MasterV rates this game: 4/5Mace:The Dark Age is a fantasy fighting game, originally released for the arcades to show off Atari's then revolutionary Voodoo graphics chipset. It was a hit thanks to the fluid, beautiful graphics, simple and accessible combo system, bloody and fast action and a colourful roster of characters.
The N64 version is much the same with some very minor differences such as the weapon trails or the stage hazard effects. True, at the details it doesn't look as good as the arcade original, but the overall look is virtually indistinguishable and as arcade-perfect as you could get at the time, especially if you consider bad port like the San Francisco Rush series or Killer Instinct Gold.
All the features are present and accounted for. From the sizeable character roster and their respective detailed arenas, to the secrets, combos and Executions (fatalities).
The game uses a very simple, yet effective system for combat. You use the control stick to move about, double tapping it for a short dash. There are four buttons used: Quick, Strong and Kick for the attacks are pretty self-explanatory,as well as an Evade button which lets you dodge an attack by sidestepping. Overall, simple accessible and oh so gratifying, with spectacularly bloody results.
The sound is a mixed bag. Some of the music is mediocre, some is good. Some of the sound effects are awesome (like the sword on meat interface), others are ear bleeding (like the sound effect when you're inside water).
The problem is that there's only the most rudimentary selection of modes available for the game. Arcade, VS and practice. But even with these, you can't go wrong when you're having this much fun. Try it. It's a forgotten masterpiece of a fighting game in this reviewer's eyes.