A hidden debug menu in Golden Axe: The Duel, a 2D fighting game from Sega, has been discovered nearly 29 years after its release. This discovery was made by a prolific Saturn hacker known as @memory_fallen. The debug menu offers a range of options that were previously inaccessible to players.
Features of the Debug Menu
- Blood Toggle: Players can turn the blood effects on or off.
- Collision Boxes: The menu allows the display of collision boxes, which can be useful for understanding hit detection.
- Special Moves Display: Players can view their special moves.
- Playable Final Boss: The most intriguing feature is the ability to play as the final boss, G. Axe, who is the physical embodiment of the Golden Axe. Although initially marked as “Not available,” G. Axe can be selected if players wait for the timer to count down. However, he has a limited set of moves.
Accessing the Debug Menu
- A patch has been released that makes the debug menu accessible from the Character Select screen. Players can press Start and then L to access it.
- The menu includes options such as setting player names, stage numbers, potion counts, and more. It also allows players to stop the timer, disable death, and increase vitality.
RINGS OF SATURN: I found a cool debug menu in *Golden Axe: The Duel* that lets you play as the boss character, display developer info, and control various game parameters.
— Bo (Low Context Burning Rangers) (@memory_fallen) September 5, 2024
It's not hooked up by default, but I patched it in so you can play it. More below...! pic.twitter.com/9JqoBQLomb
