MediEvil (1998)

This article is about the first MediEvil game. For the series in general, see MediEvil. For the remake, see MediEvil (2019).

MediEvil
PAL region cover art.
Memory Card icon
AKA	Dead Man Dan
Tagline(s)	You'll be dying to play! A Gothic Tale Straight from the Grave.
Developer(s)	SCEE Cambridge Studio Implicit Conversions (2024 re-release)
Publishers	Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform(s)	PlayStation, PlayStation Network, Android (Xperia Play)
Release date(s)	October 9, 1998 PlayStation: EU October 9, 1998 NA October 21, 1998 JP June 17, 1999 EU September 1999 (Platinum) EU May 9, 2003 (Twin Pack) PlayStation Network: NA December 23, 2006 EU September 20, 2007 JP November 28, 2007 WW April 16, 2024 (PS+ Premium) Android: WW March 31, 2011
Genre(s)	Action-adventure
Ratings	PEGI: 7 ELSPA: 11+ ESRA: +15 ESRB: Teen GRAC: 12 OFLC: G8+ USK: 12
Mode(s)	Single-player
Serials	SCES-00311 (English) SCES-01492 (French) SCES-01493 (German) SCES-01494 (Italian) SCES-01495 (Spanish) SCUS-94227 (American) SCPS-10081 (Japanese)
Next game	MediEvil 2 April 21, 2000

MediEvil is an action-adventure hack and slash video game developed by SCEE Cambridge Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the first installment in the PlayStation-exclusive MediEvil series. It follows the journey of Sir Daniel Fortesque, an undead knight undeserving of his reputation as a hero, as he embarks on a quest to redeem himself by defeating the evil sorcerer Zarok. Players need to make their way through the land of Gallowmere, defeating Zarok's minions and solving puzzles along the way.

Development on MediEvil began in 1995 at Millennium Interactive in Great Shelford. Originally targetting Windows 95 and the Sega Saturn for release, Sony's interest in publishing the game led to it becoming a PlayStation exclusive. Over the course of development, the game evolved from a simple Ghosts 'n Goblins-style arcade experience into a Zeldaesque action role-playing game.

MediEvil was released for the original PlayStation (PS1) on October 9, 1998 in Europe, October 21, 1998 in North America, and on June 17, 1999 in Japan. The game received mostly positive praise from critics upon release, but was criticised for its controls and cumbersome camera. Due to its success in Europe, the game was re-released there in late 1999 as a Platinum range title as well as in a bundle with C-12: Final Resistance on May 9, 2003. A sequel, MediEvil 2, was released in 2000 for the PlayStation, and MediEvil: Resurrection, a reimagining, was released in 2005 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Finally, a remake of the game for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) was released in 2019.

The game was re-released several times over the years. It was first made available for download on the PlayStation Network (PSN) in 2006. In 2011, the game was re-released for PlayStation® Certified Android devices such as the Xperia Play. In 2024, the game saw a PS4 and PlayStation 5 (PS5) re-release via the PlayStation Plus Premium service.

Gameplay

During the game, players must make their way through various locations, from a graveyard full of zombies, to a flying ghost ship commandeered by an undead pirate crew, to a levitating chessboard in an enchanted forest surrounded by flying demonettes. There are also several collectible items found in the levels which have to be collected in order to make progress. There are several books placed upon lecterns all over areas in the game which may offer advice to Sir Dan, while others contain humorous jokes or the history of the area. Some of them are hidden, but they are mostly found along the path that Sir Dan takes. They can be read if struck with a melee weapon.

Weapons

Main category: Weapons in MediEvil

Dan starts the game with only his detachable arm, which can be used as both a melee and ranged weapon, but is incredibly weak. However, he obtains the small sword and some throwing daggers soon after. The majority of weapons Dan finds are received from the Hall of Heroes by collecting Chalices in each level, and range from swords, axes and hammers to projectile weapons such as crossbows and spears. There are other weapons that Dan finds through the course of the game, such as a club that can be used as a torch, but breaks after too much use; Dragon Armour that lets him breathe fire and makes him impervious to fire attacks; and Chicken Drumsticks that can turn enemies into Roast Chicken for health recovery. Dan is also able to find a variety of shields to protect himself, ranging from copper to gold in strength.

