MediEvil: Why Sir Daniel Fortesque Should Have Stayed In The 90s

Over the past few years, PlayStation has heavily leaned into nostalgia. Classic franchises from the 1990s are being revived, remastered, and repackaged for modern audiences. While some of these projects have been commercially successful, not every legacy title is guaranteed to benefit from a second life. MediEvil is one of those franchises that raises a difficult question — should every cult classic really be brought back?

The upcoming MediEvil remake aims to reintroduce Sir Daniel Fortesque to a new generation of players. While the character remains charming and visually distinctive, the gameplay foundations the series was built upon are deeply rooted in an era that prioritized simplicity over depth. Unfortunately, nostalgia alone cannot disguise mechanical limitations that feel increasingly outdated by modern standards.

A Cult Classic With Limited Reach

MediEvil was originally developed by Millennium Interactive in the late 1990s before the studio became SCE Cambridge Studio. Heavily inspired by gothic fantasy aesthetics and dark fairy-tale storytelling, the game followed Sir Daniel Fortesque — a fallen hero accidentally resurrected when an ancient evil returned to threaten the kingdom.

The game was well received at launch and built a loyal fanbase, eventually earning cult-classic status. However, unlike PlayStation juggernauts such as Crash Bandicoot, MediEvil never achieved mass-market dominance. While Crash became one of the defining franchises of the PlayStation brand, MediEvil remained a niche favorite with far smaller historical sales numbers.

That difference matters. When Sony revived Crash Bandicoot with the N. Sane Trilogy, the remake was tapping into one of the most recognizable franchises in gaming history. MediEvil, by comparison, is attempting to attract a much narrower nostalgia audience — a risky strategy in an increasingly competitive remake market.

Modern Expectations, Old Foundations

One of the biggest challenges facing the MediEvil remake is how its core design translates to modern gameplay standards. Early footage and previews suggest that much of the original structure remains intact. This includes compact level design, repetitive enemy encounters, and simplistic combat loops — elements that were acceptable decades ago but feel limited when compared to modern action-adventure titles.

Today’s players are accustomed to deeper combat systems, more dynamic environments, and greater player agency. Indie titles such as Hollow Knight and Katana Zero offer refined mechanics, fluid movement, and carefully tuned progression — often at lower price points. Against this backdrop, MediEvil risks feeling shallow rather than charming.

A purely visual overhaul may not be enough. Without meaningful mechanical modernization, the remake could struggle to justify its price compared to contemporary alternatives that deliver more refined experiences.

Does Nostalgia Still Sell?

Nostalgia remains a powerful marketing tool, but it is not guaranteed to convert into long-term success. Several recent remasters have shown that players are increasingly critical of surface-level upgrades that leave outdated design untouched. Visual improvements alone cannot hide repetitive level loops or rigid controls that feel disconnected from modern expectations.

While MediEvil may find a small audience of longtime fans eager to revisit Sir Daniel Fortesque’s story, its broader appeal remains uncertain. The franchise is entering a market filled with high-quality indie and AAA action games that push design boundaries rather than preserve old ones.

A Legacy Best Remembered?

MediEvil remains an important piece of PlayStation’s history. Its unique art direction, gothic humor, and unconventional protagonist helped define a specific moment in gaming culture. However, not every classic benefits from revival.

Sometimes, preserving a title’s legacy is better than forcing it into a modern framework that cannot fully support it. Sir Daniel Fortesque may still hold a place in the hearts of longtime fans — but whether he truly belongs in today’s competitive gaming landscape remains an open question.