Golden Axe: Beast Rider

Last updated
Golden Axe: Beast Rider
Golden Axe Beast Rider.jpg
Cover art
Developer(s) Secret Level
Publisher(s) Sega
Producer(s) Nigel Cook
Michael J. Boccieri
Designer(s) Dedan Anderson
Programmer(s) Paul Edmondson
Artist(s) Matthew Butler
Composer(s) Keith Arem
Michael Cohen
Kristian Hedman
Series Golden Axe
Platform(s) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Release
  • NA: October 14, 2008
  • EU: October 17, 2008 [1]
  • AU: October 23, 2008
Genre(s) Action-adventure, hack and slash
Mode(s) Single-player

Golden Axe: Beast Rider is an action-adventure hack and slash video game available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It was published by Sega, and developed by Secret Level. It is the first 3D entry in the Golden Axe franchise. The game was released in North America on October 14, 2008, in Europe on October 17, [1] and in Australia on October 23.

Contents

Gameplay

Beast Rider is the first Golden Axe game in 3D as opposed to side-scrolling hack and slash. While this is a major shift in game style from the previous games, Beast Rider maintains many of the elements from the originals, such as magic and riding beasts, as well as sending the player on a quest to defeat Death Adder.

Gameplay is divided into three types: Campaign, Challenge and Trials. Each mode allows for the collection of tribute, which is used to increase magic strength and unlock weapons. Armor is unlocked as one progresses through the story or Campaign.

In the story mode of Beast Rider, the player controls Tyris Flare, an amazon from the original games. Through the story mode, the player is introduced to two non-player characters, Gilius Thunderhead: the dwarf, and Tarik the Ax Battler. Tribute is awarded at the end of each level based on the amount collected, which is then multiplied by the player's performance during the level, which also affects the player's Class or "grade" per level. Such multipliers include time, damage taken, dismemberment, and difficulty settings.

Challenge mode plays the same as Campaign, including tribute and class at the end of each level. However, Challenge allows the player to replay any level previously completed in Campaign, in addition to using any armor previously unlocked and any weapon unlocked through the collection of tribute.

Trials mode is the equivalent of the original's "Duel" mode, in which the player battles enemies of the selected level in an arena from that level. Each level becomes available in Trials after it is completed in the campaign. The player must complete ten waves of enemies, plus three bonus waves featuring gnomes, without dying. Like the Challenges, Trials allows the player to select various armor and weapons unlocked in Campaign or through the collection of tribute.

Plot

The main protagonist is Tyris Flare, a great Amazon warrior and defender of the Axirian Priestesses, a sect of dragon worshippers from the Isle of Axir. Tyris' skills in combat and magic are almost unsurpassed, but there is a danger rising over Axir that even she must fear. Death Adder's armies are on the move. They are after the power of the ancient Dragon Titan. It is rumored that even Death Adder fears something about the Titans, though nobody really knows what power they possess over this dark lord. If he gains control over man, woman and beast alike, it is unknown what will become of the world. Tyris uses sword and sorcery to stop him.

Development

The project's development began in mid 2005 as Secret Level simultaneously worked on a new game engine and toolset for the project. Most of the studio's directors were directly involved at this stage. The early progress was quick and impressive, leading Sega to move to acquire the studio on April 3, 2006. [2] Secret Level was able to get in contact with series creator Makoto Uchida who praised the game production and gave his blessings to proceed with the project. [3]

As part of E3 2006, Sega issued a press release touting a new entry to the Golden Axe franchise for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. [4] A teaser trailer could also be seen during the event. During the summer of 2007, fans uncovered new art [5] and sculptured models [6] from the game.