Chalice of Souls

Main article: Chalice of Souls

Throughout the levels Sir Dan is presented with an opportunity to collect that particular level's Chalice by filling it up with the souls of his enemies. This mystical item allows him to visit the Hall of Heroes after the conclusion of the level. Dan can only collect the Chalice in each level when he has dispatched enough enough enemies to reach 100%. Chalices are hidden well and are not always at the end of a level, so Dan must sometimes backtrack to find them. In the Hall of Heroes, he can converse with past heroes, "await spiritual guidance" and receive useful items or weapons to help him in his quest. Collecting all the chalices allows the player to see the true ending.

Enemies

Main category: Enemies in MediEvil

There are many adversaries Dan must face on his journey. Sticky-fingered imps, demonic scarecrows, and Zarok's boiler guards are but a few of the ghastly monstrosities that inhabit the land of Gallowmere. Some enemies can only be attacked either at certain times or using specific weapons, such as the scarecrows. Many weapons, such as swords and throwing daggers, can be charged up to produce a more powerful attack to finish enemies off more quickly.

Synopsis

Setting

MediEvil takes place in the Kingdom of Gallowmere, a fictional medieval kingdom filled with magical creatures, wizards, and witches. On the game's official US website and in promotional game materials, it was said that the game takes place in 847. This was retconned in the game's sequel, where the year 1386 was revealed to be the true year of the game's events.

During the time period the game takes place in, Gallowmere appears to be a Kingdom in decline - its seat of power, Peregrin Castle, lies in ruin. The Kingdom is leaderless and many of its areas are in disrepair. There appears to be only one major settlement left in the Kingdom: Gallows Town.

Characters

Main category: Characters in MediEvil

• Sir Daniel Fortesque - The game's protagonist and playable character. He was King Peregrin's champion when he was alive. He was also one of the first men to die in the battle against Zarok and his Shadow Demons and was proclaimed Hero of Gallowmere by the king so that the people of the land would feel safe. When Zarok returns to raise an army of the dead, he also raises Sir Dan by mistake. Being given a second chance, Dan can finally prove himself a hero that he wasn't in his life by defeating Zarok.
• Zarok the Sorcerer - The game's antagonist. He was King Peregrin's advisor and mage until he began dabbling in Necromancy, which led the King to exile him from the land. Embittered and filled with wrath, he led an army of Shadowy demons into battle against the King. His army was defeated, however, by the King's militia and soon he was proclaimed killed by Sir Dan. In truth, Zarok went into hiding, only to return 100 years later to try and take over the land once again.
• King Peregrin - The past King of Gallowmere. He appointed Sir Dan a knight and banished Zarok from the land. He aids Dan in his quest by telling him how to defeat the Shadow Demons.
• Heroes - Canny Tim, Stanyer Iron Hewer, Bloodmonath Skull Cleaver, Woden the Mighty, Karl Sturnguard, Dirk Steadfast, RavenHooves the Archer, Imanzi Shongama and Megwynne Stormbinder, all aid Dan in his quest by giving him their weapons and other useful items.

Plot

In the Kingdom of Gallowmere, people recall an epic battle between Sir Daniel Fortesque, the King's Champion, and the King's former Court Magician, the evil sorcerer Zarok. In 1286, Zarok raised an army of demons and set out to take over the land. Legend has it that Fortesque led the King's army into battle against Zarok's demonic hordes and that Sir Dan himself killed the sorcerer during the battle - despite having been mortally wounded at the outset - cementing his posthumous status as the "Hero of Gallowmere."

