The Immortal Ever Reviving Castlevania Thread

[SlaughterX]

The official Dracula X site has cool walls!

http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_psp/

[Ryusui]

Konami needs to be shot.

I apologize for all the mean things I said about Persona 3, Atlus. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is...pain. Rondo of Blood in both flavors and Symphony of the Night are too damn epic to suffer through such a horrible, horrible English localization.

Damn you, Igarashi. Damn you to hell for robbing the world of one of its most epic pieces of dialogue.

[JeremyR]

Yeah, I saw that castle pic in the savegame for Castlevania and immediately used it as wallpaper for my PSP (just copying the png file over). Very cool

[Arjuna]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/9934/richter01kt7.jpg

Die monster! You don't belong in this world.

[Ryusui]

Just so you know, it's not there in DXC. Sure, original Richter is Narmworthy, but the new one is cringeworthy, and the famous dialogue from Symphony of the Night now sounds like something you'd hear in any other anime or JRPG. -_-;

Not that DXC isn't otherwise well worth the $30. But IGA needs to be beaten with nail bats for demanding a new translation but not bothering to make sure it was any good. (The localization producer and ADR director for the game are both Japanese...not a good sign.) Thankfully, there's a Japanese language option, and this is one of the few games I find it's well worth it.

[RayFoxSith]

GTFO, IGA is the best thing that's happen to Castlevania. Now Richter shall go Grand Cross on you.

[JeremyR]

They aren't going to spend much time doing a vastly improved translation for an unlockable in a PSP game. (Heck, they didn't even give us a color manual)

That said, I personally think the new one is much better. It actually makes sense for one...

(And at least they used a cool color interior for the box insert. Not many companies do that,)

[Ryusui]

"For an unlockable"? The entire game is like that, DXC, RoB and all. After being treated to Konami's witheringly lackluster effort for DXC, I switched the voice mode to Japanese and never looked back.

RoB is particularly offensive as the voices don't match up with the subtitles or the lip movements in the Japanese version, either. Bastards couldn't be bothered to get the job done right, it seems. >_<#

It's too freakin' epic a game for it to get an F-grade effort like this. Even the credits are rife with Engrish misspellings.

[Arjuna]

BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[RayFoxSith]

I'm hoping for Ayami Kojima's art in the new DS game.

[Yazarc]

GTFO, IGA is the best thing that's happen to Castlevania. Now Richter shall go Grand Cross on you.

He WAS the best thing to happen to Castlevania.

I think it's time for something (someone?)else to happen to the series now. Also, what's really wrong with the new localization? Honestly, that was listed as a selling point to the game. Who really gives a flying #$%@ when there's hardly any dialog to work with in the first place. It's not like it was a big surprise when the game was released.

The games ported relatively well and it's a joy to play. Why would something so insignificant really matter?

[unknown]

The official Dracula X site has cool walls!

http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_psp/

Sweet, thanks for the link. I was looking for some DXC wallpapers.

Richter's finance really does have a long neck...

[DamageCity]

I really enjoy DCX, it's fun. *shrugs*

[RayFoxSith]

I wonder when they'll show the new DS and next-gen console entries....

[RayFoxSith]

I'm hoping for Ayami Kojima's art in the new DS game.

I think my dream came true.

http://kotaku.com/346759/rumored-new-castlevania-ds-screens-indicate-wii-connectivity

<3<3

[unknown]

Thank god they got rid of that anime art crap.

[DamageCity]

So the main character is Shanoa(Shania)? Or a villian?

[RayFoxSith]

The main character appears to be a female protagonist for a change (Sonia Belmont does not count, bitches). I dunno what her name is, but they did say it would most likely be a sequel to Portrait of Ruin. Also, there seems to be an option for Wii connectivity on there.

[Yazarc]

Iga Presents yet another mindless scavenger hunt it seems.

I can't believe you guys are talking about (and getting excited over) the freaking art direction and a female main when you're getting the same god damned game for the, what? 7th time?

That Iga guy seriously needs to get out of making video games. Hand the series over to someone with competence. It was nice the first couple times, but the formula has been old and stale for quite some time now.

[Kakizaki]

I can't believe you guys are talking about (and getting excited over) the freaking art direction and a female main when you're getting the same god damned game for the, what? 7th time?

lol, Just think if Kupo was here....I agree with this though. I used to love this formula the first few times, but he needs to take a break.

[Yazarc]

lol, Just think if Kupo was here....I agree with this though. I used to love this formula the first few times, but he needs to take a break.

You're talking about a guy who, in the same post, criticized the Zelda series for being too much of the same while praising Ys and how much better it was. :wink:

[Sayckeone]

lol I missed that one. Wow.

[Yazarc]

It happened at a time where Al and I were really the only ones who were in tune to his shenanigans, which was very early on in his posting at ezboard.

It took the rest of you guys a little more time to notice. :)

[Kakizaki]

^I honestly didn't bother to read his posts for quite a while. I wish I would have been smart enough to remain tuned out.

[Yazarc]

Well, I do admire the fact that you were able to ignore them longer than I was ever able to. Has anybody heard of a title to this game yet if those screens are real?

Arpeggio of Necromancy? March of the Haunted? Waltz of the Vampires? Maybe Samba de Blood?

It's likely going to be something music related.

[Sayckeone]

Apparently, it's Castlevania: The Stolen Seal.

Or the Cursed Emblem. Or the Cursed Seal. Or the Stolen Emblem. Or whatever combination you like till the official announcement clears that up.

[RayFoxSith]

There's still speculation as to the validity of the screens, but they look very legit. Also, they dropped the music titles because IGA said he was tired of them even though he used them in, like, 3 games.

[DamageCity]

Her name is Shiyanoa or Shanoa but I can't tell if "Dominasu"(maybe Latin?) is an object or a place. I think she is talking about an object. Stupid kanji, once my translator gets out of bed I will ask her.

[Sayckeone]

I get Siyanooa, so yeah, DC is right about the name when Japanese pronunciation is taken into consideration. It's Shanoa.

I get "tominasu," rather than dominasu though.

[DamageCity]

I get Siyanooa, so yeah, DC is right about the name when Japanese pronunciation is taken into consideration. It's Shanoa.

I get "tominasu," rather than dominasu though.

with the " on TO ト it changes to DO ド

[Sayckeone]

Ahh, gotcha. ####ing Japanese language.

