Play Golden Axe (USA, Europe) Online

Golden Axe for the Sega Master System came out in 1989, a home port of the arcade game developed and published by Sega. It was one of the more ambitious beat 'em ups on the system, trying to capture the feel of its bigger cabinet cousin on more limited hardware.

You choose one of three characters, each with a distinct weapon and magic ability, and fight through side scrolling stages filled with soldiers, skeletons, and other fantasy enemies. The main goal is to defeat the final boss, Death Adder, by progressing screen by screen, using melee attacks and collecting magic potions to unleash screen clearing spells. You can also ride creatures like chicken leg monsters or fire breathing dragons, which add a temporary power boost. The game is quite difficult, with aggressive enemies and limited continues, but the satisfaction of clearing a tough section with a well timed spell or a mounted attack makes the effort worthwhile. It feels like a condensed, challenging version of the arcade experience.