Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The twin pack of MediEvil and C-12: Final Resistance delivers two distinct gameplay experiences that showcase the breadth of the original PlayStation era. MediEvil leans into light-action hack-and-slash platforming, challenging players to guide the skeletal hero Sir Daniel Fortesque through eerie graveyards, haunted cathedrals, and surreal dreamscapes. The controls are responsive for its time, with a simple combo system that rewards precise timing and weapon swapping. Exploration is key, as hidden rooms and extra lives tempt players to revisit earlier stages once new abilities unlock.

C-12: Final Resistance, by contrast, offers a gritty third-person shooter adventure set in a near-future New York overrun by bioweapons. Here, precision aiming and cover mechanics define each firefight. Players scavenge for ammo, upgrade weapons, and coordinate with AI squad members who assist in both offense and defense. The pacing alternates between tense indoor firefights in crumbling skyscrapers and brief stealth sections in dimly lit corridors, creating varied encounters that keep the action fresh throughout its campaign.

Both titles suffer occasional quirks typical of their era—camera angles in MediEvil can become obstructive during tight platform sections, and C-12’s lock-on system sometimes struggles with multiple enemies. However, these rough edges also evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding veteran players of the charm and challenge of early 3D design. Each game strikes a balance between accessibility for newcomers and hidden depth for completionists seeking every secret.

Graphics

MediEvil’s art direction embraces a Gothic-Victorian palette that remains striking decades after its release. Low-poly character models and blocky environments are softened by exaggerated proportions and playful animations. Lighting effects—such as flickering torches and ghostly glows—add atmosphere, while boss battles introduce vibrant color contrasts against muted backdrops. Occasional texture pop-ins are more forgivable when the overall aesthetic feels cohesive and immersive.

C-12: Final Resistance opts for a more realistic, industrial look. The game’s polygonal architecture depicts a city in decay, complete with collapsed walls, fallen debris, and flickering emergency lights. While textures can appear muddy up close, draw-in distances remain impressive, providing sweeping views of New York’s ruined skyline. Special effects—smoke plumes, muzzle flashes, and explosive debris—help sell the high-stakes action.

On modern displays, both games exhibit pixelation and aliasing inherent to original PS1 ports. Yet the 2 Games twin pack includes smoothing filters and optional widescreen modes that mitigate outdated visuals without sacrificing authenticity. For purists, toggling back to the original aspect ratio preserves every jagged edge, while newcomers can enjoy a subtly enhanced presentation that feels more in line with current standards.

Story

MediEvil spins a campy, tongue-in-cheek tale centered on Sir Daniel Fortesque, a bumbling knight mistakenly celebrated as a hero. When the villainous sorcerer Lord Zarok resurrects the dead in an attempt to conquer the kingdom of Gallowmere, players witness Sir Dan’s journey to redeem his reputation. The lighthearted narrative is driven by witty dialogue, quirky NPC cameos, and environmental storytelling—such as haunted halls lined with skeletal jesters.

By contrast, C-12: Final Resistance delivers a darker, more cinematic plot. Set in 2032, a biotech catastrophe has transformed citizens into savage mutants. As Agent Zac Morgan, you navigate a city on the brink of collapse, uncovering corporate conspiracies and moral dilemmas surrounding experimental weaponization. Brief cutscenes punctuate key missions, illustrating the human cost of biowarfare and lending emotional weight to each firefight.

Though neither title boasts complex branching narratives, both stories are memorable in their own right. MediEvil charms with its playful subversion of medieval tropes, while C-12 engages players in a gritty sci-fi thriller. The twin pack’s packaging allows fans to experience two very different approaches to storytelling from the same console generation, showcasing how developers experimented with tone, pacing, and thematic depth during the late ’90s.

Overall Experience

As a value-packed release, the 2 Games twin pack caters to nostalgic players and curious newcomers alike. MediEvil offers roughly 8–10 hours of whimsical dungeon crawling peppered with light puzzles and boss encounters, while C-12 provides a tighter, more linear campaign that spans roughly 6–8 hours of high-tension combat. Together, they deliver over a dozen hours of varied gameplay at a budget price point.

Port enhancements such as optional smoothing filters, customizable controls, and improved load times ensure that modern audiences can enjoy these classics without wrestling with legacy hardware limitations. PlayStation veterans will appreciate the faithful preservation of original quirks, while first-timers can dive in thanks to streamlined menus and updated performance optimizations.

Ultimately, this twin pack succeeds as both a historical snapshot and an entertaining play session. MediEvil’s endearing protagonist and macabre humor contrast delightfully with C-12’s sobering narrative and tactical gunplay. Whether you’re rekindling old memories or discovering these titles for the first time, the 2 Games: MediEvil / C-12: Final Resistance collection offers a compelling retro experience that holds up surprisingly well today.

Retro Replay Score

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