MediEvil (series)

All three games of the series were developed by Cambridge-based SCE Cambridge Studio, formerly known as Millennium Interactive. Chris Sorrell, previously known for the James Pond series, created the original concept for MediEvil and served as the first game's creative director.[1] The original design proposal for the game had the working title "Dead Man Dan", and was described by Sorrell as a "fusion" of Capcom's Ghost'n Goblins combined with the art style of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.[1] As development progressed, lead artist Jason Wilson asserted the game into more of a The Legend of Zelda role-playing video game-influenced direction as opposed to the original arcade-style concept. Looking to attract a major publishing deal, Millennium Interactive initially began working on multiple platforms including Windows 95 and the Sega Saturn before giving Sony of Europe a demonstration of the game. Impressed by the progress, Sony signed MediEvil to be an exclusive PlayStation game and commissioned SCE Cambridge Studio as Sony's second studio in the United Kingdom.[1]

SCE Cambridge felt that the game should possess a unique lead character; therefore, Sorrell collaborated with script doctor Martin Pond whilst creating a backstory for the lead protagonist, Sir Daniel Fortesque. Pond created the idea that Sir Daniel could have been a failure in life whose reincarnation was his only attempt at redemption.[9] This idea, along with the player-character's unusual appearance, turned appealing to some sectors of the gaming community, as lead designer Jason Wilson later recalled that female gamers considered Sir Daniel to be "endearing".[9] MediEvil was one of the first games to be developed for exclusive use with the PlayStation analogue controller. During development, Sony requested that the game should utilise the new functions of the controller, which was described as a "particularly fortuitous event" by Sorrell.[9]

In 1999, after the success of the first MediEvil, Sony requested that SCE Cambridge develop a sequel that would be released before the end of the PlayStation's lifespan. Chris Sorrell, who previously served as director of the first game, was not involved in development[10] thus the project was handed over to James Shepherd.[11][12] SCE Cambridge decided it would not be difficult to make a sequel to the first MediEvil, considering that the ending of its predecessor would give the team an opportunity to set the next game in a different time period. Shepherd settled on MediEvil 2 being set in the Victorian era, the centrepiece of the Neo-Gothic revival.[12] Shepherd considered the hardest part of the development was deciding how to make the game superior to its predecessor through making certain aspects of the game humorous. To achieve this end, the studio recoded various core technology, which Shepherd considered was arguably similar to "starting from scratch".[12] By the time the game reached beta status the game offered larger levels, improved non-player character (NPC) logic, and more fighting abilities for the player-character.[12]

Development of MediEvil: Resurrection began in 2003. Sony of Europe wanted a launch game for the PlayStation Portable and ordered SCE Cambridge to develop the game in time for the console's release. Due to the short notice, the studio was given only a year to develop a game, thus it was decided that a remake of the original MediEvil would be feasible as developing an original title would have taken considerably longer.[13] New additions to Resurrection included an expanded plot, added mini-games, extra characters, multiplayer facilities and a cloud save function.[13]

Overall, the MediEvil series has received positive to mixed reviews from critics. MediEvil and MediEvil 2 were mostly praised upon release, with the atmosphere, visuals and music of both games being the prominently commended aspects.[20] Chris Roper of IGN praised the game's sense of humour and unique presentation, but was sceptical concerning the game's "sloppy" controls, "disjointed" level designs and noted that the game's graphics did not age well over time, in comparison to the graphically superior PSP remake.[24] Joe Fielder of GameSpot credited the first MediEvil for its original look and number of unique puzzles, but criticised the camera work.[25] Reviewing MediEvil 2, Doug Perry of IGN praised the graphical advancements of the game, noticing that the sharper detail brings out a more "sophisticated feel" to the story and the new addition of cutscenes create a better sense of continuity and story.[24] Shawn Sparks of Game Revolution similarly praised the improved graphics of the second game, noting that smooth frame rate and sharper graphics brought out the original PlayStation's power despite nearing the end of its lifespan.[26] At the 2000 BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards, MediEvil 2 won the best console game category.[27]

MediEvil: Resurrection received largely mixed reviews from critics upon release. General criticisms of the game were directed at the camera controls, combat sequences, and occasional frame rate drops. Both Kristan Reed of Eurogamer and Jason Allen of IGN expressed concern over the camera work, stating that the camera was "sloppy" and that it proved particularly difficult during combat.[5][28] However, the graphics and celebrity voice talent were praised; especially Tom Baker's role as the narrator and Grim Reaper. Greg Mueller of GameSpot praised the soundtrack and dialogue,[6] with Reed citing that Baker's voice performance was "majestic" and "eccentric".[5] MediEvil creators Chris Sorrell and Jason Wilson expressed disappointment with the game, with Wilson stating that he felt disheartened with having to watch something he "cherished" to be altered with decisions he thought were "questionable". Sorrell felt similar disappointment in the redesign of the game and there were a number of aspects of it that he disagreed with.[29]

A graphic novel written by original co-creators Chris Sorrell and Jay Gunn, titled MediEvil: Fate's Arrow, was released by Titan Comics on October 29, 2019 to coincide with the release of the PS4 remake. The story picks up after the events of MediEvil 2 and sees Fortesque travel back in time to before the events of the first game.[30] The series is referenced in the PlayStation 5 launch title Astro's Playroom.[31]