The Axe (オノ Ono), also known as Hatchet and Big Axe, misnamed as Scythe (大鎌) in the PC Engine manual, is a weapon from the series that is mostly thrown in a 45 degree angle.
Ghosts 'n Goblins[]
A somewhat rare find, the axe is thrown in an arc similar to the torch, just as cumbersome but able to fly through oncoming enemies.
Ghouls 'n Ghosts[]
The normal Axe is able to penetrate through objects, but only one at once can be thrown. It goes slightly diagonally and up, not straight forward like lance, daggers, etc.
With the Golden Armor, Arthur can use the Exploding Magic (爆裂の魔法). It causes explosions all around his position and burns up enemies in one fierce swoop. However, it's range is really short.
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts[]
The normal Axe is thrown in a clockwise spinning corkscrew fashion. Only can can be tossed at a time, but it's offensive potential is stronger.
With the Bronze Armor or Golden Armor, it is upgraded into the Hefty Axe (両断のオノ, "Bisected Axe"), and Arthur will launch a sonic-boom like wave, which will fly straight up above him, but with limited homing capabilities and far stronger attack strength.
With the Golden Armor Arthur can also use the Beam Magic (雷光の魔法). It releases eight energy beams in diagonal directions, but none of them will go up/down/left/right.
Makaimura for WonderSwan[]
Ghosts 'n Goblins: Gold Knights[]
The axe is a strong weapon that can pass by obstacles, but it has a short range and is slow, Arthur being able to thrown only one at a time and Lancelot two at a time. They can use its magic with the powerful armor.