Golden Axe: all version differences
6 documented differences between the releases of Golden Axe, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | Mega Drive/Genesis | Arcade | PC Engine CD | Master System | Amiga | IBM PC | Xbox 360 Sega Vintage Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Graphics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Gameplay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Version differences
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ContentMega Drive/GenesisArcade
The Mega Drive version stays close to the arcade game but adds an extra level, a one-on-one Duel mode and a new ending in which Death Bringer is the true final boss.1
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ContentArcade
The arcade ending breaks the fourth wall: the heroes escape from an arcade machine into the real world.1
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ContentPC Engine CD
The PC Engine CD version is single-player only, makes Ax Battler the fixed hero, adds voiced still-image cutscenes and tells a quite different story with three possible endings.1
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ContentMaster System
The Master System version is single-player and retells the story from the point of view of Tarik, a barbarian who resembles Ax Battler.1
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GraphicsAmigaIBM PC
The Amiga port follows the arcade game with altered palettes and no parallax scrolling; the IBM PC version resembles the Genesis release and supports VGA, EGA, CGA and Hercules graphics.1
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GameplayXbox 360 Sega Vintage Collection
The Xbox 360 Sega Vintage Collection lets players choose the Japanese, US or European version; the earlier XBLA and PS3 arcade ports used the overseas version, so some presentation differs from the Japanese arcade release.2
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13