Legendary Axe 1 or 2?

[rag-time4]

I've cleared both axe games, as well as shapeshifter, and i prefer axe 1 over axe 2.

The one thing that axe 2 has going for it is that to me, most of the sprites have a much more polished look. Axe 1 has more interesting and challenging stages. Axe 2 was a total breeze for me while some parts of axe 1 were quite challenging.

[spenoza]

I gotta say, I think I enjoyed the actual play experience of Axe 1 over 2. It just felt right.

[nodtveidt]

1 was only challenging to me because the gameplay wasn't as polished. Swap 1's stage design with 2's game engine and suddenly 2 will be the more challenging one.

[Supremo_Lagarto]

They are both fantastic.

[Dyna138]

They are both must owns IMO. As a kid I preferred Legendary Axe II, probably cause it was easier, but nowadays I think Legendary Axe I is the better game. Aesthetically I really love part II for the music and overall dark tone of the entire game, not to mention the bizarre ending. Gameplay wise I is more satisfying to me.

[Mathius]

Yeah I just love to overall vibe in Legendary Axe compared to LA II. There is something about the game that I can't quite put my finger on. It just has a magic to it that the second one doesn't have.

[Samurai Ghost]

I like both, but really like the atmosphere and controls of the second one. It reminds me a lot of the classic Castlevania games but with a lot better control and weapon variety which is basically perfect for me.

[spenoza]

1 was only challenging to me because the gameplay wasn't as polished. Swap 1's stage design with 2's game engine and suddenly 2 will be the more challenging one.

I don't agree that it is about polish. I think the games were just shooting for a different feel. 2 is faster paced, about getting in there and hacking shit up. 1 is a bit slower, but that's fine with me. Rushing ahead will get your ass killed in a way that it won't in 2.

Truth told, I really don't think this discussion thread would be happening at all if these two unrelated games weren't released under the same header in the US. Someone mentioned Rastan Saga II. Why isn't that being brought up as well? It's a hack n' slash game with a similar feel, and is by far the worst of the 3, IMO.

[DesmondThe3rd]

Oh great, time to get some heat because I loved the first Legendary Axe and was definitely disappointed with the sequel for many reasons. I even did a couple of videos of them awhile ago here:
Legendary Axe review:
Legendary Axe II review:

[Gogan]

1 is way better.