The inglorious truth is that you were shot dead in the first hail of arrows. Nonetheless, a hero is needed once again and although you are now a shadow of your former self (well... a skeleton, really), you now have the opportunity to set matters right and become the hero you were destined to be.

Medievil Resurrection is largely the original PSX game with the addition of some new levels. This does not at all detract from the fact that it is a fun game to play. In fact, by making the transition to the handheld it is interesting to see how much the technology has improved. On the PSP this game is all the better with improved graphics and gameplay.

The opening sequence has some stunning 3D graphics that set the scene for your entrance into the creepy grave yard. After a brief tutorial on the basics you are placed in the graveyard itself, where, armed initially with just a sword, you battle through the field of the dead, solving puzzles, opening gates and defeating bigger and stronger monsters. Control of the character is pretty straightforward with basic movement via the PSP analogue button and the usual attack and special move buttons. As you proceed about the game environment the camera realigns itself to sit behind you depending on which way you are facing. This works well in most instances; however some angles, particularly when close up, make fine controls a bit awkward.

The screen layout is well done with a health bar to the left and icons for gold and weapons to the right. Health can be upgraded by life bottles that give you an extra bar, vials that restore some health, or health fountains that restore health if you stand in them (we're not sure why a skeleton needs health). Gold is picked up through the game and be exchanged for items at certain points.

In addition to the gold, by picking up a gold chalice you can collect the souls of your enemies. Once full you can redeem them at the Hall of Heroes for special items. The chalices themselves are hidden away; to find them all is a tough challenge. While the game can feel quite linear there are side areas and secondary tasks aplenty. It all makes for increased replayability.

The game itself revolves around a central map where you can view the areas you have completed and what lays ahead. An in-game map for each area would have been helpful though, and some of the maps can become confusing.