Maximo: Ghosts to Glory

Maximo: Ghosts to Glory
North American cover art The North American cover art portrays the protagonist, Maximo, in battle with undead creatures.
Developer(s)	Capcom Digital Studios
Publisher(s)	Capcom
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2
Release	December 27 2001 February 12 2002 March 1, 2002
Genre(s)	Action-adventure
Mode(s)	Single player

Maximo: Ghosts to Glory is a PlayStation 2 video game by Capcom originally released in 2001 and based on the original designs of japanese manga artist Susumu Matsushita. Finding inspiration in the arcade classic, Ghosts 'n Goblins, the game challenges the player to guide Maximo, a brave knight, through a dark world inspired by the medieval era.

Plot

The story begins with the valiant Maximo returning from a great war, only to find that his once trusted advisor, Achille, has taken over his throne and is forcing Sophia, Maximo's love interest, to marry him. Achille defeats Maximo in combat through use of dark magic, sending the hero to the underworld. During his descent into the nether realm, Maximo meets up with Grim. Grim reveals that Achille is building a massive drilling device which has the power to exhume the souls of the dead from the underworld. This is, naturally, in conflict with Grim's business interests, which lie with the retention of souls, not their release. Grim agrees to bring Maximo back to life if he promises to retrieve the lost souls. Maximo should find and rescue Sophia and fulfil Grim's agreement.

Gameplay

Maximo is a 3D platform game: the character controlled by the player can move freely in three-dimensional space by running, jumping, crouching, and performing other various motions. Gameplay revolves around defeating large numbers of enemies, which can be accomplished initially by attacking with a sword and shield and eventually through earned attack combos and special moves.

Development

In 1999, Capcom decided to introduce Maximo to video games. The title was originally planned for Nintendo 64 but was delayed for several years and transferred for the PlayStation 2.

Design

The artistic team placed special emphasis on the design and rendering of the characters, as well as putting a great deal of work into the environmental effects. The game's music, which varies from stage to stage, includes orchestrated remixes of the tracks found in Ghouls 'n Ghosts and Ghosts 'n Goblins composed by Tommy Tallarico.

Reception

Maximo: Ghosts to Glory is criticized by some as being difficult and inaccessible. The player is restricted to saving at predetermined points and certain levels present obstacles that some have declared too challenging to overcome. Some players also find fault in the shop system, wherein the player must collect "Koins" in order to acquire armour.But some believe this to be the most innovative part of the game play.

Sequel

• Maximo vs. Army of Zin was released in 2003 - it's a direct sequel of Ghosts to Glory.

• Leaked artworks confirm Maximo 3 began in production but was cancelled due to Army of Zin low sales. The Studio 8 that created Maximo was also closed by Capcom in 2006.

External links

Official

• Official European Website - Japanese - North American (archive)

General resources

• Maximo: Ghosts to Glory at MobyGames
• Metacritic Reviews

Other

• Susumu Matsushita's Official Website