Golden Axe: Beast Rider

 PlayStation 3
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
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  1. 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 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 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
  2. 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 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.
  3. 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. 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    First 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
  4. Dan
    Dec 7, 2008
    8
    This game is totally underrated. It looks like another critic feeding frenzy where they all get to pile on a game to show how tough of reviewers they can be. The game isn't perfect, but I've found it to be very satisfying and quite challenging. My biggest gripe with the game is that the camera can be frustrating when you're backed into a corner. The combat depends heavily This game is totally underrated. It looks like another critic feeding frenzy where they all get to pile on a game to show how tough of reviewers they can be. The game isn't perfect, but I've found it to be very satisfying and quite challenging. My biggest gripe with the game is that the camera can be frustrating when you're backed into a corner. The combat depends heavily on being able to see and counter your enemy's attacks and sometimes it gets zoomed in so close that you cant tell what they're coming at you with. The solution? Try to stay out in the open more- it's not a game-breaker. Tyris is hot. The beasts are cool. And there's plenty of over-the-top blood and gore. Overall, it's a good game- especially at the bargain bin pricing that it's now found at.… Expand
  5. 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 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 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
  6. 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 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 $$$
  7. Rennn
    Jun 26, 2013
    6
    I'm changing my score. I gave it a 8 initially, but after playing through most of the game, it just gets worse and worse. Repetition increases, and eventually what story existed in the beginning disappears. I give it a 6 now.
  8. 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 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 notGolden 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
  9. 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 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.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 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
  10. Rubisan
    Nov 1, 2020
    2
    Lo he intentado pero al final tengo que admitir que no soy capaz de terminarlo. No me aporta nada y además es aburrido y repetitivo. No debería contener en su nombre Golden Axe: intentaron rejuvenecerlo y darle una nueva perspectiva y la cagaron.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
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  2. IGN
    32
    This is a game worth avoiding like the plague, even if the classic remains deep and warm within your heart.
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  3. 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.
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