Available from July 07 is the original Golden Axe available to download and play via Xbox Live Arcade for the cost of 400 Microsoft Points.

This game is an emulated version of the System16 arcade original (as opposed to a port of the PC version).

Highlights include co-op play via Xbox Live, online leaderboards and the ability to save at any point in the game. The ‘How To Play’ option from the help screen provides very basic instructions for newcomers.

Emulation is virtually perfect. There is the option to apply smoothing though it must be said the effectiveness is debatable and an option for enhanced sound simply creates a small amount of ambience for the music.

Responsiveness of the controls and the problem inherent to the original arcade version was hit detection may irritate some newcomers.

For more information checkout the official website

http://xboxlivearcade.sega-europe.com/en/index.html