MediEvil: Difference between revisions

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    {{Unreferenced}}
    {{About|the series|the first game in the series|MediEvil (1998)|the 2019 remake|MediEvil (2019)|the comic|MediEvil: The Game Prequel}}
    {{Infobox series
    {{Infobox series
    |title            = MediEvil
    |image            = Logo-MediEvil.png
    |image            = Logo-MediEvil.png
    |genres            = [[Wikipedia:Hack and slash|Hack and slash]] [[Wikipedia:action-adventure|action-adventure]]
    |genres            = [[Wikipedia:Hack and slash|Hack and slash]] [[Wikipedia:action-adventure|action-adventure]]
    |developers        = [[SCE Cambridge Studio]]<br>[[Other Ocean Interactive]]
    |developers        = [[SCEE Cambridge Studio]]<br>[[Other Ocean Interactive]]
    |publishers        = [[Wikipedia:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]]
    |publishers        = [[Wikipedia:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]]
    |creators          = [[Chris Sorrell]], [[Jason Wilson]]
    |creators          = [[Chris Sorrell]], [[Jason Wilson]]
    Line 13: Line 12:
    |latestRelease    = [[MediEvil (2019)|MediEvil]]
    |latestRelease    = [[MediEvil (2019)|MediEvil]]
    |latestReleaseDate = October 25, 2019
    |latestReleaseDate = October 25, 2019
    }}{{For||MediEvil (disambiguation)}}
    }}
    '''''MediEvil''''' is a series of [[Wikipedia:hack and slash|hack and slash]] [[Wikipedia:action-adventure|action-adventure]] [[Wikipedia:video games|video games]] exclusive to [[Wikipedia:PlayStation|PlayStation]] consoles. The first three games of the series, ''[[MediEvil (1998)|MediEvil]]'', ''[[MediEvil 2]]'' and ''[[MediEvil: Resurrection]]'', were developed by the now-defunct [[SCE Cambridge Studio]] (formerly [[Millennium Interactive]]). The latest entry, the [[MediEvil (2019)|2019 ''MediEvil'' remake]], was developed by [[Other Ocean Interactive]]. ''MediEvil'' is the [[Wikipedia:intellectual property|intellectual property]] of the series publisher, [[Wikipedia:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]]. The eponymous first game, produced by [[Chris Sorrell]] and designed by [[Jason Wilson]], released on October 9, 1998.
    '''''MediEvil''''' is a series of [[Wikipedia:hack and slash|hack and slash]] [[Wikipedia:action-adventure|action-adventure]] [[Wikipedia:video games|video games]] exclusive to [[Wikipedia:PlayStation|PlayStation]] consoles. The first three games of the series, ''[[MediEvil (1998)|MediEvil]]'', ''[[MediEvil 2]]'' and ''[[MediEvil: Resurrection]]'', were developed by the now-defunct [[SCEE Cambridge Studio]] (formerly [[Millennium Interactive]]). The latest entry, the [[MediEvil (2019)|2019 ''MediEvil'' remake]], was developed by [[Other Ocean Interactive]]. ''MediEvil'' is the [[Wikipedia:intellectual property|intellectual property]] of the series publisher, [[Wikipedia:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]]. The eponymous first game, produced by [[Chris Sorrell]] and designed by [[Jason Wilson]], released on October 9, 1998.


