Visuals/Audio
This is a bit of an oddity. Obviously translating an arcade game onto the big screen will have its issues. Golden Axe has two graphics modes, the original arcade version minus the scanlines, and original version with Smoothing, which results in all the characters looking like they’re made out of play-doh! I’d strongly recommend switching smoothing off and going for the blocky, almost similar arcade look. Sadly the game looks best with scanlines, but obviously we won’t ever see those on any XBLA title. Below you will find the original version running on MAME with the scanlines intact, I think you will agree that it looks much better.
Looking at these screenshots of the Live Arcade version, you could be forgiven for thinking that the game runs in a little window with big borders - like most arcade titles seem to do by default. However there is a Screen Size option that allows you to expand the screen window all the way up to full screen, which is essential. Why anyone would want to run the game in a small box with huge borders is beyond me.
Audio wise Golden Axe isn’t bad. The Live Arcade version features the original soundtrack but it sounds a bit out of place. There is an Enhanced Soundtrack that can be toggled on or off in the Options menu and this seems to add reverb effects to make the sounds fuller and lively.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer wise, Golden Axe offers you local and online co-op, which is superb. You can play alongside a friend in the same room, or with friends over Xbox Live, how can you beat that? There’s nothing else to say apart from "Great work on the conversion Secret Port!" Live Leaderboards are also present and as pointless as ever too.
Conclusion
I can’t fault this game in any such way. Every arcade element is present, every move is present and all the visual elements are here. Gameplay is identical to what the arcade version was and as I have played it on MAME to the death I would right away recognise if anything was missing. For a measly 400 MS Points (£3.40), this game is a steal, your just cannot go wrong at such a cheap price. The achievements are very easy to get bar one and you get to play alongside friends! Can’t ask more than a reasonably priced arcade classic.
Now where’s R-Type….
Rating: 8/10
Pro’s
- Great colourful graphics
- Gameplay is intact
- Online/Local co-op
- Cheap pricing
- Good/easy achievements
Con’s
- The story is a bit too short
- Graphics smoothing for the lose! Why add this to the title?
- Infinite continues makes it too easy