MediEvil: Resurrection - 5/10

As you may already know this game was a veteran title for the PS1 way back in 1998. The game wasn't a smash hit for most players but for the younger gamers it was immensely popular. That game returns now on the PSP with impressive visuals, an alternate storyline and now...MINIGAMES! Unfortunately that's about all that's amazing bout Medievil for the PSP.

The gameplay is just as it was on the PS1 version; dodgy. You will often find yourself facing several directions before you are able to attack an enemy. This applies to both the D-Pad and the joystick controls. This way become an annoying setback to some players who are used to the freedom of movement most other titles offer and also becomes a major let down in some minigames.
On the other hand, the game offers a story that both the older and younger players can get into. The game's story has been changed slightly to reveal somewhat of an alternate reality to the original. My guess is that this was done in an attempt to make the game seem a little more original. A few different cut scenes and one or two extra levels won't exactly make the game any more original but nevertheless you will find yourself glued onto the screen determined to prevail against the hordes of the undead or the giant steel boulders for hours just to see what cut scene awaits on the other side of the hill.

On a lighter note, the graphics are simply astounding. The developers of the original have really put effort into recreating the original in terms of visuals. At first I couldn’t believe the game looked so good in both cut scenes and gameplay. Definitely a great improvement. The characters have been rendered to a smooth and polished finish so it appeals to the younger players. Facial expressions now look like facial expressions on the PSP recreation and the environments have been improved with noticeable lighting and shadows.
Sadly, the animations are a bit choppy in some areas of the game. You may often find your character seem like he's lagging in parts of the game such as the cemetery. But in a secluded area the animations are smooth as can be. My theory is that there are too many frames being processed at once in the larger more complex areas. However, I think this should have been rectified before the release of the game. But don't get me wrong, the choppy animations aren't that noticeable especially if you're intending this game be played by a child. Some older players may pick out this fault, though.

The sound scores and automatic 10/10 on my cards. The voice acting of the characters is really good. From these voice actors you would think this was a movie. The game still maintains that morbid sort of humour too by always making jokes in reference to zombies or the deceased. The characters all have their own individual personality and an appropriate voice to match. Sir Dan Fortesque being on of my favorite original characters. Who could have come up with a mute skeleton that can speak? Genius!
The in-game music fits in perfectly with the environments. The eerie notes of the organs are constantly playing different haunting melodies all throughout the game to really give you a feel of the game's nature.

The game in itself is quite enjoyable but at times it can become difficult especially for minors. My sister purchased this game to play and half the time I'm the one playing it because she can't seem to find a certain object or defeat a certain zombie. At least the mini games are there for those, like my sister, who can't figure out the game's puzzles. The minigames are very fun and enjoyable and can last a while with little gamers.
Unfortunately, there are two flaws with the minigames. One being directional issues. As stated earlier the movement of the game is fairly poor. In one minigame you must run around with a war hammer smashing rats running around the graveyard. This minigame becomes very tedious and repetitive due to the fact that it will take at least ten tries before you win the first round. Another poor aspect of the minigames is the requirement to unlock them. For some minigames you must unlock a certain area in the actual game to play the minigame properly. My question is "what if you are incapable of reaching this area?". As a result, one may find Medievil a tiring and annoying game that will most probably be left to collect dust the moment it is completed...if completed at all.

So based on the ups and down's seen in the title, I would have to give Medievil: Resurrection a reasonable 7/10. The game is funny, good looking and entertaining just as the original was but there are some flaws that really let the game down such as poor directional movement and minigame access. Nevertheless it's a great title for younger gamers. Perfect gift idea for your ten year old sibling/nephew/cousin etc.

Submitted by Elraro 18/09/2005 2

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MediEvil: Resurrection

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