[SlaughterX]

Yet another DS Vania annouced...



http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3167370

[Gillian Seed]

Yet another DS Vania annouced...



http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3167370

I thought we already knew about this?

[unknown]

It's confirmed now I guess.

[RayFoxSith]

And no, it doesn't look like the Julius Belmont game. Why are people so eager for that?

[SlaughterX]

First Order of Ecclesia screens...

http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3167834

Updated with 1up preview.

[Dual]

http://pixloads.com/public/54716/CastlevaniaOoE_1_bmp_jpgcopy.jpg

Looks sort of like a Contra villain. I'm really interested in this one, for some reason. Although I didn't much care for Dawn I loved Portrait and am excited with what they could do with another sequel.

The protagonist seems a little bit different from her previous sprite demonstrated on those Kotaku screens, although that might just be chalked up to blurriness. Wasn't the story for this one going to have some sort of story relevance to the witch in Bloodlines?

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4773/ecclesiaua8.png

[s1mpleHUmar]

Day one. Holy friggin' sword!

[Kakizaki]

Reminds me of a boss you would see at the end of a Compile shooter (with the face and all).

[EvilHero]

http://ds.ign.com/articles/874/874263p1.html

IGN has some info about the game.

[Sayckeone]

Nude code, or no sale.

[Yazarc]

We need a new producer for this series quick........

[Dual]

We need a new producer for this series quick........

I like the Igavanias, but at the same time, I agree with you. Has gotten a bit stale.

[RayFoxSith]

Day one.

[Sei]

I'm buying it.

Castlevania is fine as is, they change just enough every sequel. The soul system, and the Dual systems were both pretty okay. I think it's the only "every year" series that I buy.

[Dual]

Castlevania is fine as is

Don't you miss the "old" Castlevania games a bit, too? Or want some more innovation? I like the Metroidvanias, seriously, I really do, but a step back to the older stuff or a new direction would be nice, too. It's hard to complain when I like nearly anything the series does and my biggest complaint is usually "more," though.

I'm a Mega Man fan, though, so I'm very used to being satisfied with "same." Haha.

[Sei]

Castlevania is fine as is

Don't you miss the "old" Castlevania games a bit, too? Or want some more innovation? I like the Metroidvanias, seriously, I really do, but a step back to the older stuff or a new direction would be nice, too. It's hard to complain when I like nearly anything the series does and my biggest complaint is usually "more," though.

I'm a Mega Man fan, though, so I'm very used to being satisfied with "same." Haha.

Honestly?, No, on both accounts. The ps2 and Xbox efforts have shown that innovation doesn't quite work so well for the series. (I liked both by the way, but I'd take a Metroidvania any day over them.) Rondo of Blood for PSP was pretty neat and pretty much as good as old school Castlevanias get, but the sidescrolling 3 lives you are done formula hasn't really aged that well.

Konami also has the money to make spinoffs/new ips when it strikes their fancy, and as the ps2 and xbox entries (and even the god awfull n64 ones) show, they aren't afraid to try something new. Iga is awesome at making "slightly the same game" not get old. I say let him do what he wants.

[Dual]

Honestly?, No, on both accounts. The ps2 and Xbox efforts have shown that innovation doesn't quite work so well for the series. (I liked both by the way, but I'd take a Metroidvania any day over them.)

I think they just proved we haven't seen the right kind of innovation for the series, same for the N64 ones (only much, much moreso in their cases). You do have a point, though; One Metroidvania is probably better than what would otherwise be another inferior effort. It would be neat if someone else came along and took it in an exciting, new direction, but it's so unlikely to work out I'm pretty happy with what we have.

[Saishu]

Rondo of Blood is too hard for me :/ I'm stuck on the Headless Knight boss. I really like Symphony of the Night, but I'm not sure what other Castlevanias I should buy to get into the series. I'm really late to the party.

[Sei]

I just don't see any "new exciting directions" it could go, I guess. I've found the last few efforts at that underwhelming, but who knows, Castleroids were an innovation after, maybe they'll do something cool at some point.

Oh, I also rather like hand drawn.

Saishu: All of the DS ones are pretty good. the Gba ones are good as well. Although there is supossedly a bigger continuity and plot, all of the games are good entry points as they dont really pay too much attention to it.

Dawn of Sorrow is, I think, the best one on DS, but Portrait of Ruin is by no means bad.

[Dual]

Rondo of Blood is too hard for me :/ I'm stuck on the Headless Knight boss. I really like Symphony of the Night, but I'm not sure what other Castlevanias I should buy to get into the series. I'm really late to the party.
I only started playing about a year or so ago, myself. Not counting Castlevania 64, my first Castlevania, which kept me away from the series until someone convinced me to try out SotN. After that I seriously dived right in, instantly became my favorite series. What all stuff haven't you tried?

Also, I really didn't think that Rondo was that hard and didn't have too many troubles with Dullahan. I'm sure you can do it with a little more practice. Castlevania requires a lot of stick-to-it-ivness and patience, once you're over the hump it's a breeze. Just keep at it.

I just don't see any "new exciting directions" it could go, I guess. I've found the last few efforts at that underwhelming, but who knows, Castleroids were an innovation after, maybe they'll do something cool at some point.

Oh, I also rather like hand drawn.
I don't really see any particular ones, either, but I'm not a producer and that's their job to find out, right? I agree with you about the last few games being underwhelming, but I think there might be something they could do to improve things. I just don't know what :/ We seem to have pretty similar views on the series' future.

Also, what do you mean by "hand drawn?" Hand drawn sprites? Character artwork (Ayami Kojima's as opposed to that brief trip to cliche anime artwork and digital coloring?)?

Dawn of Sorrow is, I think, the best one on DS, but Portrait of Ruin is by no means bad.
From the GBA and forward Vanias, I found Dawn of Sorrow to be kind of disappointing. I really felt like it was a lackluster effort in making a sequel to something that was genuinely good. Aria just felt a lot better.

[SickleCellAnemia]

Ill get this day one, beat Dawn of Sorrow, now just have to beat Portrait of Ruin before this comes out.

[unknown]

Thank god they ditched that cartoony art style.

[Dual]

Thank god they ditched that cartoony art style.
Does anyone really know why they even used it? Was Ayami unavailable or something? I feel like I've heard the story before and forgotten.

[unknown]

That guy wanted Castlevania to attract a younger audience or something.

