Capcom is having a moment. After years of delivering consistently excellent titles –Resident Evil’s resurgence, the promise ofPragmata, and a newOnimushaon the horizon – the publisher is rightfully earning praise. They’ve become a beacon of quality in an industry often clouded by disappointment.
What truly sets Capcom apart isn’t just their success, but their willingness to reinvest that success into bold ventures. They’re not afraid to gamble on new intellectual properties, or to resurrect beloved franchises that might not guarantee a blockbuster return. This courage is rare, and it’s why their recent triumphs feel so rewarding.
As the conversation turns to which dormant franchise deserves a revival, many voices call forDino Crisis. A worthy request, certainly. But there’s another game, a hidden gem from the PlayStation 2 era, that deserves equal consideration:Maximo: Ghosts to Glory.
For the uninitiated,Maximois a spirited spin-off of the notoriously challengingGhosts ‘N Goblins. Imagine the same iconic music and familiar enemies, but instead of King Arthur, you control a Roman soldier – a wonderfully bizarre twist. It’s a 3D platformer brimming with action, boasting surprisingly polished graphics and a remarkably functional camera for its time.
A single sequel followed, remaining exclusive to the PlayStation 2. Then, silence. The series vanished, seemingly forgotten by both Capcom and the gaming world. It’s a puzzling fate for a game that, despite its flaws, offered a unique and engaging experience.
The reason for its obscurity is likely its unforgiving difficulty.Maximois brutally hard, a trait inherited from itsGhosts ‘N Goblinslineage. While some relish this challenge, it undoubtedly alienated a significant portion of potential players. Why maintain such a punishing level of difficulty in a cartoonish platformer?
It’s a perplexing design choice, especially when considering how other franchises, likeMario, have evolved to embrace a wider audience. A simple difficulty setting, a dedicated “hard mode,” could have broadenedMaximo’s appeal without sacrificing its core identity. Why make a lighthearted adventure feel like a test of endurance?
Despite its challenges,Maximoholds a special place in the hearts of those who persevered. It’s a game that deserves a second chance, a modern remaster that retains its charm while addressing its accessibility issues. Capcom has proven their ability to breathe new life into classic franchises. Perhaps it’s time they turned their attention to the Roman soldier lost to time.