Unbeknownst to the commonfolk, this official version of events was vastly exaggerated. Fortesque was not a hero at all, and was in fact the first to die during the Battle of Gallowmere. Although Sir Dan's troops managed to go on and win the battle without him, Zarok was able to escape and went into hiding, leading everyone to believe that he died.

A century later, in 1386, Zarok re-emerged. He robbed the citizens of Gallows Town of their souls and resurrected the dead in order to amass an undead army. Unwittingly, the wizard also revitalized the skeletal corpse of Sir Fortesque who immediately set out on a quest for redemption.

After finding a way out of the Necropolis and fighting his way through the land with help from Gallowmere's witches, the ghost of the last king, and the Boat Man of the dead himself, Sir Dan finally reached Zarok's Lair, where Zarok was waiting. There, Sir Dan faced Zarok's elite bodyguards known as the Fazguls, Zarok's undead champion Lord Kardok, and finally, the sorcerer himself. In a desperate bid to kill the warrior, Zarok cast a spell that brought the lair down on top of himself. Dan managed to escape in the nick of time and returned back to his crypt with help from a friendly vulture.

Endings

The ending is determined by whether or not Dan collected all the Chalices of Souls on his journey:

• Not all chalices collected: After Dan returns to his eternal rest, the camera zooms into his eye socket until the screen is completely black. The player is awarded a simple "The End" message, then the credits roll.

• All chalices collected: The same thing happens, only this time Dan ends up going to the Hall of Heroes. When he arrives, the rest of the heroes are already celebrating. They then notice that Dan has arrived and grow quiet, whispering about him. Dan then does a few acrobatics on the table and lands perfectly into the chair at its head, where he catches a cup that he flipped into the air with his foot. One of the heroes fills it up with wine, and Dan unsuccessfully drinks it (he is still in his skeletal form, therefore he has no throat). The other heroes then applaud him. The camera zooms out of the Hall and into the sky, where it shows a constellation of Dan in a heroic stance. "The End" message pops up and the credits roll.

Development

Development of MediEvil started in 1995 at independent developer Millennium Interactive. Chris Sorrell, previously known for the James Pond series, created the original concept for MediEvil and served as the game's creative director. Prior to the development of MediEvil, Sorrell had endured a rather torrid time working on some edutainment products that Millennium Interactive had signed up to create. "Once these products were finally complete, I think management took pity on me and rewarded me with the chance of making my dream game" he recalls. According to Sorrell, the first design proposal for the game described it as a fusion of Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins with the art style of Tim Burton – especially the look and feel of The Nightmare Before Christmas, both of which were things that he was a huge fan of back in the mid-'90s. Lead artist and designer Jason Wilson shared his interest in dark, Gothic influenced artwork and they worked together to define the look and feel of the game. Wilson was particularly inspired by German Expressionism from the 1920s and credits films such as Der Golem, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Nosferatu, Metropolis and Sunrise as his main sources of inspiration. As development progressed, Wilson pushed the game into more of a Zelda-like direction as opposed to the original arcade-style concept. Sorrell approved of the new direction and said that he would liked to have expanded more on it.

From the outset, Sorrell wanted his game to possess a unique lead character. They worked with a script doctor named Martin Pond when looking for more of a backstory for the lead protagonist, Sir Daniel Fortesque. Pond came up with the idea that Sir Daniel could have been a pompous failure in life whose reincarnation was his one shot at redemption.

In addition to bringing together a brand new team – none of whom had really made a 3D game of this scale before – they were in 'sell' mode almost from day one, with the future of the studio riding on their ability to attract a major publishing deal as quickly as possible. They were initially working on multiple platforms including Windows and Sega Saturn as well as PlayStation before finally having the chance to pitch an early demo to Sony, who were so impressed with their work that they bought the whole studio and became Sony's second United Kingdom development studio. Late in the game's development, Sony requested that MediEvil should support the (then) new PlayStation analogue controller, which Sorrell described as a "particularly fortuitous event" as it allowed them to capture much more fluidity and intuitiveness within the game.