[Sayckeone]

Castlevania should go first person Metroidvania.

[Sei]

^ That would be great!. You could use the Wiimote to swing your whip, too!.

You know what would be great? If they let you import Miis and play with them, with cute little castlevania clothes.

I think you are onto something Sayck!.

[RayFoxSith]

No thanks. 2-D side scrolling works fine for me.

[Vyers Lives]

You guys might like the localization on this one.

[Kakizaki]

Ohhhhh, cocky!

[Yazarc]

What difference does localization make when it's likely this'll be just another rehash (actually, it's the 6th, but who's counting?) of the SotN formula?

[Kakizaki]

^Ohhhhh, Kupo would not like that. Konami never spams a formula. ;)

[RayFoxSith]

You guys might like the localization on this one.

Oh shi-!

[RayFoxSith]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPWS4v6fWXw

IMO, some of the sprites look a bit rough. But at any rate, day one, bitches.

[Dual]

That trailer is awesome, this looks like it's definitely going to be the best DS-vania yet.

[Bid]

TBH, the new Castlevania looks like it plays exactly like the others. I liked the first two, so I'm definitely going to get this as soon as it comes out.

[Sei]

Okay this is killing me. The red thing with the face reminds me strongly/is from another game, what game is it? it is some kind of boss and throws things up, it is not a Castlevania, I think it might be a shooter.

Ideas?

[RayFoxSith]

Contra?

[Sei]

Contra is correct. Or Super Contra, or Ultra Contra, but its one of those.

You win an internet. Thank you sir.

[Dual]

Contra is correct. Or Super Contra, or Ultra Contra, but its one of those.

You win an internet. Thank you sir.

I already said a page ago lol -

http://pixloads.com/public/54716/CastlevaniaOoE_1_bmp_jpgcopy.jpg

Looks sort of like a Contra villain.

The thing appeared in several Contra games. Off the top of my head, the NES Super Contra as the final boss (although not in the Arcade version), Contra: Shattered Soldier as a boss during the tier of boss fights after beating Lance, and in Neo Contra as a boss that metamorphs into a huge moth thing. I think it's called Kimkoh.

[Sei]

I guess you can win a partial internet then, since the thread is too long, and I missed it :(.

Say since you seem in the know, how are the non shattered soldier contras for ps2? I like that one. Haven't picked up any others tho.

[Dual]

Other than Shattered Soldier, the only Contra on the PS2 was Neo Contra, which I'm not entirely sure to advise getting. It's entirely top-down, unlike most Contras, and it's also really easy (it has the same % system as Shattered, but it's considerably easier to get 100% on each stage and get the real ending).

Liking Shattered isn't enough reason to really suggest it, but I really liked Neo quite a bit. The story was a little whimsical and the action is more ridiculously over-the-top than any other Contra, and the gameplay, although a little different and quite a bit easier, is still, at heart, good ol' Contra.

If you're afraid you're not going to like it because of ridiculous story and/or easy difficulty, I'd warn you a little bit in picking it up, as Contra fans seem to be pretty polarized in their opinions of it (usually a love/hate affair). However, you can find it nearly anywhere for 5-10 bucks and don't have much to lose if you do get it. Also, like with DDS2, both sides of the paper insert are printed on. If you take it out and flip it around, it's the full Jim Lee illustration and it's pretty neat to have just because of that.

[Saishu]

Bump for Castlevania fighting game on Wii?
http://gonintendo.com/?p=47669

I really feel like playing Order of Ecclesia today. I was told it's a sequel to Symphony of the Night and that game's lines were awesome.

[SlaughterX]

New OoE video (http://www.jeuxvideo.tv/video/castlevania-order-of-ecclesia.html#view:247080)...

[Gillian Seed]

looking forward to the fighter? I will be interested!

[EvilHero]

Bump for Castlevania fighting game on Wii?
http://gonintendo.com/?p=47669


Ok, now i'm excited. I was just thinking about something like this the other day.

[Dual]

Bump for Castlevania fighting game on Wii?
http://gonintendo.com/?p=47669

What the hell is the point of that? Is there a terrible idea they won't try on that thing?

[SickleCellAnemia]

Castlevania 3-D fighting game for Wii? WHAAAAA? Better have Soma in it!

[Foryth]

Not quite sure about a non-platformer Castlevania. :? But I guess it could still be interesting, more for renting than buying.

I'm definitely getting Order of Ecclesia when it comes out though. :) (by the way the youtube video is down) Castlevania on my DS always makes me happy, and I like the new character designs.

[RayFoxSith]

This kinda sounds like a Dissidia: Final Fantasy deal. All the characters from the series here to bout it out. I can't say I'm excited for it at this point, but feel I should play it as an avid fan of Castlevania.

EDIT:

I was told it's a sequel to Symphony of the Night and that game's lines were awesome.

It is a sequel to SotN, taking place after Richter (and the whole Belmont family) disappears and the Order are the only people who can combat Dracula. Also, Vyers did say we would love the localization....

[Chronis]

This game just reminded me of Bloody Roar for some reason. Too bad we'll never see another one of those since Hudson is bascailly a Nintendo shovelware maker now.

[Dual]

http://www.persona-world.net/cve/

Links to some of the artwork here, apparently the guy who did Death Note's artwork did them.

This looks really, really terrible.

[RayFoxSith]

Yeah, that's Obata's work. As much as I admire him, he butchered Alucard's design.

[Dual]

Not to mention Dracula is now a Gundam, Simon is Kira, and Maria is Misa.

[Foryth]

I'm sorry but my Simon Belmont is not meant to look like a metrosexual. :? The designs for Alucard and Maria are also particularly bad.

[Dual]

http://www.gamekyo.com/element7236_images.html

Better pics.

[RayFoxSith]

Holy ####, you weren't kidding. Maria does look like Misa.

[Sei]

Needs more Zaku.

Love Ecclessias stuff, It looks awesome. The Wii one looks just great too, no need to worry about skipping something decent now.

[EvilHero]

They ruined Maria's design, I was really hoping for something similar to SotN Maria.

[SickleCellAnemia]

Where the crap is Ayami Kojima to save the art?
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e174/Syrinx61/CV/maria2.jpg
versus
http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72361520080627_010253_2_big.jpg
They don't even look the same...

