Golden Axe Warrior for Sega Master System - Review | hungrygoriya

[@Bofner]

Just played through this one over the weekend. Wow. It's been a loooong time since I've found myself REALLY engrossed in a game. These days I'll typically play a game for maybe an hour at a time before needing to turn my attention to something else, but with Golden Axe Warrior, I found the hours just flying by as I played it. You're totally right, you don't need a guide to play it. It holds up incredibly well, and looks and plays marvelously, not just for an 8-bit game. Really glad I gave this one a chance

[@hungrygoriya]

I'm glad you did too! Congrats on making it through!

[@patrickcole7896]

Loved that peek at your hand-drawn map on grid paper! Reminds me of some good ol' pre-internet days where all you had to rely on was your own ingenuity to complete a game.

[@hungrygoriya]

Thank you! I debated whether or not to include it because I didn't want to spoil anything, but the map-making was one of my favourite parts of this adventure. I recently played through Metroid and that game was a nightmare to map because it wasn't so grid-like.

[@patrickcole7896]

@@hungrygoriya I had gridpaper maps tucked into my box for the original phantasy star. Good times. Hey, while I've got your attention, I don't suppose I could convince you to play Pool of Radiance for the NES, could I? I bet you get tons of requests/suggestions for stuff to play, but I can't help but selfishly recommend stuff I have powerful nostalgia for. I think your patience and chill commentary would make for an enjoyable LP of it.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@patrickcole7896 It's something I'll definitely consider, sure! I don't currently own it but I will see if I can find a copy and go from there. A quick look tells me it's right up my alley :D

[@patrickcole7896]

@@hungrygoriya it's a little complicated with old-school Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, but the story and exploration aspects are pretty solid. If you're still super into sega master system games, have you played Psycho Fox or Cyborg Hunter?

[@hungrygoriya]

@@patrickcole7896 I'll definitely keep an eye out for it next time I go game hunting. Thanks for the suggestion! I just picked up Psycho Fox this summer and haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Cyborg Hunter is something I've never heard of before. I'll look into that one. Also a platformer I take it?

[@briansmith1288]

This channel is awesome because I'm seeing stuff I loved and stuff I never knew existed.

[@hungrygoriya]

Right on! I'm glad to bring you some new stuff!

[@colinsmith5879]

I'm new to the channel, and have become recently obsessed with the Master System (like many American kids I just grew up with NES as far as 8 bit consoles, never even played a real Master System). Yours is my new favorite game review channel, the videos are all well done and researched and Ive already discovered several new (to me) games here that I love. You deserve more views and I wish you and your channel the best of luck! 🖖

[@hungrygoriya]

Too kind! I'm happy you found me! Enjoy :)

[@VossenMedia]

I never knew this game existed. I am 100% going to give it a play-through. I love finding entire channels I never knew existed during times like this. Great job and keep up the good work.

[@hungrygoriya]

Thank you very much for your kind words, and I hope you enjoy Golden Axe Warrior! It's so much fun!

[@Njuregen]

My friend and I played this back in the day and it was awesome!

[@peterfemiak638]

Excellent video and game, I never drew any maps, that was the challenge that I had to remember the map square by square, but it made the map for me with repetition. I love this game! Thank you and your commentary is very professional, I appreciate it!😊

[@hungrygoriya]

Oh wow! I got pretty turned around in some of the dungeons without maps so kudos to you for being able to do it without drawing anything. And thank you very much for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Unholy_Louie]

I started collecting SMS games less than a year ago. I never had one growing up, and wanted something different. Anyway, while researching titles I came across your awesome reviews several times, and this is the review that made me subscribe. You do an amazing job with your videos and have a very soothing voice. Thank you and please keep it up :D!

[@hungrygoriya]

Hey thanks very much :) Congratulations on starting up a collection. I've been hunting games for this system for about 5 or 6 years now and there's so much to discover. I've been trying to shine some light on the highlights as I play through some of the games, so I'm glad there are other folks interested in the console and what it has to offer.

[@jkbenedict]

I just discovered this channel and I love your taste in games. Master System? Yup, my first system. Zillion changed my life!

[@hungrygoriya]

Welcome! I'm happy you stumbled on in here! I really need to play Zillion one of these days. I've heard such good things about it. I wish I'd had a Master System as a kid, but better late than never I guess.

[@elvis723]

I love Zillion

[@Obenfiquista81]

Wow, this console seems so underrated! Got to make some more research into it. I just found this game in one of those sites where you can play roms on your browser and couldn't believe this was real since i have been playing the NES Zelda version as well hehe

[@hungrygoriya]

Well, if you ever want some more recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. Golvellius is another game people call a "Zelda-like", and while it's similar, it's also very different in a lot of ways. It might be worth checking into! Enjoy the dive into the Master System. It's been a few years now, and I'm still finding out about great games.

[@Obenfiquista81]

@@hungrygoriya It's strange that this console wasn't very famous around it's time tough. Here in portugal there were this collectible stickers from a cake like thing called bollycao, and in each one there was a sticker from a Sega game. So i remember a lot of really nice master system stickers from games i never even seen to this day. But Sega and Nintendo were always very good at designing those sort of things i guess heeh. Ty for the videos, great channel!

