Maximo: Ghosts to Glory

"Finally, a good 2D game gets translated into a great 3D game!"

Gameplay: 10/10
The gameplay in Maximo is simply wonderful. First, you've got your platforming basics, jumping obstacles, collecting items, etc. Then, you also have your action aspects, such as slashing enemies multiple times to kill them, finding new techniques and many more. But, what you get the kick out of the most is the CHALLENGE. The challenge is closest to 8 and 16 bit platformers I've seen on a game that's been released since the PlayStation era. The challenge also makes it so you frquently ask yourself ''if I did this, maybe I'd get through this part'' and things of that nature. This type of gameplay will keep you coming back for more all the time.

Story: 9/10
Basically, the story is you're Maximo, who has just returned from a war to find his empire taken over by his former advisor Achilles who has also taken Maximo's girl, Sophia and forced her to marry him. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Maximo gets sent to the underworld and makes a deal with the grim reaper. The rest of the story unfolds as you progress through the huge world of Maximo.

Graphics: 8/10
The graphics are pretty nice, but not the best by far. The characters in the game are pretty detailed, and look very good, this is where the graphics have a high point to them. On the other side, the backgrounds and surroundings fall a bit flat and edgy. Nice lighting effects and shadowcasting are also some very nice eye candy you'll see in the game.

Audio: 9/10
The audio in Maximo is barely noticeable since you'll get wrapped up in the gameplay, but it's still pretty good. The music sets the mood pretty much and the sound effects are pretty realistic and timed well. The voice acting is good, with a humorous twist to it.

Replayability: 10/10
You'll spend hours and hours playing through this game, once you've beaten it, you'll spend even more hours and hours on it. After you beat it, you can go back and master levels or start a whole completely new game and select different choices where you can. Maximo truly excels in this category.

Buy or Rent? BUY! It'll keep you playing for hours and coming back, but, as if in any game, if you don't think it'll satisfy your needs, rent it to see what it's like.

Bottom Line:
If you are a person who wants a game with serious gameplay and challenge along with nice aesthetics and huge replayability, Maximo most definitley is the game for you, so, what are you waiting for? GO OUT AND BUY THIS GAME!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/01/02, Updated 03/01/02