Part of a retro revival sweeping the world of videogames, Golden Axe: Beast Rider returns to the classic arcade action game with an eye for glitzy graphics and visceral combat. Sticking close to the series roots by offering obscure character cameos and the same scantily-clad hero, Golden Axe is shaping up to be a decent hack and slash even if it won't entirely appease its hardcore contingent.
As Amazonian Tyris Flare, the game has you hack and slashing across an evil empire in search of revenge. The arcade classic makes the jump to three-dimensions touting the same story, albeit with a far darker tone. Tyris' family has been slain, trampled in the expansion of Death Adder's malevolent empire. Only by utilizing the mythical golden axe can she solve the puzzles that stand in her path, not to mention the minions that counter her every step. Joining the golden axe is a host of melee and magic abilities that enable Tyris to ravage the primal countryside. Even more, special mounts grant her immense power against enemies.
More than anything else, the game is a straight up hardcore action game. Its unabashed focus on combat can best be understood in the context of its source material. The original adventure was brimming with button-mashing battles that have been revitalized in more sophisticated form. While you're free to jam on the face buttons, the only means of pulling off advanced attack, parries, and counters is by working with the game's tempo. In other words, rhythmic button presses timed in accordance to your enemies' actions yield successful blows and counters. Instead of hitting the A button repeatedly, for example, timing a few quick presses of the button will yield a cinematic hit that causes more damage than a flurry of basic attacks.
It's important to note that blocking doesn't have a role in the game; rather, you're only able to parry or counter attacks via timed button presses. Tyris eviscerates enemies with gory decapitations, sliced limbs, and even chopping bodies clean in half. Naturally, you're only able to execute these sorts of moves by learning the intricacies of the combat system and getting a feel for the rhythm of fighting.
Fighting on foot is but one component of Golden Axe, joining bestial combat in a celebration of digital blood lust. Five wildly different beasts can be mounted at various points in the game, each possessing unique combat abilities that make them suitable for specific situations. Take the mirigore, for example: this ape-like creature uses its powerful, thick arms to literally rip enemies apart. Mounting a mirigore is a great idea whenever you need to attack a group of enemies or another beast.
Like Tyris, enemies are capable of mounting beasts themselves and using them in combat. Think of them as vehicles--they don't possess an affiliation with one side or another, enabling any character skillful enough to rein them under control to ride. As such, the mirigore can be an attractive option when confronting a foe mounted on a beast.
Not every beast is a brawler. The fire-breathing abberax possesses a sleek build perfect for darting past traps. Riding an abberax grants greater mobility during combat, which is ideal when facing an enemy mounted on the back of a mirigore. Additionally, the charbroiled breath of an abberax can roast enemies alive and help in solving simple puzzles. Lighting a series of torches to open a gate was easily accomplished using the creature's breath. Given its small stature, loading up an abberax with armor helps protect it from enemy attacks. Beasts are able to wear up to eight different pieces of armor that protect them from incurring any damage until the final piece is broken.
