SE; 1993-09-30), page 12

[49] Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 63

[:File:SSM_JP_19950901_1995-09.pdf_p87-50] Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87

[51] Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 16

[:File:VideoGames_DE_1993-10.pdf_p97-52] Video Games, "10/93" (DE; 1993-09-29), page 97

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Difference between revisions of "Golden Axe III"

From Sega Retro

Latest revision as of 11:50, 18 October 2024

Contents

Story

Gameplay

Characters

Bizarrians

Thieves

Items

Stages

VS mode

History

Development

Legacy

Versions

Version history

Production credits

Digital manuals

Magazine articles

Promotional material

Artwork

Physical scans

Technical information

External links

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{OtherPage|desc1=the unlicensed [[Famicom]] game|page1=Golden Axe (Famicom)}}
 {{Bob
 | bobscreen=GoldenAxeIII title.png
 | publisher=[[Sega]]
-| developer={{company|[[Sega CS]]|system=MD}}
+| developer={{company|[[Sega CS1]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210605201110/https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050616/p1}}|system=MD}}
 {{company|[[M2]]|system=VC}}
+| distributor={{company|[[Samsung]]|region=KR|system=MD}}
 | system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], [[Steam]], [[iOS]]
 | sounddriver=[[SMPS 68000]]
@@ Line 9: / Line 11: @@
 | players=1-2
 | genre=Action{{fileref|GoldenAxe3 MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
+| languages={{LanguageList|en}}
 | releases={{releasesMD
 | md_date_jp=1993-06-25{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
 | md_code_jp=G-4093
 | md_rrp_jp=6,800
+| md_date_us_sc=1996-05-01{{ref|https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/Rtt7kLsB_ps/m/HMXOULi-OWoJ}}
+| md_rrp_us_sc=sub
 | md_date_kr=199x
 | md_code_kr=GM8087JG
@@ Line 24: / Line 29: @@
 | vc_date_eu=2007-10-05{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170705100545/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/golden_axe_iii}}{{ref|https://archive.is/oSu9E|https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Golden-Axe-III-277512.html}}
 | vc_rrp_eu=800{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170705100545/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/golden_axe_iii}}
+| vc_rating_eu=12
 | vc_date_jp=2007-09-04{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20180305234050/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/04.html}}
 | vc_rrp_jp=600{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20070915204431/http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_axe3/}}
@@ Line 107: / Line 113: @@
 }}
 }}
-'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ゴールデンアックスIII) is a [[Sega Mega Drive]] exclusive sequel to ''[[Golden Axe II]]''. Its original Mega Drive release never showed up in the west, only being available in Japan, Asia and South Korea.
+'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ゴールデンアックスIII) is a [[Sega Mega Drive]] beat-'em-up game developed by [[Sega CS1]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210605201110/https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050616/p1}} and published by [[Sega]]. The third game in the ''[[:Category:Golden Axe (franchise)|Golden Axe]]'' series, it was physically released in Japan, Asia, and South Korea in 1993, and was later broadcast via [[Sega Channel]] in 1996.
+==Story==
+Many years have passed since the events of ''[[Golden Axe]]'' and ''[[Golden Axe II]]''. With Ax-Battler and Tyris-Flare having long since passed away, Gilius Thunderhead, the only surviving hero from the previous games due to the dwarf tribe's relatively long lifespan, took on the task of returning the Golden Axe to the gods who had departed to the ends of the earth so that it may never again be misused. A few weeks after having set sail from his home country with the Golden Axe in hand, Gilius' ship was ravaged in a sudden storm. The entire crew was thrown off, and the Golden Axe was lost.
+Gilius barely survived, and had awoken in an unfamiliar continent - the kingdom of Splash Hill in Eastland. Recalling what had happened, the last thing he could remember before losing consciousness was the sound of evil laughter. After regaining the ability to walk six months later, Gilius discovered that Damud Hellstrike (ダムド＝ヘルストライク), the Prince of Darkness, has taken away the Golden Axe and put an evil curse over all the warriors in the continent while also having captured the land's king and princess. Gilius lifts the curse from one of the heroes, who must take Gilius' place and journey to free the others from the curse, defeat the villain, and return with the Golden Axe.
 ==Gameplay==
-The game is similar to previous entries in the series, but includes new characters, an expanded moveset and forks within levels where you can choose which path to take. The ability to determine magic strength by charging the attack, added in Golden Axe II, has been removed
+{{ScreenThumb|Golden Axe III MD, Branching Path.png|width=200|Branching paths}}
+The game is a belt-scrolling beat-'em-up, similar to the previous entries in the series. It includes new characters, new moves (special attacks, teamwork attacks and teamwork magic spells), and forks within stages where players can choose which path to take. There are five selectable characters, and two players can play simultaneously.
-Unlike previous entries, the game features an optional boss fight and a true ending, based on your performance in the game.
+Characters move in any direction using the D-Pad. They can run with {{left}} {{left}} or {{right}} {{right}}. They jump with {{C}} and can jump higher when running. Sarah and Chronos can triangle jump off walls by pressing the D-Pad toward the wall while pressing {{C}} or double jump by pressing {{C}} again in midair. Characters attack enemies in front of them with {{B}}. They have special attacks when jumping, running, or jumping while running. They can grab enemies in close range with {{B}} and then hit them with {{B}} again or throw them by holding the D-Pad away from the enemy while pressing {{B}}. They can perform a sweep attack with {{down}}+{{B}}. They can attack enemies all around them with {{B}}+{{C}}. Every character has a powerful unique techniques performed by holding {{left}} or {{right}} while pressing {{B}}+{{C}}. Each character also has a projectile attack, performed with {{right}} {{up}} {{left}} {{down}} {{B}}+{{C}} for Kain and Cragger and with {{right}} {{left}} {{right}} {{B}}+{{C}} for Sarah and Chronos. In two-player games, the characters can do team attacks by facing the two characters toward each other; when the characters acknowledge each other, one player can press {{B}} to throw the other.
-By changing RAM values while the game is running, it is possible to play as any standard enemy within the game (though many will cause the game to crash when their special move is activated, or will have glitched graphics/collision values when played).
+The mischievous thieves from the original game who carried magic potions and food have returned. They can be attacked to drop power-up items, including food that replenishes health and magic potions, which are picked up by pressing {{B}} while standing over them. When characters have at least one magic potion, they can cast a magic spell with {{A}}, which attacks every enemy on the screen. Magic potions are kept in an inventory for each player. The power of magic spells increases when a new segment of the potion inventory is filled; each segment requires more potions to fill than the last. Casting a magic spell consumes all of the potions in the last full inventory segment as well as any potions in an unfilled inventory segment. There are three levels of magic for every character.
-===Playable characters===
+Each character has a health meter and drains as the character takes damage from foes. When the meter is totally drained, the character loses a life but revives in place at the cost of an extra life. If there are no extra lives remaining, the game can only be continued if the player has credits remaining. There are two selectable difficulty levels (Normal and Hard). Hostages appear in many of the stages, usually guarded by an enemy that must be slain to free them. Some hostages are trapped in barrels or other destructible scenery. Freeing a hostage earns an ankh, and an extra life is rewarded for every five ankhs earned.
-{{InfoTable|align=center|
+At certain junctions in the stages, players can choose the next path to take, which determines the next stage that is played. Some of the stages end with fights against "cursed" versions of the other characters; winning the fight frees the character from the curse. In single-player games, the player has three other characters to free; in two-player games, there are only two. If players choose a route to the Golden Axe that includes freeing all of the cursed characters and defeat Damud Hellstrike without using a continue, a second fight with Damud Hellstrike is unlocked, which gives the good ending once won. Players are given a rank (from F, E, D, C, B, A, AA, to AAA) after completing each stage, based on their score, and shown the rank and the route taken upon completing the game.
+===Characters===
+{{InfoTable|
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Chronos Lait
+| title=Kain Grinder{{fileref|GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf|2}} (カイン＝グリンダー){{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=7}}
-| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=0|crop_width=46|crop_height=60}}
+| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=46|crop_width=39|crop_height=85}}
-| desc=A humanoid panther
+| desc=A mercenary resembling Ax Battler that excels using the battle sword. His close friends were killed and his tribe was torn apart by the demon army, so now, responding to Gilius's call, he will face the demon army to satisfy his revenge.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722121924/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/genesis/586215-golden-axe-iii/faqs/51321}}{{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=6}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722120312/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/}}
+His attack has the best range in the game and does the second-highest damage, but his movement and attack speed is middling. He uses water magic.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Kain Grinder
+| title=Sarah Barn{{fileref|GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf|2}} (サラ＝バーン){{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=7}}
-| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=46|crop_width=39|crop_height=85}}
+| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=85|crop_width=39|crop_height=59}}
-| desc=
+| desc=A swordswoman resembling Tyris Flare. She once belonged to a troupe of traveling entertainers, but ever since the soldiers of the demon army suddenly appeared and killed her friends, she has been waiting for her moment of revenge. Wielding the Blue Dragon Sword passed down from her father, she dances nimbly around her opponents, and tears them up.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722121924/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/genesis/586215-golden-axe-iii/faqs/51321}}{{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=6}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722120312/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/}}
+She has high movement and attack speed but average damage and range. She uses fire magic.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Sarah Barn
+| title=Chronos "Evil" Lait{{fileref|GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf|2}} (クロノス="イビル"=レート){{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=7}}
-| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=85|crop_width=39|crop_height=59}}
+| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=0|crop_width=46|crop_height=60}}
-| desc=
+| desc=A humanoid black panther. He was once a human, but was turned into a half beast by the curse of the demon king Damned, who obtained the Golden Axe which amplifies his evil powers, placed a curse on him. He has joined the fight to defeat the demon king and regain his human form.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722121924/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/genesis/586215-golden-axe-iii/faqs/51321}}{{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=7}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722120312/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/}}
+He has high movement and attack speed but average range and poor damage. He uses wind magic.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Broude Kragger
+| title=Proud Cragger{{fileref|GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf|2}} (プラウド＝クラッガー){{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=7}}
 | sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=124|crop_width=40|crop_height=70}}
-| desc=A male giant
+| desc=A giant who boasts super strength. He has lent his strength to overthrow Damned after Gilius rescued him from underground confinement by the demon army. His attack power is notable even amongst the four.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722121924/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/genesis/586215-golden-axe-iii/faqs/51321}}{{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=7}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230722120312/http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/}} He is sometimes mistranslated as Broude Kragger{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723082358/https://twitter.com/SEGAForever/status/1244027207544123392?lang=en}}
+He is the slowest character in the game and has poor attack range, but he does the most damage. He uses earth magic.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Eve
+| title=Eve (イーヴ){{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=29}}
 | sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=164|crop_width=57|crop_height=77}}
-| desc=This bird warrior is actually a boss character, only available in VS mode.
+| desc=A warrior who appears as a boss character in multiple stages and as a playable character in the VS mode.
+}}
+}}
+===Bizarrians===
+Rideable monsters called Bizarrians appear in the stages, ridden by enemies. After dismounting the enemy riding them, a character can hop onto the creature to ride it with {{B}}. Each Bizarrian has its own unique attack. They cannot attack while jumping but can perform a charge attack while running. Bizarrians can be dismounted with {{B}}+{{C}}.
+{{InfoTable|
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Green Snail
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png | crop_width=80 | crop_height=60 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=60}}
+| desc=Attacks using its short tongue.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Purple Snail
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png | crop_width=80 | crop_height=60 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=60}}
+| desc=Attacks using its long tongue.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Green Dragon
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png | crop_width=80 | crop_height=60 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
+| desc=Attacks by grabbing and throwing enemies with its bite.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Red Dragon
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png | crop_width=80 | crop_height=60 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
+| desc=Attacks by belching a fast-moving wave of fire that rolls across the ground until hitting a target.
+}}
+}}
+===Thieves===
+Thieves appear sometimes and drop items when attacked. Items can be picked up by pressing {{B}} when standing over them.
+{{InfoTable|
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Green Thief (緑のシーフ)
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Items.png | 1.5 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=64}}
+| desc=Green thieves drop health items.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Blue Thief (青いシーフ)
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Items.png | 1.5 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=32}}
+| desc=Blue thieves drop magic potions.
+}}
+}}
+===Items===
+Items are dropped by thieves when they are attacked or sometimes found within destructible objects such as barrels or chests.
+{{InfoTable|
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Apple (リンゴ)
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
+| desc=Restores a small part of the character's health meter.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Meat (肉)
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=16}}
+| desc=Restores a large part of the character's health meter.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Life Up (ライフアップ)
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=16}}
+| desc=Permanently increases the length of the character's health meter and completely restores any lost health.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Magic Potion (魔法のツボ)
+| sprite={{sprite | Golden Axe III MD, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
+| desc=Adds another magic potion to the character's inventory.
 }}
 }}
 ===Stages===
-{{InfoTable|imagewidths=200|
+{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Stage 1: The Vast Field
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-1.png
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-2.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-3.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player can choose to play stage 2A (upper path) or 2B (lower path) after completing this stage.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Stage 2A: Ancient Mound
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-1.png
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-2.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-3.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 3A after completing this stage.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Stage 2B: Tender Hamlet
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-1.png
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-2A.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-3A.png
+| screenshot4=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-2B.png
+| screenshot5=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-3B.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The boss is Cursed Proud Cragger (or Cursed Kain Grinder if playing as Proud Cragger). The player can choose to play stage 3A (upper path) or 3B (lower path) after completing this stage.
+}}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Stage 1
+| title=Stage 3A: Dim Jungle
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-1.png
-| desc=
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-2A.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-3A.png
+| screenshot4=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-2B.png
+| screenshot5=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-3B.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player can choose to play stage 4A (upper path) or 4B (lower path) after completing this stage.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Stage 3B: Cave of Crystal
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-1.png
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-2.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-3.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 4B after completing this stage.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Stage 4A: The Scorching Sand
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-1.png
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-2.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-3.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 5A after completing this stage.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Stage 2: Tender Hamlet
+| title=Stage 4B: Bloody Street
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-1.png
-| desc=
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-2A.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-3A.png
+| screenshot4=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-2B.png
+| screenshot5=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-3B.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player can choose to play stage 5A (upper path) or 5B (lower path) after completing this stage. The boss is Cursed Sarah Barn (or Cursed Kain Grinder if playing as Sarah Barn).
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Stage 3: Cave of Crystal
+| title=Stage 5A: Death Mountain
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-1.png
-| desc=
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-2A.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-3A.png
+| screenshot4=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-2B.png
+| screenshot5=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-3B.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player can choose to play stage 6A (upper path) or 6B (lower path) after completing this stage.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Stage 4: Bloody Street
+| title=Stage 5B: A Voyage to Castle
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-1.png
-| desc=
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-2A.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-3A.png
+| screenshot4=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-2B.png
+| screenshot5=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-3B.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 6B after completing this stage.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Stage 5: A Voyage to Castle
+| title=Stage 6A: Ride the Whirlwind
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-1.png
-| desc=
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-2.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 7 after completing this stage.
 }}
 {{InfoRow
-| title=Stage 6: Cursed City
+| title=Stage 6B: Cursed City
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-1.png
-| desc=
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-2.png
+| screenshot3=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-3.png
+| screenshot4=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-4.png
+| tabs=yes
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 7 after completing this stage. The boss is Cursed Chronos Lait (or Cursed Kain Grinder if playing as Chronos Lait).
 }}
 {{InfoRow
 | title=Stage 7: The Gate of Fate
-| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 7.png
+| desc=The player proceeds to stage 8 after completing this stage.
+}}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Stage 8: The Castle
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 8-1.png
+| screenshot2=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 8-2.png
+| tabs=yes
 | desc=
 }}
+{{InfoRow
+| title=Final Boss
+| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Final Boss.png
+| desc=If players have freed all of the cursed characters, a second fight with Damud Hellstrike is unlocked after completing the last stage, which gives the good ending once won.
+}}
+}}
+===VS mode===
+{{ScreenThumb|Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Character Select.png|width=200|Character select}}
