Golden Axe III

Golden Axe III is a 1993 beat 'em up game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. Originally exclusive to Japan, it was made available in North America via the Sega Channel online service in 1995. In this sequel to Golden Axe II, the player controls one of four warriors as they attempt to defeat the evil Damud Hellstrike, who has stolen the Golden Axe and kidnapped the princess of Yuria. Much like its predecessors, the game is based around side-scrolling levels where the player defeats enemies with their melee weapon or fists, while riding creatures known as Bizarrians, or through elemental magic. Several new offensive and defensive moves, like blocking and projectile attacks, can also be used. The game received negative reviews, being criticized for a lack of innovation and originality, as well as the graphics, which were seen as a downgrade from its predecessors.