[@Obenfiquista81]

www.olx.pt/anuncio/cromos-bollycao-sega-IDzLiRz.html In case you want to take a look at the stickers... They were small size versions of the game covers.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@Obenfiquista81 Wow! I never knew about those stickers... they'd be really neat to see. I would've been all over that as a kid! And thanks about the channel. I'm glad you and others are enjoying it :)

[@Hadriex]

Gonna have to give this one a try sometime.

[@hungrygoriya]

I hope you like it!

[@ldlrdrllrr]

My fav game of all time! So much of my childhood is in this title. One big hint is holding the attack button down a moving the gamepad will allow you to turn on a dime. Getting used to it takes time but completely makes the control that much better.

[@hungrygoriya]

Yeah the pivoting is really helpful! I don't think I knew that it existed while I was playing through this.

[@mpwest929]

This is a fantastic review. Your voice is very smoothing. Instantly relaxing!

[@hungrygoriya]

Hey thanks! I loved this game!

[@christianavaria1842]

Because of your fun review, I'm hyped to play this game. Dusted to old PS3 and ready to go...that voice you did for the reviewer was funny.

[@hungrygoriya]

Right on! I hope you enjoy your time with it. There's definitely a lot to love! I always chuckle when I hear that part of the video... it was a last minute decision to do a voice and you can tell, hahaha

[@DanishSegaGamer]

It was my favorite game when I was a kid. Never drew a map, but when I play it today I still remember where everything is and all the secrets. A remaster of this would be awesome. Or just a release on Switch

[@hungrygoriya]

Yeah! I'd love for more people to get to experience this one.

[@TheBoneHeadClan]

I enjoyed the genuineness of this review video.

[@hungrygoriya]

All I can be is honest. Thanks so much!

[@truskinboy]

such great nostalgia for this game

[@hungrygoriya]

I wish I'd gotten to play it when I was young.

[@chadk321]

Been wanting to play this for years

[@hungrygoriya]

I hope you'll have an opportunity to try it some day. It's a blast!

[@Ravenprose]

I played through this game back in 1992. Took me several months to finish. Great game! Great review!

[@hungrygoriya]

It's a tricky game at times but it definitely never stopped feeling fun for me. And thanks very much :)

[@RedAuxPDX]

Now I want to play this game! It’s so fun to fall in love with a new game from the past where you have no nostalgia for it.

[@hungrygoriya]

I'm honestly head over heels for it! I hope you can play it sometime. I think you'd really enjoy it.

[@lurkerninethousand2591]

Hey RedAux I’ve been meaning to tell you it’s an unlockable game in Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3.

[@BudStudmuffin]

You're a huge nerd with your hand drawn maps, it's inspiring. voice over is great too

[@hungrygoriya]

Thanks on all fronts!

[@KaskelotenZebbe]

The game was actually not translated, as it was never released in Japan. I just beat it and fully agree with you. I had some problems with the hit detection, but I guess it can't be avoided on 8-bit hardware. Other than that, top notch game.

[@princepsnamque1709]

Need to play it!

[@hungrygoriya]

Enjoy it if you do! It's a great one!

[@mattlockwood6089]

I just got a sega power base converter and bought master of darkness and double dragon. I want to get golden axe warrior it looks amazing and your review is what I expected it to be. I just have to come to terms with price tag now

[@hungrygoriya]

Congratulations on your power base converter! I'm glad you'll be diving into the Master System library. It's sad at how expensive Golden Axe Warrior is these days, but I could say that for a lot of games I postponed buying. It was far from cheap when I was shopping for it back in 2016 but that doesn't lessen the blow for anyone looking to get into it now. Thankfully there are still a lot of affordable games for the system. I hope you can find a deal on it! Happy hunting!

[@WalrusFPGA]

I am somehow just discovering your channel, and just wanted to say thanks for the great reviews/recommendations on games. I've discovered a lot from your videos. Ace channel.

[@hungrygoriya]

That's very high praise. Thanks so much! I'm happy you're enjoying your time here.

[@VERMISIMILITUDE]

Just so many great moments I had with this!! Great review style!!

[@hungrygoriya]

I'm not sure how I missed your comment, but thanks so much! I had a great time with this game!

[@Gobblin215]

Amazing review! Once again, very well spoken, and you gave so much information. So detailed! I had no idea this game existed .

[@hungrygoriya]

You're too kind! Thank you! I hope you'll be able to play it sometime. It's one of my favourite games now, without question!

[@josephchurchill6720]

The Game-Gear Golden Axe, "Axe Battler" is crazy good, too. It's a top-down RPG until random fights and dungeons trigger side-scrolling stages

[@hungrygoriya]

I have it but unfortunately have no way to play and capture gameplay from a Game Gear at the moment :(

[@Kain5th]

Its basically a zelda 2 clone but also just as good

[@NefariousWes]

You definitely sold me on this game. Luckily, I have it on the Genesis collection on PS3. It looks so much like Zelda I just know that I'll enjoy it. Watching this video just makes me wanna do that race even more. Excellent review!

[@hungrygoriya]

If you couldn't tell, I loved this game! It's hard to capture exactly how warm and fuzzy I get for this one given my love for NES Zelda. It's like they just continued that game but made it prettier and introduced new tools. I hope you'll stream it sometime! And yes... that race will definitely be fun :)

[@Inkbot01]

What a great review. Very glad I stumbled upon your channel

[@hungrygoriya]

Thanks very much! I'm glad you found me!

