The best way to approach this rather difficult 3D platformer is to remember that it actually began development on the Nintendo 64 despite being a PS2 game. Yes, the camera is admittedly pretty crappy and you'll need to get used to tapping the shoulder button to re-center it, but there's a fun time to be had here once you get used to that. Although the hero is different, this is quite literally Ghouls n Ghosts in 3D and considerably more forgiving.

One other criticism commonly brought up with this game is that you have to pay coins to save your game. I thought this was stupid when renting the game as a kid, and I still don't think it was a smart design choice. That said, the game rewards exploration in a way few in the genre do. As long as you're not bum rushing, you'll be able to find plenty of armor as well as perks and coinage.

One other thing- don't forget to "lock" the perks you like. You can store up to three to hang onto upon death from the start, and you'll be able to save more as you rescue the maidens at the end of each world. This is one thing I really, really wish I would've paid more notice to on my first run!