    ''MediEvil'' is centred around the adventures of the undead knight [[Sir Daniel Fortesque]] from the fictional kingdom of [[Gallowmere]]. The games are visually and thematically inspired by [[Wikipedia:German Expressionism|German Expressionism]], [[Wikipedia:Gothic horror|Gothic horror]], [[Wikipedia:English folklore|English folklore]], as well as late 20th century [[Wikipedia:horror films|horror films]] such as ''[[Wikipedia:The Evil Dead|The Evil Dead]]'' — the name ''MediEvil'', a portmanteau of the words "medieval" and "evil", was the original title of the [[Wikipedia:Army of Darkness|third ''Evil Dead'' film]].
    ''MediEvil'' is centred around the adventures of the undead knight [[Sir Daniel Fortesque]] from the fictional kingdom of [[Gallowmere]]. The games are visually and thematically inspired by [[Wikipedia:German Expressionism|German Expressionism]], [[Wikipedia:Gothic horror|Gothic horror]], [[Wikipedia:English folklore|English folklore]], as well as late 20th century [[Wikipedia:horror films|horror films]] such as ''[[Wikipedia:The Evil Dead|The Evil Dead]]'' — the name ''MediEvil'', a portmanteau of the words "medieval" and "evil", was the original title of the [[Wikipedia:Army of Darkness|third ''Evil Dead'' film]].
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    |-
    |-
    | style="text-align:center;" | 1998
    | style="text-align:center;" | 1998
    | ''MediEvil''
    | ''[[MediEvil (1998)|MediEvil]]''
    | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | PlayStation
    | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | PlayStation
    | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | SCE Cambridge Studio
    | rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | SCE Cambridge Studio
    |-
    |-
    | style="text-align:center;" | 2000
    | style="text-align:center;" | 2000
    | ''MediEvil 2''
    | ''[[MediEvil 2]]''
    |-
    |-
    |  style="text-align:center;" | 2005
    |  style="text-align:center;" | 2005
    | ''MediEvil: Resurrection''
    | ''[[MediEvil: Resurrection]]''
    | style="text-align:center;" | PlayStation Portable
    | style="text-align:center;" | PlayStation Portable
    |-
    |-
    |style="text-align:center;" | 2019
    |style="text-align:center;" | 2019
    | ''MediEvil''
    | ''[[MediEvil (2019)|MediEvil]]''
    | style="text-align:center;" | PlayStation 4
    | style="text-align:center;" | PlayStation 4
    | style="text-align:center;" | Other Ocean Interactive
    | style="text-align:center;" | Other Ocean Interactive
    |}
    |}
    ===Main series===
    ===Main series===
    '''''[[MediEvil (1998)|MediEvil]]''''' was first released in Europe on October 9, 1998, for the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. It follows Sir Dan, who was falsely hailed as a hero after his death, on a journey of posthumous redemption when he is accidentally resurrected by his nemesis, the evil sorcerer [[Zarok]].  
    '''''[[MediEvil (1998)|MediEvil]]''''' was first released in Europe on October 9, 1998, for the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]].{{Siteref|MED-EU-Site|german/content.html|Welcome}} It follows Sir Dan, who was falsely hailed as a hero after his death, on a journey of posthumous redemption when he is accidentally resurrected by his nemesis, the evil sorcerer [[Zarok]].  


    '''''[[MediEvil 2]]''''' was initially released in Europe on April 21, 2000, for the PlayStation. 500 years after his last resurrection, Sir Dan finds himself in the world of the living once again, this time in [[London|Victorian London]].
    '''''[[MediEvil 2]]''''' was initially released in Europe on April 21, 2000, for the PlayStation.{{Bookref|Medievil-Times}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Win Sony PlayStation games and MediEvil 2|newspaper=[https://www.thesun.co.uk/ The Sun]|published=April 21, 2000|quote=We have teamed up with Sony PlayStation, the world's leading games console, to give you lucky readers the chance to win a copy of MediEvil 2 which is released in the shops today.}}</ref><ref name="ReleaseNewsgroup">{{Cite web|url=https://groups.google.com/g/uk.games.video.playstation/c/-ht4W_pQ4SA/m/MfHvRe2fV-QJ|author=Donovan, Paul|title= What do I get from the following|quote=…MediEvil 2 comes out on Friday for £19.99 ( it's the first major title to be sold at the new price point ).|published=April 19, 2000|site=uk.games.video.playstation|retrieved=July 17, 2021}}</ref> 500 years after his last resurrection, Sir Dan finds himself in the world of the living once again, this time in [[London|Victorian London]].
    ===Remakes===
    ===Remakes===
    '''''[[MediEvil: Resurrection]]''''' was first released in Europe on September 1, 2005, for the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]]. It is a retelling of the first ''MediEvil'', featuring new characters and locations while removing some that were present in the original game.
    '''''[[MediEvil: Resurrection]]''''' was first released in Europe on September 1, 2005, for the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]].<ref name="pspeu">{{Cite web|title=Euro PSP launches on Thursday!|site=Eurogamer|published=August 31, 2005|author=Bramwell, Tom|retrieved=April 21, 2023|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news310805europsp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/0if_/http://uk.playstation.com/psp/games/detail/item46237/MediEvil-Resurrection/|site=Official PlayStation website (archived version)|title=PlayStation Games - MediEvil: Resurrection|retrieved=April 20, 2023}}</ref> It is a retelling of the first ''MediEvil'', featuring new characters and locations while removing some that were present in the original game.