[RayFoxSith]

I think it's supposed to be a younger version of her. But either way, it still looks awkward. I don't know whether to applaud the guy for the awesome work or just shake my head at his butchering.

[Sei]

http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs15/300W/f/2007/064/e/3/Death_Note____Misa_and_Raito___by_Arehandora.jpg

[Dual]

^ Now Maria and Simon are in a relationship? Could they disrupt canon any further!?!?

[Voodoo]

^ Now Maria and Simon are in a relationship? Could they disrupt canon any further!?!?

Where did you see that?

[Gillian Seed]

wow, that art is terrible! I read an interview about the new DS title and how it is another different artist working on the art for the game, supposedly Kojima is STILL busy with something else, it better be castlevania related or something soon, I hate all this other kingdom hearts/anime ####.

[Dual]

^ Now Maria and Simon are in a relationship? Could they disrupt canon any further!?!?

Where did you see that?

Right in Sei's picture.

(I was being sarcastic since Simon's new artwork looks like Light and Maria's new artwork looks like Misa :()

[Foryth]

wow, that art is terrible! I read an interview about the new DS title and how it is another different artist working on the art for the game, supposedly Kojima is STILL busy with something else, it better be castlevania related or something soon, I hate all this other kingdom hearts/anime ####.

The art for the new DS title looks much better than this garbage, and I've seen people say that it looks very similar to Ayami Kojima's artwork. Unfortunately I can't find a link anywhere on google, but it is in July's Nintendo Power.

[Dual]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JcVXk4jiNQU

That shows off some of the artwork for Order of Ecclesia, and it does look pretty good.

[Voodoo]

^ Now Maria and Simon are in a relationship? Could they disrupt canon any further!?!?

Where did you see that?

Right in Sei's picture.

(I was being sarcastic since Simon's new artwork looks like Light and Maria's new artwork looks like Misa :()

Ok. It seemed like you were being serious, Sorry.

[Gillian Seed]

wow, that art is terrible! I read an interview about the new DS title and how it is another different artist working on the art for the game, supposedly Kojima is STILL busy with something else, it better be castlevania related or something soon, I hate all this other kingdom hearts/anime ####.

The art for the new DS title looks much better than this garbage, and I've seen people say that it looks very similar to Ayami Kojima's artwork. Unfortunately I can't find a link anywhere on google, but it is in July's Nintendo Power.

I do have the NP issue. It isn't bad, thats for sure, but it isn't like the cool painted Kojima stuff at all. It is the best non Kojima stuff so far...

[RayFoxSith]

IGA says that he doesn't think Ayami Kojima's art is appropriate for a DS game. Yet Kojima did art for Harmony of Dissonance and Aria of Sorrow, both of which are on the GBA....

[Dual]

The guy isn't the most sane-looking individual.

[SickleCellAnemia]

The guy isn't the most sane-looking individual.
http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/rdonlyres/A62678F1-DCD8-4271-9CD3-EB5CED2CE6F8/9676/iga.jpg
Game creator, or rapist who just escaped from jail?

[Arjuna]

lol the cyclops on the side is so fitting.

[SickleCellAnemia]

IT REVIVES AGAIN!

Saw an ad at Gamestop today that soundtracks are going to be given out to preorders of Order of Ecclesia.

EDIT: Laser cell also being given out to Judgment preorders:
http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72343

[Saishu]

Cool. I thought my pre-order wouldn't have come with anything.

[RayFoxSith]

Sweet.

[Cascade Range]

I can't wait for this game. This'll keep me busy until Luminous Arc 2 :)

[SlaughterX]

So, what does everyone think about the new Castlevania coming out for the 360/PS3? I hope it's 2.5HD...

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170545

[Rednusander]

So, what does everyone think about the new Castlevania coming out for the 360/PS3? I hope it's 2.5HD...

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170545

Your words are as empty as your SOUL!

[RayFoxSith]

I really hope it's a 2-D game. With the power of the hardware on the PS3 and 360, I'd like to see some awesome 2-D animation.

[EvilHero]

lol Ray, you know thats not going to happen.

[James Fiend]

They need to find a formula that works for 3D. Trying to shoehorn the great 2D formula into three dimensions didn't work the last two times (and I am not expecting the working formula to be a fighting game either).

I think a sort of Castlevania version of Zelda, or free roaming, deep, interactive style would be a nice twist. Kind of like Simon's Quest or Blood Omen, except 3D.

[RayFoxSith]

lol Ray, you know thats not going to happen.


One can only hope, pls believe.

[Sproink]

Oh cool, i love Castlevania and IMO i do have decent hopes for OoE.

[SlaughterX]

Just called my local GameStop, and to my surprise they actually have EoS in stock, so I am about to go pick it up in a few mins...

Anyway here's the 1up review...

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170813

[Sei]

Sei's Review Roundup:

1up A-
IGN 9
Nintendo Power 8
Gamepro 4 (of 5)

TLDR on reviews so far: A new, awesome, Metroidvania. Difficult as well. Long, and plenty of content.

Day one'd.

[SlaughterX]

Here's the link to the IGN review for people that actually like to read what they have to say instead of just looking at the score...

http://ds.ign.com/articles/921/921933p1.html

[Futomimi]

Insert back-handed snark here.

[SickleCellAnemia]

I just got my OoE bout an hour ago, I'll start playing soon.

[Saishu]

The screen is so small >_>

[RayFoxSith]

I love this game. It offers great challenge and strategy is needed to get through some battles.

[Sei]

This is quite possible the best portable Castlevania. Played it for a bit earlier and wow. It uses a system somewhat similar to the Dominion one of Aria, but your powers don't gain experience (unfortunately). You can button combo them, though, and mix them for pretty cool effects. The sprites are beautiful as usual, and the art is back to a Gothic style, which I like.

Let's see how it shapes up!. I read that it's quite long, so that's another plus.

[jeffx]

What a fantastic DS game... I know what I'm doing this weekend!

[James Fiend]

Did anyone pre-order online? I didn't get the code for the soundtrack emailed to me, and when I emailed Gamestop about it, they said that pre-order bonuses come in limited supply. How did they run out of downloadable soundtracks?!

[RayFoxSith]

They probably mean the physical copy of the soundtrack. I have no idea what the big deal is with Castlevania preorder bonuses. Last year my Gamestop only got one Belmont figure to go with Dracula X Chronicles. And then there's the Portrait of Ruin bonus I'm still kicking myself in the butt over.