The October 2007 issue of Play magazine offered new details. The game was revealed to feature the return of Tyris Flare, the amazon warrior from the first installment of the series. With a heavy focus on riding beasts, the game received an M rating since dismemberments, decapitations and nudity are present. [7] The magazine also claimed that the PlayStation 3 version was canceled and that the game would be an Xbox 360 exclusive. However, on October 19, 2007 Denny Chiu of Sega denied the Xbox exclusivity, stating "Completely untrue, it's coming to PS3 as well." [8] While this game does only feature single-player, in a 2008 interview the senior producer stated that the second game in the franchise will feature co-op throughout. [9]

The 2008 issue of the annual "girls of gaming" put out by Play Magazine featured a number of images of Tyris. A postmortem of Golden Axe: Beast Rider by project producer Michael Boccieri, which appeared in the February 2009 issue of Game Developer , [10] discussed the project's troubled development cycle.

However, Sega hasn’t published the games in Japan regional. [11] [12] [13]

Reception

Golden Axe: Beast Rider received "generally unfavorable reviews" on both platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [14] [15] IGN concluded, "This is a game worth avoiding like the plague, even if the classic remains deep and warm within your heart." [25] GamePro called it "poorly designed and utterly mediocre," "a terrible game that feels like a slap in the face to fans of the original franchise." [20]

In an editorial titled "Dave talks Golden Axe", Play editor Dave Halverson wrote "The majority of these people (can't call them critics) either didn't complete a fraction of the game, don't understand game design, or just plain suck at games", and that "to score Beast Rider below a 7 is just irresponsible." [29]

Related Research Articles

<i>Sonic & Knuckles</i> 1994 video game

Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform game developed and published by Sega. Players control Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna in their quests to save Angel Island; Sonic tries to stop Doctor Robotnik from re-launching his orbital weapon, the Death Egg, while Knuckles scuffles with Robotnik's minion, EggRobo. Like previous Sonic games, players traverse side-scrolling levels at high speeds while collecting rings and defeating enemies.

<i>Altered Beast</i> 1988 video game

Altered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade video game developed and published by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece and follows a player character chosen by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena from the demonic ruler of the underworld, Neff. Through the use of power-ups, the player character can assume the form of different magical beasts. It was ported to several home video game consoles and home computers. It was the pack-in game for the Mega Drive when that system launched in 1988.

<i>Streets of Rage</i> (video game) 1991 video game

Streets of Rage is a beat 'em up game developed and published by Sega for the Genesis in 1991. Players control one of three former police officers turned vigilantes who battle a crime syndicate. Streets of Rage establishes many conventions of the Streets of Rage series, such as two-player cooperative play and an acclaimed techno soundtrack from composer Yuzo Koshiro. It was ported for the Game Gear, Sega CD and Master System and has been rereleased as part of various compilations and on download services.

<i>Golden Axe</i> (video game) 1989 arcade game

Golden Axe is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash video game released by Sega for arcades in 1989, running on the Sega System 16B arcade hardware. Makoto Uchida was the lead designer of the game, and was also responsible for the creation of the previous year's Altered Beast. The game casts players as one of three warriors who must free the fantastical land of Yuria from the tyrannical rule of Death Adder, who wields the titular Golden Axe.

<i>Sonic Riders</i> 2006 video game

Sonic Riders is a 2006 racing video game for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in which the player controls characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series on hoverboards. In the game's 16 tracks, the player competes against characters—either controlled by computers or other players—in story and battle modes. It was developed by Sonic Team and Now Production, published by Sega, and released in February 2006 in Japan and North America. It was released in Europe the following month and for Windows at the end of the year. A Game Boy Advance version developed by Backbone Entertainment was canceled.

<i>Sonic the Hedgehog</i> (2006 video game) Platform game by Sega

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2006 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It was produced in commemoration of the Sonic series' 15th anniversary and intended as a reboot for the seventh-generation video game consoles. Players control Sonic, Shadow, and the new character Silver, who battle Solaris, an ancient evil pursued by Doctor Eggman. Each playable character has his own campaign and abilities, and must complete levels, explore hub worlds and fight bosses to advance the story. In multiplayer modes, players can work cooperatively to collect Chaos Emeralds or race to the end of a level.