[@LoverBoy-im7xv]

This game looks amazing. The one that gave this a bad review is a total goob.

[@hungrygoriya]

Goobery at its finest!

[@kainemaxwell]

I need to play this now. Darn you.

[@dragonator1012]

You can play it on sonics ultimate genesis collection on the xbox 360 or ps3

[@gregnavarro2892]

Never heard of this game. I played Spy vs Spy🤔🙃😊

[@weeblespleen]

I love the voice you gave the bland review person

[@hungrygoriya]

Yaaaay! I didn't think I could possibly sound more bland, but hey. There it is :D

[@maximpact24]

Wonderful review Goriya. I think I'll make it my new year's resolution to beat it. Good work!

[@hungrygoriya]

Thank you :) I can't say enough how good this game is. I went in with low expectations and came out totally blown away. I look forward to hearing what you think about it.

[@irishxero]

Great retrospective. I loved this game back in the day playing it with my brother on our black and white TV for hours and I loved the music

[@hungrygoriya]

Thanks! This was one of the best surprises I've had exploring the Master System library. It exceeded every expectation I had. I'm happy you got to experience it as a kid... I'm sure I would have loved it too.

[@irishxero]

@@hungrygoriya the master system was my first real console, more specifically the MS2 with Alex Kidd in miracle world pre-imstalled. Most of my time was with golden axe and Spellcaster (another good video by the way)

[@hungrygoriya]

@@irishxero Right on! That's awesome... I rarely run into people who had the wonderful experience of growing up with an SMS. I know a single person in my real life that had one! SpellCaster was a really fun game despite some of its little flaws. Thanks so much for checking that out as well!

[@irishxero]

@@hungrygoriya I made the call and choose it over an nes because it looked cooler, black and came with the super cool looking light phaser with operation wolf

[@hungrygoriya]

@@irishxero It is a really slick looking system! My family got an NES when I was four or five, so I didn't have much of a say in it. I was happy though!

[@lurkerninethousand2591]

I have this game in my PS3 version of Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection and started playing it after watching your review. Thanks to current events I have some extra time at home.

[@hungrygoriya]

Well I hope you have a great time with it! I've been enjoying more games lately with everything going on too. Happy gaming!

[@syedali2143]

Great review. This is a excellent game I just completed recently and was surprised how fun it is.

[@hungrygoriya]

I thought it was pretty great as well. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@cachos-story-lab]

Ok, so opening music from Faxanadu, love for RPGs that started with Zelda 1, and we're looking at an adventure version of Golden Axe... Subbed!

[@hungrygoriya]

Thank you! Faxanadu's one of my favourite NES games.

[@cachos-story-lab]

@@hungrygoriya likewise. You know a long time ago I saw this really amazing graphic art from a scene of Faxanadu, and there are amazing renditions of its music. Finally someone tried expanding the game ... Just wish that someone did something like the Zelda NES with HD for Faxanadu using those ideas as the foundation. Just imagine an expanded version of this wonderful scenery with a richly detailed graphic layout staying true to it's somewhat sober aesthetic and an exquisite orchestral / chamber series of interpretations of those pieces that sound like a mix between Mussorgsky, Ravel, Gentle Giant and Genesis.. I sincerely think as far as I'm concerned it would be the crowning achievement of the 8 bit era.

[@NIXIEPIXIE]

new subscriber just picked up an SMS a week ago and your review sold me on this game

[@hungrygoriya]

Congrats on the new Master System! This game's fantastic and I hope you enjoy it when you get around to playing it. What else are you thinking of picking up?

[@NIXIEPIXIE]

@@hungrygoriya well i picked up a master everdrive and a light phaser

[@PragmatikReviews]

Had to check you out after your nice comment on Nefarious video and how you narrated his recent video (totally jealous!) I have to agree that dialogue in this period were scarcely so helpful. I loved your voice for the comment on this game. This one looks like a fun adventure that I'd like to check out! Good work!

[@hungrygoriya]

Thanks so much for wandering on over and for your kindness! I really fell in love with the Master System a few years ago and am a little sad that I'm nearing the end of the games I picked up to play for the system. This one especially was so wonderful, and I'm grateful that I still have a lot of the Zelda series to play through.

[@PragmatikReviews]

@@hungrygoriya Cant wait to hear your opinions on them!

[@VERMISIMILITUDE]

This was my first ever Master System game!!!! Superb!!!

[@hungrygoriya]

I honestly wish it had been one of my first as well, or that I'd had a chance to play it as a kid. My first Master System RPG was Miracle Warriors, and that was also a real treat!

[@VERMISIMILITUDE]

Hungry Goriya omg! Miracle Warriors!!!😱😱😱😱 Now I have to look that up again after all these years!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@chutton988]

A lovely review, thank you! I'm slowly working my way though action adventures and simply must play this next (I've done the first two Zeldas and the Neutopias). I laughed out loud at your "reviewer" voice and little delightful quips.

[@hungrygoriya]

Oh you absolutely must play this game if you're a fan of the first Zelda especially. I've heard of Neutopia (didn't know there were more than one!), but Golden Axe Warrior takes the cake. I try not to spoil too much in my reviews so I hope you'll have a great time with it. And thanks :D I can just imagine an unimpressed person making those kinds of statements whereas I would've been over the moon at playing something so awesome!

