Golden Axe III

Golden Axe III

Overview & History

Released exclusively in Japan in 1993 for the Mega Drive by Sega, *Golden Axe III* represents the final 16-bit installment of the legendary beat-em-up franchise, though it has since found a second life via retro compilations and unofficial ports like the infamous NES downgrades. The storyline plunges the realm into chaos once again as the Prince of Darkness, Damned Hellstrike, curses the peaceful land and steals the titular Golden Axe, turning the valiant warrior Gilius Thunderhead's allies against him. To break the spell and restore peace, four new and returning heroes step forward: Chronos 'Evil' Labo (a panther-man), Sarah Burn (a nimble martial artist), Kain Grinder (a fierce barbarian), and Proud Cragger (a giant wielding a massive mace). Unlike its arcade predecessors, this sequel introduced branching paths on the world map, allowing players to choose their routes through enemy-infested stages, adding a layer of non-linearity and multiple endings that elevated the classic hack-and-slash formula.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

At its core, *Golden Axe III* refines the cooperative brawler mechanics of the series while introducing fresh tactical depth. Players traverse side-scrolling environments, pummeling hordes of demonic soldiers, minotaurs, and skeletal warriors. Beyond standard punches, kicks, and weapon strikes, the game introduces a robust synergy system: characters can perform cooperative throws, pass magic pots to power up a teammate's spellcasting, and execute unique dash attacks by double-tapping the directional pad. Magic pots are once again gathered by kicking little thieves, unleashing screen-clearing elemental devastation based on how many pots are collected. Additionally, players can still mount rideable beasts—such as the fire-breathing Dragon and the tail-whipping Cockatrice—each possessing distinct offensive capabilities to turn the tide of chaotic battles.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause