Golden Axe Series Japanese Packaging / Box Art Translations

Golden Axe (Mega Drive / Genesis) (12.22.89)

Some excellent artwork that would be a perfect fit for an 80s heavy metal album. Not for the faint of heart, the dark overtones of the Golden Axe series were stronger than the comically ridiculous Altered Beast.

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by user: "Wishbringer")

The legend of the wandering battle axe...begins now!

1~2 Players
Action Game

Golden Axe (PC Engine Rom Rom) (3.10.90)

Surprisingly licensed for release on the PC Engine even with Sega having their own system, this version of Golden Axe is graphically rough, but pulls you into it's dreary world with an arranged soundtrack and voice-over cutscenes.

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by MAT.)

Spine Card:

Golden Axe...has finally arrived on the PC Engine CD-Rom Rom!

Reaching the pinnacle of battle action, a realistic action game. Captivating players, a drama filled with swords and magic. Character movements are natural and smooth, battle scenes overflow with a sense of speed. Now, one may finally enjoy on the PC Engine Rom Rom.

Back:

A fantastical world from the middle ages unfolds as magical warriors (do battle) in this realistic action game.

* The player may choose between 3 varied warriors.

* A realistic sound overflowing with immersion. Furthermore, naturally voiced conversations between characters have been recorded.

(Captions)

Astonishing magical attacks. As you level up, their intensity, and your amazement, increases.

Original additions for the ROM-ROM version. A story is prepared for each character, along with different opening and ending visual scenes for you to enjoy.

Plentiful attack variations. Each character wields over 30 types of attack patterns.

Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe (11.1.91)

A highly obscure yet interesting off-shoot to the Golden Axe beat-em-up series, Ax Battler features a heavy Zelda 2 influence as your character navigates a world map and gets himself into side scrolling battles and dungeons.

This is the familiar [Golden Axe] series seen in the arcades and on the Mega Drive. New RPG elements have been added in this latest release, appearing on the Game Gear.

Golden Axe II  (Mega Drive / Genesis) (12.27.91)

The sequel to Golden Axe was rather undiscernible from the original, featuring less inspired levels if anything. Nevertheless, the dark fantasy atmosphere was lots of fun as a kid.  

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

Once again, the legend resurrects...!!

Golden Axe III (6.25.93)

Released towards the mid-90s, when beat-em-ups were already falling out of favor, GA III met with mediocre reception. Just a year before, the (still) arcade exclusive, The Revenge of Death Adder, debuted as a critical hit.

(Images taken from GameFaqs.)

Has the remainder of what God has left on earth...been destined for endless conflict!?

Golden Axe: The Duel (9.29.95)

One of the most obscure releases in the Golden Axe series, The Duel appears to take heavy inspiration from SNK's Samurai Shodown series with its weapon based combat, screen scaling and items which may be picked up mid-battle.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

Spine Card:

Seeking the legendary axe, a life or death battle unfolds between might warriors in this fighting action game!

Back:

Revolving around the legendary axe, the fight between the powerful begins!

Captions:

Gather 5 potions to power-up!

While powered up, decide the HYPER MAGIC you'll unleash!

Golden Axe (WonderSwan Color) (2.28.02)

In another surprising port for the Wonder Swan, Sega's beat-em-up from the 80s lands on Bandai's machine. Fitting, as the Game Gear never received an arcade conversion.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

Swords and Magic in high-purity ACTION! Sega's masterpiece has been revived!

Attempting to rule over the world with his magic, take back the 'Golden Axe' from Death Adder!

* Control your with a variety of attacks!

* Exterminate your enemies in one shot with ULTRA flashy magic spells!

* Linking both system, 2 players can play in co-op!