Difference between revisions of "Golden Axe III"

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{{OtherPage|desc1=the unlicensed [[Famicom]] game|page1=Golden Axe (Famicom)}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=GoldenAxeIII title.png
 
| bobscreen=GoldenAxeIII title.png
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
| developer=[[Sega]]
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| developer={{company|[[Sega CS1]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210605201110/https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050616/p1}}|system=MD}}
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], Steam, iOS
+
{{company|[[M2]]|system=VC}}
| romsize=
+
| distributor={{company|[[Samsung]]|region=KR|system=MD}}
| sounddriver=
+
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], [[Steam]], [[iOS]]
 +
| sounddriver=[[SMPS 68000]]
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1-2
 
| players=1-2
| genre=Action
+
| genre=Action{{fileref|GoldenAxe3 MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
| releases={{releases
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| languages={{LanguageList|en}}
| md_date_jp=1993-06-25
+
| 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_code_jp=G-4093
| mc_rrp_jp=6,800
+
| 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_eu_sc=1996
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| md_rrp_eu_sc=sub
 +
| md_rating_eu_sc=
 
| md_date_kr=199x
 
| md_date_kr=199x
 
| md_code_kr=GM8087JG
 
| md_code_kr=GM8087JG
 
| md_date_as=199x
 
| md_date_as=199x
 
| md_code_as=G-4093
 
| md_code_as=G-4093
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| md_date_sa_sc=1996
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| md_rrp_sa_sc=sub
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| md_rating_sa_sc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesWii
 
{{releasesWii
| vc_date_us=2007-10-22
+
| vc_date_us=2007-10-22{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101123022025/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ}}
| vc_rrp_us=800
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| vc_rrp_us=800{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101123022025/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ}}
| vc_date_eu=2007-10-05
+
| vc_rating_us=e10
| vc_rrp_eu=800
+
| 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_date_jp=2007-09-04
+
| vc_rrp_eu=800{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170705100545/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/golden_axe_iii}}
| vc_rrp_jp=600
+
| 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/}}
 +
| vc_rating_jp=a
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesiOS
 
{{releasesiOS
| ios_date_jp=2011-05-12 {{ref|http://www.4gamer.net/games/049/G004989/20110512066/}}
+
| ios_date_jp=2011-05-12{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190321093139/http://www.4gamer.net/games/049/G004989/20110512066/}}
| ios_rrp_jp=85
+
| ios_rrp_jp=350i{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190321093139/http://www.4gamer.net/games/049/G004989/20110512066/}}
| ios_date_us=2011-05-12 {{ref|http://blogs.sega.com/2011/05/12/golden-axe-3-streets-of-rage-3-now-on-itunes/}}
+
| ios_rating_jp=itunes9
 +
| ios_date_us=2011-05-12{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20150727034953/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/05/12/golden-axe-3-streets-of-rage-3-now-on-itunes/}}
 +
| ios_rrp_us=2.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170829163045/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/25/prices-so-low-theyre-scary/}}
 +
| ios_rating_us=itunes9<!--Changed later to 12+.-->
 +
| ios_date_eu=2011-05-12{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20150727034953/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/05/12/golden-axe-3-streets-of-rage-3-now-on-itunes/}}
 +
| ios_rrp_eu=1.59{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170829163045/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/25/prices-so-low-theyre-scary/}}
 +
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 +
| ios_rrp_uk=1.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170829163045/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/25/prices-so-low-theyre-scary/}}
 +
| ios_date_au=2011
 +
| ios_rrp_au=2.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170829163045/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/25/prices-so-low-theyre-scary/}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{releasesPC
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{{releasesDigital
| steam_date_eu=2012-05-02
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| steam_date_eu=2012-05-02{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190912222045/https://steamdb.info/app/211202/}}
| steam_rrp_uk=1.99
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| steam_rrp_eu=2.49{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130522193403/http://steamdb.info/app/211202/}}
| steam_date_us=2012-05-02
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| steam_code_eu=211202
| steam_rrp_us=2.99
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| steam_rating_eu=12
 +
| steam_date_de=2012-05-02{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190912222045/https://steamdb.info/app/211202/}}
 +
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 +
| steam_code_de=211202
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| steam_rating_de=6
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| steam_rrp_uk=1.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130522193403/http://steamdb.info/app/211202/}}
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| steam_code_uk=211202
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| steam_rating_uk=12
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 +
| steam_code_au=211202
 +
| steam_rating_au=pg
 +
 
 +
| steamlinux_date_eu=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/211202/history/?changeid=5755267}}
 +
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| steamlinux_code_de=211202
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| steamlinux_rating_de=6
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| steamlinux_date_uk=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/211202/history/?changeid=5755267}}
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| steamlinux_rrp_uk=0.79{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190912222045/http://steamdb.info/app/211202/}}
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| steamlinux_code_uk=211202
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| steamlinux_rating_uk=12
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| steamlinux_code_us=211202
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| steamlinux_code_au=211202
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}}
 
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| esrb=e10
 
| pegi=12
 
| cero=a
 
| oflc=pg
 
 
}}
 
}}
'''''Golden Axe III''''' (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==
 
==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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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===
 +
{{InfoTable|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| 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=46|crop_width=39|crop_height=85}}
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| 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=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=85|crop_width=39|crop_height=59}}
 +
| 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/}}
  
Unlike previous entries, the game features an optional boss fight and a true ending, based on your performance in the game.
+
She has high movement and attack speed but average damage and range. She uses fire magic.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| 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=0|crop_width=46|crop_height=60}}
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| 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/}}
  
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).  
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He has high movement and attack speed but average range and poor damage. He uses wind magic.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
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| 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}}
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| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=124|crop_width=40|crop_height=70}}
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| 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}}
  
===Character Roster===
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He is the slowest character in the game and has poor attack range, but he does the most damage. He uses earth magic.
*Chronos Lait (a humanoid Panther)
+
}}
*Broude Kragger (a male Giant)
+
{{InfoRow
*Sarah Barn (taking the role of Tyris Flare)
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| title=Eve (イーヴ){{fileref|Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf|page=29}}
*Kain Grinder (taking the role of Ax Battler)
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| sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=164|crop_width=57|crop_height=77}}
*Eve (this Bird Warrior is actually a boss character, only available in VS mode)
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| 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=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 3A: Dim Jungle
 +
| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-1.png
 +
| 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 4B: Bloody Street
 +
| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-1.png
 +
| 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 5A: Death Mountain
 +
| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-1.png
 +
| 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 5B: A Voyage to Castle
 +
| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-1.png
 +
| 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 6A: Ride the Whirlwind
 +
| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-1.png
 +
| 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 6B: Cursed City
 +
| screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-1.png
 +
| 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=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==
 
==History==
 +
[[File:GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].]]
 
===Development===
 
===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===
 
===Legacy===
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://www.polygon.com/2015/5/18/8622645/sega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play}}
+
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==
 +
===Version history===
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Changelog}}
 +
{{versiontable|
 +
{{version|iOS|version=2.0.0|date=2012-11-29|size=5.6MB|comment=iOS6 Support
 +
|ref=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025093745/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{version|iOS|version=1.0.0|date=2011-05-11|size=4.7MB
 +
|ref=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522113250/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
==Gallery==
+
==Production credits==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Production credits}}
 +
 
 +
==Digital manuals==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].
+
GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf|Steam manual
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Production Credits==
+
==Magazine articles==
{{multicol|
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
'''Main Planner:''' [[Fuzzy]]<br>
+
 
'''Planner:''' [[Iiz]]<br>
+
==Promotional material==
'''Character Design:''' [[Warukatta]], [[Shigeru Okada|Shige.D.O.R.]], [[Rouly.S.Kine]]<br>
+
{{gallery
'''Background Design:''' [[Shigeru Okada|Shige.D.O.R.]], [[Matsu G]], [[Sant]], [[Ninjyaman]]<br>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-04|3}}
'''Main Program:''' [[Takubon]]<br>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-06|2}}
'''Program:''' ZAN/Marucchi, K.M<br>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-07|2-3}}
'''Sound Program:''' [[Tokuhiko Uwabo|Bo]]<br>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
'''Music and Sound Effect:''' [[Naofumi Hataya|N.H]], [[Tatsuyuki Maeda|Ryunosuke]], [[Haruyo Oguro|Lotty]], [[Tomonori Sawada|T.S]]<br>
+
|gamechamp|1993-08|27
'''Messages:''' James<br>
+
}}
'''Package and Manual:''' Ayanokami, F.Hamster<br>
 
'''Special Thanks:''' Todoroki Taiyo, Virtual Suto, All Test Players, ...And You<br>
 
'''Presented by:''' ©[[Sega]]<br>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Physical Scans==
+
==Artwork==
{{ratings
+
<gallery>
| icon=MD
+
GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].
| cvg=62
+
Golden Axe 3 Unreleased Western Box Art by Boris Vallejo.jpeg
| cvg_source={{num|142|page=54/55}}
+
GoldenAxeIII MD Art JPCover.jpg
| gamepower=81
+
</gallery>
| joypad=70
+
 
| joypad_source={{num|23|page=116|pdf=Joypad FR 023.pdf}}
+
==Physical scans==
| mega=79
+
{{ratings|MD}}
| mega_source={{num|12|page=53}}
 
| megatech=55
 
| megatech_source={{num|21|page=66/67}}
 
| sfsw=76
 
| sfsw_source={{num|6/93|page=12/13|pdf=SegaForce SE 1993 06.pdf|pdfpage=12}}
 
| segapower=34
 
| segapower_source={{num|46|page=50/51|pdf=SegaPower UK 46.pdf|pdfpage=50}}
 
| segapro=57
 
| segapro_source={{num|23|page=83}}
 
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
Line 112: Line 426:
 
| cart=GoldenAxe3 MD JP Cart.jpg
 
| cart=GoldenAxe3 MD JP Cart.jpg
 
| carttop=GoldenAxeIII MD JP CartTop.jpg
 
| carttop=GoldenAxeIII MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| cartback=GoldenAxeIII MD JP Cart back.jpg
 
| manual=Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf
 
| manual=Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf
 +
| item1=MD JP EpilepsyWarning.jpg
 +
| item1name=Epilepsy Warning
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=KR
 
| region=KR
| cover=
+
| cover=GoldenAxeIII MD KR cover.jpg
 
| cart=GoldenAxeIII MD KR Cart.jpg
 
| cart=GoldenAxeIII MD KR Cart.jpg
 
| cartback=GoldenAxeIII MD KR cartback.jpg
 
| cartback=GoldenAxeIII MD KR cartback.jpg
Line 123: Line 440:
 
| region=Asia
 
| region=Asia
 
| cover=GoldenAxe3 MD Asia Box.jpg
 
| cover=GoldenAxe3 MD Asia Box.jpg
| cart=
+
| cart=GoldenAxe3 MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=GoldenAxeIII MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| cartback=GoldenAxeIII MD AS Cart back.jpg
 +
| manual=Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf
 +
| item1=MD AS EpilepsyWarning.pdf
 +
| item1name=Epilepsy Warning
 
}}
 
}}
  
==External Links==
+
==Technical information==
* [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese)]
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
* [http://sega.jp/kt/apple/goldenaxe3/ Sega of Japan iOS version catalogue page (Japanese)] (offline)
+
 
* ''{{PAGENAME}}'' on iTunes: [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id434998986?mt=8 US], [http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id434998986?mt=8 JP] (offline)
+
==External links==
 +
* Sega of Japan Virtual Console pages: [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/ Mega Drive]
 +
* Nintendo catalogue pages: [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ US], [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Golden-Axe-III-277512.html UK]
 +
* Sega of Japan catalogue page: [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/kt/apple/goldenaxe3/ iOS] (archive)
 +
* ''{{PAGENAME}}'' on iTunes: [http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id434998986?mt=8 JP], [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id434998986?mt=8 US] (offline)
 
* [http://store.steampowered.com/app/211202/ ''{{PAGENAME}}'' on Steam]
 
* [http://store.steampowered.com/app/211202/ ''{{PAGENAME}}'' on Steam]
  
{{Clear}}
+
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 
 +
{{GoldenAxeIIIOmni}}
 
{{GoldenAxe}}
 
{{GoldenAxe}}
 
 
[[Category:Sega Channel games]]
 
[[Category:Sega Channel games]]

Latest revision as of 16:34, 24 November 2024

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

n/a

GoldenAxeIII title.png

Golden Axe III
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console, Steam, iOS
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Mega Drive
Samsung (KR)
Sound driver: SMPS 68000
Genre: Action[2][3]

















Number of players: 1-2
Official in-game languages:
  • English
  • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    JP
    ¥6,8006,800 G-4093
    Sega Mega Drive
    US
    (Sega Channel)
    SUBsub
    Sega Mega Drive
    EU
    (Sega Channel)
    SUBsub
    Sega Mega Drive
    KR
    GM8087JG
    Sega Mega Drive
    SA
    (Sega Channel)
    SUBsub
    Sega Mega Drive
    AS
    G-4093
    Wii Virtual Console
    JP
    600pts600[9]
    CERO: A
    Wii Virtual Console
    US
    800pts800[5]
    ESRB: Everyone 10+
    Wii Virtual Console
    EU
    800pts800[6]
    PEGI: 12+
    iOS
    JP
    ¥333 (350)350i[10]
    9+
    iOS
    US
    $2.992.99[12]
    9+
    iOS
    EU
    €1.591.59[12]
    iOS
    UK
    £1.991.99[12]
    iOS
    AU
    $2.992.99[12]
    Steam
    US
    $2.992.99[14] 211202
    ESRB: Everyone 10+
    Steam
    EU
    €2.492.49[14] 211202
    PEGI: 12+
    Steam
    DE
    €2.492.49[14] 211202
    USK: 6
    Steam
    UK
    £1.991.99[14] 211202
    PEGI: 12+
    Steam
    AU
    $3.493.49[14] 211202
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
    Steam Linux
    US
    $0.990.99[16] 211202
    ESRB: Everyone 10+
    Steam Linux
    EU
    €0.990.99[16] 211202
    PEGI: 12+
    Steam Linux
    DE
    €0.990.99[16] 211202
    USK: 6
    Steam Linux
    UK
    £0.790.79[16] 211202
    PEGI: 12+
    Steam Linux
    AU
    $1.351.35[16] 211202
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
    Steam OS X
    US
    $0.990.99[16] 211202
    ESRB: Everyone 10+
    Steam OS X
    EU
    €0.990.99[16] 211202
    PEGI: 12+
    Steam OS X
    DE
    €0.990.99[16] 211202
    USK: 6
    Steam OS X
    UK
    £0.790.79[16] 211202
    PEGI: 12+
    Steam OS X
    AU
    $1.351.35[16] 211202
    OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)

    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

    Golden Axe III MD, Branching Path.png

    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 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.

    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.

    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

    GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png
    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.

    GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png
    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.

    GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png
    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.

    GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png
    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.

    GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png
    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 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.

    Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png
    Green Snail
    Attacks using its short tongue.
    Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png
    Purple Snail
    Attacks using its long tongue.
    Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png
    Green Dragon
    Attacks by grabbing and throwing enemies with its bite.
    Golden Axe III MD, Bizarrans.png
    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 B when standing over them.

    Golden Axe III MD, Items.png
    Green Thief (緑のシーフ)
    Green thieves drop health items.
    Golden Axe III MD, Items.png
    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.

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

    Stages

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-2.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-3.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 1-3.png

    Stage 1: The Vast Field
    The player can choose to play stage 2A (upper path) or 2B (lower path) after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-2.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-3.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2A-3.png

    Stage 2A: Ancient Mound
    The player proceeds to stage 3A after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-2A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-3A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-2B.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-3B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-2A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-3A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-2B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 2B-3B.png

    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.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-2A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-3A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-2B.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-3B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-2A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-3A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-2B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3A-3B.png

    Stage 3A: Dim Jungle
    The player can choose to play stage 4A (upper path) or 4B (lower path) after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-2.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-3.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 3B-3.png

    Stage 3B: Cave of Crystal
    The player proceeds to stage 4B after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-2.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-3.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-3.png

    Stage 4A: The Scorching Sand
    The player proceeds to stage 5A after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-2A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-3A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-2B.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-3B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-2A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-3A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-2B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4B-3B.png

    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).

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-2A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-3A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-2B.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-3B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-2A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-3A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-2B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5A-3B.png

    Stage 5A: Death Mountain
    The player can choose to play stage 6A (upper path) or 6B (lower path) after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-2A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-3A.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-2B.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-3B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-2A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-3A.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-2B.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 5B-3B.png

    Stage 5B: A Voyage to Castle
    The player proceeds to stage 6B after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6A-2.png

    Stage 6A: Ride the Whirlwind
    The player proceeds to stage 7 after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-2.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-3.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-4.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-3.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 6B-4.png

    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).

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 7.png

    Stage 7: The Gate of Fate
    The player proceeds to stage 8 after completing this stage.

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 8-1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, Stage 8-2.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 8-1.png

    • Golden Axe III MD, Stage 8-2.png

    Stage 8: The Castle

    Golden Axe III MD, Final Boss.png

    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

    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Character Select.png

    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.

    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 1.png

    Stage 1
    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 1.png

    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 2.png

    Stage 2
    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 2.png

    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 3.png

    Stage 3
    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 3.png

    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 4.png

    Stage 4
    Golden Axe III MD, VS Mode, Stage 4.png

    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
    iOS
    0000020000000000000000000000002.0.0 5.6MB 201211292012-11-29 iOS6 Support [27]
    iOS
    0000010000000000000000000000001.0.0 4.7MB 201105112011-05-11 [28]

    Production credits

    Main article: Golden Axe III/Production credits.

    Digital manuals

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Golden Axe III/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-04: "April 1993" (1993-03-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-06: "June 1993" (1993-05-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-07: "July 1993" (1993-06-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Game Champ (KR) #1993-08: "xxxx" (199x-xx-xx)
    Logo-pdf.svg

    Artwork

    Physical scans

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    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]
    Sega Mega Drive
    66
    Based on
    24 reviews

    Golden Axe III

    Mega Drive, JP
    GoldenAxe3 MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover
    GoldenAxeIII MD JP CartTop.jpg
    GoldenAxeIII MD JP Cart back.jpgGoldenAxe3 MD JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf
    Manual
    MD JP EpilepsyWarning.jpg
    Epilepsy Warning
    Mega Drive, KR
    GoldenAxeIII MD KR cover.jpg
    Cover
    GoldenAxeIII MD KR cartback.jpgGoldenAxeIII MD KR Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Mega Drive, Asia
    GoldenAxe3 MD Asia Box.jpg
    Cover
    GoldenAxeIII MD JP CartTop.jpg
    GoldenAxeIII MD AS Cart back.jpgGoldenAxe3 MD JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf
    Manual
    MD AS EpilepsyWarning.pdf
    Epilepsy Warning

    Technical information

    Main article: Golden Axe III/Technical information.

    External links

    References

    1. 1.0 1.1 https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050616/p1 (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-05 20:11)
    2. File:GoldenAxe3 MD JP Box.jpg
    3. 3.0 3.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
    4. https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/Rtt7kLsB_ps/m/HMXOULi-OWoJ
    5. 5.0 5.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/49cVmb7qfnshhZfcomyIQTJn6DedMeVQ (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-23 02:20)
    6. 6.0 6.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/golden_axe_iii (Wayback Machine: 2017-07-05 10:05)
    7. https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Wii-/Golden-Axe-III-277512.html (archive.today)
    8. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/04.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-05 23:40)
    9. http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_axe3/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-09-15 20:44)
    10. 10.0 10.1 http://www.4gamer.net/games/049/G004989/20110512066/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-03-21 09:31)
    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)
    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)
    13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 https://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-09-12 22:20)
    14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 http://steamdb.info/app/211202/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 19:34)
    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
    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)
    17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 File:GoldenAxe3 Steam manual.pdf
    18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 7
    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)
    20. 20.0 20.1 File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 6
    21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 http://vc.sega.jp/vc_axe3/ (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-22 12:03)
    22. @SEGAForever on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2023-07-23 08:23)
    23. File:Goldenaxe3 md jp manual.pdf, page 29
    24. Sega Pro, "July 1993" (UK; 1993-06-10), page 20
    25. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1994-05-09), page 17
    26. http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/18/8622645/sega-pulls-games-from-itunes-app-store-google-play (Wayback Machine: 2017-11-08 17:39)
    27. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-axe-3/id434998986?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2014-10-25 09:37)
    28. http://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
    30. Beep! MegaDrive, "July 1993" (JP; 1993-06-08), page 21
    31. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 94
    32. Computer & Video Games, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-15), page 54
    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
    36. Famitsu, "1993-07-02" (JP; 1993-06-18), page 39
    37. Game Power, "Settembre 1993" (IT; 1993-0x-xx), page 72
    38. Hippon Super, "August 1993" (JP; 1993-07-03), page 42
    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
    41. Joypad, "Septembre 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 116
    42. Mega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 53
    43. MegaTech, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-20), page 66
    44. ProGames, "Setembro 1993" (BR; 1993-0x-xx), page 31
    45. Sega Power, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-05), page 50
    46. Sega Pro, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-12), page 83
    47. Sega Zone, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-xx), page 58
    48. Sega Force, "6/93" (SE; 1993-09-30), page 12
    49. Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 63
    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
    52. Video Games, "10/93" (DE; 1993-09-29), page 97


    Golden Axe III

    GoldenAxeIII title.png

    Main page | Maps | Changelog | Credits | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


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    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)