Maximo: Ghosts to Glory
| Maximo: Ghosts to Glory | |
|---|---|
 The North American cover art portrays the protagonist, Maximo, in battle with undead creatures. | |
| Developer(s) | Capcom Digital Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Capcom |
| Designer(s) | David Siller, Scott Rogers, William Anderson |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Maximo: Ghosts to Glory (also known as just simply Maximo [1] in Japan and Europe) is a 3D hack and slash platform game developed by Capcom for the PlayStation 2. The game is based in the Ghosts n' Goblins universe, and featured original designs of japanese manga artist Susumu Matsushita. It's a part of PlayStation 2 Greatest Hits.
Development
In 1999, Capcom introduced Maximo manga to video games, in an attempt to merge Ghosts 'n Goblins universe with Matshushita's work. The title was originally planned for Nintendo 64 but was delayed for several years and transferred for the PlayStation 2. Maximo was presented in E3 2001 and released in the end of the same year in Japan and in early 2002 in United States and Europe.
The concept was created by Capcom Digital Studio head David Siller who wanted to bring back "old school" game play. The game was produced by Mark Rogers and designed by David Siller, Bill Anderson and Scott Rogers. Jonathan Casco was the art director.
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.
Plot
Maximo, a brave knight, thinking he’d found a trustworthy assistant in the likes of Achille, decided to leave his apprentice behind and go out into the world. Achille turned out to be an evil super-villain, and now the land is in trouble. Four princesses have been captured, and the dastardly Achille has spread them across the world, stashing them away in four separate towers. To make matters even worse, Achille has taken Maximo’s main squeeze as a bride. Battle fierce creatures and explore dark lands in the name of peace and love.
Worlds
The game is split in 5 major worlds: The Boneyard (cemetery), The Great Dank (jungle), Graveyard of Ships (ice), Realm of Spirit (purgatory) and Castle Maximo (castle). Each world has four stages to beat and a boss battle.
Gameplay
Maximo takes place in a dynamic, fully 3D world. The character is controlled by the player can move freely space by running, jumping, crouching, and performing other various motions. Gameplay revolves around defeating large numbers of enemies, which can be accomplished by attacking with a sword and shield and combos and special moves. Like in the Ghosts series, Maximo fights wearing armor. If he is hit, he will lose the armor and continue wearing his under-pants.
Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Compiler | Aggregate score |
Maximo was criticized as being difficult and inaccessible. The player was restricted to saving at predetermined points and certain levels present obstacles that some have declared too challenging to overcome. Players also find fault in the shop system, wherein the player must collect coins to save the game and continues. The reviews were mixed, portraying the difficulty of the game. A sequel, Maximo vs. Army of Zin was released in 2003 with better critical reception but with poor sales. Ghost to Glory achived PlayStation 2 Greatest Hits status in the United States seling more tha 400.000 units in North America.
Future
Leaked artworks confirmed that a third game began in production but was cancelled. Capcom Studio 8, which created Maximo, was closed by Capcom in 2006.
Trivia
In the end of boss battles the player can choose save the game, restore the armor or a kiss. If the player choose kiss in every boss a concept art gallery is unlocked in the game credits.
References
- ^ Game Data. GameFAQs. Retrieved on February 9, 2008.
External links
- Official
- General resources
- Other