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[Tizoc]

Ugh please do excuse the improper structure of my sentence.
EU PSN is having Maximo 1 and 2 on sale this week and I plan on grabbing at least Maximo 2, I've read some impressions some years ago that 2 is a much better improvement on the first game. However, I'd like to hear some more current impressions on Maximo 1; like is it a different experience than playing 2, etc.
Oh and does Maximo 1 have an option for 60 Hz?

 

[Shin Johnpv]

I loved both games, Maximo 1 can get pretty difficult so if you like a challenge its for you. I personally say get them both, they're both awesome. Sorry no idea on the 60hz though.

 

[toddhunter]

2 took 1 and added fun to it. I wouldn't recommend going back unless you like challenge for the sake of challenge.

 

[MikeMyers]

I had fun with it when it came out. Dunno if its aged well, though

 

[Kacho]

Not sure how well it's aged. I remember some of the stages having BRUTAL platforming segments and the last boss is incredibly hard.

I'd say check it out though. The game was really fun.

 

[MvmntInGrn]

Absolutely. I prefer Maximo 1 personally. It can be a rough game to get into because the jumping takes some time to learn (as do some abilities) as timing is very important. The save system also requires you collect coins/treasure in the levels (not just run through them) but its an overall fun kind of tough.

I enjoy the ability system more so than Army of Zin as well. You could pick up powerups along the way but could only hold onto a few of them if you died, leaving you with the choice of restarting the level to keep them all or doing without. If you game over you'll need to use specific items to continue.

Out of all the Action-Platformers we got last gen its probably my favorite. Army of Zin was alright but there is a much bigger focus on combat instead of careful timing and execution. Its nicer looking but doesn't hold on to 60fps like the first game does (the first game has a few drops buts sticks to 60 90+% of the time).

 

[revolverjgw]

Both games are phenomenal but the first one is hellishly tough, about as old school as a 3d platformer gets, so it's not for everybody. The second game is much more accessible, no risk there, unless you're a terrible person you should like it.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I loved it, I still have the statue for preordering it back in the day.

 

[SniperHunter]

I think it's one of the most difficult games ever made. Or am I thinking of the Ghost and Goblins remake for PSP?

 

[Ken Masters]

I remember having fun playing it but not getting far at all because of how hard it is

 

[JDSN]

Maximo is awesome and its basically a perfect transition of Ghost and Ghouls to 3D.

 

[QisTopTier]

All this talk about how hard the game is... is making me want to go buy it.

 

[IC_Champion]

I liked both, but I liked two better (not because the difficulty, mind you).

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I never played Maximo 2, but I beat the original. It definitely requires the patience of a saint but I am always surprised to see it near the top of "hardest games ever" lists. I'm not any kind of expert at video games in general--I'm pretty sure I peaked at least twenty years ago--but I guess I was just on this game's wavelength.

It's quite unforgiving at first but eventually you can afford enough continues and such that it's not *that* brutal. And most of the bosses are much easier than the stages.

 

[Retro_]

Everyone should buy Shinobi instead for a challenging/demanding action platformer.

This game always seemed like the kusoge version of N64 collectathons to me. I beat the first area and never came back to it.

Never played the 2nd one either didn't know it was much improved. Just thought they were two halves of the same story/game.

 

[rjc571]

No, it's not worth playing because you have to spend a large number of coins that you collect during the game every single time you want to save. Play the sequel.

 

[Retro_]

Lol

I actually thought that was amazing when I found out about it. Since prior I only thought you could save after bosses.(and thus to get all the kisses you have to beat the game in one sitting.)

Game always seemed more punishing than challenging.

 

[goldenpp72]

If you're very good and patient, yes, also don't listen to anyone that says shinobi is better

 

[Kurod]

I remember staying up till after 3am playing this game to completion. That final boss fight late at night with all the lights off and the volume turned up...so awesome.

 

[shtkn]

i REALLY enjoyed 2.

I played 1 for a few hours and couldn't get over the archaic camera controls before i returned it to gamefly.

 

[oyoshimaru]

Both games are amazing, I was sad when I heard they studio was closed down.

 

[PixyJunket]

The first one is the superior game, so yes.

 

[Yuterald]

The original Maximo is incredible. Go for a no-abilities-lost playthrough (no deaths) nd take the sorceress kisses after boss fights. Play it like it's meant to be played! =D

 

[Johnas]

Maximo is superior to Maximo 2 in most ways.

It's absolutely still worth playing. 60 fps for what that's worth.

 

[DeBurgo]

This thread reminds me I need to actually go back and beat it. I got pretty far in it a couple years ago.

 

[Speevy]

It actually looks pretty good to be a 10 year old game.

 

[Crub]

Still want to know whether the game supports 60hz or not.

 

[8bit]

Yes! (I preferred the second, but they're both really good.)

 

[Canis lupus]

Definetly.

@crub: why?

 

[The M.O.B]

No, game mechanics didn't age well at all.

 

[KennyLinder]

I've got the PAL versions at home, I'll try and check tonight and let you know. Chances are if the PAL version supported it, the UK PSN version will be the same.

I am pretty sure it will, because Capcom did very good PAL conversions after DMC1 on PS2.

EDIT: Sorry, I just remembered my Maximo 1 is the US version.

