Software:Golden Axe: Beast Rider

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Short description: 2008 video game
Golden Axe: Beast Rider
Cover art
Developer(s)Secret Level
Publisher(s)Sega
Producer(s)Nigel Cook
Michael J. Boccieri
Designer(s)Dedan Anderson
Programmer(s)Paul Edmondson
Artist(s)Matthew Butler
Composer(s)Keith Arem
Michael Cohen
Kristian Hedman
SeriesGolden Axe
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Release
  • NA: October 14, 2008
  • EU: October 17, 2008[1]
  • AU: October 23, 2008
Genre(s)Action-adventure, hack and slash
Mode(s)Single-player

Golden Axe: Beast Rider is an action-adventure hack and slash video game available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It was published by Sega, and developed by Secret Level. It is the first 3D entry in the Golden Axe franchise. The game was released in North America on October 14, 2008, in Europe on October 17,[1] and in Australia on October 23.

Gameplay

Beast Rider is the first Golden Axe game in 3D as opposed to side-scrolling hack and slash. While this is a major shift in game style from the previous games, Beast Rider maintains many of the elements from the originals, such as magic and riding beasts, as well as sending the player on a quest to defeat Death Adder.

Gameplay is divided into three types: Campaign, Challenge and Trials. Each mode allows for the collection of tribute, which is used to increase magic strength and unlock weapons. Armor is unlocked as one progresses through the story or Campaign.

In the story mode of Beast Rider, the player controls Tyris Flare, an amazon from the original games. Through the story mode, the player is introduced to two non-player characters, Gilius Thunderhead: the dwarf, and Tarik the Ax Battler. Tribute is awarded at the end of each level based on the amount collected, which is then multiplied by the player's performance during the level, which also affects the player's Class or "grade" per level. Such multipliers include time, damage taken, dismemberment, and difficulty settings.

Challenge mode plays the same as Campaign, including tribute and class at the end of each level. However, Challenge allows the player to replay any level previously completed in Campaign, in addition to using any armor previously unlocked and any weapon unlocked through the collection of tribute.

Trials mode is the equivalent of the original's "Duel" mode, in which the player battles enemies of the selected level in an arena from that level. Each level becomes available in Trials after it is completed in the campaign. The player must complete ten waves of enemies, plus three bonus waves featuring gnomes, without dying. Like the Challenges, Trials allows the player to select various armor and weapons unlocked in Campaign or through the collection of tribute.

Plot

The main protagonist is Tyris Flare, a great Amazon warrior and defender of the Axirian Priestesses, a sect of dragon worshippers from the Isle of Axir. Tyris' skills in combat and magic are almost unsurpassed, but there is a danger rising over Axir that even she must fear. Death Adder's armies are on the move. They are after the power of the ancient Dragon Titan. It is rumored that even Death Adder fears something about the Titans, though nobody really knows what power they possess over this dark lord. If he gains control over man, woman and beast alike, it is unknown what will become of the world. Tyris uses sword and sorcery to stop him.

Development

The project's development began in mid 2005 as Secret Level simultaneously worked on a new game engine and toolset for the project. Most of the studio's directors were directly involved at this stage. The early progress was quick and impressive, leading Sega to move to acquire the studio on April 3, 2006.[2] Secret Level was able to get in contact with series creator Makoto Uchida who praised the game production and gave his blessings to proceed with the project.[3]

As part of E3 2006, Sega issued a press release touting a new entry to the Golden Axe franchise for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.[4] A teaser trailer could also be seen during the event. During the summer of 2007, fans uncovered new art[5] and sculptured models[6] from the game.

The October 2007 issue of Play magazine offered new details. The game was revealed to feature the return of Tyris Flare, the amazon warrior from the first installment of the series. With a heavy focus on riding beasts, the game received an M rating since dismemberments, decapitations and nudity are present.[7] The magazine also claimed that the PlayStation 3 version was canceled and that the game would be an Xbox 360 exclusive. However, on October 19, 2007 Denny Chiu of Sega denied the Xbox exclusivity, stating "Completely untrue, it's coming to PS3 as well."[8] While this game does only feature single-player, in a 2008 interview the senior producer stated that the second game in the franchise will feature co-op throughout.[9]

The 2008 issue of the annual "girls of gaming" put out by Play Magazine featured a number of images of Tyris. A postmortem of Golden Axe: Beast Rider by project producer Michael Boccieri, which appeared in the February 2009 issue of Game Developer,[10] discussed the project's troubled development cycle.

