Golden Axe

A classic side-scrolling beat 'em up video game series created by Sega, debuting in arcades and on home consoles in 1989.

Action

20

Games

1987–2008

Years

15

Platforms

$42.70

Ø CIB

-3.1%

24M change

About

The Golden Axe series is a fantasy-themed hack-and-slash franchise developed by Sega. It gained widespread popularity with the release of the original Golden Axe in 1989, which was ported to numerous platforms including the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Master System, and various home computers. The series is known for its cooperative gameplay, mythical beasts, and magic spells used by its distinct playable heroes.

Beginning with early iterations dating to Golden Axe (1987), the franchise solidified with the release of the arcade version of Golden Axe (1989) and its subsequent home conversions. Created by Makoto Uchida, the narrative centers on the fantasy land of Yuria, where players must defeat the tyrant Death Adder to reclaim the titular weapon. The core cast consists of the barbarian Ax Battler, the amazon Tyris Flare, and the dwarf Gilius Thunderhead.

The Sega Genesis port of Golden Axe (1989) expanded the arcade experience with an extra duel mode and additional levels. Conversely, the Master System version of Golden Axe (1989) focused solely on a single protagonist, Tarik. Other notable early editions include the PC Engine CD-ROM² port of Golden Axe (1990), which featured CD-quality audio and unique cutscenes, and the reissue Golden Axe [Sega Classic] (1989). These early iterations established the series' signature mechanics, such as rescuing magic-pot-dropping thieves during camp sequences and riding bizarros to combat enemy hordes.