PlayStation reckons MediEvil remake "feels like Dark Souls"
"...though Dark Souls was never this irreverent."
PlayStation has shown off a handful of new screenshots from the latest PS Original game getting the remaster treatment, MediEvil.
Promising "much of the original game remains intact", the PS Blog takes us through a hands-on tour before sharing a number of caps that directly compare the PS1 graphics with that of the remake.
MediEvil is the tale of Sir Dan Fortesque, a centuries-dead knight who finds himself resurrected to once again save his kingdom, Gallowmere. Trouble is, the history books had it wrong, and whilst he's remembered as a legendary knight who'd defeated Lord Zarok a century ago, the truth is, he's... well, he's a bit crap, actually.
I remember firsthand that MediEvil was by no means easy, and it seems that hasn't changed, either. According to the PS Blog, "one of the biggest surprises is how MediEvil feels like Dark Souls... despite it releasing over a decade before From Software's challenging fantasy epic".
"Realization dawns once you're past the tutorial-like crypt and its surrounding graveyard. For one, MediEvil's levels are compact labyrinths packed with secrets and shortcuts," writes PlayStation's Gillen McAllister. "Secondly, the game is tough. This is no brainless hack and slash romp: single enemies can do considerable damage, while mobs can quickly send the unwary back to the grave.
"Comparisons continue the further you explore," he added. "You need to discover or unlock new weapons first to expand your arsenal. Some of these will degrade and break in time (such as shields and clubs) or be in limited supply (throwing daggers, crossbow arrows)."
"Combine that with some seriously challenging level design, such as a taxing climb up to Hilltop Mausoleum dodging mammoth boulders (or blocking them with a shield) and elaborate, oversized boss fights and you can't help but be reminded of Dark Souls. Though Dark Souls was never this irreverent."
Fortesque's original voice actor, Jason Wilson (who also wrote the story, incidentally) reprises his role, whereas other voice work has either been re-recorded or taken from the "high-res audio" of the original supporting cast. There's also an all-new narrator courtesy of voice artist, Lani Minella, and the classic soundtrack has been re-recorded by Prague Symphony Orchestra under the careful watch of original composers, Bob&Barn.
Sony's revamped MediEvil is expected to release on Friday, 25th October 2019, just in time for Halloween.
