Golden Axe: The Duel

From Sega Retro

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Golden Axe: The Duel
System(s): Sega Titan Video, Sega Saturn
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Fighting

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code

Golden Axe: The Duel (ゴールデンアックス・ザ・デュエル) is an entry in the Golden Axe series of games, and was initially released for Sega Titan Video arcade hardware in 1995. It later saw a port to the Sega Saturn.

Unlike other Golden Axe games, Golden Axe: The Duel is a 2D versus fighter. It would also be the last Golden Axe game to be released in arcades (and it would be fourteen years until another Golden Axe game would be released - Golden Axe: Beast Rider).

Story

THE AXE UNEARTHED!

Many years have passed since the last war with Death Adder.

But as memories of those dark times begin to fade, another war is beginning. Out of the mists of time, a magical axe is discovered. The legend of the axe is well known throughout the land, for it is told that this axe is the very one which Gillius Thunderhead used to slay Death Adder.

Over time the powers of the axe have grown. It is said that the artifact can grant it's owner anything his or her heart desires. Young and old, good and evil, many are drawn towards the power of the weapon. Thus begins the war of the Golden Axe...

Ten fighters remain from thousands. Select one of them and begin battling your way to claim the axe. You'll need to beat the other nine characters before you can take the prize. Each one is a talented fighter, determined to go all the way and use the axe for his or her own purposes. Better be ready, the first fighter is waiting!

Characters

Kain Blade: Orphaned by the war and found by a famous warrior, Kain Blade learned the art of swordsmanship from an early age. When his patron died attempting to save another child from fire, Kain could not accept the way his master died. Kain's whole life had been devoted to perfecting his combat skills; death by other than combat was unimaginable.

Seen as a samaritan by some, a meddler by others, Kain has taken to wandering the various provinces to help those in need. He seeks the axe in the hopes to unite the provinces of the continent and end the diabolical planes of his enemies, Zoma and Keel. They will try to stop him, but Kain is determined to win.

Milan Flare: Milan Flare is the princess of the kingdom of Winwood, and descendant of Tyris Flare (Tiris in the manual for some reason), who helped defeat Death Adder long ago. She is also the protector of the kingdom, and relies on wind magic to battle her adversaries. Though a bit young and brash, she takes her role of protector seriously and has won the confidence of her people.

The kingdom of Winwood is the most scientifically advanced of all the provinces. It is a prized jewel for many would-be leaders who could use the power of the winds. Should Milan win, the Golden Axe would be used to ensure that Winwood does not fall to foreign invaders.

Gillius Rockhead: Like Milan Flare, Gillius Rockhead comes from a family of distinguished fighters. His great-grandfather, Gillius Thunderhead, is the legendary axeman who with the mystical Golden Axe helped slay Death Adder. It's not easy living in the shadow of such an ancestor, but Gillius, too, has perfected axe-battling and has become a renowned warrior.

When news of Death Adder's reappearance reached the town of Gilliam, Gillius Rockhead was the first to prepare for war. The people of his town must not suffer again.

Zoma: Only the brave or foolish enter the Southern Plateau, a wasteland where little grows but where evil is said to thrive. This is also the home of Zoma. It is said he uses the life energies of captured travelers to sustain himself in this bleak environment.

Zoma served as an advisor to the king of Lustan, a kingdom which bordered the plateau in the ancient days. Zoma's lust for power finally forced the king to banish his former minister to the plateau. Through the centuries, Zoma has been content to live off of the energies of his prisoners. However, the announcement of the Golden Axe has stirred his lust for power once again. Zoma has stated that he will rule the continent "without mercy" when he wins.

Doc: The island of Miribar is a unique place: its ports stocked with goods and animals from distant lands, its college healers the best in the provinces. But when the man calling himself "Doc" resigned from his position at the school to seek the Golden Axe, the island folk were stunned. A healing man who fights? No one had ever quit the college before.

Doc has promised to bring the Golden Axe back to the province. This, to say the least, has caused mixed feelings. Why welcome back a man who broke his vows, even if he returns with the legendary axe?

Keel: From the northern province of Crystal comes Keel, an elf warrior determined to destroy all who oppose him. He is known throughout the provinces by many names: "Keel the Mad," "The Lancer," and "Stinging Ice" are among them. Those who travel across the tundra do so only in large numbers, for it is said Keel haunts the roads looking for prey.

His own clan has tried unsuccessfully to get rid of him, the last time by encasing him in ice. He should have perished, but after Death Adder's revival, Keel disappeared. Keel has always been ambitious, and several elves remember him vowing to one day become ruler of Crystal. Only now do they fear it's possible.

Jamm: The northeastern part of the continent is a collection of small provinces that until recently battled one another. A baby girl, born in this region, was left behind when the villagers fled as enemy troops approached her hamlet. The wilderness spirit Degaas found this baby girl and named her Jamm.

