Review: Medieval Moves: Deadmunds Quest (PlayStation 3 Move)

By Wayne Webb

Medieval Moves takes the game play from Sports Champions and makes them into a story-based hack and slash, where you actually get to hack and slash. This is a good and fun game that can get you moving and is childish enough for kids and gratifying enough for adults.

The story unfolds like a swords and sorcery comic book for a 10 year old and does not improve much from there, so this appeals more to kids that adults. However, there are enough kicks in it for older players. You play the title character who has been turned into a skeleton by an evil wizard and the fate of the kingdom and you being returned to normal, rely on you fighting your way forward through battle after battle of the undead foes, strikingly similar to yourself.

The biggest criticism is that the game plays “on rails” a term for games that move like amusement park rides – short hops on rails to the next scene, you play your way through and then continue. You have little control on your movement except aiming.

The fun of this game is in the combat. The Move is put to good use by requiring a full range of weapons based on specific physical activities that match nicely with the weapons you may be using. Shield and sword are simple affairs and vigorous waving of your controller arm does make short work of your enemies. When they are numerous you can opt to shield yourself or just keep hacking away. A nifty behind the head archery move brings forward the arrows, which are easy to get to grips with and deal death to the enemy from afar and are great for setting off explosions. Health is replenished by making a drinking motion, (the beverage is milk – a hint to the age range intended for this game).

It’s a funny little game with a good sense of humour; a nice range of moves that the controller makes playing fun and energetic. The design is for children and may bore older kids and will proabably be skipped entirely by adults.

Pros: Good use of the move, fun to play, some nice combat moves, sense of humour and cartoon design.
Cons: On Rails, childish and story bookish overall.

3.5 Shacks Out Of 5

Brought to you by CyberShack.com.au