Dave Halverson is an American video game journalist who has been the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of GameFan, Gamers' Republic, Play, and currently the new versions of GameFan. Halverson is regarded as a well-known but a controversial and polarizing figure in video game journalism regarding his personality, actions and statements, such as his aggressive criticism of the poor reception of Golden Axe: Beast Rider by many other outlets, and also initially giving the Xbox 360 version of Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) a 9.5, which is regarded as one of the worst video games of all-time. He also reviewed anime releases, including for Gamers' Republic.

<i>Golden Axe II</i> 1991 video game

Golden Axe II is a side-scrolling beat 'em up video game developed and published by Sega, first released on the Sega Mega Drive in December 1991. It is the home console sequel to the popular game Golden Axe, marking the second game in the series, though the arcade did see a sequel of its own in 1992, titled Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder. Golden Axe II was only released on the Mega Drive, while the original was released on many other platforms. The game later appeared in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, as an iOS app on iTunes, and on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

<i>Sega Bass Fishing</i> 1997 video game

Sega Bass Fishing, also known as Get Bass, is an arcade fishing video game developed in 1997 by Sega for the Sega Model 3 hardware. The game has since been ported to the Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii.

<i>Golden Axe III</i> 1993 video game

Golden Axe III is a side-scrolling beat 'em up video game developed and published by Sega, released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan on June 25, 1993. A North American version was released only for the Sega Channel. The game was later re-released a number of times, as part of the Sega Genesis Collection for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, digitally on the Wii Virtual Console, and in the Sega Genesis Classics compilation.

<i>Sega Genesis Collection</i> Video game compilation

Sega Genesis Collection is a compilation of video games developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Sega for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. The collection includes twenty-eight Sega Genesis games from a variety of genres, as well as unlockable classic Sega arcade games, with different sets of arcade games for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. A sequel was released in 2009 called Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

<i>Golden Axe</i> Video game series

Golden Axe is a series of side-scrolling beat 'em up arcade video games developed by Sega. The series takes place in a medieval fantasy world where several heroes have the task of recovering the legendary Golden Axe, the mainstay element of the series.

<i>Sega Superstars Tennis</i> 2008 sports video game

Sega Superstars Tennis is a sports video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It is the second title in the Sega All-Stars series, preceded by Sega Superstars (2005), and crosses over characters, locations, and soundtracks from several Sega franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Channel 5, and Super Monkey Ball.

<i>Sonic Unleashed</i> 2008 video game

Sonic Unleashed is a 2008 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The story follows Sonic as he attempts to restore the world after his nemesis Doctor Eggman shatters it with a powerful laser to unleash Dark Gaia, an ancient evil, while dealing with having become a "Werehog", a werewolf-like transformation, which he gains after coming into contact with the energy of Dark Gaia. Gameplay features two distinct styles, with each being played either during daytime or nighttime. Daytime stages incorporate Sonic's traditional platforming and trademark speed, with a combination of behind-the-back third-person viewpoints and 2D side-scroller platforming; gameplay seamlessly transitions between these two views. Night-time levels see Sonic transform into the Werehog; gameplay slows down to accommodate greater platform play, and involves combat against waves of enemies using the Werehog's brute strength.

<i>Sonics Ultimate Genesis Collection</i> 2009 video game

Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection is a compilation of video games developed by Backbone Entertainment and published by Sega for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The compilation features 48 Sega games which were previously released for the Sega Genesis, arcades and the Master System. It is the sequel to the Sega Genesis Collection released previously for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable, but contains 16 more games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sega Studios San Francisco</span> American video game developer

Sega Studios San Francisco, formerly known as Secret Level, Inc., was an American video game developer based in San Francisco, California. It was founded in December 1999 by Jeremy Gordon, Otavio Good, and Josh Adams.

<i>Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing</i> 2010 video game

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is a 2010 kart racing video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It was released for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, and Windows, featuring characters from multiple Sega franchises. The game is the third title in the Sega All-Stars series, preceded by Sega Superstars Tennis. A mobile version was developed by Gameloft, and released for iOS in June 2011, as a paid download. A version for OS X was released by Feral Interactive in April 2013.