Sorrell said that MediEvil presented a mountain of challenges due to the fact that, like many other developers at the time, they were still very new to 3D gaming. Things like camera and character control presented many interesting new challenges and required the team to try out a number of approaches before settling on solutions that seemed to work. He said that they spent many long nights without sleeping, trying to finish the game. There were also many levels and ideas from the original concept that they were forced to remove because of time and budget constraints. In most cases, the best of what they had already created for those levels ended up being spliced into the levels that they shipped with. There was also intended to be a platform-oriented section of the game where the player would control the worm that lived in Daniel's skull. Concept art and a music track were created for this section, but it never materialized into the game. Even so, Sorrell said that the game still came very close to the original concept and he was most proud of how the team pulled together to finish the game without compromising on the quirky attention to detail or scope of the game.

Within the game's memory, the following message can be found: "Buzby sucks eggs, and Eastwood smells!" This refers to James Busby, the game's lead programmer, who left the project about two months prior to its release as a result of creative differences.

Tools

Graphics

• Alias PowerAnimator - Used for creating the FMV models and rendering them on an SGI machine.
• Avid Matador - Used to create textures for the FMV models.
• N-World - A 3D graphics package by Nichimen Graphics used for creating the in-game 3D models.
• Photoshop 2 - Used for creating in-game textures.

Other

• Mappy - In-house level mapping tool used to set up enemies, cameras and collisions for the game's levels.
• Psy-Q Software Development Kit

Logo

The game's logo was made using the Ticonderoga font. The Japanese version of the logo uses a modified iteration of the Harrington font instead.

Soundtrack

Main article: Les musiques de MediEvil

The original soundtrack of the game was made using electronic synthesizers to simulate an entire orchestra and organ. Paul Arnold and Andrew Barnabas composed the tracks. Chris Sorrell, the game's director, asked them to compose a Danny Elfman-style score, similar to those of Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Batman Returns.

The following tools, CD samples and software were used to create the soundtrack:

• Roland JV1080 synthesizer
• Akai S3200 sampler using Peter Siedlaczek's "Orchestra", "Advanced Orchestra" and "Classical Choir" sample CDs
• Symphonic Adventures CD
• Emagic Logic Audio 3
• Digidesign Protools III PCI

Although there's no official soundtrack release, the 71st issue of the French magazine Joypad featured a CD named "Les musiques de Medievil," which contains ten tracks from the game and is the only "soundtrack" ever released for it.

Tracklist

#	Track title	Composed by	Length
1	"The Awakening"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:12
2	"Quest for Vengeance"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:10
3	"Dan's Waltz"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:05
4	"A difficult path"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:08
5	"Morten's Dance"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:00
6	"Enchanted Wood"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:09
7	"Desecrated Church"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:14
8	"Journey through the Crystal Caves"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:18
9	"City in the Clouds"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:09
10	"Triumph in Death"	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold	2:42
11	"Stuttgart (Exciting)"	Jason Page	3:20
12	"Stuttgart (Panic)"	Jason Page	3:05
13	"Japan"	Jason Page	3:15
14	"USA"	Jason Page	3:10
15	"Alpine"	Jason Page	3:45
16	"Menu"	Jason Page	1:54

Promotion

1996

MediEvil was first unveiled at the Spring European Computer Trade Show (ECTS) in April 1996. It was later discussed in issue 35 of the video game magazine Edge where the studio's business development manager, Anil Malhotra, was interviewed about projects in development. The game was slated for release in early 1997.

1997

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The game's next public appearance was at the third Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in America in 1997 where the MediEvil Prototype (June '97) was playable. This was followed by a marketing push over Summer 1997 where MediEvil was featured in many magazines, including Edge, Joypad, and PlayStation Plus. Finally, the game appeared at the year's ECTS where the MediEvil ECTS Pre-Alpha could be played by attendees. The Sony ECTS 1997 PlayStation Press Pack featuring five discs with press information and promotional materials for Sony's latest titles was also given out to press members. Additionally, a disc known as the Winter Releases '97 demo 01 was distributed at the event as well. This disc featured a rolling demo of MediEvil. A similar demo disc was sent out later in the year to people who registered their PlayStation console.

