Sega released Golden Axe III for the Mega Drive in Japan in 1993, while players in North America received it through the Sega Channel service. The Prince of Darkness, Damud Hellstrike, has stolen the Golden Axe and placed a curse on the land’s heroes, and a new group of warriors sets out to stop him. Players can choose from four characters: the barbarian Kain Grinder, the warrior Sarah Barn, the giant Proud Cragger and the panther-man Chronos Lait. Each fighter has new moves, including dashes, jumps and special attacks, and two players can play together. The series’ magic system returns, with potions collected from thieves used to unleash powerful spells. Riding beasts again play a big role in battles. One of the biggest changes is branching paths, which let the players choose different routes through the game and lead to multiple endings.