The Legendary Axe (PCE, 1988)
Graphics-8 Sound-7.5 Control-7 Challenge-8
Level Design-7 Frustration-8.5 Fun-7 Originality-5
Overall Score-6.5
+
Very good mid-air control
Good AI
Good variety
Seiken Densetsu/Astyanax-style charge system (stamina system)
Can upgrade your weapon
Fast paced
Hidden rooms
+/-
Can't walk while attacking (only jump)
-
Huge knockback
Can't jump onto ladders (only off of them) and can't attack while climbing
Trial & error (enemies attacking from both sides or popping out of water/pits right in front of you, bosses, leaps of faith (can't look down or up))
When moving to the left you end up closer to the edge of the screen - loose scrolling on that side
Some enemies are way too fast to dodge (eye boss)
Hit detection isn't perfect
Can't hit item containers and enemies at the same time
Enemies take too many hits to kill (gets tedious)
No additional weapons (see CV, Shinobi SMS or Ninja Gaiden for example)
Minor slowdown
No options
Tedious gauntlet/maze type final level
Final boss fight is a battle of attrition
Level Design-7 Frustration-8.5 Fun-7 Originality-5
Overall Score-6.5
+
Very good mid-air control
Good AI
Good variety
Seiken Densetsu/Astyanax-style charge system (stamina system)
Can upgrade your weapon
Fast paced
Hidden rooms
+/-
Can't walk while attacking (only jump)
-
Huge knockback
Can't jump onto ladders (only off of them) and can't attack while climbing
Trial & error (enemies attacking from both sides or popping out of water/pits right in front of you, bosses, leaps of faith (can't look down or up))
When moving to the left you end up closer to the edge of the screen - loose scrolling on that side
Some enemies are way too fast to dodge (eye boss)
Hit detection isn't perfect
Can't hit item containers and enemies at the same time
Enemies take too many hits to kill (gets tedious)
No additional weapons (see CV, Shinobi SMS or Ninja Gaiden for example)
Minor slowdown
No options
Tedious gauntlet/maze type final level
Final boss fight is a battle of attrition