MediEvil

The Good
Despite its age and improvements in similar titles that arrived in the years since, MediEvil holds up. The art design is stylish, the soundtrack is fantastic, and the levels are enjoyably varied. Despite low polygon counts and low resolution textures, many areas are pleasant to look at. There is an interesting mix of gruesome and lighthearted elements.

The balance of combat and puzzles feels just right, offering a challenge without being overwhelming. I used a walkthrough a couple of times when I felt stuck, but since the levels are all relatively small, I would have found the solution on my own in each case had I been a little more patient.

Sir Daniel Fortesque is an unusual character. He was the first one to die in a battle against evil sorcerer Zarok 100 years ago, yet somehow become a hero of folk legends. In the mythical Hall of Heroes where the heroes of former times spend eternity, Fortesque is not taken seriously. Now, accidentally resurrected, Fortesque gets another chance at proving himself a true hero.

Our hapless hero lost his lower jaw when he died, so he can only grunt. In conversations with other characters, he has only a few barely intelligibly lines and if it weren't for the subtitles, we would have no idea what he is saying.

The Bad
My main frustrations stemmed from control and camera issues, leading to numerous deaths.

The camera angles occasionally obscured hazards, resulting in unintentional falls or unseen enemies chipping away at my health. Abrupt camera shifts sometimes caused disorientation, leading to fatal missteps. During the final boss battle, the camera's erratic behavior exacerbated the challenge, making it feel like I was battling the camera more than the boss itself.

The precision of both digital and analog inputs on the PlayStation controller felt lacking. While manageable in most situations, it became a major hindrance during sequences requiring consecutive precise jumps.

Opt for the English version over the German one for a better experience, as the latter suffers from subpar voice acting and discrepancies between spoken lines and subtitles.

The Bottom Line
MediEvil remains a standout title on the original PlayStation. With its lovable protagonist, engaging gameplay, and enduring artistry, it's a must-play for fans of the era. Despite occasional control and camera frustrations, its charm and gameplay diversity shine through, making it a timeless classic.