Golden Axe II is a side-scrolling beat ’em up developed and published by SEGA for the Sega Genesis in 1991. A sequel to the 1989 arcade hit Golden Axe, it puts you in the role of one of three returning warriors — barbarian Ax Battler, amazon Tyris Flare, or dwarf Gilius Thunderhead — each with a distinct weapon and elemental magic. Your goal is to fight through eight stages of enemies and defeat the warlord Dark Guld, who has seized the legendary Golden Axe. Two players can team up simultaneously in co-op.
How to Play
Use the arrow keys to move. Press C to attack, X to jump, and Z to unleash your character’s elemental magic. Magic power comes from pots you collect by kicking the gnomes that scurry across the screen between stages — the more pots you hold, the bigger the spell. You can also grab enemies from behind and throw them, and knocking riders off their mounts lets you use the creature’s own attack.
Tips
- Know your character: Tyris Flare’s summoned fire dragon is the most devastating spell but she carries the fewest pots; Gilius Thunderhead holds the most pots but his lightning strike is the weakest; Ax Battler is a balanced middle ground.
- Save magic for clustered enemy groups or stage bosses — a well-timed spell can clear the screen and prevent you being overwhelmed.
- Ride the beasts. Enemy mounts (lizard-men and chicken-leg creatures) have attacks stronger than your base moves, so it is worth knocking their riders off and hopping on.
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