Sega Nerds

Golden Axe is heading to Virtual Console Arcade

Posted by George. Filed under Arcade, George, Japan, Nintendo Wii, Retro, Virtual Console. Tagged with Golden Axe, Milk, Port, Virtual Console Arcade.

Seems that Sega has now decided to port the arcade version of Golden Axe to Nintendo’s Virtual Console Arcade. The game is set to be released in Japan on June 23rd for 800 points.

The rating has also gone up. The Genesis/Mega Drive version was rated CERO A (all ages) in Japan, this one will be rated CERO B (12 and up).

To celebrate the release of the game, Sega will be printing special Golden Axe shirts. See the design below, it will feature a pixel art look. The shirt will cost 3,990 yen (about $41USD).

[Source: Game Watch]
[Thanks: STORM!]

Golden Axe slashes its way onto iPhones

Posted by George. Filed under George, Retro, Worldwide. Tagged with Golden Axe, iPhone, iPod Touch, iTunes.

Sega has released Golden Axe on the iPhone and iPod Touch devices this morning. This is a port of the Genesis/Mega Drive version and not the arcade version. Just like Sonic the Hedgehog, that was released last month, it will play with a virtual d-pad and buttons.

I don’t think I have to go into detail about what Golden Axe is about, since I think we all have played the game and its countless ports. The game will set you back $4.99. The game does not feature multiplayer support, so the game will be a solo mission.

[Source: TouchArcade]
[Thanks: SupaSega]

Review: Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection

Posted by Graham. Filed under Europe, G, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, News, Retro, Review, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Altered Beast, Classic, Golden Axe, Kid Chameleon, Phantasy Star, Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection, Shining Force, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, Streets of Rage.

As you should all be aware, the Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection, or Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection if you live stateside, is a vast compilation of classic Mega Drive titles on one disc.

But is this really the “Ultimate” collection of Mega Drive titles?  Or just the ultimate déjà vous?

Sega Vintage Collection titles coming to PSN?

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, News, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Downloads, Golden Axe, PSN, Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Vintage Collection.

According to IGN, a few Sega titles have appeared on the latest ESRB list and are said to be coming out for the PS3.  The titles mentioned are Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - three of the Mega Drive titles already available on XBLA under the “Vintage Collection” title.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Sega was intending to release them on the Playstation service, I’m actually surprised that they haven’t done it already.  It hasn’t been confirmed, however, if these titles will still fall under the “Vintage Collection” or if they will just be released as they are.  Not that it really matters, the Vintage Collection title doesn’t really change the games at all.

But could it be too late for Sega to release the games on the PSN?  They have been out on XBLA for some time now, and had a decent chance to get some sales.  But with the Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on it’s way, how many Playstation 3 owners will really buy these individuals titles, when you can get over 40 games for just a little bit more?

[Source: IGN]

Review: Golden Axe: Beast Rider

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, Review, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Beast Rider, Golden Axe, Secret Level.

“Golden Axe is one of our most treasured brands and is a complete re-imagining of the story that will take gamers on an unforgettable journey,” said Scott Steinberg, vice president of marketing at Sega of America, during the game’s announcement at E3 2006. “The vision we have for the remake of Golden Axe is nothing short of remarkable, and it can only be realized on the PS3 and Xbox 360.”

Ever since Golden Axe: Beast Rider was first announced, fans of the series have been anxiously awaiting its release, and for many Sega Nerds, it’s been one of this year’s most anticipated titles.

Now, that wait is over thanks to developer Secret Level’s shot at re-establishing the Golden Axe franchise as a household name. Will Steinberg’s lofty expectations be met and recapture the hearts of gamers like the original, or will it disappoint like so many other classic remakes?

Golden Axe: Beast Rider - Tyris trailer

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, News, Sony PlayStation 3, Video. Tagged with Beast Rider, Gameplay, Golden Axe, Secret Level, Trailer.

Sega has released another Golden Axe: Beast Rider trailer, this one focuses on Tyris… in particular her attire.

