test: Legendary Axe

~ THE LEGENDARY AXE ~

Victor Musical Industries / NEC

HuCard

1989

My favorite HuCard of all time. This game got a lot of attention back in the day, so folks who don't like it now make sure to express their views as loudly as possible. And that's fine. Over the years, I've had plenty of debates with such scoundrels about Axe's relative merits and "faults." Now, I'm content with my own love for the game, as it's one that I appreciate more and more the older I get. I give it a run-through every couple years, reacquainting myself with the stuff that made me like it so much in the first place and finding new things to appreciate every time.

One thing about it I've always appreciated is the music. Axe II gets so much credit for its audio, and rightfully so, but this game also has one hell of a soundtrack. The tunes are just so appropriate for each stage they accompany; they always help establish immersive, impeccable atmosphere. For instance, the second level takes place in a simply drawn cavern, but the ominous music makes the trek through it eerie and intense. The stage that precedes it features a tune that couldn't be any more fitting for the beginning of a journey through lush jungle. Best of all is the climactic fifth-stage theme, with its rich tone, dramatic melody, and wildly fast interlude.

I also love the enemy designs. These are some resourceful villains: axemen do backflips to avoid your hacks, hags drop crystals and transform into bats upon being slashed, savages club you with their polearms, and giant apes burst through walls and heave tremendous hunks of rock your way.

And then there are the mighty Punjabbis, who are not just powerful but intelligent as well, as they toss their spears if you keep at a distance and duck in for the kill if you go for low, close-range attacks, defending themselves with their shields all the while. The prudent placement of these impressive demons is also noteworthy: the fourth stage concludes with an extremely difficult battle against a Punjabbi double team, after which you might be tempted to breathe a sigh of relief. But then the fifth stage commences with its awesome, inspirational melody and ANOTHER Punjabbi to fight, as if it's trying to be daunting with its villains but inspiring with its soundtrack--and it executes the formula perfectly.

The level designs, while not overly complex, are head-and-shoulders above those in most other Castlevania-style games of the era. You always need to keep an eye out for alternative routes, obscured niches and items, and concealed pits, while the game keeps you busy with a constant, consistent blend of hacking and platform-hopping.

Level 4C is both gorgeous and devious, featuring beautiful backdrops and shrouded monster pits.

Speaking of pits, the Pits of Madness are tortuous and deceptive in layout--and home to the most powerful of the enemy's troops.

And finally, the game simply has a flair for the dramatic. The giant Jagu might not be all that difficult to take down, but his flashy entrance is unforgettable. Full-power axe blows deliver a resounding "CRUNCH" and set the entire screen aglow. And I particularly love the crimson, candle-lit room deep in the Pits of Madness where you're assaulted by Punjabbis while the music goes ballistic.