Golden Axe III/The Vast Field

This is a very straightforward stage. If you're having difficulty at any point try advancing more slowly, as this way fewer enemies attack at a time.

First a green spearman will attack. If you want a tactical advantage you can jump up on the platforms to your left. After him comes another. Next up is a brown spearman and a green clubman. They try to sandwich you between them.

Up next are two Blue Thieves. Hit them to get the magic vials they carry (press Attack over a vial to pick it up). Be sure to deal with them quickly as they will run offscreen after a while. Straight after they're gone two green spearmen and a black clubman on a snail bizarrian rush up.

The bizarrian has added attack power, but its limited moveset makes it often an unwise decision. You can use it by pressing Attack (press Attack+Jump to dismount). Beware the enemies trying to get back on. Because they instinctively head towards it you can use it to lure them into range.

Up next is a brown spearman and a black clubman. Beyond them is a green Amazon (two on Hard).

After this is a sub-stage with a giant cart. If you fall off you'll take damage, but if you knock the enemies off it they're gone forever. Be careful when using attacks that move you (especially as Cronus).

When you first arrive on the cart there is a green spearman and a black clubman. They are followed by two green clubmen, and then two brown spearmen. After that are two black Amazons.

After that you leave the cart and face a green clubman and a purple spearman, followed by another green clubman. After that you'll see a Blue Thief and a Green Thief. The Green Thief drops food (in this case an apple) rather than magic vials. As with the vials, pick up food with Attack.

After this the Griffon King will drop a green knight onto the field, and two green spearmen will run up to assist him. The easiest way to defeat him is with a jump-slash, as every time you jump at him he lowers his shield and slashes his sword, opening himself up to attack. You can also hit him into a pit offscreen to the right (see the video).

After this you get a choice of destinations. Heading up leads to Ancient Mound while going to the right leads to Tender Hamlet.