[James Fiend]

They probably mean the physical copy of the soundtrack. I have no idea what the big deal is with Castlevania preorder bonuses. Last year my Gamestop only got one Belmont figure to go with Dracula X Chronicles. And then there's the Portrait of Ruin bonus I'm still kicking myself in the butt over.As far as I know, there is no physical soundtrack, that's why this is insane. They email you a code to download it for free.

I actually got the Belmont figure for pre-ordering a bunch of other things. The Portrait of Ruin bonuses were nuts, but if it makes you feel any better, my sister ended up destroying the cd.

[RayFoxSith]

I was actually in it for the artbook and the time line.

[James Fiend]

I was actually in it for the artbook and the time line.The extending stylus was kind of pointless.

[System_Error]

There was a physical soundtrack. We got like 20 of them at work, dunno if we still have any.

[SlaughterX]

I can rip the OST if anyone needs it...

[James Fiend]

There was a physical soundtrack. We got like 20 of them at work, dunno if we still have any.

Then the website info is wrong. They say you get a code.

I just got the game in the mail, no soundtrack. Nothing listed in shipping for a soundtrack. Guess it's time to put the internet to good use and reclaim what is rightfully mine.

[Yan Can Cook]

I have a question for those who have gotten pretty far into the game. I've only played for a half hour and so far I don't really like the linear straight path levels. How much of the game do these make up as I'd rather just do the standard castle exploration at this point.

[Saishu]

The game is pretty linear. Don't expect it to change soon.

[James Fiend]

I have a question for those who have gotten pretty far into the game. I've only played for a half hour and so far I don't really like the linear straight path levels. How much of the game do these make up as I'd rather just do the standard castle exploration at this point.

From what I understand, the latter part of the game gives way to literal castle exploration.

[choco]

I've been playing it for about six hours now (not including dying and random exploration that I didn't save).

The first 50% of the game is going to be the short levels. Personally I enjoy them as I feel they give a lot of nice variety in terms of level design.

After 50% (you'll have done about.. 10? different short levels) you'll have a major plot point. You need to make sure all 13 villagers are unsealed and then Dracula's castle will open.

I haven't made it far in Dracula's castle to comment. I'm hoping like in SOTN that there is a "second half" to the game to make it go up to 200%.

[SlaughterX]

GameSpot review...

http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/castlevaniaorderofecclesia/review.html?tag=topslot;thumb;2

[SlaughterX]

http://pspmedia.ign.com/psp/image/article/989/989088/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops-2-20090601053913672-000.jpg

[Decept]

What!? Peace Walker must be the Big Boss game.

New Castlevania in HD. Intriguing.

[Hausuke]

Wonder if they'll try 3d again. I hope so.

[syl]

Hopefully, we'll get to see Sonia Belmont instead of Alucard with a new character skin and origin story.

[RayFoxSith]

LOL, technically Sonia doesn't exist.

There's a rumour that Kojima is helming this new next gen Castlevania. It'd be interesting to see the series under someone else's care, but I kinda feel we won't see anymore 2D games.

[SlaughterX]

Kojima (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174606) involved in the new Castlevania...

[sfried]

Kojima (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174606) involved in the new Castlevania...
Dracula? Dracula! DRAAAAACULAAAAA!!!

[Tsuko]

Kojima (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174606) involved in the new Castlevania...
Dracula? Dracula! DRAAAAACULAAAAA!!!

Snake? Snake!? Snaaaaakkkeeeee!

[SlaughterX]

Here's the Lords of Shadow official site (http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/e3_2009/castlevania/) complete with screens and a trailer!

[jeffx]

Kojima (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174606) involved in the new Castlevania...
Dracula? Dracula! DRAAAAACULAAAAA!!!

Snake? Snake!? Snaaaaakkkeeeee!

Sfried was funny.

You? Not sure what you're trying to do.

[Hamel]

I just hope it will be good

[RayFoxSith]

Looks epic.

[syl]

Whatever happened to this Castlevania trailer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phX4ExPgHr8
Did Konami just drag Alucard out of vacation just in case console owners forgot about the series?

[RayFoxSith]

Was probably an early idea that got scrapped. Maybe....

[SlaughterX]

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/rumor-castlevania-harmony-of-despair-2d-6-player-xbla-game/#comments

[Tivor]

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/rumor-castlevania-harmony-of-despair-2d-6-player-xbla-game/#comments

2D multiplayer Castlevania? *drool* I hope it comes to PSN as well.

If it's an XBL exclusive, then it just might be a system seller for me.

[SlaughterX]

Harmony of Despair preview (http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/109/1097581p1.html)!

[Karkarov]

Harmony of Despair preview (http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/109/1097581p1.html)!

I like what I hear so far, with a group of buddies this could be some good fun. I wonder who the other three characters are though? Surely we will get at least one straight belmont?

[RayFoxSith]

Definitely getting this when it comes out.

[Flußkönig]

Castlevania: Lord of Shadows 5 min gameplay demo. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyvh_-oqjtc)

Looking forward to this one.

[RayFoxSith]

^Same here.

[syl]

If Lord of Shadows takes place in 1047 AD, does that make Gabriel Belmont the first Belmont or will he end up like Sonia Belmont?
After all, Lament of Innocence takes in 1094 AD features the origin of the Vampire Killer whip. Plus, I didn't mind Leon Belmont's perfectly gelled hair-style...
Then again, Castlevania doesn't give seem to care about continuity.

[Foobar]

Didn't care for either showing.

Harmony of Despair kneecaps everything that was special about each character featured in the other games. They each have thier unique skills, but they had to be severely limited for the sake of the tacked multiplayer BS.

Could have been awesome if they conceptualized the adventure as a true single-player outing with an Ecclesia slant - which was a good compromise between classic and contemporary Castlevania. Playing through as each different character with the ability to peak out thier unique powers would have been great, too, and added massive replay value.

The deathstroke is its Live exclusive. Yeah, let's recycle DS game assets and throw them at an audience that doesn't really know what Castlevania is. Very smart.

Then again, that's the same angle they're going for with Lords of Shadow, because they clearly aren't going for the core Castlevania fans on either the classic or contemporary side. They're going for the GoW/DMC crowd and couldn't care less about the core fans, regardless of how much they gush about "classic" Castlevania.

