Golden Axe is one of the best-known classic hack-and-slash games of the 80s, featuring addictive button-mashing gameplay and a greater degree of combat flexibility than many games that preceded it. The fantasy story takes place in the land of Yuria, where the evil Death Adder has kidnapped the king and stolen the powerful Golden Axe, leading a trio of warriors to set out to defeat him. The three player characters each have different strengths and attacks, but they play similarly, including the ability to use magic potions to clear out a horde of enemies and to ride various mounts that feature different attack abilities. Beating up the giggling gnome and taking his potions remains one of the great guilty pleasures of 80s arcade games.