Maximo: Ghosts to Glory

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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
Release date(s)	December 27 2001 February 12 2002 March 1, 2002
Genre(s)	Action-adventure
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	ESRB: Teen ELSPA: 11+
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2
Media	1 CD-ROM

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.

1 Gameplay
2 Development
- 2.1 Design
3 Storyline
4 Criticism
5 Sequel
6 External links

[edit] 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.

[edit] Development

In 1999, Capcom decided to introduce Maximo to video games. The title was subsequently delayed for several years and transferred among the various platforms, including the Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, GameCube, and finally the PlayStation 2.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Storyline

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. As proof of their contract, Grim gives Maximo a death token, which allows Maximo to return to life even when he is defeated in battle. Grim tells Maximo that there is only one way that he will be able to save his kingdom and defeat the evil Achilles: he must find and rescue the four Sorceresses. The first sorceress that Maximo saves is Lenore, who is being held captive by Ghastly Gus the Gravedigger. (It's only fitting that Maximo's first adventure is conducted in a graveyard- he was just resurrected from the dead!) Next, Maximo heads towards the swamp to save the voodoo sorceress Mamba Marie, which necessitates the defeat of Bokor LaBas the Witchdoctor. Following this adventure, Maximo continues to the Frozen Ship Harbor to find Aurora Lee, but first he must defeat Captain Cadaver the Pirate. With almost all of their number rescued, the sorceresses and Maximo discuss what to do next. While they are talking, however, Achille shows up with the last sorceress, Sephonie, in tow. He is aware of what Maximo has been attempting and has decided that he will put an end to it. Achille kills Sephonie, sending her to the underworld. Thankfully, Maximo knows the underworld's custodian, Grim, so they concoct a plan. If Grim kills Maximo, he will, likewise, be sent to the underworld. There, he can rescue the last sorceress from the clutches of Lord Glutterscum the Demon.

After reuniting the sorceresses, Maximo finally has the power to defeat Achille. He heads back to his kingdom to finally put an end to the reign of the evil wizard and to save his true love Sophia. Maximo defeats Achille and is finally united with Sophia... or so he thinks. It seems that Achille was, in reality, being controlled by a demon that has been hitherto in disguise as Sophia. With Achilles defeated, the demon reveals itself and attempts to devour Maximo. Maximo prevails, however, and the demon is sent back to the realm from whence it came. In the midst of the carnage, however, Maximo's kingdom is destroyed.

With his kingdom in ruins and his love Sophia nowhere in sight, Maximo feels defeated. Grim comes to Maximo's side and thanks him for all that he has done. He also reveals that he owes Maximo a favor. But Maximo does not care about any material gain; he only wishes to have his true love back. Grim informs Maximo that Sophia is not dead (He should know- he is the Reaper) and that she is still out there somewhere. The sorceress tell Maximo that they will rebuild his kingdom and that they await his return. With that, Maximo tells Grim that he will start off on a search for Sophia. Maximo will not be alone, however: he recruits Grim for the cause, cashing in that debt of a favor.

And so Maximo and Grim start off on their new journey. This looks like the start of a beautiful friendship. Thus ends the tale of Maximo: Ghosts to Glory. The story of Maximo's journey to find Sophia continues in the game's sequel, Maximo vs. Army of Zin.

[edit] Criticism

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.

[edit] 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 canceled due to Army of Zin low sales. The Studio 8 that created Maximo was also closed by Capcom in 2006.