The spirit found shelter for Jamm and asked the beasts of the lands to welcome her as one of their own. Though still young and naive, Jamm has learned to survive in the wilderness, even to defend herself when necessary. She has learned a number of fighting styles from the animals, and hopes to keep what's left of the provinces for them.

Panchos: When the people of the volcano province of Blo think of a guy with a good sense of humor, they think of Panchos. When they think of a guy able to learn anything, they think of Panchos. But when Panchos headed out of town last week dressed in bright armor and loaded with large metal bombs, nobody knew what to think.

Panchos' father, an inventor, taught him from a young age the skills of his trade. But Panchos wasn't satisfied with his life, and longed for adventure. When he heard that the axe had resurfaced, he headed off. Finally, life seemed to be getting exciting.

Green: Deep in the continent's forest lived a race of giants with awesome strength. This half-human, half-plant race was attacked by Death Adder's army and all but one were killed. The lone survivor is Green, who predicted the return of Death Adder and has been preparing for it for many years.

When Green heard of the Golden Axe tale, he knew the chance to meet Death Adder face-to-face was near. Green has not forgotten the lovely Maria, who helped him escape Death Adder's clutches. Sadly, Maria disappeared after freeing Green, though he has heard she is still alive. This half-human giant hopes to defeat Death Adder in the coming battles, and through victory have his name spread far. Perhaps Maria can then find him once again...

Death Adder: To this day, little is known about Death Adder. He was believed dead after battle with Gillius Thunderhead, yet rose again to stalk the land. Twice since then he has "died" only to return again from the other side. It is widely believed now that he is not a man, but an evil spirit.

Rumors that he will fight for the axe are causing panic throughout the lands. Should Death Adder gain the Golden Axe, the continent will face an age of horror and despair.

Golden Axe: The final boss. A physical manifestation of the Golden Axe itself.

Modes

Game Start: The other fighters are lining up to take you on. Battle them one at a time in your bid to reach the final fight and claim the Golden Axe!

Vs Start: Friend, or foe? It's you against the most lethal of enemies: another human player. Don't expect any mercy from your friend in this one-match-takes-all mode.

Option: Change features of the game on the Option Mode Screen.

Version Differences

  • The music was slightly remixed for the Saturn release
  • Some animation frames are missing from the Saturn version

Production Credits

Sega Titan Video and Saturn Versions

Programmer: A.Toshikawa, H.Shimokawa, T.Takayanagi, K.Kataoka
Graphic Designer: S.Makino, Y.Endo, Y.Aoki, Y.Kawata, T.Kusunoki, N.Takahashi, S.Amano, T.Kudo, Y.Isoda, T.Akai
Composer: K.Nagai
Voice: H.Kawatsu, H.Kiuchi, Y.Nezu
Game Planner: K.Imaeda, M.Takabe
Special Thanks: K.Ohto

Saturn Version only

~In-game credits~

Voice: T.Kida
Consumer Team: T.Takayanagi, K.Imaeda, M.Takabe, M.Nomiya

~Other credits~

Producer: Erik Wahlberg
Product Manager: Seth Gerson
Lead Tester: Marc Dawson
Assistant Lead Testers: Kenneth Chan, Alex Berriero, George Kemmerex, Jeremy Caine
Manual: Marc Sherrod
Packaging Design: Three 8 Design Group
Packaging Art Director: Eric Smith
Product Specialist: Clint Dyer

Promotional Material

Physical Scans

Sega Titan Video Version

Sega Titan Video, JP

Saturn Version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
52 №11, p132-133[1]
88 №2, p92[2]
89 №48, p100-101
82 №169, p56-57[3]
80 №89
67
60 №2, p146
85 №39, p70-72[4]
84 №40, p91[5]
70
82 №64, p112
70 №74, p59
84 №52, p42-43
85 №2, p80/81[6]
Sega Saturn
77
Based on
14 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
576 KByte (HU)
76
[7]
CD Consoles (FR)
52
[1]
Consoles News (FR) PAL
88
[2]
Consoles + (FR)
89
[8]
Consoles + (FR)
87
[9]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
82
[3]
Digitiser (UK) PAL
58
[10]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
61
[11]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
79
[12]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
63
[13]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
65
[14]
GamesMaster (UK) NTSC
80
[15]
Hobby Consolas (ES) PAL
91
[16]
Intelligent Gamer (US) NTSC-U
67
[17]
Joypad (FR)
85
[18]
MAN!AC (DE) NTSC-J
67
[19]
Maximum (UK)
50
[20]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
83
[21]
Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-J
86
[22]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) NTSC-J
85
[4]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
84
[5]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
50
[23]
neXt Level (DE)
70
[24]
Player One (FR)
82
[25]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
69
[26]
Sega Magazin (DE) PAL
86
[27]
Sega News (CZ)
81
[28]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC-J
70
[29]
Sega Pro (UK) NTSC
84
[30]
Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL
85
[31]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
70
[32]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
70
[33]
Última Generación (ES)
72
[34]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
70
[35]
Sega Saturn
75
Based on
34 reviews