[@chutton988]

Yeah, thanks for not spoiling things. :) I'm sure to get to it. G.A.W. is a big reason why I bought Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection last year, so it's been on my mind for awhile. Was gonna do ALttP next but this review changed that.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@chutton988 Well for what it's worth, I think you'll really like it. I know you already listened to me gush over the game, but I played it twice in the same few months, watched someone else play through it, and I'd be willing to play it again at this very moment. That's saying quite a bit! I hope you love it too.

[@chutton988]

Goodness, you're really lavish in your praise of this game... --Tell you what, I'm doing some Hal Laboratory games right now (and Castlevania Chronicle) but will start Golden Axe Warrior as soon as one of those is done. Will let you know what I think! (Disclaimer: I game very little so it could be months) Thanks for responding and for the contagious enthusiasm! :D

[@hungrygoriya]

@@chutton988 It's my pleasure. Good luck with the gaming expedition. Looking forward to hearing back whenever you get there.

[@CloudLXXXV]

I have never heard of this game before. Had good fun with the main Golden Ace games. Seeing one looking like Zelda is pretty mind-blowing tbh 😁 Looks incredible as well! Great video, subbed 😃

[@hungrygoriya]

Thanks for subscribing! If you ever have the chance to play this one, please don't pass it up. I've played Golden Axe on the Genesis and enjoyed it quite a bit while I could stay alive, of course...

[@Warlikefury]

Fantastic Review! Sub earned!

[@hungrygoriya]

Thanks so much :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@docstrangelove1347]

I agree so much, what a great game. Replayed it recently, also probably the first time in 20 years that I actually grabbed paper and pencil to draw a map and make notes.

[@hungrygoriya]

I'm so happy you had a good time with it. My memory's like a sieve so I absolutely needed to draw maps to keep everything straight.

[@docstrangelove1347]

@@hungrygoriya I mean, I highly recommend everyone to draw a map and make notes in this game, it will save you an awful lot of time because it's so big. Zelda could be an arse but it had "only" 128 overworld screens while GAW had 225. A little macabre detail I kinda loved was when visiting sacked villages. You searched the houses full of massacred townsfolk, full of corpses and skeletons, but it just played the regular happy/cutesy town music. It's so absurd and awful haha.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@docstrangelove1347 I knoooow... that music was such a contrast in those ravaged homes. It was a strange touch.

[@kazvall8157]

Just stumbled upon your channel, good stuff, subscribed!

[@AnthonyFlack]

That was an outstanding bundle of games to score all together. Nice.

[@hungrygoriya]

I was really grateful to find them all in one place.

[@ReinMixTape]

While the SMS was the first console I ever seen and the first I ever played (SMS model 2 belonging to my cousin.) It was the Genesis/Mega Drive that was the first console my parents got me and my brothers. So I missed out on all of the SMS bar Sonic 1. It's amazing to see the quality games the system had that I missed out on a child. I recently got a lot of good SMS games, which included Golden Axe Warrior... and other titles like Yis the vanished omens (nothing like the bundle of games you got which was impressive.) My acquisitions need new save batteries, but that's expected of such old games. So that's another lot of games I need to pay someone to replace batteries. With that said... your review makes me really want to get into this game. For the time being though I've got Axe Battler for the GG which I can play in the mean time. The one hit knocking you out of combat is a bit jarring though.

[@hungrygoriya]

I'm glad you're discovering it now as well! There is a lot of quality to be found there and a lot to be enjoyed. Most of the stuff I've played and loved has been imported (I'm in Canada). I will say that if you are delving into the library and looking for new experiences, make sure you check worldwide since most games have no problem being played outside of their intended region. Good luck with the battery swaps and the rest of Ax Battler! I need to play that one. I did recently enjoy Defenders of Oasis for the Game Gear. Definitely worth a playthrough if you like turn-based RPGs even a little bit.

[@ReinMixTape]

@@hungrygoriya I too recently played through Defender of Oasis (two weeks ago), it's great. Finding a game like that on the GG really took me by surprise. The art on the game cart for the western release really didn't do it justice. I believe it spawned a sequel on the Genesis/Mega Drive game and a Saturn game of it too. Though I've yet to come across copies of those sequels, yet. But when I do I'll buy them. There's also Crystal Warrior on the GG which I need to play after Axe Battler. Thank you, there's more 'fun' times ahead battery wise. I'll need to do the same when I finally find copies of Shining Force 2 & 3 as well as Phantasy Star 3 & 4 haha. Your videos are awesome :)

[@lawrenceriitano7515]

I have never played any of the Sega Master games, but this one looks good. It looks just like Zelda for nes

[@hungrygoriya]

Saying there are similarities is an understatement, but it's really a mix of Zelda 1 and 2 but with better colours and more fun in many ways, if you ask me.

[@rjc276]

Brilliant review. You got talent 👍🏻

[@hungrygoriya]

Hey thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@mickeytrue2658]

What is the music playing the background in most of this video? I know I’ve heard it before but can’t place it

[@hungrygoriya]

All the music here is from this game, but you're probably thinking of the music from Golden Axe, the brawler game. This is an offshoot of that series.

[@moverofobjects]

Awesome video as usual!

[@TopSpot123]

What a wonderfully well done review. I bought Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection specifically because it includes this game. Unfortunately I haven't actually made an effort to play through it yet. Your review really makes me want to start it today, right now in fact! (Too bad I'm at work 😫)

[@hungrygoriya]

I hope you'll get going on it as soon as possible. It's definitely one of my favourite games now. Let me know what you think when you get rolling!