They were spooging all over GoD of War and DMC before Kojima was ever attached to this project. That's right, Kojima started supervising after this game was two years in development. This is not his game.

If this were a Kojima game from the ground-up, I would be very interested. I'm not against a western team making a Castlevania game, but I am against thier desire to not make a real Castlevania game. Face it, this is the fifth attempt at a 3D Castlevania, all prior efforts were grotesque failures. 3D just does not work for this series.

Call me when the get Iga to stop screwing around with these experimental titles and starts making real Castlevanias again.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Face it, this is the fifth attempt at a 3D Castlevania, all prior efforts were grotesque failures. 3D just does not work for this series.

I really don't see how you can say that. As much as I love the 2D Castlevania games (and I love them alot), I love the 3D ones (save the two on the N64) alot. I mean, Lament of Innocence was pretty amazing with the story and the gameplay, as was Curse of Darkness. To not like those makes no sense to me.

[Karkarov]

The deathstroke is its Live exclusive. Yeah, let's recycle DS game assets and throw them at an audience that doesn't really know what Castlevania is. Very smart.


What kind of comment is that? Are you saying the second best selling system with the most active and used online components is populated by people who have never heard of or played Castlevania? I hate to tell you man but I have alot of friends who own 360's and they all have played castlevania I don't think they are in the minority either. The fact that at one point Symphony of the Night was the highest downloaded classic game on Xbox Live should tell you there is definitely an audience for it.

[Rednusander]

If Lord of Shadows takes place in 1047 AD, does that make Gabriel Belmont the first Belmont or will he end up like Sonia Belmont?
After all, Lament of Innocence takes in 1094 AD features the origin of the Vampire Killer whip. Plus, I didn't mind Leon Belmont's perfectly gelled hair-style...
Then again, Castlevania doesn't give seem to care about continuity.

My understanding is that this is a reboot, completely untied to the 1000 year legacy woven by the 20 years of Castlevanias before it. And that makes sense. Igarashi isn't behind it (I walked by the man yesterday), Mercury Steam is.

That being said, how can you say CV doesn't care about continuity? It's one of the only series that had the guts to put out a timeline. (If you preordered Portrait of Ruin, you got a timeline map included in a sweet 20th anniversary bundle with it.) Of course, some titles have been retconned by Igarashi, but even so, that's more than most creators do to keep a continuous legacy spanning 20 years of games. I applaud them for the attention they've given to continuity until now.

Incidentally, I also played Lords of Shadow yesterday. It feels a lot like a spiritual successor to Lament, but very tight, very flashy, and generally cool. I'm all over this.

[syl]

My understanding is that this is a reboot, completely untied to the 1000 year legacy woven by the 20 years of Castlevanias before it. And that makes sense. Igarashi isn't behind it (I walked by the man yesterday), Mercury Steam is.

That being said, how can you say CV doesn't care about continuity? It's one of the only series that had the guts to put out a timeline. (If you preordered Portrait of Ruin, you got a timeline map included in a sweet 20th anniversary bundle with it.) Of course, some titles have been retconned by Igarashi, but even so, that's more than most creators do to keep a continuous legacy spanning 20 years of games. I applaud them for the attention they've given to continuity until now.

Incidentally, I also played Lords of Shadow yesterday. It feels a lot like a spiritual successor to Lament, but very tight, very flashy, and generally cool. I'm all over this.

Sorry, I didn't know Lords of Shadow is a reboot. I thought it was a forced retcon to the 1000 year legacy that Castlevania fans know and love. I guess a side universe could provide interesting possiblities.

[DarkRPGMaster]

My understanding is that this is a reboot, completely untied to the 1000 year legacy woven by the 20 years of Castlevanias before it. And that makes sense. Igarashi isn't behind it (I walked by the man yesterday), Mercury Steam is.

That being said, how can you say CV doesn't care about continuity? It's one of the only series that had the guts to put out a timeline. (If you preordered Portrait of Ruin, you got a timeline map included in a sweet 20th anniversary bundle with it.) Of course, some titles have been retconned by Igarashi, but even so, that's more than most creators do to keep a continuous legacy spanning 20 years of games. I applaud them for the attention they've given to continuity until now.

Incidentally, I also played Lords of Shadow yesterday. It feels a lot like a spiritual successor to Lament, but very tight, very flashy, and generally cool. I'm all over this.

Sorry, I didn't know Lords of Shadow is a reboot. I thought it was a forced retcon to the 1000 year legacy that Castlevania fans know and love. I guess a side universe could provide interesting possiblities.
Yes, like maybe a female Belmont going through the castle with a longtime friend and lover since childhood, and they reach the top only to find out...he's Dracula, and she's pregnant with his child. Easily forseeable, I know, but still, would be interesting.

[Foobar]

The deathstroke is its Live exclusive. Yeah, let's recycle DS game assets and throw them at an audience that doesn't really know what Castlevania is. Very smart.


What kind of comment is that? Are you saying the second best selling system with the most active and used online components is populated by people who have never heard of or played Castlevania? I hate to tell you man but I have alot of friends who own 360's and they all have played castlevania I don't think they are in the minority either. The fact that at one point Symphony of the Night was the highest downloaded classic game on Xbox Live should tell you there is definitely an audience for it.

Friends are anecdotal evidence. Castlevania: SOTN was one of the first XBL Arcade games made available, so of course its going to be one that did well - there was practically nothing to compete with it.

If I buy a 360, I buy it with online gaming in mind. And with online multiplayer comes a sacrifice to keep multiplayer balanced.

All the characters in Despair have been given a limited set of their own unique abilities, so they never peak out like they did from their own games. This is done so one player doesn't outperform another, but still takes away from what made those characters special to a great degree.

But Castlevania has enjoyed a lot of face time with Nintendo fans and modest exposure with Sony. If I were to get a platform for Castlevania without any guarantee on which it would appear, I would probably pick a Nintendo handheld first.

Nintendo platforms have every Castlevania except SOTN, Lament, Curse and the N64 ons. I wouldn't expect Despair on Wiiware, but I think it should be on PSN. I don't think there is any advantage to having exclusivity on 360 for this.

But my real issue is just how directionless this series is starting to become. No one wanted Lords of Shadow and the feedback I've seen has been extremely negative. Fans feel like they've been left behind again in favor of another attempt at mainstream success.

