MediEvil (1998) (VG)

Writer:

Jason Wilson (preliminary script)

Release Date:

30 September 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Action | Fantasy | Horror

Tagline:

You'll be dying to play

Plot:

A legendary hero awakens after 100 years since his death in battle, only to find that his arch nemesis is yet again roaming the earth to make an army of demons out of the dead. |

Plot Keywords:

Video Game

Cast

Paul Darrow	...	Zarok
Harry Dickmen
Christopher Kent
Helen Lederer
Tom Oswald	...	Additional voice
Jason Riley	...	Additional voice
Helen Smith	...	Additional voice
Luis Soto

Country:

USA

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:T

Company:

Millenium Interactive

Quotes:

Jack of the Green: At night they come without being fetched, by day they are lost without being stolen.

Movie Connections:

References The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Gothic Adventure Way Ahead of it's Time

Medieval is a rare thing. It took the power of the Playstation game console and made use out of every piece of technology the system had to offer. It's one of those games that, even today, still has good graphics. Everything flows. Everything is detailed. Everything is beautifully Gothic.

Medieval is about a knight named Sir Daniel Fortesque that the history books of Gallowmere proclaim as a hero. In truth, he was a story teller, and was killed in the first charge of battle by an arrow through the eye. The army he was going up against was led by Lord Zarok, an evil magician bent on taking over Gallowmere by using an army of demons and the undead. However, even though Sir Dan fell, his fellow soldiers fought bravely and defeated Lord Zarok. Sir Dan received all the credit, thus, leaving the soldiers angry. Now, 100 years later, Lord Zarok has returned, and has begun creating an army of monsters to once again try to take over Gallowmere. Sir Dan is called upon to defeat Lord Zarok, and, redeem himself.

Throughout Medieval, you play as Sir Dan and fight in levels all across Gallowmere. From a Graveyard, to an Asylum, to a Cornfield, and even The Ghostly Ruins of your King's old Castle, you fight Lord Zarok's minions, solving all sorts of fiendish puzzles and challenges that plaque your journey, while dealing with never-ending insults from the gargoyles. As a reward for defeating the minions, after each level one gets to visit the Hall of Heroes, where your fellow soldiers spend an eternity feasting and enjoying themselves. They don't like you much, but give you new weapons and other items of aide.

Gameplay- The gameplay in Medieval is very straight forward. Controls are responsive, and each button functions accordingly. The fighting is pretty well done. Puzzles and other challenges keep the gameplay from being repetitive and boring. Every once in a while a boss fight comes along, increasing the games greatness. However, the difficulty is all over the place. One minute it's simple, then it is extremely hard, then simple, and then medium. It needs to make up it's mind. Also, several levels involve jumping from one place to another without falling in the water or losing your balance, and, well, that's a big problem for the game. Much trial and error.

Graphics- Even today, the graphics in Medieval are still quite good. For the time it came out, the graphics were amazing. Every part of the environment is beautifully detailed. The animation is smooth, and there is, for the most part, no lagging. Gothic environment at it's best.

Sound- The soundtrack is eerily Gothic and familiar. It was very well Orchestrated. The voice acting, though not incredible, is sufficient. All of the sound effects are right on. The clanging of swords, the opening of a rusty gate. Absolutely great.

Violence- As Sir Dan, you must fight hordes of demons and zombies, which are strewn throughout each level. The violence is prevalent, though it is more fantasy looking than real looking. Several dots of green, purple, or yellow blood erupt after each hit, depending on the enemy. Limbs may also be severed.

Language- None.

Sexual Content- None

Drug/Alcohol use- A brief scene where everybody is drinking wine. Nothing horrible.

Overall- Overall, Medieval is perhaps the greatest series ever to come out on the PS One. This is better than it's sequel, but both are great. It's a Gothic adventure that takes smarts as well as fighting skill. A rare thing indeed. The only thing preventing this game from getting a perfect rating is it's all over the place difficulty, and it's bad jumping mechanics. 9/10