    '''''[[MediEvil (2019)|MediEvil]]''''' was released worldwide on October 25, 2019, for the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]]. Unlike ''MediEvil: Resurrection'', it is a faithful remake of the first game in the series.
    '''''[[MediEvil (2019)|MediEvil]]''''' was released worldwide on October 25, 2019, for the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]]. Unlike ''MediEvil: Resurrection'', it is a faithful remake of the first game in the series.
    ===Unrealised game concepts===
    ===Unrealised game concepts===
    '''''[[Fate's Arrow]]''''' was a concept for a third ''MediEvil'' entry pitched by Chris Sorrell in 2003. It would have served as a direct sequel to ''MediEvil 2'' and featured a storyline taking place 100 years prior to the first ''MediEvil''. Sixteen years later, the concept was adapted into a [[MediEvil (comic)|comic book]].
    '''''[[Fate's Arrow]]''''' was a concept for a third ''MediEvil'' entry pitched by Chris Sorrell in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unseen64.net/2016/04/19/medievil-3-fate-arrow-ps2-cancelled/|site=Unseen64|title=MediEvil 3: Fate’s Arrow [PS2 – Cancelled Pitch]|published=April 19, 2016|retrieved=April 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.previewsworld.com/Article/234752-Dead-Man-Dan-Returns-In-MediEvil-Graphic-Novel|title=Dead Man Dan Returns In MediEvil Graphic Novel|site=PREVIEWSworld|author=Sorrell, Chris|published=September 17, 2019|quote=For my part, there was an idea I had back in 2003 that I’ve been wanting to properly explore ever since… A way to both continue Sir Dan’s story whilst also returning to its roots. This story might once have been the basis for a potential MediEvil 3, but I think it makes for an even better comic and a perfect way to celebrate the HD remake.|retrieved=April 27, 2023}}</ref> It would have served as a direct sequel to ''MediEvil 2'' and featured a storyline taking place 100 years prior to the first ''MediEvil''. Sixteen years later, the concept was adapted into a [[MediEvil (comic)|comic book]].


    '''''[[A Game of Bones]]''''' was a concept for a third ''MediEvil'' game pitched in the early 2010s. It was going to take place between the first two games. The game's story would parody the first book in the ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' series, ''A Game of Thrones''.
    '''''[[A Game of Bones]]''''' was a concept for a third ''MediEvil'' game pitched in the early 2010s. It was going to take place between the first two games. The game's story would parody the first book in the ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' series, ''A Game of Thrones''.
    ===Abertay University student games===
    ===Abertay University student games===
    In January 2011, students of the Professional Masters in Games Development course at [[Wikipedia:Abertay University|Abertay University]] (formerly the University of Abertay Dundee) were tasked by Sony to develop four [[Wikipedia:PS Mini|PS Mini]] game prototypes based on the ''MediEvil'' IP using Sony's proprietary [[Wikipedia:PhyreEngine|PhyreEngine]]. The projects were finished by May of the same year. None of the projects are available for public consumption.
    [[File:MediEvil-DefenceOTheDamned-Poster.jpg|thumb|right|A poster for one of the games.|250px]]
    In January 2011, students of the Professional Masters in Games Development course at [[Wikipedia:Abertay University|Abertay University]] (formerly the University of Abertay Dundee) were tasked by Sony to develop four [[Wikipedia:PS Mini|PS mini]] game prototypes based on the ''MediEvil'' IP using Sony's proprietary [[Wikipedia:PhyreEngine|PhyreEngine]]. The projects were finished by May of the same year. None of the projects are available for public consumption.