1998

Some promotional posters for the game from this time period feature a cover art design that is different from the final one.

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Release

MediEvil was initially released on October 9, 1998 in Europe and October 21, 1998 in North America. The game was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Apple. It retailed at £39.99 in the UK.

Versions

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PAL region

Due to disc size and technical limitations, each Phase Alternating Line (PAL) region language version of the game received a separate release. Besides localisation, there are virtually no differences between these versions. However, the Spanish and Italian versions of the game feature different game over music, likely in error.

The European versions of the game are among the first known instances of PlayStation games using LibCrypt protection.

NTSC region

NTSC region cover art.

Due to the higher refresh rate of the NTSC analog television standard, the game speed in this version is much faster than in the PAL region versions. There are a few other differences as well, such as:

• A rework of the Land Map screen directional arrows.
• The haystacks in the Scarecrow Fields level no longer shrink down when set on fire.
• There is an additional hint book in The Asylum Grounds level.
• The Mad Monk enemies were reworked into the Grounds Keepers due to cultural differences, specifically the deep religiosity of some areas of the United States.

PAL version	NTSC version

NTSC-J region

NTSC-J region cover art.

The Japanese version of the game contains numerous differences, such as Sir Dan wearing a helmet. This addition was a stipulation from the studio's Japanese partners, who were concerned that Dan's skeletal head might be seen as that of a bad spirit and not a 'hero' in Japan.

Original version	Japanese version

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Bootlegs

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Reception

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	80.40%
Review scores
Publication	Score
Absolute PlayStation	91%
Electronic Gaming Monthly	7.8/10
Game Revolution	A−
GameSpot	8.2/10
IGN	7.8/10
Official PlayStation Magazine (US)	4/5
PSM	3/5
PSX Extreme	6.9/10

MediEvil received mostly positive reviews, with an 80.40% aggregate rating on Game Rankings. The game received a 7.8/10 from IGN. IGN heralded it as "A fun game and one of PlayStation's classics". GameSpot gave it an 8.2/10, proclaiming that the game is a "welcome surprise". Game Revolution gave the game an A− and stated that "what we have here is one of the cleverest platform games ever made".

According to Jason Wilson, market research for the game in 1998 revealed that the game scored very highly with female gamers, especially in France.

Sales

The game sold over 800K units world-wide by November 1, 1999. The studio was awarded a plaque from Sony for selling 250K copies of the game in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999. The plaque was auctioned off on eBay in the year 2020.

Accolades

MediEvil was featured within The Guinness Book of Records 1999 due to having the "Most Advanced 3-D Animation."

Re-releases

Platinum

Due to the game's relative success in Europe, it was re-released as a Platinum range title in late 1999. Inside copies of this version was a poster featuring an insight into MediEvil's sequel, MediEvil 2. This detailed new characters and levels, set in 19th century London.

On the reverse of this image are map instructions for the first four levels of the game. These include details of the locations of vials, Chalices, Life Bottles, Rune Stones, gargoyles, rune hands, copper and silver shields, primary weapons and other secrets which may only be accessible after finding certain items or completing specific tasks.

According to Ukiepedia, the Platinum edition of MediEvil was the 96th best-selling game release of the year 1999 in the UK.

Twin Pack

MediEvil was re-released in a twin pack with Cambridge Studio's final PS1 game C-12: Final Resistance on May 9, 2003.

PlayStation Network

MediEvil was first re-released on the PSN around December 23, 2006 in North America. Initially it could only be played on a PSP, but had to be downloaded using a PlayStation 3 (PS3). The PS3 received firmware update 1.7 on April 19, 2007, which promised to make PS1 games downloaded through the PSN playable on the console. However, the titles themselves were not updated to work on PS3 yet. This update came a few weeks later on May 9, 2007.

