PGC NEWS

MediEvil, a PlayStation classic from the late 90s, captivated gamers with its quirky action-adventure gameplay. After two original releases and an enhanced version for the PSP, the game faded into obscurity. However, at PlayStation Experience 2017, Sir Daniel Fortesque triumphantly returned, showcasing a polished remaster for the PS4. Does this revival recapture the magic for modern players? Let’s delve into the world of Gallowmere and find out.

Dated Gameplay Hinders the Experience

While innovative for its time, the original MediEvil suffered from gameplay flaws even compared to its contemporaries. Two decades later, gaming standards have evolved, demanding more refined mechanics. Unfortunately, this remaster retains many of the original’s shortcomings.

The core gameplay remains a blend of action RPG and platforming with puzzle elements. Sir Dan wields various melee and ranged weapons, shielded by his trusty buckler. However, the weapons lack depth. Throwing Daggers and the Crossbow share similar damage output, with the latter offering only a bouncing projectile. Dan’s detachable arm serves as a powerful but slow projectile.

MediEvil

The combat relies heavily on button mashing, lacking nuanced mechanics. Whether slashing with a sword, throwing daggers, or clubbing enemies, the approach remains simplistic. This lack of strategic depth reveals the game’s age.

Initially, the game feels manageable, with ample health and relatively weak enemies. However, the difficulty scaling feels arbitrary. Enemy health increases dramatically in later levels, while Dan’s progression remains sluggish. This creates an artificial difficulty spike that punishes rather than challenges.

The absence of checkpoints further exacerbates the frustration. Dying forces a restart from the beginning of the level, even after painstaking progress. New players unfamiliar with the game’s intricacies will find this particularly punishing.

MediEvil

The clunky movement and awkward camera angles from the original return. The fixed camera perspective creates disorienting viewpoints in tight spaces, often obscuring the player’s view. Combined with Dan’s stiff movement and inconsistent hitboxes, combat often feels unresponsive and frustrating.

Furthermore, the game suffers from performance issues. The frame rate drops noticeably during enemy encounters and when special effects are displayed, impacting the overall experience.

A Visual and Audio Treat

Despite the dated gameplay, Other Ocean Emeryville has faithfully remastered MediEvil’s presentation. The visuals and audio receive a significant upgrade, showcasing the power of the PS4.

Gallowmere’s gloomy yet whimsical atmosphere is beautifully rendered, capturing the game’s unique charm. Character models, from the terrifying Stained-Glass Demon to the nefarious Zarok, are revitalized with enhanced detail and expressiveness. Environments are reimagined with subtle changes that enhance the world while preserving its original spirit.

MediEvil

The original voice cast and composer return, imbuing the game with nostalgic charm. Familiar melodies and dialogue transport players back to the PlayStation era.

The addition of the Lost Souls system from MediEvil 2 introduces new content for returning players. These optional quests task players with fulfilling the final wishes of tormented spirits scattered throughout Gallowmere. While not groundbreaking, they provide an incentive to revisit familiar locations and add another layer of depth to the experience.

MediEvil

A Nostalgic Journey, but Flawed

MediEvil’s remaster offers a visually stunning and aurally pleasing return to Gallowmere. The updated presentation breathes new life into this classic PlayStation title. However, the dated gameplay mechanics and technical issues hold the experience back. While fans of the original may appreciate the nostalgic trip, newcomers might find the gameplay frustrating.