    '''''[[MediEvil: Boneyard]]''''' was a [[Wikipedia:destruction derby|destruction derby]] style game which featured six racers battling within an arena using charging and melee attacks.
    '''''[[MediEvil: Boneyard]]''''' was a [[Wikipedia:destruction derby|destruction derby]] style game which featured six racers battling within an arena using charging and melee attacks.
    Line 66: Line 66:


    '''''[[MediEvil: Legends]]''''' was a [[Wikipedia:horde mode|horde mode]] hack and slash game. The game's story was about Sir Dan making up stories of heroism to show off in front of the other [[heroes]] in the [[Hall of Heroes]]. The gameplay consisted of a linear set of enemy waves, each wave getting progressively harder by spawning in more enemies for longer periods of time. In addition, the final prototype contained 5 different enemy types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
    '''''[[MediEvil: Legends]]''''' was a [[Wikipedia:horde mode|horde mode]] hack and slash game. The game's story was about Sir Dan making up stories of heroism to show off in front of the other [[heroes]] in the [[Hall of Heroes]]. The gameplay consisted of a linear set of enemy waves, each wave getting progressively harder by spawning in more enemies for longer periods of time. In addition, the final prototype contained 5 different enemy types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
    ==Gameplay==
    ==Gameplay==
    {{Empty section}}
    {{Empty section}}
    Line 79: Line 80:
    ==Legacy==
    ==Legacy==
    {{Empty section}}
    {{Empty section}}
    ==See also==
    *[[List of MediEvil references in other media|List of ''MediEvil'' references in other media]]
    *[[List of media references in MediEvil|List of media references in ''MediEvil'']]
    ==References==
    {{Reflist}}
    ==Navigation==
    ==Navigation==
    {{MediEvil series}}
    {{MediEvil series}}
    [[Category:Games]]
    {{DISPLAYTITLE:''MediEvil''}}
    [[Category:Media]]
    [[Category:Gallowpedia]]

    Latest revision as of 04:35, 13 January 2025

    This article is about the series. For the first game in the series, see MediEvil (1998). For the 2019 remake, see MediEvil (2019). For the comic, see MediEvil: The Game Prequel.
    Logo-MediEvil.png
    Genre(s) Hack and slash action-adventure
    Developer(s) SCEE Cambridge Studio
    Other Ocean Interactive
    Publisher(s) Sony Interactive Entertainment
    Creator(s) Chris Sorrell, Jason Wilson
    Composer(s) Bob and Barn
    Platforms PlayStation
    PlayStation Portable
    PlayStation 4
    First release MediEvil
    October 9, 1998
    Latest release MediEvil
    October 25, 2019

    MediEvil is a series of hack and slash action-adventure video games exclusive to PlayStation consoles. The first three games of the series, MediEvil, MediEvil 2 and MediEvil: Resurrection, were developed by the now-defunct SCEE Cambridge Studio (formerly Millennium Interactive). The latest entry, the 2019 MediEvil remake, was developed by Other Ocean Interactive. MediEvil is the intellectual property of the series publisher, Sony Interactive Entertainment. The eponymous first game, produced by Chris Sorrell and designed by Jason Wilson, released on October 9, 1998.

    MediEvil is centred around the adventures of the undead knight Sir Daniel Fortesque from the fictional kingdom of Gallowmere. The games are visually and thematically inspired by German Expressionism, Gothic horror, English folklore, as well as late 20th century horror films such as The Evil Dead — the name MediEvil, a portmanteau of the words "medieval" and "evil", was the original title of the third Evil Dead film.

    Games

    Year Title Platform Developer
    1998 MediEvil PlayStation SCE Cambridge Studio
    2000 MediEvil 2
    2005 MediEvil: Resurrection PlayStation Portable
    2019 MediEvil PlayStation 4 Other Ocean Interactive

    Main series

    MediEvil was first released in Europe on October 9, 1998, for the PlayStation.[1] It follows Sir Dan, who was falsely hailed as a hero after his death, on a journey of posthumous redemption when he is accidentally resurrected by his nemesis, the evil sorcerer Zarok.

    MediEvil 2 was initially released in Europe on April 21, 2000, for the PlayStation.[2][3][4] 500 years after his last resurrection, Sir Dan finds himself in the world of the living once again, this time in Victorian London.

    Remakes

    MediEvil: Resurrection was first released in Europe on September 1, 2005, for the PlayStation Portable.[5][6] It is a retelling of the first MediEvil, featuring new characters and locations while removing some that were present in the original game.