Golden Axe: The Duel

Saturn, US
GoldenAxeTheDuel Saturn US Box back.jpgGoldenAxeTheDuel Saturn US Box front.jpg
Cover
GoldenAxeTheDuel Saturn US Disc.jpg
Disc
Goldenaxetheduel sat us manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, EU
GoldenAxeTheDuel Saturn EU Box.jpg
Cover
Saturn, JP
GAtD Saturn JP Box Back.jpgGAtD Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
GoldenAxeTheDuel Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
GAtD Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, BR
GoldenAxeDuel Sat BR cover.jpg
Cover



Gilius Thunder Head punching sprite Golden Axe series of games
Arcade
Golden Axe (1989) | Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder (1992) | Golden Axe: The Duel (1994) | Golden Axe (slot machine) (2010)
Sega Mega Drive
Golden Axe (1989) | Golden Axe II (1991) | Golden Axe III (1993)
Sega Master System
Golden Axe (1989) | Golden Axe Warrior (1991)
Windows PC
Golden Axe (1990)
LCD handheld game
Electronic Golden Axe (1990)
Sega Game Gear
Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe (1991)
Sega Saturn
Golden Axe: The Duel (1995)
Sony PlayStation 2
Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 5: Golden Axe (2003)
Xbox 360
Sony PlayStation 3
Golden Axe: Beast Rider (2008)
iOS
Google Android OS
Golden Axe (2009) | Golden Axe (2017)
Xbox Live Arcade
Sega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe (2012)
Steam
Golden Axed: A Cancelled Prototype (2020)
Golden Axe related media
Music
Golden Axe The Music (2008) | Golden Axe I & II (2016)
Book
Sega Mega Drive Attack Manual Book Tatsujin & Golden Axe (1990) | Golden Axe (1992) | Golden Axe: Beast Rider Official Strategy Guide (2008) | The Art of Golden Axe: Beast Rider (2008)
  1. 1.0 1.1 File:CDConsoles FR 11.pdf, page 132 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CDConsoles FR 11.pdf_p132" defined multiple times with different content
  2. 2.0 2.1 File:ConsolesNews FR 02.pdf, page 92 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:ConsolesNews FR 02.pdf_p92" defined multiple times with different content
  3. 3.0 3.1 File:CVG UK 169.pdf, page 56 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CVG UK 169.pdf_p56" defined multiple times with different content
  4. 4.0 4.1 File:MeanMachinesSega39UK.pdf, page 71 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesSega39UK.pdf_p71" defined multiple times with different content
  5. 5.0 5.1 File:MeanMachinesSega40UK.pdf, page 91 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesSega40UK.pdf_p91" defined multiple times with different content
  6. File:SSM_UK_02.pdf, page 80
  7. 576 KByte, "Június 1996" (HU; 1996-xx-xx), page 20
  8. Consoles +, "Novembre 1995" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 100
  9. Consoles +, "Mai 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 140
  10. Digitiser (UK) (1996-04-17)
  11. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "July 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 26
  12. GameFan, "Volume 4, Issue 7: July 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 12
  13. Game Players, "Vol. 9 No. 8 August 1996" (US; 1996-07-09), page 72
  14. GamePro, "July 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 76
  15. GamesMaster (UK) "Series 5, episode 10" (1995-11-23, 24:00) (+10:45)
  16. Hobby Consolas, "Enero 1996" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 86
  17. Intelligent Gamer, "June 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 87
  18. Joypad, "Mai 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 64
  19. MAN!AC, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-08), page 40
  20. Maximum, "November 1995" (UK; 1995-11-xx), page 146
  21. Mega Force, "Mai 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 38
  22. Mega Fun, "11/95" (DE; 1995-10-18), page 80
  23. Next Generation, "August 1996" (US; 1996-07-23), page 94
  24. neXt Level, "Juni 1996" (DE; 1996-05-15), page 73
  25. Player One, "Mai 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 116
  26. Saturn Fan, "1995 December" (JP; 1995-11-08), page 60
  27. Sega Magazin, "Januar 1996" (DE; 1995-12-13), page 78
  28. Sega News, "Leden 1997" (CZ; 1997-xx-xx), page 15
  29. Sega Power, "January 1996" (UK; 1995-11-16), page 59
  30. Sega Pro, "December 1995" (UK; 1995-11-02), page 42
  31. Sega Saturn Magazine, "December 1995" (UK; 1995-11-24), page 80
  32. Sega Saturn Magazine, "October 1995" (JP; 1995-09-08), page 177
  33. Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 15
  34. Última Generación, "Diciembre 1995" (ES; 1995-1x-xx), page 94
  35. VideoGames, "August 1996" (US; 1996-07-xx), page 62