Quick Review: Golden Axe Myth

[utunnels]

Let me give it a quick review.

This is a quick review, means I have barely beaten the game and tried all the four major  characters.

Story: 7/10

Just a too generic good vs evil plot, I don't give a low sore just because I just like the story. Plus it works pretty good for a beat'em up, if creativity not counted.

Gameplay: 6/10

Well, it is actually FUN to play this game. The experience to stomp and toast the enemies on various beasts is great. The ability to upgrade attack and defense is also good. But the fact that the  enemeis are too quick in action flaws the gameplay, you'll find the safest way to beat them is keeping smashing the attack button, until you meet a counter master. The Heningers and Longmoans like to charge whenever they have a break, which is bad when you want to try something new other than hack and slash. Now come to the bosses. Don't be surprised if I say I beat the last one pretty quickly just because he couldn't be knocked down. Another similar example is the Mega Giant, he's cool when there's a good range between your hero and him. But soon you'll find he can't do a thing if you keep chopping his legs... By far my favorite boss is the Dragon Master, cool teleport attacks, painful combos. But he has the same weakness as the other bosses: just walk vertically and hack him when he teleports to your side, you'll see he can't do a thing but teleport away. Another problem is your main heroes have too low HP, especially Ax and Tyris. Defense up doesn't help much from my experience (if it is not a bug). That's the reason why I tend to choose Gilius and Death.

Controls: 8/10

Smooth as silk. The only thing I want to complain is the solid obstacles. But guess that is more like an issue of the engine which lacks of slops. Also, if there's a quick A+J knock down attack I'll give it a 9.

Graphics: 9/10

The art is just too well crafted. The sprites are large and detailed, the backgrounds are as colorful as Disney cartoon, but the game loads really fast, unlike what I used to worry. I don't give it a 10 of 10 for the main reason that the HUD and the loading backgrounds look a bit messy.

Sounds: 10/10

Marvellous! Who ever composed and remixed the already great tracks just made them more epic. I'm not a muscian so I can't leave more detailed comment. The ps2 tracks,  did a decent orchestrating job, but they all have a problem that the main instruments are a way too loud, and lack of variations (no ups and downs). Honestly, I like GA Myth tracks better.


Final rating: 7/10

Sorry guys, that doesn't mean I don't like the game. It is a master pieces with several flaws. The fact it is an original game instead of a modification makes it even greater. I need to play it more to find hidden gems inside.