I do not like that something as iconic as Castlevania cannot rise above being a "stylish action" pretender. I do not like it being made into a fighting game. I do not need it to be a Bejewled rip-off and I certainly do not need it to be a multiplayer game.

Oh well, perhaps Igarashi will get back on-track after these Fauxvania games get out.

[Karkarov]

Sounds more like you just think the game will suck Foobar and you hate the very idea of multiplayer Castlevania. Considering that the 360 is the strongest "gamer" console in the US and has the most supported and all around best multiplayer/internet functions it really strikes me as more of a no brainer to release a multiplayer castlevania there. As for it being exclusive... well doesn't bother me I know considerably more people who own 360's than PS3's and the odds are the exclusivity is only a temporary deal anyway.

Regardless your suggestion that people who own 360's don't know what Castlevania even is is just plain ludicrous.

[DarkRPGMaster]

The deathstroke is its Live exclusive. Yeah, let's recycle DS game assets and throw them at an audience that doesn't really know what Castlevania is. Very smart.


What kind of comment is that? Are you saying the second best selling system with the most active and used online components is populated by people who have never heard of or played Castlevania? I hate to tell you man but I have alot of friends who own 360's and they all have played castlevania I don't think they are in the minority either. The fact that at one point Symphony of the Night was the highest downloaded classic game on Xbox Live should tell you there is definitely an audience for it.

Friends are anecdotal evidence. Castlevania: SOTN was one of the first XBL Arcade games made available, so of course its going to be one that did well - there was practically nothing to compete with it.

If I buy a 360, I buy it with online gaming in mind. And with online multiplayer comes a sacrifice to keep multiplayer balanced.

All the characters in Despair have been given a limited set of their own unique abilities, so they never peak out like they did from their own games. This is done so one player doesn't outperform another, but still takes away from what made those characters special to a great degree.

But Castlevania has enjoyed a lot of face time with Nintendo fans and modest exposure with Sony. If I were to get a platform for Castlevania without any guarantee on which it would appear, I would probably pick a Nintendo handheld first.

Nintendo platforms have every Castlevania except SOTN, Lament, Curse and the N64 ons. I wouldn't expect Despair on Wiiware, but I think it should be on PSN. I don't think there is any advantage to having exclusivity on 360 for this.

But my real issue is just how directionless this series is starting to become. No one wanted Lords of Shadow and the feedback I've seen has been extremely negative. Fans feel like they've been left behind again in favor of another attempt at mainstream success.

I do not like that something as iconic as Castlevania cannot rise above being a "stylish action" pretender. I do not like it being made into a fighting game. I do not need it to be a Bejewled rip-off and I certainly do not need it to be a multiplayer game.

Oh well, perhaps Igarashi will get back on-track after these Fauxvania games get out.
*is ignoring the multiplayer Castlevania*
Where did you get that info? I've heard nothing but anticipation for the game. Besides, you seem to forget that in every Castlevania game, a Belmont has to kill a TON of those monsters just to get to Dracula. So by them making it God of War-ish, they are in fact keeping to the same formula the games have always run by, since you kill maybe over 200 enemies just trying to reach the end of the game in the original games. So increasing that to 2000 isn't really going to do anything.

[Foobar]

Where did you get that info?

I heard it from this crazy place called the internet where people are allowed to have opinions and post comments. Kotaku, Destructoid, IGN, Gamespy, Gamespot - pick one. Most comments I read were not positive.

They wanted something that was Castlevania and they were shown a God of War clone. They didn't ask for Kratos with a whip.

If God of War is what I want, then I will go buy God of War. If Castlevania is what's promised, then I expect Castlevania.

I've heard nothing but anticipation for the game. Besides, you seem to forget that in every Castlevania game, a Belmont has to kill a TON of those monsters just to get to Dracula. So by them making it God of War-ish, they are in fact keeping to the same formula the games have always run by, since you kill maybe over 200 enemies just trying to reach the end of the game in the original games.

Congrats, you just described every game ever. Every game could be God of War or Castlevania by this logic. I just have to kill lots of things to get to the evil guy.

I don't think you have a good grasp on what distiguishes Castlevania. You're clearly happy with the sell-out manuver.

[Andy]

I was kinda looking forward to the new 'vania, but after seeing how it's just God of War I'm not gonna bother. Such a shame.

[DamageCity]

I was kinda looking forward to the new 'vania, but after seeing how it's just God of War I'm not gonna bother. Such a shame.


Well, how would you like to see a new Castlevania?

[Andy]

I'm not gonna rule it out completely, but it just looks way too familiar. I do hope it turns out well, but I'm not counting on it.

I wouldn't mind seeing a new Castlevania take the Dracula X Chronicles route. 2.5D on the PS360.

[Karkarov]

As for the new Castlevania I admit it isn't floating my boat but then I don't like God of War either. You guys have to realize it was inevitable. Castlevania wasn't going to stay a 2d side scroller forever even mario doesn't do it anymore. I think most castlevania fans are probably a little dissapointed with the direction but I won't be stunned if it is still a monetary success. I just hope they keep enough of what sets it apart from other games in the mix and that means more than just a effiminate guy with a whip.

[Mellusia]

Random n00b question, but please oblige me. Pretty please? :3

My understanding is that the basic premise of each Castlevania game is to defeat Dracula who manages to get revived every hundred years and thus need people (and games, kukukuh) to kill him. However there are games that feature the same hero more than once, so are they ancestors with the same name, or are they the same exact person for some reason? O.O

[Jackstar]

I didn't realize until yesterday that Michiru Yamane has left Konami. To me, she is even more pivotal to what defines Castlevania than Igarashi. This diminishes my interest in Lords of Shadow by a great margin, and from day one it has dropped to, "Ah well. Wait and see list, here's your new entry: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow."

Source: http://www.yamanemichiru.com/ + Gamefaqs posters.

[syl]

Random n00b question, but please oblige me. Pretty please? :3

My understanding is that the basic premise of each Castlevania game is to defeat Dracula who manages to get revived every hundred years and thus need people (and games, kukukuh) to kill him. However there are games that feature the same hero more than once, so are they ancestors with the same name, or are they the same exact person for some reason? O.O

Silly Answer> Dracula has occaisional access to the Konami Code or some form of plot armor.
Theoretical Answer> In some games, the protagonist is forced to deal with a curse that requires them to ressurect and defeat Dracula in order to lift said curse. In other games, there's human antagonists who would rather resseurect Dracula sooner rather than later. Finally, there are actually vampiric protagonists who can wait for Dracula to rise again.
Pratical Answer> Play a Castlevania game and pay attention to all the monologues and dialogues.

[Karkarov]

Syl covered it mostly. Most of the time when it is a repeat character it is because someone is trying to bring drac back ahead of schedule. Some people like Alucard are just lucky though and get to live forever so they can show up in multiple games and it is ok. In one game you even get to play as Dracula trying to prevent your own resurrection because you like being normal and have the hots for this one chick who wont be down with you being the lord of the undead.

In the end you should just blame Shaft, can you dig it?

[SlaughterX]

So did anyone else get Castlevania: HD?

Anyway they annouced a LE for Lords of Shadow for $80 a while ago... released date is 10/5/10.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EpP9WlauL._SS350_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036EWMIK?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0036EWMIK)

[Karkarov]

So did anyone else get Castlevania: HD?

Yeap I sure did. It is a solid game and fine and all. It does really require multiple players though to see it's potential. Not because of challenge, just because it is actually more fun that way. Though challenge wise the game does not scale. In other words when you play single player you have to clear the exact same level with the exact same mobs/bosses that you do when you play multiplayer. There is also a hard mode once you whack drac.

It isn't as cool as an actual new game made in this style would be no but it is still fun if you are a castlevania fan. Also bear in mind there is no story element (not really a secret) so don't expect one, and even though it isn't as cool as a new SotN with real current gen graphics and new story would be it also doesn't cost full price either.

It also lets you play some interesting sort of fanservicy encounters. Like Soma Cruz VS .... himself.

[Tivor]

Finally gotten around to watching some gameplay footage (http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/31443) for the upcoming Lords of Shadow.

And.... yeah, count me among the people who say "if I want to play GoW, I'll play GoW."

If Yamane Michiru did the music, then it would still be a Day One game, but well. :(

I'll wait until reviews come rolling in. It still might be a very fun game and all, and while I was on the fence about pre-ordering it, the pendulum has swung the other way. Hmph.

2D HD Castlevania for PSN please, Konami!!

[DarkRPGMaster]

I always did love the argument that Castlevania isn't GoW...when in fact it was the original GoW in terms of how many enemies you had to kill just to reach the end and fight Dracula. In that aspect, it was the 2D GoW. Won't go any farther than that...today.

[Trucido Umbra]

So did anyone else get Castlevania: HD?

Anyway they annouced a LE for Lords of Shadow for $80 a while ago... released date is 10/5/10.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EpP9WlauL._SS350_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036EWMIK?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0036EWMIK)

Yeah, mine will be on PS3...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F0XciCbPL._SS350_.jpg
I just saw this however & I must say it's odd enough to really capture my interest, wow that was a lot in there.

Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow Has A Super Long Trailer (http://kotaku.com/5640413/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-has-a-super-long-trailer)

[Rednusander]

<-- Major Castlevania nerd, played it at E3, liked what I played, gettin' the collector's edition, day one. Haters gonna hate.

[DarkRPGMaster]

I personally will get it. I've been a Castlevania game since the first time I played Circle of the Moon. I've played numerous Castlevania games since then (even the accursed Castlevania 64) and I don't see how people can get up in arms about Lords of Shadow...except for the fact that it's in an alternate timeline from the original series. I personally want to see that final battle against Dracula in 1999, but I'll take what I can get.

[Tivor]

Well, I'm not hating on LoS.

I'm still intrigued by the game. It's just that it's a reboot of the franchise, and the gameplay footage shows me how much of a departure it is from the SotN and its ilk, so it becomes impossible to say "I liked previous Castlevania games, therefore I will like this one too OMGDAYONE."

Plus, I'm not exactly a fan of GoW-style action games, so there's that too.

LoS may turn out to be a fantastic game. It's just that I can't be sure if it's going to be my kind of game. Not sure enough to take a gamble with a pre-order anyway. Hence "no day one, wait for reviews" stance.

[Trucido Umbra]

My gawd, new 11 min+ HD video with narration by 'Lucius Malfoy'. LoS, CE I am waiting for you, & not just for the free t-shirt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXsYWtasFg

[SlaughterX]

GameTrailers Video Review (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-castlevania-lords/705391?castlevania)

UK LoS LE

http://imgur.com/I4dB0.jpg

[SlaughterX]

Lords of Shadow demo is Live (http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024b4e0809/?of=1). I guess I can wait until it gets here tomorrow since I am busy with DR2 anyway, but I might download it at my friend's house tonight...

[syl]

The Lords of Shadow demo was a fun and gratifying experience. I'm actually regret not pre-ordering it...
Based on the demo, it's like they cross-breed God of War with Lament of Innocence. In my books, that's a win.

[Rednusander]

Got it, played it last night. Having not played an action game like this practically since Curse of Darkness, it's wiping the floor with me. I've never played God of War, either, so I can't be all like, well it does this better or worse. Which is good, it means my opinion can be objective.

I like it thus far, despite the difficulty. In a way, the difficulty is a lot like Demon's Souls, you know why you're dying, and you need to correct the behavior. The block/dodge moves aren't there to be like, "LOLDODGE", if you're not doing it, you're done.

That said, the combat is kind of its own worst enemy too. They've got all these awesome combos and tactical balance of magic use, yet you can only really afford to get off maybe 2 or 3 hits before you need to be back on the defensive.

Story is minimalist, and all the reviewers who said it had nothing to do with prior Castlevanias missed an important detail, or they glossed over Lament of Innocence. Fools. I detect quite a bit of inspiration from Super Castlevania as well.

[Trucido Umbra]

^ You lucky bastard, you want to see why mine isn't here yet, this is insane I live in a desert for crimminey's sake's!!

Just look at this BS!! --v

http://i53.tinypic.com/2yuhtug.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/34eyqky.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/6rkg9f.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/rldfk4.jpg

Here's the size of what was hitting my windows after they destroyed the sunshades. O.o

http://i53.tinypic.com/17ejkm.jpg

lol That hard, eh? Hmm, actually kinda lookin forward to it more now, bah. :P

I can't pick it up but it is because I believe the truck is bringing it in again today, but there was no way anything was being delivered in that ####!

[Karkarov]

I still haven't decided if I am going to pick this up yet or not. Lament of Innocence isn't fresh in my mind either. Have to think about it...