MediEvil II
Introduction
Sir Daniel Fortesque, the jawless, skeletal knight with a penchant for accidental heroism, made a triumphant return in 2000 with the release of MediEvil II. Developed by SCE Cambridge Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, this sequel followed the massive success of the original 1998 title. While the first game embraced a medieval, gothic horror aesthetic inspired by Tim Burton, the sequel shifted its focus forward in time, blending its signature dark humor with a Victorian-era steampunk flair. MediEvil II remains a standout title in the PlayStation library, known for its creative level design, witty writing, and the charmingly clumsy protagonist who proved that even in death, you can still save the world.
Story & Setting
The narrative of MediEvil II picks up five hundred years after Sir Dan defeated the sorcerer Zarok and returned to his eternal slumber in the Hall of Heroes. The setting shifts from the kingdom of Gallowmere to the fog-drenched streets of Victorian London in 1886. The peace is shattered when a wealthy industrialist and aspiring sorcerer named Lord Palethorn discovers the remains of Zarok’s spellbook. By reciting the ancient incantations, Palethorn inadvertently resurrects the dead across London, including Sir Daniel Fortesque, who wakes up as an exhibit in a local museum.
Dan is not alone in his quest this time. He is aided by a ghostly companion named Winston Chapelmount and eventually finds romance with Kiya, an ancient Egyptian mummy brought back to life. Together, they must navigate a world of steam-powered machinery, secret societies, and supernatural threats to reclaim the lost pages of the spellbook and stop Palethorn from conquering the world. This game is known simply by its primary title, MediEvil II, with no other alternative names used during its release cycle.
Gameplay
MediEvil II retains the core action-adventure mechanics of its predecessor while introducing significant refinements and new features. The gameplay is a mix of hack-and-slash combat, platforming, and environmental puzzle-solving. To combat the undead and Palethorn’s mechanical minions, Dan’s arsenal has evolved to match the era. While he still utilizes swords, shields, and axes, he now has access to 19th-century weaponry, including pistols, a blunderbuss, and even a Gatling gun.
One of the most innovative additions is the "Dan's Hand" mechanic. In certain sections, Dan can remove his head and place it on a scurrying zombie hand, allowing the player to explore small crevices, navigate tight puzzles, and scout areas that Dan’s full body cannot reach. The game also features more complex boss battles and a variety of mission objectives that require players to think beyond simple combat. The collection of Life Bottles and the quest for the Chalice of Souls return, rewarding players who thoroughly explore the intricate levels with access to more powerful weapons in the Hall of Heroes.
This game was released exclusively for the original PlayStation console during the twilight of its lifecycle.
Legacy
MediEvil II is often cited as one of the most polished titles on the PlayStation. Critics at the time praised its improved camera system—a major point of contention in the first game—and its vibrant, detailed graphics that pushed the aging hardware to its limits. The shift to a Victorian setting allowed the developers to experiment with more varied environments, from the London sewers and Kew Gardens to the Whitechapel district.
Though the franchise would later see a reimagining on the PlayStation Portable (MediEvil: Resurrection) and a full remake of the first game on PlayStation 4, MediEvil II remains a unique gem that has yet to receive a modern remaster. Its legacy lives on through a dedicated cult following that appreciates its unique blend of Hammer Horror atmosphere and British comedy.
Fun Facts
- A Change of Voice: Unlike the first game, where Sir Dan's muffled speech was provided by Jason Wilson, the sequel features more distinct voice acting for the expanded cast, though Dan remains charmingly incoherent.
- Historical References: The game features a level inspired by the infamous Jack the Ripper, though in the MediEvil universe, the character is reimagined as a monstrous green demon.
- The Lost Ending: If players collect all the Chalices of Souls throughout the game, they are treated to a secret "perfect" ending that provides a more definitive conclusion to Dan and Kiya’s story.
- The Museum Cameo: The museum level at the start of the game contains various Easter eggs and references to the first MediEvil, serving as a bridge between the two eras.
