What do we have here? A ‘classic’ game given a twist? Yeah, like that really works! What? It does? Oh right, I’ll just shut up then...

Maximo is a 3D platform romp in the style of Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts, that classic side-scrolling of yesteryear. Sensibly, this time around have spared no expense, giving us one of the best looking and sounding games around; a real class act, in fact, the only thing that remains of the original’s is the graphical style (skeletons, zombies, the main character in his pants, etc.) and the fast paced action that fills the entire game. So it should be rather good then, eh?

First off, Maximo plays just as you would expect. It’s basically a grown up version of Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts, with you killing, running, jumping, killing some more, jumping again, running, etc. This may seem like a bad thing to many of you, but that’s where the charm of this genre lies, in their ‘fun’ simplicity. This means that this game is one that anyone can play, whatever their age or disposition, it is suitable for youngsters, right up to the older player. The gameplay may seem incredibly linear, but you won’t be buying it if you want to go exploring, it’s not an RPG, it’s purpose is to provide action, thick and fast.

Maximo’s graphics are quite stunning, they portray the world around Maximo with a vibrancy rarely seen in platformers. The cartoon style works wonders, with excellent character design, especially Maximo himself (although the skeleton style characters are a little repetitive), with a very good level of detail (check out Maximo’s boxers!). The only real problems with the graphics are the ‘swamp’ levels, they appear far too often and leave the latter stages of the game feeling a little too samey, as well as the camera, which tends to swing around and show you where you have been and not where you are going. Which, after all, boils down to a game that looks very pretty and has some of the best graphics you’ll see on the as of yet.

As for the and sound effects in the game, they are of a very high standard as well. The obligatory ghost moans and boing sounds that we expect of a new ‘Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts’ are all here, and all sound delightful (no, really, they do). The musical score suits the game well, with creepy organ music and such, but it’s all upbeat and catchy, so it doesn’t spoil the action.