[@THESHMUPMASTER]

Wow. This looks great! I had no idea it existed..

[@hungrygoriya]

Honestly, play it any way you can. It's one of the best games I've ever played.

[@jorymil]

The people talking your horns remind me of the "Pay me for the door repair" man from Zelda 1.

[@hungrygoriya]

Yeah! I never actually ran into any of those guys in Zelda 1 before I ran into them in Golden Axe Warrior, and I've been playing Z1 since I was a kid!

[@TheMultiGunMan]

I've been wanting this game for awhile now. It's definitely on my list.

[@JohnMarineTube]

"Grumble, grumble..." :) Great video! "Golden Axe Warrior" has lots of similarities to "The Legend of Zelda." However, this game is purely unique despite the similar nature. I played it in "Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection" and think this game did things even better than the famed first Zelda. Total facts expressed here. This review was done as beautifully as your voice.

[@hungrygoriya]

Yeah, it felt like a brand new spin on the Zelda formula and took everything I loved about it, but also was different enough all at the same time. I'm glad you had the opportunity to play it!

[@TeslasTeaParty]

I spent hundreds of hours playing this game as a kid, this Black belt and Ninja were the games I never forgot about about! As far as I'm aware I was the only person out of my friend's that had this game. For me this was the perfect balance between action/puzzle and was sadly underrated. In fact I think I'm gonna see if somebody has this for sale on ebay as I'd like to revisit it again.

[@TeslasTeaParty]

On second thoughts perhaps not! the cheapest one I could find was up for £150 so maybe not that underrated after all! Lol

[@hungrygoriya]

@@TeslasTeaParty Unfortunately it's pretty expensive. It'll rarely pop up for a good price but I haven't seen a deal in a long time. It is hidden away on an XBox collection as an unlockable game if you have that option?

[@TeslasTeaParty]

@@hungrygoriya unfortunately not, I'm sure it'll pop up at some point if not I could buy it for crazy money and then sell it for crazy money once I've finished with it, so hopefully I shouldn't lose anything on it.

[@jacobjanzuurbier2837]

Fantastic gem for the Sega Master System!

[@hungrygoriya]

It's a fantastic game. I like it as much as I like Zelda 1.

[@dusthastricks]

10/10 reviewer voice, HG!

[@hungrygoriya]

Much appreciated!

[@Phantasystar77]

I didn't know you were on here, instant follow :)

[@hungrygoriya]

Awww thanks :) How did you come to know of the channel?

[@Phantasystar77]

@@hungrygoriya I was looking for a Golden Axe Warrior video to send another Twitch friend of mine.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@Phantasystar77 Well, that's really cool!! If you ended up choosing mine, I hope your friend enjoyed.

[@Komagb]

What's the game in the upper right corner at 10:13?

[@Komagb]

Ah, I found it through some clever Googling: Miracle Warriors: Seal of the Dark Lord

[@hungrygoriya]

It's a good game for what it is!

[@michailpapathomas4981]

I loved this game and still do, one of the best Sega Master System games

[@hungrygoriya]

I really love this one too. I want to come back to it again soon and give it another playthrough. It's been too long!

[@iami3rian394]

I have to wonder, am I just getting old, or is the hit detection really awful? I'm playing with a 360 controller, and neither the d-pad (I have a good one that functions just fine) nor the stick seem to make much difference. To test this, I paired my dual shock 4, and it turns out the hit detection just feels terrible. Part of that is very definitely that the weapons are so tiny, but I can't be the only one who noticed this.

[@hungrygoriya]

You are not alone in that feeling. I think at least for me, part of the struggle came from not moving on a grid and enemies also moving freely. It's a lot harder to line up your shots than say in Zelda, which was my other big comparator at the time I played this. Also having to step backwards to turn around since you step forward when you change direction was also a challenge, though I think you can pivot. I forget how though.

[@RetroAllianceGaming]

Great review! Ive always wanted to play this! Phantasy star is my favorite

[@hungrygoriya]

Oh please, please play it if you can! It's so good! Phantasy star was good too, but as an action/adventure/RPG, this one takes the cake for me. Steals the cake and runs away into the corner so no one else can have any ever again! :D

[@jc441-i3q]

I remember once having the choice to get Golden Axe Warrior or Aztec Aventure and I chose the latter. I still regret that decision! I made up for it by getting Wonder Boy 3 a few weeks later.

[@hungrygoriya]

I haven't tried Aztec Adventure yet, but from what I've seen of it, I think I would've preferred Golden Axe Warrior as well!

[@jc441-i3q]

@@hungrygoriya It isn't the worst game and I do like how you can bribe some of the enemies to become your allies but Golden Axe Warrior has so much more depth.

[@deusprogrammer_thekingofspace]

Did you ever play Crusade of Centy on the Genesis? That was another great Zelda style Sega game. Adding this game to my back log.

[@hungrygoriya]

Yes I did! It was fun but the story got a little weird toward the end.

[@atursams5501]

You find the hidden healing magic?

[@hungrygoriya]

I did!

