Golden Axe III/Moves and Controls

Sega Genesis

 * : use magic
 * : attack
 * : jump
 * : start/pause

Basic moves
All characters can perform these moves.
 * Strike: hit attack repeatedly to cycle through a series of attacks. Each progressive attack will have slightly more reach and deal more damage than the previous one. The last strike in the combo will generally knock the target down immediately.
 * Low blow: push down and attack at the same time. This fast attack can be blocked, but some enemies won't see it coming or can't block in time. It can also strike under the guard of some bosses.
 * Spin attack: hit attack and jump at the same time. Unlike in games like Streets of Rage 2 it does not deplete health, even if it lands, so you can use it as often as you like without penalty. This move knocks down foes immediately.
 * Forward strike: hit attack, jump, and forward at the same time to perform a special fowards attack. This move knocks down foes immediately.
 * Block: push attack and hold the opposite direction to the one you are facing. The block can be held as long you wish by continuing to hold the direction. The block is broken after a single hit, so it cannot be used to block a whole combo. Almost all attacks can be blocked except for the special attacks some monsters have, and thrown projectiles such as flames and bodies.
 * Jump attack: hit jump, then hit attack to perform a wide swing. This will generally knock down enemies.
 * Dive attack: hit jump, then push down and attack. This can only be performed at the very top of the jump (otherwise a jump attack will be executed).
 * Running jump attack: run, jump, then hit attack. This will deal more damage than a simple jump attack and also reaches further.
 * Grab: move in close and hit attack. Once you have performed a grab you can hit attack to perform a close-range combo. After three hits the enemy will fall to the ground. If you don't hit the attack button quickly enough the enemy can break free from the grab. Ending a grab with a throw 9see below) is a great way of putting distance between you and an enemy as well as an easy way of tossing people off cliffs.
 * Throw: during a grab, hit attack and push left or right to throw the enemy in the direction pushed. Thrown enemies damage anything they hit, including the other player.
 * Alternate throw: after the first hit in a grab, hit attack and push left or right. The character will toss the target in the given direction in a different manner. Thrown enemies damage anything they hit, including the other player.
 * Dash attack: run, then hit attack. This will always knock down enemies (except for some bosses that can block it). It's an easy move to perform and deals decent damage.
 * Projectile attack: all heroes have a special move that fires small projectiles. The controls for this vary between characters (see below for specifics).
 * Co-op attack: the player characters face each other standing close together on the same horizontal level; after a few seconds they will nod rapidly. Once this happens push the attack button and the characters will perform a "tag team" sort of attack. The attack performed varies depending on which characters are involved.
 * Co-op magic: the player characters face each other standing close together on the same horizontal level; after a few seconds they will nod rapidly. Once this happens hit the magic button. The players must have a total of ten magic pots, and one of the players must have six or more of them. The magic attack depicted depends on which player hit the button; each character has their own co-op magic effect.

Unique moves
In addition to the common moves, each character has a unique special attack.

Cronus
Press forward, back, forward, then [attack + jump] together. Cronus will quickly roll forward into a slash attack.

Sarah Vane
Forward, back, forward, then attackjump. Sarah will throw a sword.

Kain Blade
Forward, up, back, down, forward, attackjump (e.g., then press attack and jump while facing opponent). Kain throws a fiery sword.

Proud Kragg
Press then perform two 360° rotations (e.g. ) and finish with the jump and attack buttons simultaneously. This will summon three tornados in front of Kragg in the direction you rotated. If you rotate clockwise (to the right), they appear on his right. If you rotate counter-clockwise (to the left), they appear on the left. Another way to think about the buttons to press is: jump and attack.