The only way someone could actually enjoy the gameplay of The Legendary Axe is if they played it when it was new. The game has so many technical limitations that hurt the gameplay, and it stems largely from terrible collision detection (coldet). What's worse, the sound is irritating and the graphics are bland. It's like an NES game with a few extra colors.
Hey, thanks
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Now, in the spirit of defending Legendary Axe, I offer these thoughts (but I really don't intend to argue with you, think of it as stating our positions
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I won't argue the collision detection, since I'd have to replay it first. But it certainly is very playable and FUN despite any issues with the collision detection.
OMG, the graphics are sweet! It is actually one of the best PCE games when it comes to aesthetics and atmosphere (character design, the look of the levels, etc.), which is pretty great since it was an early HuCard.
And the sound (sound effects, I'm assuming) are certainly not irritating or grating (as they often are in most games).
And the music. The music? Well, you can read my thoughts below:
Perhaps this will encourage some folks to listen to the full Makyou Densetsu soundtrack:
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Stage 1: Warm and enchanting–until you get to that really urgent sequence at the end–which is a nice bit of drama.
Stage 2: Too-hip and catchy for its own good. You’ll start snapping your fingers if you’re not careful. Caverns were never this fun.
Stage 3: Rich, soaring and lovely. Too graceful and cultured for Gogan, though.
Stage 4: A break from the more somber undertones in the soundtrack thus far. Initially, this track starts out far too upbeat, cheerful and happy for my tastes. But then its 110% pure, unadulterated catchiness wins me over, every damn. Yeah, it’s that catchy.
Stage 5: Back to a more somber, atmospheric piece… it has a definite marching-band-meets-haunted-cavern vibe to it. I love the “staccato” bass in this. I actually don’t really understand musical terms, so that’s the best way I can describe it.
Stage 6: This is a deliciously catchy, warm-sounding anthem dedicated to a$$-kicking, replete with a frenetic organ. Simply divine. If this song doesn’t make you want to engage in gratuitous violence, nothing will. Notice how the opening drama continues to build and build, only to loop back to the beginning seamlessly to start all over again.
Stage 7: OK, this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it captures the tediousness of this stage (navigating the maze). For the record, I like this track, but it is one of the weaker ones.
Boss tunes: OK, but a short loop. I especially like the “spooky” vibe infused in the final boss music.
Ending credits: OK, but pretty generic, IMO. None of the flair and unique qualities from the stage music carried over. Oh well.
Again, I'm not trying to convince you to change your mind, I just want to proclaim the greatness of Legendary Axe
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