    MediEvil was released worldwide on October 25, 2019, for the PlayStation 4. Unlike MediEvil: Resurrection, it is a faithful remake of the first game in the series.

    Unrealised game concepts

    Fate's Arrow was a concept for a third MediEvil entry pitched by Chris Sorrell in 2003.[7][8] It would have served as a direct sequel to MediEvil 2 and featured a storyline taking place 100 years prior to the first MediEvil. Sixteen years later, the concept was adapted into a comic book.

    A Game of Bones was a concept for a third MediEvil game pitched in the early 2010s. It was going to take place between the first two games. The game's story would parody the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Game of Thrones.

    Abertay University student games

    A poster for one of the games.

    In January 2011, students of the Professional Masters in Games Development course at Abertay University (formerly the University of Abertay Dundee) were tasked by Sony to develop four PS mini game prototypes based on the MediEvil IP using Sony's proprietary PhyreEngine. The projects were finished by May of the same year. None of the projects are available for public consumption.

    MediEvil: Boneyard was a destruction derby style game which featured six racers battling within an arena using charging and melee attacks.

    MediEvil: Defence o' the Damned was a tower defence game where Sir Dan had to protect Gallows Town from zombies. Unlike the other prototypes, this project was chosen for further development as a PlayStation Move title. This version was later showcased at Dare ProtoPlay in August 2011, a games festival for showing off student games developed as part of the Dare to Be Digital competition. Despite this, Sony chose not to pursue further development of the game.

    MediEvil: Grave Cards was a collectible card game, featuring over 90 unique cards, a deck builder, a campaign and a card merchant.

    MediEvil: Legends was a horde mode hack and slash game. The game's story was about Sir Dan making up stories of heroism to show off in front of the other heroes in the Hall of Heroes. The gameplay consisted of a linear set of enemy waves, each wave getting progressively harder by spawning in more enemies for longer periods of time. In addition, the final prototype contained 5 different enemy types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

    Gameplay

    Development

    Reception

    Other media

    Comic

    MediEvil, also known as MediEvil: The Game Prequel and MediEvil: Fate's Arrow is a comic that serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the MediEvil games. It is based on a 2003 concept pitch for MediEvil 3 by Chris Sorrell. The digital version of the comic was released on October 25, 2019, as part of the Digital Deluxe Edition of the MediEvil remake, while a physical hardback version was published by Titan Comics on December 3, 2019.

    Television series

    According to MediEvil developers Dominic Cahalin and Jason Wilson, a French company was interested in creating a television show based on the MediEvil universe while MediEvil: Resurrection was in development. However, the show was not produced in the end.

    Legacy

    See also

    References

    1. MediEvil Welcome on MediEvil Official EU Website (archived version).
    2. Medievil Times Medievil Times. Created and distributed by Claydon Heeley Jones Mason in May 2000.
    3. "We have teamed up with Sony PlayStation, the world's leading games console, to give you lucky readers the chance to win a copy of MediEvil 2 which is released in the shops today." — Win Sony PlayStation games and MediEvil 2 in The Sun. Published April 21, 2000.
    4. "…MediEvil 2 comes out on Friday for £19.99 ( it's the first major title to be sold at the new price point )." — Donovan, Paul, What do I get from the following on uk.games.video.playstation. Published April 19, 2000. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
    5. Bramwell, Tom, Euro PSP launches on Thursday! on Eurogamer. Published August 31, 2005. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
    6. PlayStation Games - MediEvil: Resurrection on Official PlayStation website (archived version). Retrieved April 20, 2023.
    7. MediEvil 3: Fate’s Arrow [PS2 – Cancelled Pitch] on Unseen64. Published April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
    8. "For my part, there was an idea I had back in 2003 that I’ve been wanting to properly explore ever since… A way to both continue Sir Dan’s story whilst also returning to its roots. This story might once have been the basis for a potential MediEvil 3, but I think it makes for an even better comic and a perfect way to celebrate the HD remake." — Sorrell, Chris, Dead Man Dan Returns In MediEvil Graphic Novel on PREVIEWSworld. Published September 17, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2023.

    Navigation