The trailer is a montage of clips from the game, showing off Tyris in some of the clothes she wears in the game, and some of the different weapons she carries.  Although the video doesn’t have any narration or subtitles to explain everything, it looks like you will be able to wear her outfit from the original Golden Axe - her white bikini with the red trim.  Saucy.

If this tickles your fancy, the game was released yesterday in the US, and is due to hit European stores this Friday. But if you are unsure and want to wait, then stay tuned as we should have out review of the game here very soon.

[Source: Sega PR]

Golden Axe: Beast Rider gameplay

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, News, Video. Tagged with Beast Rider, Gameplay, Golden Axe, Hands on, Secret Level.

The folks over at TeamXbox have been able to get their hands on the new Golden Axe game, giving out some first impressions of the game, plus some video footage.  Annoyingly the video quality has been somewhat reduced by YouTube, you can watch the better looking videos here.

While the hands-on impressions given are quite short, they do sound pretty positive on the game.  Nothing too gushing, but I definitely got a positive vibe about the game from them.  

One thing I am glad to see in the game is limb severing, it always adds that little extra something to a fighting game, when you can cut someone in half.  Also, notice that when Death Adder’s underlings die, they turn to stone - just like in the original arcade version of Golden Axe.

Check after the break for the second video and some of their impressions.

Golden Axe: Beast Rider - Krommath trailer

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, News, Sony PlayStation 3, Video. Tagged with Beast Rider, Gameplay, Golden Axe, Secret Level, Trailer.

Sega Europe has just released a new gameplay video focusing on one of the beasts featured in Golden Axe: Beast Rider, the “Krommath.”

According to Secret Level, the Krommath are very elephantine; slow to maneuver, but have a powerful attack that needs to be planned to use effectively.  Each beast has three sets of special moves, to take down anything foolish enough to get in their way.

Krommath moves:

• Quick strike: A slow, area-of-effect stomp. 
• Powerful strike:Forward charge.  
• Special attack: Shockwave

I know many of you are torn on this, but I still think the game looks as though it can be fun.  Let’s just hope the beast riding idea works out well.

[Source: Sega PR]

Golden Axe: Beast Rider mini documentary

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, News, Sony PlayStation 3, Video. Tagged with Beast Rider, Gametrailers, Golden Axe, Secret Level.

A new mini documentary for Golden Axe: Beast Rider has been released on Gametrailers.

The video talks about the origin of the Golden Axe games, featuring the creator Golden Axe and President of Sega China, Makoto Uchida, plus the team working on Beast Rider.

It’s quite an interesting watch, especially as a few of the comments reflect some of what I said in my recent article on Golden Axe.

It was also interesing to hear that Makoto Uchida only worked on Golden Axe 1 and The Revenge of Death Adder - which many consider to be the best (yes I know some of you love Golden Axe 2 more, for some reason). Also that the movie Conan, helped to inspire the idea behind Golden Axe.

[Source: Gametrailers]

G-Spot: Is making Golden Axe: Beast Rider a bad idea?

Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, News, Nintendo Wii, Retro, Sony PlayStation 2. Tagged with G-Spot, Golden Axe, Master System, MegaDrive, Saturn, XBLA.

There comes a time in every Sega Nerd’s life when you have to question what Sega is doing with their classic franchises.  This could be something as basic as “Why haven’t they made a new game of X, Y or Z.”  [X, Y and Z of course being Shenmue, Skies of Arcadia and Panzer Dragoon Saga ;o) ]

Or it could be the question - “Is releasing a new game of *blank* actually a good idea, or will it ruin the franchise?”  

It happened with NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, some people ended up loving the game and others berate it for not being similar enough to or as good as the original.

In this case, game *Blank* is Golden Axe: Beast Rider.

There has been a bit of rift amongst gamers and Sega Nerds with the upcoming Golden Axe game.  It all first came about, when it was announced that the game would only feature Tyris Flare as a playable character, and none of the other main characters which made the series famous.

But I think people should sit down and have a look back at just what the Golden Axe series actually entails.