Golden Axe: Beast Rider - PS3 Review

It’s hard to believe that 19 years has passed since Golden Axe was a mainstay in my Sega Genesis console. So with developer Secret Level’s franchise revitalization attempt, “Golden Axe: Beast Rider,” is it time to take another crack at bringing down the nefarious Death Adder?

At first glance, the game presents itself as an attractive reboot, complete with enhanced 3D graphics, weapons combos, nostalgic elements and, of course, the title attractor, the beast riding. But nostalgia has a funny way of making things seem better than they are. And Beast Rider, while built on conceptually intriguing ideas, comes off as a clunky, mediocre hack-and-slash title.

This iteration allows you to play as Tyris Flare, the amazon from the first game. 20 years of advancements in graphics make her look just a tad bit different (well, very different and cool-looking) and she’s still clad in her skimpy battle clothes. Tyris has a sword that would make Lion-O of the Thundercats jealous.

Like most action games, you start off in a training sequence in which the controls of the game are explained in stages. On screen prompts give you the commands and then you’re able to try out your new moves on unsuspecting baddies. The most intriguing part of this training is the introduction of block and parry moves which, if pulled off successfully, allow you to engage in counter moves that leave your enemies either dismembered, decapitated or cut in half. It’s quite satisfying to pull one of these off and doing so will have you bloodthirsty for your next victim.

However, once the actual gameplay begins, you realize that these counter moves are pretty difficult to time and pull off and, just like in the original Golden Axe, you’re usually surrounded and it’s impossible to escape a fight unscathed.

This game also utilizes the special powers that are enabled through magic potions. Given that difficulty in fighting large crowds of enemies, you’ll want to weaken (or kill) them with your powers. However, you’ll find yourself questioning when to use them as potion refills are a rarity.

The beast riding is actually one of games biggest failures. What could’ve been a kick-ass distinguishing factor turned out to be a unsatisfying turnoff. There are a number of different beasts which have special abilities of their own. The Lynth, for example, can cloak itself and its rider into invisibility. However, the beasts are terribly difficult to maneuver and attack with. You’ll find yourself launching strikes that routinely miss your foes, giving them an opportunity to knock you off and commandeer your beast.

I also couldn’t believe the lack of a multiplayer mode for the game. The draw of the original was that 2 friends could team up and put a serious hurting on Death Adder’s minions. But you’re all alone in this one.

Ultimately, Golden Axe: Beast Rider opens the door with a touch of nostalgia, then slams it shut with repetitive and unexciting gameplay. It may be a challenge to mash on those buttons for 10-15 hours it will take you to beat it, but you really won’t want to.

BuzzFocus.com gives Golden Axe: Beast Rider a 5.7 / 10