[@potatosurfing6779]

i love your voice that game looks awesome im going to download it

[@NZBigfoot]

Still remember the arguments i had with my friend (an NES owner) about why I thought me with Golden Axe Warrior was better than him with Legend of Zelda... granted Legend of Zelda was a gold colored cartridge, but out of all the games I owned on the Master System (which usually felt lack luster to me compared to the NES) GAW made me feel like the 89$ I spent on it was worth every penny lol.

[@hungrygoriya]

The gold cartridge is pretty special. Zelda's special too, but there's something about Golden Axe Warrior that just sets it apart. It's brighter, there's more challenge in the dungeon puzzles, and it's got those extra layers of magic and towns to make it a little deeper too. I loved it as well!

[@poulanthrope]

Ok it's going to drive me crazy not knowing what your intro theme snippet is clipped from. I can hear it continuing to play in my head but I cannot, for the life of me, remember where I know it from.

[@hungrygoriya]

It's from Faxanadu!

[@poulanthrope]

@@hungrygoriya Oh geeze, now that I'm looking at where it comes from, that explains both why I know it and why I couldn't place it, although why I remember it from that long ago is a mystery! My friend had that title but I never played it more than once or twice. I probably tried to randomly mash password entries like 30 years ago. Crazy how this stuff can stick with you in the back of your mind.

[@poulanthrope]

@@hungrygoriya P. S. - Your response time to interact with the audience is incredible.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@poulanthrope I'm doing my best here! The conversations are the best part of making videos!

[@hungrygoriya]

@@poulanthrope Totally! I had music that stuck in my head from childhood as well, but from TV shows more than games. Faxanadu's one of my favourites and I make sure to play it once a year.

[@CasperEgas]

If you like this, which I also do, you will probably like Soleil/Crusader of Centy (cheaper PAL, especially if you can read French or German) on Mega Drive or Story of Thor/Legend of Oasis 1&2 on Mega Drive and Saturn.

[@hungrygoriya]

Yes, I've played Crusader of Centy before. It was a fun one for sure!

[@Owazrim]

Nice review. Another nice feature is you can do some of the Labyrinth out of order. My first playthrough I skipped a Labyrinth and missed something that helps you not walk around in the dark.

[@hungrygoriya]

Funny how that goes eh? I think you could get away without the torch for a long while. Too funny! Did you get through most of the game without it? I'm forgetting if it plays a specific role in progressing exploration other than inside the labyrinths.

[@Owazrim]

@@hungrygoriya After finishing the third labyrinth I went looking for Labyrinth 2. If you know the layouts for the other Labyrinths you could probably get by without it. Can't recall if it is needed for anything on the overworld.

[@bamsgian9759]

You have good taste👍

[@eversosleight]

Some of the the graphics look like snes quality in this game. I don't know that I've ever desired to play a game more than after hearing this review. 👍🙂👍

[@hungrygoriya]

I hope you have fun with it! It's definitely one of my favourites for the system, no question.

[@FallicIdol]

I hope they put this on the switch

[@hungrygoriya]

Keep those fingers crossed!

[@salvatoredangelo7026]

Sorry to bother you again but I had to Golden Apple in the game but I used it do you know where I can find it in the game to give to the dwarf what town sells it

[@hungrygoriya]

No problem! There's a town right in the bottom left corner of the map, and hidden in the town under trees on the top part of the screen is a staircase to a secret vendor.

[@Morgana_Diego]

I've owned this one for awhile but I've never played it, maybe one day I'll get around to it.

[@hungrygoriya]

I hope you love it when you get to it... this is easily one of my favourites on the system.

[@cerebraxis607]

I'm with you. Mimics are nothing but A pain in almost all games. I don't mind if they are an optional fight, but it sucks when you get unknowingly thrown into A battle with like 5hp. I am just discovering decent Megadrive games for the first time at 34. One of the few consoles I skipped for some reason. Almost glad I did, as it's sort of like nostalgia, but with something new thrown in. Anyway, if you haven't played Neutopia 1 and 2 on Turbografx-16, you would probably like them. Also, Ax Battler : A Legend of Golden Axe.

[@hungrygoriya]

It's ridiculous how many games have mimics, and how often they kick my butt :D I hope you have fun exploring the Megadrive, and hopefully the Master System as well? There are tons of great Sega games to enjoy out there! I just got the TG-16 mini recently, so Neutopia 1 and 2 are definitely on my radar. And I have Ax Battler on my list as well... I wish I had a way to play Game Gear on a big screen though.

[@cerebraxis607]

@@hungrygoriya I mean...they sell modded systems on Etsy for cheap...that may or may not have gamegear on it. I don't have A pc right now and no other way to kill time really, so I gave in and sent in my SNES mini to have it modded.🤷‍♂️ Some people are against emulation(understandably), but it is what it is.

[@cerebraxis607]

@@hungrygoriya Oh hey...so there's also the Retron 5, that let's you play your Game Gear games on A tv. It uses physical games, but still is technically an emulator. Not really A way around it.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@cerebraxis607 Yeah, I've heard of the Retron 5, but from those that I know that own one, they've had nothing but problems with the games getting stuck in there, or the SD card slots not working for very long. I've stayed away mostly because of that, but it is an alluring prospect just for the Game Gear stuff :(

[@hungrygoriya]

@@cerebraxis607 I'm by no means against emulation, but I have the collection so I'd rather play it on original hardware or as close to it as possible I suppose.

[@nohomers100]

How does this compare to another well done Zelda clone neutopia?

[@hungrygoriya]

I feel this one's way better than Neutopia.

