Way back in 1998, a quirky action-adventure hack-and-slash title named MediEvil released for the original PlayStation. Developed by SCE Cambridge Studio, it was a bizarre exercise in platforming that ended up finding a place in the hearts of PlayStation faithful for many years to come. Now, it's getting a second round in the spotlight with a fully-remastered version in 4K for PlayStation 4.
Sony announced the upcoming Remaster during the opening ceremonies of PlayStation Experience 2017. MediEvil joins several other remastered versions of titles that are coming around again—Patapon 2 Remastered, for one. It seems 2018 may very well be the year of Sony's classic titles that have come back for new audiences.
MediEvil features a pretty comical premise. A hundred years ago, an evil sorcerer named Zarok invaded the kingdom of Gallowmere with an army of the undead. According to fables, the legendary Sir Daniel Fortesque led the Gallowmere's army to victory and drove Zarok to hiding before Daniel died in battle himself. Tales were told about Dan's valor, but they're largely exaggerated, especially since he wasn't exactly a war hero—he was killed by the very first arrow let fly in battle.
Now, Zarok has reappeared and has resurrected his undead army once more. However, Zarok also resurrected Sir Daniel by accident. Even though the legend is now a skeleton with missing a jaw and one eye, he must defeat Zarok, save the kingdom of Gallowmere properly this time, and go down in history as a real hero. No pressure, right?
MediEvil spawned a sequel in the form of MediEvil 2 in 2000, and a PSP remake called MediEvil: Resurrection was able to whet fans' appetites for more back in 2005. This is, otherwise, the first peep we've heard from the franchise in over a decade. While it's great to see protagonist Sir Daniel Fortesque once more, it is just a little disappointing that this isn’t a brand-new title to join the series.
It’s still very good news, however, as Sony continues to push out parts of its classic catalogue to grace us with titles that aren’t as easy to come by these days. If you’re nostalgic for the PlayStation days of yore, MediEvil should be right up your alley.