 

[Sylver]

Is an awesome game, one of my fav games of the PS2 era, great G&G remake.
(I didn't like the sequel).

 

[eXistor]

Played it for a bit again last year. I don't remember it being this unforgiving, but it still plays fine. You should be able to get it dirt-cheap, so go for it.

 

[Jawmuncher]

I really hope that these PS2 Classics on PSN can be playable on the vita someday.
I love to player older gen titles on the go.

 

[Ingueferroque]

I think it's one of the most difficult games ever made. Or am I thinking of the Ghost and Goblins remake for PSP?

Yep, that remake on PSP was SO HARD OMG. Damn.

 

[GrotesqueBeauty]

Both Maximo games are great. I generally prefer Army of Zin, although in some ways Ghosts to Glory is a more pure representation of old school GnG ideals. If you like the ball busting difficulty of the GnG games, give it a whirl. It's true that the continue system can seem uncompromising given the level of challenge, but it's not really that hard to farm lives/death coins in the early levels, which you can always replay. It's not a perfect system, and the game it still tough, but it's more forgiving than it's often made it out to be. Difficulty aside, the game has an awesome classic horror vibe and tight level design. It's also worth noting that the Ghosts to Glory started development as a N64 title, so it's not exactly pushing any technical boundaries as a PS2 game. It's definitely charming though.

I consider the sequel Army of Zin completely amazing, and one of the best of it's genre. Like the first, it doesn't necessarily have the highest production values ever, or even of PS2 era action/adventure games, but it more than makes if up in creativity and great design. The well varied level themes, enemy designs, and combat are all on point. The mix of hack and slash, platforming, and minor exploration is genuinely fun and addicting. Skill and pattern recognition are well rewarded, and the sense of progression is gratifying. The bosses are also super fun and over the top. There's thematic cohesion in a broad sense, but the game embraces some of the nonsensical wackiness of classic side-scrollers that were all about reward, and less bound by "real world" logic. Such a great game.

Personally, I would recommend trying both, in order- at least if you have the patience for tough games. If not, you might as well jump right into Army of Zin, which is a bit more forgiving and accessible, varied, and refined. Just make sure you give the series a try, either way!

This game always seemed like the kusoge version of N64 collectathons to me.

Game always seemed more punishing than challenging.

I beat the first area and never came back to it.

"Always seemed", eh? Clearly your opinion on the matter is well informed and means so much...

 

[AndyMoogle]

I really hope that these PS2 Classics on PSN can be playable on the vita someday.
I love to player older gen titles on the go.

The Vita isn't powerful enough to emulate PS2 games. Not even close. The PS3 can't emulate all of them either.

 

[Joseph Merrick]

maximo1 is honestly one of the absolute best games on ps2

edit: not a fan of the second one though. but maximo1 is a perfect game

 

[GoofsterStud]

Maximo 1 was hard but satisfying. Not sure how well it holds up. I enjoyed it.

 

[Aru]

It's a great game but it's VERY hard. I couldn't beat it back then because I tried to keep my continues.

 

[dark10x]

Still want to know whether the game supports 60hz or not.

In PAL regions? Dunno, but it would be a shame if it didn't as both games deliver a smooth 60 fps (interlaced, of course).

 

[Dr. Zoidberg]

I preferred the first game to the second, actually. Yes, it's hard, but nothing you can't overcome if you have a little patience and oldschool skills. The second game just wasn't as good. I can't even remember if I finished it, I remember I felt it was boring.

 

[GhaleonQ]

There's nothing much like it, so just get both. 2 is far, far better, true.

 

[Tizoc]

Really appreciate the feedback guys =)
Gonna get them when EU updates.
Oh and uh silly question but are the games 4:3 in the NTSC release or is widescreen?
Or well many NTSC PS2 games 4:3 to begin with?

 

[Mzo]

The first game is really not that hard. At all. You can save with coins you get from levels (which are plentiful, enough to save after each stage easily), you can get tons of armor pickups and take a bunch of hits before death. If you even think about comparing Maximo to any of the classic GnG games it doesn't even come close in terms of difficulty. Fun game.

I'm not going to say it was the easiest thing I ever did but I have a no death save for Maximo 1. My belt is huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge and the icons are tiny, it's hilarious.

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

Really appreciate the feedback guys =)
Gonna get them when EU updates.
Oh and uh silly question but are the games 4:3 in the NTSC release or is widescreen?
Or well many NTSC PS2 games 4:3 to begin with?

They're 4:3. Most PS2 games are 4:3 although I think a decent number of later PS2 games had widescreen support.

 

[Tizoc]

Yeah they seem that, totally forgot that since I haven't plyed on a CRT TV in ages.
...but man I just tried Gungrave OD which I got some months ago and it looked GOOD, like...clean smooth good, looking forward to seeing how awesome Godhand and these games are gonna look =D

 

[Retro_]

"Always seemed", eh? Clearly your opinion on the matter is well informed and means so much...

Caught me.

I don't really know alot about a game I didn't like and made no attempt to hide that fact. :x

Will probably revisit it given some of the responses in this thread though

 

[arts&crafts]

Haha my brother was obsessed with it and still played it last time I was home. He would just spend hours trying to get to beat one level because after you die you restart at the very beginning or something like that. I personally didn't think it was anything special but I'm a wimp.

 

[jmdajr]

Its worth playing if you have the patience.