Golden Axe is one of those old-school beat 'em ups that just feels right—the kind where you grab a buddy, mash buttons, and laugh when your dwarf accidentally knocks your own character off a ledge. You pick between three heroes—a barbarian who swings like a truck, an amazon with quicker slashes, or a dwarf who’s stubby but hits like a hammer. I always went for the dwarf because there’s something hilarious about watching this tiny guy punt skeletons across the screen.

The magic system is simple but satisfying—collect little blue pots from thieves (who scream when you kick them) and unleash fire-breathing dragons or quakes that send enemies flying. And yeah, you can ride weird lizard-dragon things that breathe fire or tail-whip everything in sight. The music’s got that classic Sega thump, and the levels have just enough variety—one minute you’re smashing through a village, the next you’re fighting on the back of giant eagles.

It’s not the deepest game, but it’s pure arcade fun—especially with two players. Just don’t get too attached to your health bar when Death Adder shows up. That guy hits hard.