Golden Axe III Deluxe Edition: Sega's Lost Beat 'em Up, Reworked
Golden Axe III was released by Sega in Japan on 25 June 1993 and never got a regular Western cartridge release. Sega of America even commissioned the fantasy painter Boris Vallejo for a Western box illustration, but the American version was never published. It reached Western players later, through Sega Channel in 1996 and compilations. This Deluxe Edition is our own patch of the Japanese game, made to modernise how it plays and looks without changing what it is.
At a glance
- Based on: Golden Axe III (Sega Mega Drive, Japan, 1993)
- Original developer: Sega CS1
- This edition: a patch made by TheLostGames
- Genre: belt-scrolling beat 'em up, 1 to 2 players
- What sets it apart: a playable Gryphon, same-character co-op and a repainted colour palette
What the Deluxe Edition adds
- Play as the Gryphon. For the first time you can control the imposing beast and unleash its fury in battle.
- Flexible two-player co-op. Both players can now pick the same character, which opens up new combinations.
- Friendly fire switched off. No more accidental hits on your partner.
- A richer palette. Every level and character has been retouched for livelier, more vibrant colours.
The game underneath
The veteran dwarf Gilius Thunderhead loses the Golden Axe in a storm, and Damud Hellstrike, the Prince of Darkness, takes it and curses the heroes of the land. You play one of four fighters, Kain Grinder, Sarah Barn, Chronos Lait or Proud Cragger, and the stages fork so you pick your route. Free every cursed hero without using a continue and a second battle with Damud Hellstrike opens up the good ending.