Golden Axe: Beast Rider

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
44

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 30
  3. Negative: 17 out of 30
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  1. PSX Extreme
    49
    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.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    48
    The problem comes when you stare too long: there are constant screen tearing and randomly dropped frames.
  3. 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. PALGN
    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.
  6. G4 TV
    40
    While the counter-attacks and the beasts add something to the lacklustre gameplay, everything else from cameras to enemies makes it a chore to slog through one end of a level to another.
  7. 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.
  8. GamePro
    40
    Add in tired and repetitive level designs, a lackluster story and the general absence of fun and you have a title that isn't worth playing. [Dec 2008, p.95]
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  9. MEGamers
    40
    What may have seemed like a good game during the development process turned out to be a game that’s destined for the wastelands.
  10. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    40
    A game destined for the chopping block. [Summer 2009, p.78]
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  11. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    40
    It's not worth it, mate. [Christmas 2008, p.116]
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  12. Console Monster
    39
    The original Golden Axe is available almost everywhere these days and this is about a thousand times more fun than this poor excuse.
  13. GameFocus
    35
    Beast Rider makes all the right attempts to become relevant again (3-D, bloody combat) but stumbles so badly on the fundamentals that you wished the game was axed from development to begin with.
  14. PSM3 Magazine UK
    35
    It's descended into a dismally unimaginative hack-and-slash affair. [Christmas 2008, p.86]
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  15. IGN
    32
    This is a game worth avoiding like the plague, even if the classic remains deep and warm within your heart.
  16. Gamer.nl
    30
    If you ever plan to design a hack & slash-game, you should definitely play Golden Axe: Beast Rider. It's the perfect example of what not to do.
  17. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    30
    If that wasn't bad enough, the glitchy, jerky graphics are further ravaged by a spastic camera that literally had me woozy at times. [Holiday 2008, p.84]
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  18. 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?

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 13 out of 34
  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.    … Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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