[@whoopswrongbutton3987]

Yet another game for me to add to my To Play list.

[@hungrygoriya]

Enjoy it!

[@Cinemaphile7783]

This game is the best clone I've ever played.

[@hungrygoriya]

I think it's a great little adventure.

[@kevinchan1771]

All I have to say is Yes and Yes! Your reviews are too good! (Chinese_Hulk :P) Keep up the awesome content.

[@hungrygoriya]

Woohoooo! Thanks very much for watching! I'd really love to play this game again this year. It's been too long!

[@kevinchan1771]

@@hungrygoriya Please do! :D

[@Legerine]

GAW reminds me most of the Zelda GB games.

[@hungrygoriya]

Top-down adventure with a hero swinging a weapon around? Absolutely!

[@alanyoung1134]

This took me back to 8yard old... 25 yes sho

[@bartsullivan4866]

It took me about a millisecond to see the Zelda template all over this game. But how could that be a bad thing. This looks like fun. I never knew the Sega Master System even existed as a kid only later in the early 90s did a recognize the Sega arcade games before the Genesis came out. I think the NES outsold the Master System 10 to 1. Not saying that it was a bad system I just think the crash of 83 really killed the market so badly if it wasn't for Nintendo computer games might have been the dominate hardware for years to come. It's actually a great idea to have a Golden Axe action RPG game with all 3 of the main characters ala a Phantasy Star or Final Fantasy style game could have been awesome. Or maybe even a Gauntlet style Golden Axe action game. Any mention of Golden Axe and I instantly think of the classic arcade Conan style side scrolling game. But boy did they steal a ton of Zelda trademarks for this game highway robbery to the enth degree. I am surprised they didn't sue them over all the elements they stole. But then again this was at a time when Nintendo never saw Sega as a threat just a pat on the head of a little brother far below where they were. Your playthrough looks awesome Hungry and these are the types of games I really want to go back and play through. This looks like a blast to play fun is a perfect description for it. Thanks for letting us know about this game going to have to start a journal of these types of obscure gems. Just look how polished this game is the text boxes look great, action smooth strategy to defeat bosses. The game was made with a lot of love that is evident.

[@hungrygoriya]

As a lifetime lover of Zelda 1, this game was obviously something that I instantly liked. It's the same but also different enough to make it even better in some ways than what it emulates. I think it's a great mix of some of the best parts of Zelda 1 and 2. I hope you play it someday. It's worth it!

[@dentstowel4230]

Finally beat this yesterday. I thought you were crazy but now it’s pretty clear to me that this edges out Legend of Zelda. Just by a bit, but it is better.

[@hungrygoriya]

Glad to know I'm off your crazy list, haha... congrats on beating the game!

[@robertbarker5802]

Would love to see a new retro remake of this. Kind of hurts that an original cart is so $$$ these days.

[@hungrygoriya]

Yeah, no kidding. I think it was re-released on some Sega compilation in recent years though the exact compilation is escaping me right now. I was really lucky and got my copy in a Master System game lot a few years ago with a bunch of other SMS RPGs. I mildly overpaid for some games but underpaid for others, and I honestly have no regrets. I wish more people could play this one. It's so good!

[@sirhcman]

I loved this! You hit pretty much every point that I touched on during my play through as well! The game does a good job of being linear which is something I've always had issues with in The Legend Of Zelda, Link to the Past, and Link's Awakening (I've never finished the latter two because I got stuck). It really is sad that this game doesn't get much love, you never see it on many top SMS game lists. I can understand the late release and lack of fanfare are big reasons why it was overlooked at launch but with the advent of the internet forums, youtube let's plays and "hidden gems" videos you would think this game would be a lot more popular. It really is a shame because this could have spawned some really great sequels on the Genesis and future generations of consoles! My gripes are few and far between with this game. The labyrinth boss battles were kind of a joke. I found actually getting to the bosses more difficult than the final battles themselves. Also I think adding a second "quest" after you beat it the first time with a spike in difficulty would have been a welcome addition and given the game more replayability. That said I loved the game, to me this is the true sequel to The Legend of Zelda! You put it eloquently when you said you felt like you were playing one of your favorite games for the first time all over again. No truer words have been spoken! Oh and the music.. ahhh the music!

[@hungrygoriya]

You're very welcome! I'm glad someone else took the dive and I hope other people do too. This game should definitely not be missed!

[@sirhcman]

@@hungrygoriya It was totally worth it! Running through it has given me a hankering to play Link to the Past or Neutopia soon!

[@hungrygoriya]

@@sirhcman Do ittttt. But play Link's Awakening first.

[@charlestonson2200]

Link’s Awakening is extremely linear, they always tell you where to go next with the Owl and Ulrira. The dungeon design is really non-linear though, some of the best dungeons in the series and some of the later ones can be really tough.

[@nickk3077]

I love the original Zelda 1 game and Golden Axe looks really cool and much more refined, but I don't own a Master System or any Sega system. So sad... Do you know of any other games similar to the first Zelda that are more commonly available that you can recommend?

[@hungrygoriya]

Hmmmm... the only other Zelda-like that comes to mind is Neutopia, but that's on the Turbografx-16 and no more commonly available than Golden Axe Warrior. People have compared Crystalis for NES or Golvellius for the Master System to Zelda but I don't really see it myself.

