While the original Golden Axe is still held in high regard, this new game, Golden Axe: Beast Rider, has a lot to prove. While it doesn’t feature the co-operative combat that made the original so great, Beast Rider is going to try to win players over with its brutal melee combat.

You play as Tyris Flare, a half-Gladiator/half-Barbarian in a story taking place before the original. You’ll get to ‘savage’ enemy beasts either on foot or while riding ‘massive mythical beasts’ - hence the name - while also having access to a range of magical weapons and spells.

Golden Axe: Beast Rider is expected on PS3 and Xbox 360 later this year, from Secret Level and Sega.