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Battle Axe

A classic arcade hack and slash brought to life with stunning pixel art and a heroic soundtrack. Choose your champion and battle through waves of enemies to stop a dark sorceress from plunging Mercia into eternal darkness.

Steam Page
Developer
Release
April 29, 2021
5 years and 96 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mixed156 reviews60.9%

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Media

6 items

About the Game

A Kingdom in Peril

For generations, the people of Mercia have suffered under the rule of the dark sorceress Etheldred. Every seven years, her armies sweep across the land to abduct the innocent, never to be seen again. Now, the call for heroes has gone out one last time.

Arcade Action Returns

Battle Axe is a top-down hack and slash adventure inspired by the golden age of arcade games. Featuring detailed pixel art by industry veteran Henk Nieborg and a rousing soundtrack from Manami Matsumae, this is a true tribute to classic gaming.

Choose Your Champion

Pick from three fearless heroes, each with unique abilities and weapons.

  • Fae the swift elven warrior fights with twin blades and throwing daggers

  • Iolo the bearded druid lashes enemies and casts deadly fireballs

  • Rooney the marauder crushes foes up close or fires cannonballs from afar

Fight your way through hordes of monsters and take down powerful bosses to reach Etheldred's stronghold in the North.

Classic Combat with a Modern Touch

Attack in eight directions with a mix of melee strikes and ranged projectiles. Collect gold, find powerful scrolls and potions, and visit the mysterious merchant Ælfwyn to upgrade your gear between battles.

This is where you come in, brave champion…help us save the kingdom of Mercia!

Features

  • Fast-paced hack and slash gameplay with a retro arcade feel

  • Single-player and local co-op for heroic team play

  • Gorgeous handcrafted pixel art across four unique regions

  • Soundtrack by legendary composer Manami Matsumae

  • Challenging boss fights and satisfying enemy waves