Debuting in 1988, Axe of Rage (known in Europe as Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax), the brutal sequel to Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior (or Death Sword under Epyx’s brand) ups the stakes with a new quest to hunt down the vile wizard Drax once and for all. This time, the rescued princess has taken up arms herself, and players can choose to play as either the fierce Barbarian or the nimble Princess Mariana. Wielding steel through cursed wastelands, underground caves, and perilous dungeons, the mission is to fight through four deadly regions before confronting Drax in his inner sanctum. Axe of Rage blends hack-and-slash combat with light exploration, swapping the arena duels of the original for a flick-screen dungeon crawl. With over 20 types of monsters and a limited moveset of slashes, kicks, and decapitating neck chops, survival hinges on understanding enemy patterns and navigating treacherous terrain. Strategic timing and skillful maneuvering are key to enduring the labyrinth’s threats and bringing vengeance to the evil that lurks within.

Epyx published both of the Barbarian titles from Palace Software.  Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior as Death Sword, and Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax was published as this title – Axe of Rage.  We’ll be the first to admit that the box art was not our finest moment. There’s more information and licensing details on the Death Sword page.