Maximo: Ghosts to Glory

"Capcom didn't make a boner on this one."

I come home from fighting a war that lasts several years. Being the king, I expect to be greeted quite nicely, but instead I find out that this fat ugly dude has taken my place as king, and my queen as well. He's spreading rumors that I'm dead and that I wear boxer shorts with hearts on them. Well, the latter is true, but still, I am mad. He then kills me, which just makes me long for my wife, Sophia. So, I do what any handsome king would do: I make a deal with death.

After that was over with, Capcom made this game called Maximo: Ghosts to Glory. I decided to pick it up, because I could relate to the main character, aptly titled King Maximo. In case you didn't notice, this game is a throwback to the 16-bit era. Think of it as if someone went back in time ten years ago, and gave the developers then the technology of today. You end up with a masterpiece.

Graphics- 7
I heard that this game originally was slated for a release on the N64, and it shows. The graphics are very N64-ish if you look past the PS2 mask. That's not to say that things look ugly. The graphics are very dark and dismal, but in a light and cartoony sort of way, just as you'd expect from a Genesis or SNES game. Particle and fog effects are done very nicely, and Maximo looks great. Some of the textures are a bit dull, though, and the game doesn't really take advantage of the PS2 hardware. Then again, it's not supposed to. It's a 16-bit game in disguise.
Human Equivalent: Vanilla Ice

Sound- 10
This game has perfect sound. The music is catchy, portraying walking evil skeletons in a lighthearted way. This is just the type of music you would expect from a 16-bit game. The sound effects are also nicely done. You'll enjoy the sounds of metal breaking bones.
Human Equivalent: Jay Kay, lead singer of Jamiroquai

Gameplay- 10. I don't think you heard me. I said 10, BABY!!!
As you may have guessed, I enjoyed Maximo's gameplay quite a bit. It is very nostalgic and it makes me realize how much we've been spoiled gamewise. First off, you cannot save anywhere. You must first beat a level, and then, if you have the proper amount of coins, you may save. Armor is also a key factor in the game. Maximo's appearance changes with every piece of armor you either collect or lose. There a various power ups available, too. But, you can only carry a certain amount of permanent power ups that stick with you no matter what. The rest of your power ups are what you'll loose if you die. I remember when the only thing that mattered getting in a game were lives and extra continues, and Maximo features that as well. As for the levels, they unleash wave after wave of pitfall, trap, and enemy at you, making this quite a difficult game.

And then, if you make it past all your enemies, outsmart the traps, and have enough strength left to pass through the exit portal, you complete a level. And boy, that is a great feeling; one of accomplishment and pride. you want to scream out like Billy Madison, ''I am the smartest man alive!'' You feel a euphoria and relief that you have finally made it through that level. You just feel great.
Human Equivalent- There is none.

In Closing
The greatness far outweighs the flaws in Maximo. If you grew up on 16-bit games like I did, you will simply love this game. I know I do. It's short, it's lacking story, but it is fantastic. The character Death is quite funny as well. Get this game if you have a PS2.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/07/02, Updated 04/07/02