<i>Sonic Free Riders</i> 2010 video game

Sonic Free Riders is a motion controlled racing video game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Xbox 360. The game requires the use of Microsoft's Kinect peripheral and was a Kinect launch title in November 2010.

<i>Sonic Generations</i> 2011 video game

Sonic Generations is a 2011 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, and Nintendo 3DS. Produced in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, the game follows Sonic and his sidekick Tails as they form an alliance with their modern selves. It features two gameplay styles: "Classic", which plays from a side-scrolling perspective like that of the original Sega Genesis Sonic games, and "Modern", 3D levels similar to those in Sonic Unleashed (2008) and Sonic Colors (2010).

<i>Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed</i> 2012 video game

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a kart racing video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U in November 2012, for PlayStation Vita in December 2012, for Windows in January 2013, for Nintendo 3DS in February 2013, and for Android and iOS devices in January 2014. The PS3 and Wii U versions of the game were released in Japan on May 15, 2014.

References

  1. 1 2 Purchese, Robert (September 22, 2008). "New Golden Axe game gets date". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  2. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (April 3, 2006). "Sega buys Secret Level [date mislabeled as "October 14, 2008"]". GameSpot . Red Ventures. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2015.
  3. ↑ SEGA Europe. "Golden Axe: Beast Rider - Developer Diary #2 - Re-genesis". YouTube. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  4. ↑ "Sega Announces Golden Axe Coming to Next-generation Consoles". GameSpot UK. CBS Interactive. May 10, 2006. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008.
  5. ↑ "New Golden Axe concept art discovered". Sega Nerds. August 6, 2007. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007.
  6. ↑ "New Golden Axe enemy sculptures surface". Sega Nerds. July 28, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007.
  7. ↑ Ciolek, Todd (October 8, 2008). "The X Button – Complete Control". Anime News Network . Archived from the original on 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2021-11-05.
  8. ↑ "Sega confirms Golden Axe is still on track for PS3". PlayStation Universe. October 19, 2007. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  9. ↑ Grant, Christopher (May 16, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider impressions". Engadget (Joystiq). Verizon Media. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  10. ↑ "Postmortem Secret Level's Golden Axe: Beast Rider" (PDF). Game Developer . UBM Technology Group. February 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2021-11-05.
  11. ↑ https://gamecolumn.jp/blog-entry-74139.html
  12. ↑ https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/soran0627/diary/201407060000/
  13. ↑ https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/274/274958/
  14. 1 2 "Golden Axe: Beast Rider for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic . Red Ventures. Archived from the original on April 19, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  15. 1 2 "Golden Axe: Beast Rider for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  16. 1 2 Barber, Tyler (October 20, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". 1Up.com . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on June 7, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  17. ↑ Sterling, Jim (October 22, 2008). "Destructoid review: Golden Axe: Beast Rider (X360)". Destructoid . Enthusiast Gaming. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  18. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (October 17, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider (Xbox 360)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  19. 1 2 Miller, Matt (December 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider: A Franchise Returns with a Lackluster New Installment". Game Informer . No. 188. GameStop . Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  20. 1 2 3 Kim, Tae K. (December 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider". GamePro . IDG Entertainment. p. 95. Archived from the original on November 3, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  21. 1 2 Costantino, Jesse (October 27, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  22. 1 2 Watters, Chris (October 24, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". GameSpot. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review (PS3)". GameTrailers . Viacom. October 27, 2008. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  24. ↑ Zacarias, Eduardo (October 24, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider - 360 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 25, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  25. 1 2 3 Roper, Chris (October 16, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  26. ↑ Cocke, Taylor (Christmas 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider". Official Xbox Magazine . Future US. Archived from the original on October 18, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Review: Golden Axe: Beast Rider". PlayStation: The Official Magazine . No. 14. Future plc. Christmas 2008. p. 84.
  28. 1 2 Orry, Tom (October 29, 2008). "Golden Axe [Beast Rider] Review". VideoGamer.com. Resero Network. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  29. ↑ Halverson, Dave (October 2010). "Dave Talks Golden Axe". Play. Archived from the original on October 22, 2008.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.