It may have taken 14 years to rise from its grave, but the recently remastered PS4 version of MediEvil marked the return of one of Sony’s most beloved cult classics. While critics of this reanimated masterpiece may have issues with its dated mechanics, Sir Dan’s comeback serves as a way of getting his skeletal foot back in the door.
With the PlayStation 5 on the horizon and rumors brewing in regards to MediEvil’s future, now might be a good time to consider what we’d like to see the one-eyed wonder get up to next. Despite not quite living up to the standards of Dan’s first undead quest, MediEvil’s original sequel has a lot of redeeming qualities, most of which could really shine if given the opportunity.
With that in mind, here are 5 reasons why MediEvil 2 deserves a second chance at life.
All New Victorian Setting, Same Old Sir Dan
Players often expect video game sequels to offer something new, so having Sir Dan take a 500-year nap before embarking on his next adventure was a bold but brilliant move. That’s right, we’re not in Gallowmere anymore, Toto, as MediEvil 2 instead takes place within the strange new world of… London. After being rudely awoken by yet another smarmy sorcerer, Dan discovers that he’s now part of an exhibition at a museum in Kensington, which also happens to be overrun by zombie Londoners.
As Sir Dan, you’ll find yourself wrestling across crazed carnivals, weed-whacking your way through gruesome gardens and even dodging the law within the streets of Whitechapel. Each area has its own set of puzzles, challenges and enemies that wish to strip any flesh you have left from your bones, which means you’ll never be twiddling your decrepit thumbs. The variance in level design goes above and beyond the graves of Gallowmere, introducing us to a new and dangerous version of the land we once knew.
MediEvil 2’s choice of setting is hilariously refreshing, providing a similar undead playground to the first game alongside the ability to experiment with levels and gameplay. By simply tweaking the environment, MediEvil 2 was able to shake up its level design and provided the foundations for a whole new comedic conquest, one of which would only be enhanced after receiving the remake treatment. Adapting MediEvil 2, rather than burying it all together, could mean this brilliantly absurd theme could be expanded upon, perhaps featuring additional locations and challenges to overcome.
A Preposterously Amusing Plot and Dialogue
As you’ve probably already guessed, the plot to MediEvil 2 is absolutely ridiculous. In many ways, this sequel features a narrative that can only be described as some sort of warped version of Back to the Future. You’ve got a mad scientist, a time machine, and even a love interest, who just so happens to be a resurrected Egyptian mummy. This is definitely a plot that shouldn’t be taken remotely seriously, even if you did think its predecessor had a compelling story.
Just like the first game, MediEvil 2 is legitimately funny, with some great light-hearted gags weaved into its story. Unlike the first game, where Dan is determined to make a name for himself, he’s mostly disinterested during this escapade, probably disgruntled at the fact he’s been summoned away from feasting at the Hall of Heroes. MediEvil 2 is admittedly not quite as witty as the first game, but it sets the foundations for being so, especially if any of the content was being revised as part of a remake.
There are, however, some odds and ends that could be tidied up if this game was being recreated. Sir Dan sounds relatively different in MediEvil 2, in part because he’s voiced by Marc Silk this time rather than Jay Gunn. Along with this change in voice actor comes a change in style, one of which sounds more akin to Mr. Bean than the Dan we know and love from the first game. It might be unachievable, but it’d be nice to have Jay Gunn voice our jawless hero once again, in the instance that the game is recreated.
Brilliantly Bizarre Boss Battles
MediEvil 2’s Victorian arena features some of the best boss encounters the series has to offer. Sure, the original game had stained glass demons and ghost pirates, but this glorious sequel features the likes of Dracula, Jack the Ripper, and a Mary Shelley-inspired boxing match. While these boss fights do feature a similar premise to those in the first game, there’s something about the presentation of each character that makes each battle unique.
Dan’s approach to combat has changed very little since his first outing – with most of his technique consisting of a dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge routine, followed by getting a few hits in where he can. Some of the more intriguing battles feature some additional quirks, such as using mirrors to reflect light onto The Count or trying to keep your Egyptian girlfriend alive while The Ripper claws at her decaying flesh.
Just like with the setting, the boss fights within MediEvil 2 add to the comedic flair that makes the series so special. There’s something specifically funny about having one of gaming’s goofiest characters facing off against London’s most notorious serial killers. Mechanically speaking, the gameplay involved in slaying these demons could be branded as dated, but there’s definitely enough to work with here in terms of a remaster or remake. These battles are already reason enough to play MediEvil 2 but with some enhancement magic and perhaps some additional foes, the experience could become even more iconic.
An Inventory of Periodic Firearms and Outfits
As previously discussed, Sir Dan is going to have his hands full fighting all sorts of undead oddities, so it’s only fair that he’s provided with a new range of weapons, new and old. Classic weapons such as swords, shields, hammers and axes all feature in MediEvil 2’s inventory, only this time they’re accompanied by pistols, blunderbuss’ and even a Gatling gun. These all add to the silly nature of combat that MediEvil has to offer; not that you can get sillier than using your own arm as a club.
Sir Dan’s inventory is also graced with a few outfits, which are obtained at specific points in the story. While these don’t offer any advantages in combat, dressing Dan up in a fake beard and top hat is worth it for the laughs alone. Outfits do, however, tie into specific gameplay situations, usually involving sneaking into specific areas in disguise, be it into a London brothel, or the camps of a weird sewer-dwelling tribe that seemingly think you’re a god.
The inventory in this game could become a treasure trove of fun if given the remake treatment, with scope for the developers to add even more absurd weaponry and attire. Perhaps these could even provide a reason to have additional objectives and side quests weaved into the existing fabric of the game, which would also help expand the replayability of a potential remake.
A Fantastic Audio/Visual Aesthetic
If there’s one thing that MediEvil is renowned for, it’s unique visuals and an outstanding soundtrack. On a visual level, MediEvil 2 retains a lot of the same aesthetics, applying its gothic style to a new Victorian setting. Despite relying on dated PS1 graphics, MediEvil 2 manages to be just as charming, with some nice textures despite the limitations. Some of the levels within MediEvil 2 are arguably more detailed than the first game, meaning that recreating these visuals with modern tech could be a spectacle to behold.
Other Ocean’s take on the franchise for the PS4 might have stuck with a relatively safe glow up, but perhaps things could get a bit more courageous when it comes to a follow-up. A grittier, less cartoon-like take on this caper could benefit the series, keeping it fresh as we charge on into the next generation. MediEvil 2’s focus on the Victorian era perhaps provides a stage grim enough to make this work, with the transition from the mystical world of Gallowmere to the morbid streets of poverty-struck London adding some continuity to the potential change in aesthetic.
Accompanying these terrific visuals is a hauntingly good soundtrack, once again composed by the legendary Andrew Barnabas & Paul Arnold. These Elfman-inspired tracks are just as gorgeous as before, matching their assigned environments perfectly. From jaunty and silly, to sinister and menacing, these are tracks you’re not going to forget in a hurry. If this soundtrack was to be re-recorded using an orchestra, like its predecessor, then we could potentially end up with some of the best video game music of all time.
It might be tempting to start afresh, or indeed just lay the franchise to rest, but MediEvil has the potential to become the series that fans have always craved. MediEvil 2 might have its flaws, but this game holds the key to building upon the humor, gameplay, and world-building that first emerged during the dawn of 3D gaming. With a little bit of refinement, a touch of modernization, and a dash of technology, we could see Sir Dan’s journey reimagined, through this forgotten sequel and potentially beyond.