[@nickk3077]

@@hungrygoriya Thanks for taking time to respond. Actually, believe it or not, both Neutopia and Neutopia II are available on the Wii U eShop. How are those games? Would you recommend them?

[@hungrygoriya]

@@nickk3077 I haven't played either Neutopia game myself, but I've watched a few playthroughs of the first game. It's pretty decent from what I've seen, and the people I know that've played it have enjoyed it. It's not as difficult as Zelda in the sense that things are quite a bit more streamlined. Definitely worth a try! I plan to give them both a go since I have the TG-16 mini now.

[@nickk3077]

@@hungrygoriya I just watched a few reviews on it and everyone seems to really enjoy it! That’s good news for me because it means that I can play a Zelda inspired game after all! I really appreciate you mentioning it to me! Without you, I wouldn’t have found the great TurboGrafx games on the Wii U!

[@hungrygoriya]

@@nickk3077 Happy to help! Enjoy your playthrough!

[@PowerPandaMods]

I am now pretending that this is the Zelda 2 we never got.

[@hungrygoriya]

It's a great game! Our Zelda 2's not so bad... just soul-crushingly hard at times. :)

[@PowerPandaMods]

@@hungrygoriya I love Zelda 2, but it works better if I imagine it as a Kid Icarus game. Based on your recommendation, I started playing Golden Axe Warrior last week. I just beat dungeon 4, and I'm loving it.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@PowerPandaMods As a Kid Icarus game eh? I'm going to let that simmer in my mind for a little while because that's something I never considered. Interesting! And hooray! I'm so happy you're having fun with it. It was the game that pushed me to want to get into Master System collecting and it's a blast and a half!

[@Shamazya]

Ugh, I hear ya on the Mimics. I feel like they discourage exploration more than anything. I could kind of understand them if there was some kind of 'tell' like maybe it's a slightly different color or the latch is a different shape. I could also understand them if you got a prize equal to opening an actual chest and they were just a slight additional challenge. But otherwise they're just annoying!╬

[@hungrygoriya]

They're super mean! I've run into them in so many games too... a never-ending supply of mimics it would seem.

[@Itshowtime7223]

Nice love instead of hearts it's a big slab of ham for the comments I love this game it took me a whole 2 weeks to beat this game

[@seranonable]

should name the main character Death Subtractor

[@hungrygoriya]

Hahaha yes!

[@TheFLOMAN76]

I got to say.... The graphics are so much better than the original Legend of Zelda. But I have to go with the Legend of Zelda, because of the retrospective point of view. I have so many great memories of me and my Aunt Betty discovering what to do next. Good times.... I really miss those days. This game however? I just started playing it just last night!.... And I love it so far!

[@hungrygoriya]

The Master System has surprisingly bright and beautiful graphics. It never fails to impress me, especially compared to the NES. I do have a big soft spot for the original Zelda but this game does a lot to be a slightly bigger/better version of it. I'll always come back to the NES game though... it's an old favourite and always will be! Glad you're enjoying Golden Axe Warrior so far!

[@nohomers100]

I tried this game and found the controls too slippery. The guy moves way too fast. I was constantly running into enemies just trying to get close enough to hit them

[@hungrygoriya]

Yeah, it takes a bit of getting used to.

[@nohomers100]

@@hungrygoriyaI’ll give it another go. It looks real good

[@leprosy1978]

if you own this game. definitely dont let it go. it goes for $300+ these days for a complete copy

[@hungrygoriya]

I have no intention of letting it get away!

[@GameTimeWhy]

Im sad i didnt get to play this before. Ill have to remedy the situation. Im not surprised it got some bad reviews but it is disapointing how some reviewers dont try to be objective at all.

[@hungrygoriya]

Hopefully you'll get to experience it someday! It's worth a playthrough for sure!

[@DGTZ1982]

I love this game, I'm making a terrible remake in RPG Maker lol.

[@hungrygoriya]

That's awesome!

[@DergonQuert]

I hope this gets the same treatment as Phantasy Star on Switch. I'd pick it up.

[@hungrygoriya]

I hope so too! This game needs to see a new generation of gamers. I think it was released on a modern game compilation but its name is escaping me at the moment. I really want to try out the new PS though!

[@DergonQuert]

@@hungrygoriya I think it was on Sonic's Sega Collection or something like that on PS3 and 360.

[@hungrygoriya]

@@DergonQuert That sounds about right! I do already love how this game looks though. It's pretty colourful already. I need to have a closer look at the Phantasy Star remake now that it's out. I'm so glad they didn't add voices and just tidied up the original formula.

[@DergonQuert]

@@hungrygoriya I never played the original, but I appreciate how sharp it looks. I'm also glad there's an easier difficulty option though it's still pretty tough.

[@hungrygoriya]

That's really neat. I'll have to check into what they changed. The thing that drove me nuts the most in the original was falling through the floor through pits that you couldn't see into an area of the floor below with no map. I'd get so, so lost wandering around that way.

[@KairuHakubi]

this game looks freakin great.

[@hungrygoriya]

I'm a big fan! I know I said it in the video, but rarely have I gotten to experience this feeling of reliving an old favourite.

[@KairuHakubi]

@@hungrygoriya i totally agree. we need more unabashed clones that do their own thing.. that terribly-titled Fenyx Rising game was obviously doing its best Breath of the Wild, but.. it was fun getting to play something like that and have it feel brand new