Golden Axe: Beast Rider

 PlayStation 3
Golden Axe: Beast Rider Image
Metascore
44

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

User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 34 Ratings

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  • 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 ferociousGolden 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
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 30
  3. Negative: 17 out of 30
  1. GameDaily
    70
    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. 3DJuegos
    58
    Golden Axe: Beast Rider confuses the tribute to retro with the flat and boring gameplay. The new game of SEGA is mediocre in every aspect, and comes as a failure in its attempt to recover a legendary name and turn it into a worthy product of Next-Gen platforms.
  3. Play.tm
    55
    Unfortunately the main gimmick of the game is pointless at best and frustrating at worst. There are challenge modes available after the game is completed and extra costumes to unlock, but nothing to offer real replay value.
  4. PTGamers
    45
    Lacking co-op and the rest of the cast, Beast Rider seems more like a market study than the complete Golden Axe experience we could expect.
  5. VideoGamer
    40
    Golden Axe is the latest classic franchise to disappoint on new hardware, and we can't help but think it's a huge wasted opportunity. Beast Rider even fails to include multiplayer support, something that was core to the original game, confirming its fate as a sub-par hack 'n' slash.
  6. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    40
    A game destined for the chopping block. [Summer 2009, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. 1UP
    25
    With the exclusion of co-op -- what people really want to play -- and the constant hint that a sequel's already on the way, Beast Rider feels like a difficult, drawn-out, $60 tutorial. Why bother?

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 5 out of 10
  1. Shadescale
    Aug 31, 2015
    8
    First lets get the negative out of the way. There is no multiplayer. With a game sporting the title "Golden Axe" we expect multiplayer. TheFirst lets get the negative out of the way. There is no multiplayer. With a game sporting the title "Golden Axe" we expect multiplayer. The fact there isn't any is one drawback. But this doesn't mean the game should be forgotten and tossed aside. As a single player campaign driven game it was enjoyable and had a few throwbacks to the Golden Axe arcade style games we all love.

    If your jumping in expecting game play kin to "God of War", then you will be be disappointed because it is a game that sports a more defensive fighting style than the all out balls to the wall play style of GoW. Instead the game play is based off of a counter equals reward system. The players attack and based off a flashy color, you parry or evade and unleash more damage as a reward. If you can stick with the game long enough to learn how to play the game, it grows on you.

    Overall, the game was enjoyable. I have played all the Golden Axe titles, and I was extremely anticipating this next phase the GA saga. There were from frustrating moments at first as you learn to cope with some camera issues and dealing with enemies that you can't see because they are placed behind your camera. But once you learn to keep your enemies on screen, you adjust.

    The art style is dark and muted, and honestly, I really enjoy that gritty look for a game based on barbarians and magic wielding shamans. It just fits. I don't expect bright colors in a town full of mud huts and dead trees. The creatures, especially the Abrax and Lynth, were really well modeled and detailed, but I do have to add that the enemies did get a bit monotonous. While they looked cool, there just wasn't a lot of variety.

    If your looking for a gritty game with some gritty game play, and want to stomp around some of your favorite areas from the Golden Axe arcades, then spend a bit of money and try it out. Just don't expect God of War or you will be disappointed, not because the game is bad, but because it isn't God of War.    … Expand
  2. mafon2
    Feb 2, 2017
    8
    I'm not too deep into the game, but for now I'm having a great fun playing it. Not a big fan of the genre, but gameplay seems to be very wellI'm not too deep into the game, but for now I'm having a great fun playing it. Not a big fan of the genre, but gameplay seems to be very well though and visual designs are little short of awesome: murky epic fantasy look, great tunes, bloody stumps and b(r)easts. The beasts! They are in the title for a reason, these motherbuckers are truly cool dudes with nice animations and feel to 'em. The only thing that bugs me are invisible walls, preventing your from exploring and getting yourself stuck in decorations.

    Overall, if you like games like Drakan, I think it's right up your alley. And, by the way, you don't have to choose much from! Where else can you burn people with monsters and cut them in half?    … Expand
  4. AllanD
    Jan 5, 2010
    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 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
  5. VampireJoe
    Jan 1, 2013
    4
    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 isGolden 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
  6. Funkymonk
    Jan 26, 2009
    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 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
  7. RobertV
    Sep 3, 2009
    3
    The game has the potential to be good but the execution is beyond terrible. The games is hard and unfair, making you watch all the cutscenes The game has the potential to be good but the execution is beyond terrible. The games is hard and unfair, making you watch all the cutscenes over and over when you die, and trust me you will die a lot. It gets insanely tedious. The balance in the game is a right mess as well, it seems completely random when you can evade/parry or not, or if your attacks will stun an enemy. I don't know how many times i've timed my button press just right only to get hit anyway, and subsequently get killed by a mob. I was hoping for some mindless hack and slash action with a hint of nostalgia with this game, but the only emotion this game conjured was utter frustration. Stay clear from this one, that's all i can say.… Expand
  8. sfamsfam
    Dec 27, 2008
    2
    If I had to describe this game in one word it would be "frustrating." The beasts can't be controlled well, the game LOVES to send If I had to describe this game in one word it would be "frustrating." The beasts can't be controlled well, the game LOVES to send incoherent respawn creatures to surround you in an enclosed area, the "necessary" defense stuff really is atrocious, and you get money that you never can use. Truly a waste of $$$… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
57
#57 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008