Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Maximo vs Army of Zin builds on its predecessor’s tight hack-and-slash foundations, offering fast-paced swordplay and shield bashing that reward timing and precision. Every encounter demands you to learn enemy patterns—slamming foes with a series of light and heavy strikes, then finishing them off with a charged shield throw feels immensely satisfying. The more aggressive you play, the more you’ll find openings in the Zin ranks, but any mistake can strip away your armor and leave you dangerously vulnerable.

The level design skillfully weaves platforming challenges into raw combat. You’ll vault across broken columns, balance on narrow ledges, and leap over bottomless pits as you navigate hellish ruins and twisted corridors. Traps like swinging blades and collapsing floors are introduced with clever pacing—just when you think you’ve mastered the rhythm, the game throws a new hazard at you, keeping engagement high.

Progression is handled through collectible armor pieces and hidden scrolls scattered across each stage. Recovering your full suit of armor not only boosts defense but also unlocks new combat moves, giving you a tangible sense of growth. Optional side areas hide treasure chests and bonus fights, encouraging exploration even when your primary goal is simply to advance.

Graphics

The visual style of Maximo vs Army of Zin embodies a dark medieval fantasy, painted in moody reds and browns that bring the army’s hell-spawned landscape to life. Castle walls drip with moss, while backdrops of fiery skies suggest a world on the brink of annihilation. It’s a striking aesthetic that immediately sets the tone for a battle between noble heroism and unending evil.

Character models hold up remarkably well, given the game’s era. Maximo’s armor dents and falls away realistically as you lose health, giving a visceral sense of danger. Enemy designs—from skeletal warriors to gargantuan war machines—are diverse and grotesque in all the right ways. Animations are smooth, with each slash and block feeling weighty and consequential.

Particle effects, such as dust clouds when blades collide and embers drifting from molten crevices, enhance immersion. Boss arenas often feature dynamic lighting changes and environmental hazards that glow with supernatural energy. Even today, the game maintains a consistent frame rate on its native hardware, ensuring a responsive experience during the most chaos-filled battles.

Story

Set just months after the events of Maximo: Ghosts to Glory, the narrative plunges you back into a world haunted by the legacy of Lord Morgan Hawkmoor. Centuries ago, Hawkmoor and his army sealed an invading force powered by neverending souls. That prison held… until someone—whether by sabotage or fate—broke the seals, releasing the Army of Zin upon the land once more.

You step into the worn boots of Maximo, the great hero whose past sacrifice saved the kingdom. Haunted by the disappearance of his love, Sophia, he roams battlefields in search of her, only to find a far greater threat demanding his immediate attention. The game’s cutscenes—rendered in crisp pre-rendered cinematics—deliver the plot with a blend of solemn voice acting and poignant musical themes.

While the overarching tale is a classic good versus evil fable, it earns emotional weight through Maximo’s personal journey. He fights not only to protect the realm but also to reclaim his shattered heart. Subtle character interactions—like a torchlit chat with a surviving comrade or a brief, bittersweet hallucination of Sophia—lend depth to the onslaught of swordplay.

Overall Experience

Maximo vs Army of Zin stands as a polished action-adventure that respects your time and skill. Difficulty ramps up at a fair pace, challenging you to master both offense and defense. Checkpoints are frequent enough to keep frustration at bay, yet the threat of losing armor ensures every skirmish remains meaningful.

The game’s blend of visceral combat, platforming puzzles, and atmospheric presentation creates a compelling package that’s greater than the sum of its parts. If you cherish the golden age of PlayStation 2 action titles, you’ll find plenty to love here—especially in the later levels, where the sheer scope of boss fights and gauntlet runs becomes truly memorable.

For potential buyers weighing a purchase, consider this: Army of Zin isn’t afraid to push you to your limits, but it rewards perseverance with satisfying progression and stunning set pieces. Its modest runtime—around eight to ten hours for a first playthrough—leans into replayability with hidden secrets and difficulty modes. Ultimately, this sequel cements Maximo’s place in the pantheon of classic hack-and-slash adventures and remains a worthy addition to any retro action collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10