Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment, Guerrila Cambrigde, Other Ocean
Platform: PS4
Tested on: PS4
MediEvil – Review
As Halloween is pretty much around the corner at the time of writing this review, one of the best Halloween games ever just got a remake. Coincidence? Or perhaps smart marketing? Anyway, an all-new version of MediEvil is out for the PS4. Same name, different style, completely remade game. And no matter the moment you are reading this, a proper remake of a classic will always be reason enough to check it out!
Story
As MediEvil is a (pretty) true remake of the original version as the story is the same. This means that you play as Dan, a former ”hero” who was called upon to defeat an evil sorcerer about a hundred years ago. Despite legends treating him as a hero, in reality, he was sadly struck down in battle by the first arrows. In the present time, however, the evil sorcerer has returned to wreak havoc! Starting with a small town and turning them entirely into dangerous zombies, sir Dan has been brought back to life and has been given a second chance. With lots of cutscenes and (humorous) talks with all types of characters you come across, the story comes alive and is very reminiscent of the golden age of early platformers around the end of the 90s/early 2000s.
Graphics
A lot of MediEvil screams Halloween, with literally graveyards and zombies and even pumpkins scattered around. They are highly detailed in this new version, and the cartoony animations and looks might even be better than the original in a way. Cause cartoony is what MediEvil is. From the way you swing your sword like a helpless fool to the way you and enemies are running around like headless chickens. The cinematics look amazing and rightfully like a new generation, with full wet skins and properly able to see everything that characters and environments have to offer. No, if it was just up to the graphics you wouldn’t have to think twice if you were looking for a remake.
Sound
With a lot of theatrical voice acting, the game is at the very least guided by tons of phrases. There’s never a dull moment as you continue onwards into the story. On top of that, there is nice background music that accompanies you. The background music is rich, maybe even luxurious in the orchestral, theatrical way it presents itself. With a lot of instruments and many different musical qualities, the game offers a total arrangement that’s fitting and enriching the game.
Gameplay
The gameplay, even though it’s pretty true to the original, is somewhat simplistic, even for an action-adventure. The main issue with it is that you are smashing the attack button and it almost literally creates a rotating umbrella in front of you with a sword when looking at the swipes that go in all directions in front of you. You can block attacks, but no matter what you do it doesn’t really feel like a strategic decision, but more like a hack ‘n slash prayer, hoping you don’t get hit. The same goes for ranged combat, where the lock-on function on enemies and the shooting itself just doesn’t feel very… logical. It feels somewhat disconnected compared to more modern action-adventure games, and you will notice this.
Besides the combat, you will find yourself doing some small puzzles. From the map, you choose a level in a linear narrative fashion, and each level offers about one or two strategically hidden (puzzle) locations where you can find a treasure or a chalice. Chalices are special collectibles that you can pick up as soon as you fill them with enough souls by slaying enemies in the level. This challenge is often quite easy as the chalices don’t need many souls, and the puzzles don’t seem as elaborate anymore by all the games that were brought out after and before the original MediEvil.
Despite the lack of some challenge on most levels, the outdated mechanics and the levels by themselves being rather short, the game is still fun to play. The visuals and story make up for a lot, and the level design is rather unique in the way that you don’t know what to expect. A small church with narrow paths, a few underground pathways, and adding multiple storeys to such levels isn’t exactly your traditional 3D level design. But it sure as hell still works.
Conclusion
MediEvil has been remastered in a proper way. Some of it is still very valuable today, especially with the amazing new graphics and the sound that’s adding a lot. Other parts, such as the combat, is lacking better mechanics and also a proper challenge in general. But if you want to go for an atmospheric (Halloween-like) game, the story and visuals are enough to call this game a proper and beautiful remake.
MediEvil - Review,
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