With the Playstation 2 finally playing host to some excellent games over the coming weeks the chances are that many will overlook these in favour of the it'll never match the hype; epic known as Metal Gear Solid 2. Money is not an unlimited commodity with consumers, especially with most casting a loving eye towards March 8th or 14th. Capcom's Maximo is such a title; if it were released at any other time it would perform well however it looks destined to be lost in the stampede for Snake's overrated interactive movie. Surely Maximo doesn't stand a chance?
Firstly may I congratulate Capcom Europe for releasing a game that has been converted to PAL with some thought and dedication. The infamous borders are no more and give credit where it's due as we are the first to criticise. Banish those memories of Devil May Cry to another era, just like the game really. Yet because of the Metal Gear Solid 2 effect, sales may be harmed thereby resulting in Capcom questioning why they bothered. I would like to think its because they realise that PAL regions must be treated with the same kind of respect shown to NTSC regions and that it will continue. The connoisseurs may moan that this game lacks a 60hz option but this has not affected my enjoyment and any reduction in frame rate is not detrimental to a platform fighting game - racing and fighting certainly but not Maximo.
Maximo for anyone, who hasn't read our news, preview or opened a magazine, is based loosely on the wonderful Ghost n Goblins series of old. Reviving a classic series is fraught with danger, as today's gamers prefer graphics to playability. This time Capcom have strapped some explosives to the original concept, lit the fuse and blown it into the 128bit era. As the pieces fell from the sky they haven't realigned themselves quite as expected and as such this is a different beast but the spirit of the original is still strong. Whereas the original games looked westernised this time Capcom have embraced Maximo as one of their own and hired Susumu Matsushita to create the distinctive Japanese super-deformed look with a touch of humour. The characters and villains contained within Maximo are some of the most charismatic seen in recent years and add to the whole cartoon quality of the game.
As the hero of this tale you start off in an unusual situation, you're dead. Unlike most games not all is lost as the Grim Reaper has a vacancy for a valiant knight who can alleviate his problems topside. It seems your victorious enemy, Achille, has been using the power of his drill the to raise the dead from the underworld to do his bidding. The initial trickle has grown into a thunderous waterfall and threatens the very existence of the Grim Reaper; what is the point if you have no souls to maintain? Thereby a deal is struck and with the Reaper on your side you begin your quest to free your beloved (Sophia), rescue the four sorceresses and extract revenge on Achilles. If you think that this whole concept sounds like a new take on the survival horror genre especially given that it's from Capcom you couldn't be more further from the truth. Maximo can be summed up in one; rarely used word in games and that is fun.
Maximo is a delight and whilst always fun to play and a good laugh throughout contains a great deal of depth. The concept is simple and perfectly executed. As with the original you will need to perform a great deal of jumping moves, avoiding obstacles and maim multiple foes. Of course there will be bosses to slay and beautiful women to rescue making Maximo seem like a legendary tale. The story may not win any BAFTA awards for originality but watching and playing Maximo it is hard to resist its charms. The thought and dedication that has gone into the game shines through when you pick up the controller or watch someone else play the game.
The world is split into four distinct areas based on a theme and as Achille can lower and raise landscapes by using his drill you can never stand around and enjoy the view. The threat of the land upon which you stand vanishing is real and adds a new dimension to the game. Secret caves and routes can become exposed through landscape changes and the pace of the game is increased. The undead at any time can burst through the ground in their attempt to prevent you defeating Achilles and they come in a variety of forms with varying attributes. Maximo forces you to be on guard at all time, as this is no simple hack n slash or platform affair, this rises above The Bouncer and Jak n Dexter and shows that old concepts can work.
Maximo can carry a variety of weapons and power ups, some comical (fancy boxer shorts) others more effective and these can be bought by collecting coins or opening chests. Your shield, armour and sword can all be used in a variety of ways throughout the game. The coins that are scattered across the levels have a more important use. Saves in Maximo can only be bought, they are not offered or automatic and this adds to the difficulty and depth. Maximo boasts varied and detailed levels with the majority of these not being huge but the save concept forces you to explore, taking hazardous routes in the pursuit of coinage. Players may moan as games these days tend to give you everything on a silver platter and believe me, Maximo is as tough as its forebear's but it makes for a rewarding experience. Checkpoints are dotted around the levels in an attempt to offer a safety net and the Grim Reaper will help you out if he feels inclined to do so.
As you have no doubt gathered Maximo is one of the most enjoyable games I have played recently but it is not without its problems. The most annoying is the game camera, which at times can drift and offer awkward viewpoints. There is a limited first person view and the ability to centre the camera behind Maximo but when the action heats up, you won't have the opportunity to adjust. Perhaps a two-player mode would have been enjoyable but with plenty of secrets and levels to discover, Maximo will outlive many multi-player titles.
Maximo oozes quality from every pore and offers some of the best graphics and sound yet exhibited on the Playstation 2 but far more importantly is that it plays superbly. Those looking for a game with a touch of class should buy Maximo; prepare to be a hero and get on down to their boxers.
If you enjoyed the article above, check out the following reviews.
Persona 3 FES review for the Sony PlayStation 2Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter review for the Sony PlayStation 2
Drakengard 2 review for the Sony PlayStation 2
Persona 4 review for the Sony PlayStation 2
Art of Fighting: Anthology review for the Sony PlayStation 2
Soul Nomad And The World Eaters review for the Sony PlayStation 2
Rock Band review for the Sony PlayStation 2
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