Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

[RunningMild]

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

All I can say is, it's good to see them really try to push the boundaries of the Castlevania series- not only in terms of gameplay, but also in terms of story.

I like where they're going with the story. Sure, it's not the final battle of 1999 but it's completely unlike anything every done before in Castlevania. Obviously it will be set between the end of the Belmont's reign and the beginning of the Morris clan's reign, so maybe it will touch on how the Morris clan got their hands on Vampire Killer in the first place. That said, I hope the Belmonts aren't actually 'extinct'... Julius Belmont? Retconning anyone?

I'm a little sceptical about the glyphs- I don't think it'll be a bad system, I just don't think it will feel particularly different to the other CV DS games. What will revolutionise the gameplay IMO is the new game structure. The world map (where you choose which area to go to), if done properly, could be fantastic, and is what will truly distinguish this game.

Don't get me wrong, I would be happy with more same ol' Metroidvania, but the fact that this game is actually looking to reinvent the franchise makes me doubly excited!

[JubeiSaotome]

They need to make more PSP games, rather than focusing on one system.

[WhyMe]

I'm super excited for this! I'm also against the notion to make more PSP games, because I hate that console's battery life <_<

[PrattP]

Nice article Mr_M!

[RunningMild]

I'm also against the notion to make more PSP games, because I hate that console's battery life <_<

I've never had a problem with the PSP's battery life. I wouldn't mind a PSP 'Castlevania Mega Collection' where they take all of the pre-Symphony games and re-release them. I also wouldn't be opposed to new Castlevanias on PSP, but man do I love that DS map screen...

[JubeiSaotome]

I've never had a problem with the PSP's battery life. I wouldn't mind a PSP 'Castlevania Mega Collection' where they take all of the pre-Symphony games and re-release them. I also wouldn't be opposed to new Castlevanias on PSP, but man do I love that DS map screen...

5 hours is more than enough for a PORTABLE device. DS & PSP both have low life stock batteries, you can always buy better.

[WhyMe]

....damn batteries...

Apollo Justice makes my DS last forever...Crisis Core makes my PSP last ~3 hrs or so...

...damn batteries...

/whine

[Quatters]

It is true about the batteries, as a portable system it's not too much of an issue, but I'd rather not have to charge my PSP everyday. Sometimes more than once a day if I do alot of playing!

[WhyMe]

It is true about the batteries, as a portable system it's not too much of an issue, but I'd rather not have to charge my PSP everyday. Sometimes more than once a day if I do alot of playing!

Yup yup.

Anyway, this game shall be awesome, as they say on GAF, "Day 1"

[Quatters]

Back on topic, looking forward to this! Have been playing the series since the SNES days!

[RunningMild]

Back on topic, looking forward to this! Have been playing the series since the SNES days!

That reminds me, I still have that ROM of Super Castlevania IV that needs to be played thoroughly.

Did I say ROM? I meant... uh... legal. :p

[PrinceCaspian]

So.... they've hired a five year old to come up with game names now, haven't they?


It's going to be the same basic crap as every other CV game.

[Quatters]

You're basic crap!

[RunningMild]

So.... they've hired a five year old to come up with game names now, haven't they?

It's going to be the same basic crap as every other CV game.

Wow, someone's moody today. What's so bad about the name?

Besides, at least this game isn't cel-shaded. ;)

[Saxby]

I'm with Artemis on this one. VC is focused on making profits of course, meaning that Nintendo will ride the nostalgia train as hard as they can. I want some more AWESOME oldschool games.

[bulkerking]

That reminds me, I still have that ROM of Super Castlevania IV that needs to be played thoroughly.

Did I say ROM? I meant... uh... legal. :p



BEST GAME EVER IMO

On a side note I hope they do try to mix things up and hope they put 2 player co op in story mode :)

[Lex]

So.... they've hired a five year old to come up with game names now, haven't they?


It's going to be the same basic crap as every other CV game.

for someone so into JRPGS, the most predictable and cliche kind of games in existance, that's a big call.

[RunningMild]

I was waiting to reply to Artemis with this, but I'd rather post it now:

Ecclesia (lat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin)) is a term derived from the Greek (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language) root ekklesia [εκκλησία], which literally means a "gathering" of citizens, in an ancient Greek city-state, or a "called-out assembly"; usually defined as "gathering of the called-out ones"[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesia#cite_note-0) or “gathering of those summoned”[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesia#cite_note-1).

So because this is one of the only CV games ever to have a name that actually describes it's premise (as opposed to Aria of Sorrow or Dawn of Sorrow, names which mean nothing in the context of the game), we're only NOW going to start bitching about CV game names? Let me guess- this name is crap because it doesn't mention any classical forms of music or evoke any gothic imagery, regardless of the fact it actually has something to do with the game this time? This game has a potentially awesome story and premise, and I don't mind if the developers want to draw attention to it.

Just my opinion... ;)

[Quatters]

Dawn of Sorrow had meaning!
DS!

Clocky, what Castlevania games do you like?
SOTN?
Super Castlevania?
Rondo of Blood?

[WhyMe]

Dawn of Sorrow had meaning!
DS!

Clocky, what Castlevania games do you like?
SOTN?
Super Castlevania?
Rondo of Blood?

Castlevania: D&D Edition, methinks.

[aceaussie]

They need to make more PSP games, rather than focusing on one system.
Like all organizations they want to make money not go bankrupt.

On topic, I love the castlevania series.
Can't wait for this one.

[RunningMild]

Castlevania: D&D Edition, methinks.

More like Castlevania: DDR Edition. