Difference between revisions of "Golden Axe III"
From Sega Retro
(18 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) | |||
Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
| bobscreen=GoldenAxeIII title.png | | bobscreen=GoldenAxeIII title.png | ||
| publisher=[[Sega]] | | publisher=[[Sega]] | ||
− | | developer={{company|[[Sega | + | | 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}} | {{company|[[M2]]|system=VC}} | ||
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], [[Steam]], [[iOS]] | | system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], [[Steam]], [[iOS]] | ||
Line 110: | Line 110: | ||
}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ゴールデンアックスIII) is a [[Sega Mega Drive]] beat-'em-up game developed by [[Sega | + | '''''{{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== | ||
+ | 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. However, the curse is lifted from one of the heroes, who must 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 | + | {{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. |
− | {{InfoTable | + | |
+ | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title= | + | | 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= | + | | sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=46|crop_width=39|crop_height=85}} |
− | | desc= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title= | + | | 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= | + | | sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=85|crop_width=39|crop_height=59}} |
− | | desc=A | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title= | + | | 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= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Proud Cragger (プラウド=クラッガー) | + | | 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}} | | sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=124|crop_width=40|crop_height=70}} | ||
− | | desc= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Eve (イーヴ) | + | | 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}} | | sprite={{sprite|GoldenAxeIII MD PlayerSprites.png|crop_x=164|crop_width=57|crop_height=77}} | ||
− | | desc= | + | | 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=== | ===Stages=== | ||
− | {{InfoTable|imagewidths= | + | {{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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Stage 1 | + | | title=Stage 4A: The Scorching Sand |
− | | | + | | screenshot=Golden Axe III MD, Stage 4A-1.png |
− | | desc= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Stage | + | | title=Stage 4B: Bloody Street |
− | | screenshot= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Stage | + | | title=Stage 5A: Death Mountain |
− | | screenshot= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Stage | + | | title=Stage 5B: A Voyage to Castle |
− | | screenshot= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Stage | + | | title=Stage 6A: Ride the Whirlwind |
− | | screenshot= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
− | | title=Stage | + | | title=Stage 6B: Cursed City |
− | | screenshot= | + | | 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 | {{InfoRow | ||
| title=Stage 7: The Gate of Fate | | title=Stage 7: The Gate of Fate | ||
− | | screenshot= | + | | 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= | | 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}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 190: | Line 361: | ||
[[File:GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].]] | [[File:GoldenAxeIII Artwork SilverSword.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by [[Boris Vallejo]].]] | ||
===Development=== | ===Development=== | ||
− | ''Golden Axe III'' was once planned for a Western release, 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. | + | ''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. |
==Versions== | ==Versions== | ||
Line 208: | Line 379: | ||
==Production credits== | ==Production credits== | ||
− | {{ | + | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Production credits}} |
− | {{ | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | }} | ||
==Digital manuals== | ==Digital manuals== | ||
Line 247: | Line 394: | ||
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-06|2}} | |{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-06|2}} | ||
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-07|2-3}} | |{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-07|2-3}} | ||
+ | |{{galleryPrintAd | ||
+ | |gamechamp|1993-08|27 | ||
+ | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 03:02, 9 April 2024
- For the unlicensed Famicom game, see Golden Axe (Famicom).
Golden Axe III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console, Steam, iOS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publisher: Sega | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developer: Sega CS1[1] M2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sound driver: SMPS 68000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genre: Action[2][3] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of players: 1-2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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.
Contents
Story
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. However, the curse is lifted from one of the heroes, who must journey to free the others from the curse, defeat the villain, and return with the Golden Axe.
Gameplay
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
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.
History
![](/images/thumb/e/ee/GoldenAxeIII_Artwork_SilverSword.jpg/200px-GoldenAxeIII_Artwork_SilverSword.jpg)
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.
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.[26]
Version history
- Main article: Golden Axe III/Changelog.
System | Version | Size | Date | Comment | Ref | Icon | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0.0 | 5.6MB | 2012-11-29 | iOS6 Support | [27] | |||
1.0.0 | 4.7MB | 2011-05-11 | [28] |
Production credits
- Main article: Golden Axe III/Production credits.
Digital manuals
Magazine articles
- Main article: Golden Axe III/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
Artwork
Unused Western artwork titled "Silver Sword", by Boris Vallejo.
Physical scans
Sega Retro Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
66 | |
---|---|
Based on 24 reviews |
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 |
![]() | |
---|---|
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 The Music (2008) | 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) |
- 1-2 player games
- JP Mega Drive games
- Sega Channel games (US)
- US Mega Drive games
- KR Mega Drive games
- AS Mega Drive games
- Mega Drive games
- 1993 Mega Drive games
- All 1993 games
- Mega Drive action games
- All action games
- JP Wii Virtual Console games
- US Wii Virtual Console games
- EU Wii Virtual Console games
- Wii games
- 2007 Wii games
- All 2007 games
- Wii Virtual Console games
- JP iOS games
- IOS games
- US iOS games
- EU iOS games
- UK iOS games
- AU iOS games
- US Steam games
- EU Steam games
- DE Steam games
- UK Steam games
- AU Steam games
- US Steam Linux games
- EU Steam Linux games
- DE Steam Linux games
- UK Steam Linux games
- AU Steam Linux games
- US Steam OS X games
- EU Steam OS X games
- DE Steam OS X games
- UK Steam OS X games
- AU Steam OS X games
- Steam games
- Steam Linux games
- Steam OS X games
- All games
- Bad external reference
- Golden Axe III
- Golden Axe (franchise)
- Sega Channel games