Play Golden Axe II (Mega-Tech) Online

Golden Axe II, released by Sega in 1991 and playable via MAME 0.243, is a side-scrolling beat 'em up from the early 90s arcade scene. It arrived when cooperative fantasy action was a staple in arcades, offering another round of straightforward, weapon-based brawling. The game builds on its predecessor without reinventing the wheel, sticking to a familiar but effective formula.

You control one of three returning heroes: Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, or Gilius Thunderhead. Your goal is to battle through screen after screen of enemies, from soldiers to mythical beasts, to defeat the evil Dark Guld. Signature mechanics include using magic spells that drain collected potions, riding creatures that offer unique attacks, and executing simple but weighty melee combos. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty can feel punishing if you rush in carelessly. It feels solid and immediate, a game where every landed hit has a tangible sense of impact.