Great graphics, mediocre animation
The graphics themselves look good (great even at times,) but the animation of the models isn't up to scratch and the game suffers for it. Hack'n slashers should have fluently moving modelsm which Beast Rider sadly lacks.
On the other hand, it feels good to bash gnomes again and at this price you shouldn't pass it up.

GREAT
For the price it's a good game.

Average hack n' slash only worth purchasing at a discount
Golden Axe: Beast Rider is yet another disappointing Sega effort at reviving one of their classic franchises. Unlike the 16 bit originals, Beast Rider is a solo adventure only, giving players control over Tyris Flare as she hacks her way through Death Adder's hordes.

The combat is effective but not very exciting. The titular beasts add little to the actual game itself. Getting knocked off is way too easy, and most of the earlier creatures have a very limited attack repertoire. Tyris Flare looks pretty good as do the beasts, but the backgrounds are bland and enemies cookie cutter.

The game is pretty large (if you can get past the repetitive nature of the gameplay) and is an alright time waster if you can get it at a discounted price since there are definitely better hack n' slash titles available.

Good Value and not terrible
For the price it's a good game. The lead character is very cool. The graphics are ok but the controls take getting used to. If you are a fan of the original you may get a kick out of this. It's Region Free which is great.

Goddess of War?
Another hack-and-slash fest in the same vein as Ninja Gaiden, or X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Only not as good. Combat is repetitive and quickly devolves into a minigame where your main goal is watch for blue/orange/green sparks and press the corresponding dodge/parry button. There is the bright side of getting to play as a half-naked Amazon, but the novelty quickly wears off.