• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2008
Metascore

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 30 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

  • Summary: Golden Axe: Beast Rider delivers action-RPG thrills as a small band of Riders embark on an epic adventure to recruit allies, expose the enemy and prevent the annihilation of their breed. Delivering an intense and unique combat experience, players charge into battle on the backs of ferocious beasts or take their chances with the enemy while on foot. Fighting skill, wits and even magic are all called into action as players immerse themselves in the struggle to defeat an evil intent on enslaving the remains of civilization. [Sega] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 30
  2. Negative: 17 out of 30
  1. The graphics and sound are great, and the numerous challenges and arena modes offer some diversity. If you're up for a quick hack-and-slash game, rent it. If you want a game with depth, however, this Axe needs sharpening.
  2. Golden Axe: Beast Rider isn’t a very good game. It’s not quite as bad as some critics have claimed – it can be fun for a little while, and the combat system is relatively ambitious – but it’s certainly not worth your $60.
  3. The problem comes when you stare too long: there are constant screen tearing and randomly dropped frames.
  4. 45
    Golden Axe: Beast Rider had the potential to be the second coming of the Golden Axe franchise, instead it left fans of the long-running series mulling over what could have been.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 4 out of 7
  1. 9
    Okay, I'm very surprised about these reviews. It's 2012 now, btw, so the game is cheap. Keep in mind that I paid $20 for it, not $60.

    First
    , I love the style. There have been so many shooter clones lately that it's beginning to grow stale. Every rpg now is like an mmo, but often without the multiplayer. That's not how it was back in 2007 with the consoles in their peak, but right now as of 2012 the originality has really degraded.

    Because of this, it's amazingly fun to play in a world this original. As an interview with one of the devs once stated, they wanted to make this world a reality. Yeah, there's cleavage and skimpy male clothes, but they're in the desert. Male to female skimpiness is roughly equal, so I have to disagree with the people criticizing it for that.

    The combat is quick and responsive, and while the game is mostly linear, there are quite a few extra features which allow you to use your unlocked gear. The game is rendered at 1080p, which is a welcome change from the usual outdated 720p. Back in 2007 I guess most people didn't have 1080p tvs for their PS3, but now having 1080p really shows.

    Above simple gameplay aspects, in which the game is easily sufficient, the lore and style of the world is great in its realization and attention to detail. I'd have to say that the best parts of the game revolve around the environment and how it influences the game. Furthermore, though the game was criticized for graphics at launch with usually 720p, it holds up well now at 1080p, and the sparse desert environments look realistic since you can only see the full texture detail and compensate for a lack of texture filtering with 1080p or higher.

    In general, the game held up with age better than most other franchises. I'm getting tired of everyone pumping out identical sequel after sequel with no changes. I've paid for [what are essentially] some of the same games a few times in a row (CoD anyone?), so getting something so unique in art direction and gameplay is well worth the $20 I paid and then some.
    Expand
  2. AllanD
    8
    As others have stated this game is underrated. OK so it's not the next Eldar Scrolls but the graphics are great. If you've played Conan you'll know what to expect, there's a lot less combos on offer but this is made up for with the coutering system which I won't go in to here - but if you can master it, it's as satifying a game mechanic as you're likely to find. Really hope there is a sequel! (And to SEGA, leave out the Barbarian and the dwarf, just put in more customisation for Tyris!) I paid £8 pre-owned. If you see this game for less than a tenner, grab it. Expand
  3. Golden Axe tries to bring back the memories but fails to deliver the same quality as the other Golden Axe games. You play as Tyris, there is also other characters that make guest appearances. The combat is just bland and uninteresting. The game just doesn't feel like it lives up to it's past. The game runs nice though and the graphics aren't that bad for a 2008 video game. The game is not that bad it just doesn't feel like the same. Expand
  4. Funkymonk
    4
    As a big fan of the classic original I can only express dissapointment at this update. The gamplay is repetitive, the fighting flawed and apart from a few of the characters it doesn't even have much in common with the original. Do not buy this. Not even at a bargin bin price and especially not if you have a soft spot for the old Golden Axe. You're the ones who would be most let down. Expand

See all 7 User Reviews