Golden Axe II (Sega Mega Drive / Genesis review)

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Released: 1991

Golden Axe II is a side-scrolling hack 'n' slash and the sequel to the 1989 Sega Mega Drive / Genesis original.

+ Combat is just as satisfying as the original, and being able to lure foes into instant death pits is great fun.

+ Added ability to throw enemies in both directions toward their own squad is entertaining and helps you clear crowds quicker.

+ The excellent new mechanic of holding down the magic button to dictate its strength level affords you lots of strategic options.

+ The music is some of the best on the console with epic sounding tracks that trigger feelings of bleakness and isolation.

- The level design doesn't add anything new to the established formula and feels like a retread of the previous game.

- Not enough variety in the bosses and there aren't any memorable moments or set-pieces to give the game its own identity.

- As you progress, regular enemies take more damage and at times it's a real grind just to get the screen scrolling ahead.