MediEvil was set to release on PSN in Europe on June 22, 2007. However, this did not happen. The game was eventually released a month later on July 26, 2007. Unfortunately, the game was removed the next day due to "failing at the third level." Sony began to issue refunds for the game that August. A fully working version of the game was finally released on September 20, 2007. From August 2010 to September 2010, this version was made available for free to European PlayStation Plus subscribers.

The Japanese version of the game was released on the Japanese PSN on November 28, 2007.

Years later, on April 16, 2024, the game saw another PSN re-release made specifically for the PS4 and PS5 consoles. This version was prepared by the company Implicit Conversions, and was enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, custom video filters and trophy support.

Android

The Android re-release of the game, available exclusively on Xperia Play phones, saw very low sales numbers in its first month, selling between 100 to 500 units in total.

Legacy

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Credits

Game Concept/Direction	Chris Sorrell
Game Design	Jason Wilson
Main Programming	James Busby, Paul Donovan, Chris Sorrell, Matt Johnson, Sam Baker
Additional Programming	Derek Pollard, Tim Closs, Dean Ashton
Mapping/Development Assistant	Katie Lea
Art Design	Jason Wilson
Rendered Sequences/Presentation Visuals	Jason Riley
Additional Mapping	Lindsay Pollard
AV Management	Pete Murphy
Original Soundtrack	Andrew Barnabas, Paul Arnold
Sound Effects	Paul Arnold
Video Post-Production	Tom Oswald
Speech Post-Production	Andrew Barnabas
Sound Effects/Language Implementation	Gary Richards, William Bell
Technologies Management	Mike Ball
Technologies Programming	Andrew Ostler, Dean Ashton, Matt Johnson
QA Testing Co-ordinator	Sarah-Louise Lloyd
QA Testers	Dave Holloway, Alex Sulman, Dan Smith, Stuart Harvey
Preliminary Script	Jason Wilson
Dialogue Script	Martin Pond
Producer	Chris Sorrell
Manager (Cambridge Studio)	Ian Saunter
Executive Producer for SCEE	John Roberts
Product Manager	Chris Ansell
Manual	Written by Jim Sangster Designed by Steve O'Neill
Print Production	Martin Pearce
Manual QA Approval	Lee Travers, Stephen Griffiths
QA Manager	Tony Bourne
Head of the Internal Testing	Steve Archer
Testing Co-Ordinator	Jim McCabe
Lead Tester	Dave Burke
Assistant Lead Tester	Andy Macoy
Testers	Ian Cunliffe, Richard Bunn, Anthony Gill, John Cassidy, Dominic Berzins, Ian McEvoy, Phil Bramhill, Dee Norfolk, Lorna Croasdale, Pat Cowan, Carl McKane, Carl Guinney
Lead Localisation Tester	Ed Valiente
Localisation Testers	Claudia Schuldt, Christa Leonards, Lucie Dupoirieux, Susana Olga Paredes Alcaraz, Ana Maria Juarez-Ordóñez, Andrea Masneri, Miguel Sanchez
	VOICE ARTISTS
	Luis Soto, Paul Darrow, Harry Dickmen, Christopher Kent, Helen Lederer

Gallery

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In other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Arabic	ميد ايفل mid ayfil	-
Chinese (Simplified)	骷髅战士 Kūlóu zhànshì	Skeleton Warrior
Japanese	メディーバル 甦ったガロメアの勇者 Medībaru yomigaetta garomea no yūsha	MediEvil: Resurrected Hero of Gallowmere
Korean	메디이블 mediibeul	-

See also

• MediEvil fan comic.
• MediEvil fan film.
• MediEvil: Hero of Gallowmere mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
• MediEvil: Undead Again fan game.

External links

• MediEvil at the SDA Knowledge Base.
• MediEvil on TCRF.
• MediEvil on the UVL.
• MediEvil at Wikipedia.