So, Maximo 2, a sequel to a game, which was a 3D remake of a classic Capcom arcade platform game, Ghouls and Ghosts. The original Maximo didn't really light my fire, although the game was quite good fun to play, had some excellent boss characters to fight and a nice range of themed levels. I found you were constantly fighting with the camera to try and get a decent angle to use. It seemed to get in the way permanently, and when multiple enemies were attacking you it was very hard to see what was going on. Platform jumping wasn't always easy either, as the camera blocked the view ahead slightly, and as it wasn't adjustable up and down, it was difficult to judge your jumps. Enjoyable but ultimately flawed which was a shame really.

   

Capcom then announced a sequel, and promised improvements on the original game's issues. One of the first things you notice when playing the game is that Capcom have not changed the camera system whatsoever, and it still gets in the way during multiple angle combat, and it still gets confused when in tight areas such as small rooms. The difficulty level has been taken down a couple of notches for the sequel, which is welcome, as the original bordered on unfair at times. Was this the poor use of 3D showing its ugly face, or were Capcom deliberately making the game tough because it was a sequel/spin-off from Ghouls and Ghosts? Who knows, but it's good they have adjusted it this time around.

   

The character design for the enemies (the Zin Army no less) is superb. They are all mechanical, and they look great. One type of enemy reminds me of the drone robots in the Mine areas of Phantasy Star Online. When you hit them with your sword or hammer, mechanical bits like cogs go flying across the room. A personal favourite of mine are the scarecrows early on in the game with exploding pumpkin heads - brilliant!

   

Playing through the game is great fun, and smashing multiple enemies to a pulp with your big hammer is very satisfying. Capcom have included a Devil May Cry-style combo system into the game, where you get rated for each combo you perform. There is no real reason for the system, its just there for fun, and it adds to the already great gameplay of the game. Although overall difficulty has been lowered somewhat, there does seem to be an occasional difficulty imbalance between levels. The first boss, for example is extremely easy to beat, but then a multi-enemy fight in a church in the level before is very hard indeed, and can take several attempts to beat.

For players who enjoyed the first, Army of Zin will be right up your street, and you'll probably enjoy this sequel, but for people who got frustrated by the technical issues with the game (i.e. the camera), you wont be impressed that it's not been improved in the sequel.