The Legendary Axe 1988

Is it still worth playing?

Gogan sets out to rescue Flare from the cult of Jagu in this 1988 side scrolling platform game for the PC Engine, which reached North America as a TurboGrafx-16 launch title in 1989. He carries a legendary axe named Sting, and a strength meter charges while he is not attacking and resets when he swings. A longer charge does more damage, and a fully charged hit usually kills an enemy in one blow. Up to four power ups extend the meter, and statues in the levels give bonuses. There are no secondary weapons. Enemies include vampire monkeys, grizzly bears and gorillas that throw boulders, and a hit throws Gogan back a long way. The final zone is a maze of about twenty areas where you have to memorize your route. The choice between swinging at once and waiting for a full charge still gives every fight a small decision today.