However, Sega hasn’t published the games in Japan regional.[11][12][13]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PS3Xbox 360
1Up.comD[16]D[16]
DestructoidN/A5/10[17]
EurogamerN/A3/10[18]
Game Informer6/10[19]6/10[19]
GameProStarStar[20]StarStar[20]
GameRevolutionC+[21]C+[21]
GameSpot5/10[22]5/10[22]
GameTrailers5.5/10[23]N/A
GameZoneN/A4/10[24]
IGN3.2/10[25]3.2/10[25]
OXM (US)N/A4/10[26]
PSMStarHalf star[27]N/A
VideoGamer.com4/10[28]4/10[28]
Aggregate score
Metacritic44/100[14]45/100[15]

Golden Axe: Beast Rider received "generally unfavorable reviews" on both platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[14][15] IGN concluded, "This is a game worth avoiding like the plague, even if the classic remains deep and warm within your heart."[25] GamePro called it "poorly designed and utterly mediocre," "a terrible game that feels like a slap in the face to fans of the original franchise."[20]

In an editorial titled "Dave talks Golden Axe", Play editor Dave Halverson wrote "The majority of these people (can't call them critics) either didn't complete a fraction of the game, don't understand game design, or just plain suck at games", and that "to score Beast Rider below a 7 is just irresponsible."[29]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Purchese, Robert (September 22, 2008). "New Golden Axe game gets date". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-golden-axe-game-gets-date. Retrieved November 4, 2021. 
  2. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (April 3, 2006). "Sega buys Secret Level [date mislabeled as "October 14, 2008""]. Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-buys-secret-level/1100-6147040/. Retrieved January 31, 2015. 
  3. ↑ SEGA Europe. "Golden Axe: Beast Rider - Developer Diary #2 - Re-genesis". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQMnHp7iiSc. 
  4. ↑ "Sega Announces Golden Axe Coming to Next-generation Consoles". CBS Interactive. May 10, 2006. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081208172033/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/goldenaxe/news.html?sid=6150088&mode=press. 
  5. ↑ "New Golden Axe concept art discovered". August 6, 2007. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071016093719/http://seganerds.com/2007/08/06/new-golden-axe-concept-art-discovered/. 
  6. ↑ "New Golden Axe enemy sculptures surface". July 28, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071013022930/http://www.seganerds.com/2007/07/28/new-golden-axe-enemy-scupltures-surface/. 
  7. ↑ Ciolek, Todd (October 8, 2008). "The X Button – Complete Control". https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2008-10-08. 
  8. ↑ "Sega confirms Golden Axe is still on track for PS3". October 19, 2007. https://www.psu.com/news/sega-confirms-golden-axe-is-still-on-track-for-ps3/. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  9. ↑ Grant, Christopher (May 16, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider impressions". Verizon Media. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080517105904/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/golden-axe-beast-rider-impressions/. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  10. ↑ "Postmortem Secret Level's Golden Axe: Beast Rider". UBM Technology Group. February 2009. https://ubm-twvideo01.s3.amazonaws.com/o1/vault/GD_Mag_Archives/GDM_February_2009.pdf. 
  11. ↑ https://gamecolumn.jp/blog-entry-74139.html
  12. ↑ https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/soran0627/diary/201407060000/
  13. ↑ https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/274/274958/
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Golden Axe: Beast Rider for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/golden-axe-beast-rider/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. Retrieved June 19, 2013. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Golden Axe: Beast Rider for Xbox 360 Reviews". Red Ventures. https://www.metacritic.com/game/golden-axe-beast-rider/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. Retrieved June 19, 2013. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Barber, Tyler (October 20, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on June 7, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160607055133/http://www.1up.com/reviews/golden-axe-beast-rider. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  17. ↑ Sterling, Jim (October 22, 2008). "Destructoid review: Golden Axe: Beast Rider (X360)". Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-golden-axe-beast-rider/. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  18. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (October 17, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider (Xbox 360)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/golden-axe-beast-rider-review. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Miller, Matt (December 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider: A Franchise Returns with a Lackluster New Installment". Game Informer (GameStop) (188). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/golden_axe_beast_rider/b/xbox360/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Kim, Tae K. (December 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider". GamePro (IDG Entertainment): 95. Archived from the original on November 3, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081103153222/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/207452/golden-axe-beast-rider-360/. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Costantino, Jesse (October 27, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150908002703/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/golden-axe-beast-rider. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Watters, Chris (October 24, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". Red Ventures. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/golden-axe-beast-rider-review/1900-6200051/. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  23. ↑ "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review (PS3)". Viacom. October 27, 2008. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101209060431/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=5792. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  24. ↑ Zacarias, Eduardo (October 24, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider - 360 - Review". Archived from the original on October 25, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081025104246/http://xbox360.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r35211.htm. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Roper, Chris (October 16, 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/16/golden-axe-beast-rider-review. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  26. ↑ Cocke, Taylor (Christmas 2008). "Golden Axe: Beast Rider". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). Archived from the original on October 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081018195229/http://www.oxmonline.com/article/xbox-soapbox/golden-axe-beast-rider. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  27. ↑ "Review: Golden Axe: Beast Rider". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future plc) (14): 84. Christmas 2008. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Orry, Tom (October 29, 2008). "Golden Axe [Beast Rider Review"]. Resero Network. https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/golden-axe-review/. Retrieved November 5, 2021. 
  29. ↑ Halverson, Dave (October 2010). "Dave Talks Golden Axe". Play. Archived from the original on October 22, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081022043557/http://www.playmagazine.com/index.php?fuseaction=SiteMain.showGamePage&Game_ID=887. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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