Official Website

Platform: PSP

Genre: Action

Number of Players: 1 - 2

Not too many years ago on a game console that still isn't far from the minds of fans, there was a brave warrior, Sir Daniel Fortesque. The PlayStation provided him with two daring and brave adventures, and many were pleased with the opportunity to control and undead hero that would become something of a legend. Many expected to see the hero make a return in a next generation game on the PlayStation 2, but as time has moved swiftly by, Sir Daniel was no where to be seen, and his deed were forgotten by all but a few who regale his stories and adventures, wondering if indeed he would return, and after a lengthy wait the dead have in fact risen once again, but on the PSP.

MediEvil: Resurrection is something of a revamping of the original MediEvil game. Sir Daniel Fortesque, our hero, has had brave tales told about him since his grand battle with the evil wizard Zarok, but these stories are far from the truth. Sir Dan was actually something of a coward and died as the battle had barely begun. It's been one hundred years since that faithful day, and Zarok has returned to the land of Gallowmere once more, and Sir Dan in turn has been revived to redeem himself, perhaps making the stories that are told about his bravery true, but there's just one slight problem. Sir Dan has left behind much of his mortal shell, the only thing that remains are bones and armor, making vanquishing evil sorcerers and his undead minions a little tricky, but Sir Dan might be up to the task. For the sake of the people of Gallowmere he'd better be.

It's been a number of years since I played MediEvil, at least that's what it feels like, but I remember enjoying the game a great deal, with it's interesting choice of a hero and tendency for dark humor and sarcastic wit, and needless to say that Resurrection doesn't disappoint at all. The skeletal hero has all the bumbling grace as he did in the previous game, and then some. Trudging through the darkness of Gallowmere, you will find yourself up against a bit of nastiness that Zarok has prepared for take over the land. Skeletons, zombies, evil imps, and all other manner of horrible and foul beast has pledged their allegiance to the wizard, so Sir Dan isn't going to have an easy quest, but it's better than dying immediately in a hail of arrows.

MediEvil plays like most 3D action titles, though it does have its own unique approach. The stages have you simply trying to find icons in order to exit each section and progress to the next, though other challenges await Sir Dan. As you begin, you won't have much in the way of weapons, though you are armed, quite literally in fact. Sir Dan attacks with his arm, but he will run across other weapons as well. Swords, clubs, and even bow and arrow are all part of his arsenal, and it will begin to increase with each passing stage. That's all thanks to a little help from those brave souls in the Hall of Heroes. The stages contain a chalice that must be found, and the essence of the monsters slain will begin to fill it. After completing a level, Sir Dan has the chance to visit the Hall and discover if those that now reside in the prestigious location consider him worthy. If they do, they will reward Sir Dan with a new weapon, so trying to get your chalice built up to 100% is always the key to victory.

Aside from mighty heroes though, Dan will have a little bit of help from some other sources. Al-Zalam, a former genie who had a mishap with Zarok, is more than happy to lend some assistance and point Dan in the right direction. Even Death itself may be will to lend a helping hand, especially since Zarok is making life, or unlife rather, miserable. Believe me, Dan is going to need as much help as he can get. Besides cutting down undead and finding new weapons, Dan will also run across plenty of gold which can be used to purchase its or even repair his shield, a necessity if you're using it to bash enemies frequently. Look for health springs and vials in each level as well. Dan can stock up on his available health, even keeping some in reserve, for when things get really bad, and they often do.

The controls take a little getting accustomed to, one of my complaints (and the only one) about the game. You can use either the D-pad or the analog stick to move, though I found that the analog works much better. Besides jumping, Dan has a few basic attack moves. Sir Dan's attacks consist of both weak and strong as well as special attacks. It's good practice however to not simply stick to one attack. Sir Dan apparently did learn a little something and you can get in some nice combos, though there are some enemies where this isn't going to help much, but it can help when swarmed by numerous walking dead. I don't like the method of changing weapons. You have to bring up a sub-menu and there isn't a quick way to alternate back to another. I really feel that the game would have benefited from the D-pad being used as a controller and instead having the option to assign different weapons or cycle through them.

If you're new to all of this, don't worry. You can get some training done in Dan's crypt to teach you the fundamental basics of the game. There are books scattered about that will teach you the controls and if you return, you can also learn more about the enemies you've fought as well as about the items that you've collected thus far. There is even some information about the weapons that you've managed to obtain.

One of the most impressive things about MediEvil though is the graphics, and this is yet another title that shows the power of the PSP. There are some fantastic lighting effects used, and I really like the green glow used for the health springs. For the most part, I'd have to say that the general enemies are a bit unimpressive, but the bosses are very well done. MediEvil at times really feels like it's a take on Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas (the movie, not the game) in terms of how it looks, but it still is quite different. There are also cut scenes, complete with spoken dialog (something that a cartridge on a handheld simply won't give you) and these add to the story and entertainment value of the game tremendously.

If you grow weary of wandering Gallowmere alone though, you can jump into some mini-games that are available. Most of them consist of around nine different levels, and as you may have assumed, they grow tougher in each level. The real point however is to get to the final stage of the mini-games in order to collect a new item for Sir Dan (and right now I'm about half way there.) You can even host a game if you'd like, though this is something we never had a chance to do here, but two Dan's it seems are much better than one.

Aside from a few control issues, MediEvil: Resurrection proves that Sir Dan still has some life left in him, and though he's been out of action for a few years, he's making up for it. I'd have to say this is the perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the series and for those of us that have missed it, Resurrection is going to make you remember what you enjoyed about the series so much in the first place. It's a dead world out there, and someone has to save it, and Sir Dan certainly could use a little help as he's been dead tired for the past few years. Why not give him a hand, or at least an arm, and grab MediEvil Resurrection? You won't have any bones to pick with anyone but yourself if you don't.
 

-mike-