+There is a competitive mode in which two characters can fight each other in a single match, using the same moves and controls as the regular game. It can be played by a single player against a computer-controlled opponent or by two players. Any of the four playable characters from the main game are selectable, plus the boss character Eve (イーヴ), and both players can be the same character. There are four different backgrounds that can be chosen.
+{{gallery|widths=200|screens=yes|
+{{gitem|Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 1.png|Stage 1}}
+{{gitem|Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 2.png|Stage 2}}
+{{gitem|Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 3.png|Stage 3}}
+{{gitem|Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 4.png|Stage 4}}
 }}
 ==History==
+[[File:GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].]]
 ===Development===
-''Golden Axe III'' was at one point planned for a Western release, with Sega commissioning [[Boris Vallejo]] to create packaging artwork. While the piece was finished, the Western version of the game was never released, however the Japanese version's artwork is "inspired" by Vallejo's work.
+''Golden Axe III'' was once planned for a Western release{{magref|segapro|21|20}}{{magref|ctw|486|17}}, with [[Sega of America]] commissioning acclaimed fantasy artist [[Boris Vallejo]] to create packaging artwork. While the piece was finished, the Western version of the game was never released. However, in line with previous entries in the ''Golden Axe'' series, the Japanese version's artwork still draws significant inspiration from Vallejo's fantasy artwork.
+===Legacy===
+The game has since been brought to the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service, was part of the ''[[Sega Mega Drive Collection]]'', ''[[Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection]]'' and ''[[Sega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe]]'', and has been made available for more regions of the world. [[iOS]] and [[Steam]] versions were also released in 2011 and 2012, although the iOS version was removed from sale on iTunes in 2015.{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20171108173927/http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/18/8622645/sega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play}}
 ==Versions==
-It has since been brought to the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service, was part of the ''[[Sega Mega Drive Collection]]'' and ''[[Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection]]'' and has been made available for more regions of the world. [[iOS]] and [[Steam]] versions were also released in 2011 and 2012, although the iOS version was removed from sale on iTunes in 2015.{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20171108173927/http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/18/8622645/sega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play}}
 ===Version history===
 {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Changelog}}
@@ Line 205: / Line 385: @@
 ==Production credits==
-{{multicol|
+{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Production credits}}
-{{creditstable|
-*'''Main Planner:''' [[Kazuma Fujii|Fuzzy]]
-*'''Planner:''' [[Takashi Iizuka|Iiz]]
-*'''Character Design:''' [[Warukatta]], [[Shigeru Okada|Shige.D.O.R.]], [[Shiro Kinemura|Rouly.S.Kine]]
-*'''Background Design:''' [[Shigeru Okada|Shige.D.O.R.]], [[Matsu G]], [[Sant]], [[Ninjyaman]]
-*'''Main Program:''' [[Takubon]]
-*'''Program:''' ZAN/Marucchi, K.M
-*'''Sound Program:''' [[Tokuhiko Uwabo|Bo]]
-*'''Music and Sound Effect:''' [[Naofumi Hataya|N.H]], [[Tatsuyuki Maeda|Ryunosuke]], [[Haruyo Oguro|Lotty]], [[Tomonori Sawada|T.S]]
-*'''Messages:''' James
-*'''Package and Manual:''' Ayanokami, F.Hamster
-*'''Special Thanks:''' Todoroki Taiyo, Virtual Suto, All Test Players, ...And You
-*'''Presented by:''' ©[[Sega]]
-| source=In-game credits
-| console=MD
-}}
-{{creditstable|
-*'''Japanese cover artist:''' [[Sohhei Oshiba]]
-| console=MD
-| source=[[Sega TV Game Genga Gallery]]
-| pdf=Sega TV Game Genga Gallery.pdf
-| pdfpage=65
-}}
-}}
 ==Digital manuals==
@@ Line 244: / Line 400: @@
 |{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-06|2}}
 |{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-07|2-3}}
+|{{galleryPrintAd
+|gamechamp|1993-08|27
+}}
 }}
@@ Line 249: / Line 408: @@
 <gallery>
 GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].
+Golden Axe 3 Unreleased Western Box Art by Boris Vallejo.jpeg
 GoldenAxeIII MD Art JPCover.jpg
 </gallery>
 ==Physical scans==
-{{ratings
+{{ratings|MD}}
-| icon=MD
-| bemega=50
-| bemega_source={{magref|bemega|1993-07|21|printpage=19}}
-| bemega_r=61
-| bemega_r_source={{magref|ssmjp|1995-09|87}}
-| cvg=62
-| cvg_source={{magref|cvg|142|54|printpage=54/55}}
-| famitsu=65
-| famitsu_source={{num|237|page=39|pdf=}}
-| gamepower=81
-| hippons=60
-| hippons_source={{num|1993-08|page=42|pdf=}}
-| joypad=70
-| joypad_source={{magref|joypad|23|116}}
-| mega=79
-| mega_source={{num|12|page=53}}
-| megatech=55
-| megatech_source={{num|21|page=66/67}}
-| sfsw=76
-| sfsw_source={{magref|sfsw|1993-06|12|printpage=12/13}}
-| segapower=34
-| segapower_source={{magref|segapower|46|50|printpage=50/51}}
-| segapro=57
-| segapro_source={{num|23|page=83}}
-}}
 {{Scanbox
 | console=Mega Drive
@@ Line 308: / Line 443: @@
 ==Technical information==
-===ROM dump status===
+{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
-{{romtable|
-{{rom|MD|sha1=cd9ecc1df4e01d69af9bebcf45bbd944f1b17f9f|md5=7d9f963c9c2e22b542516edd03ada6f6|crc32=c7862ea3|size=1MB|date=1993-05|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
-{{rom|MD|sha1=13816eb064fe74be42f74ba7e5077832fdf40d42|md5=932a2ffb998e59d6bf9292566dfc2a63|crc32=1d90dc83|size=1MB|date=1993-06|source=Wii Virtual Console|comments=PAL version|quality=|prototype=}}
-}}
 ==External links==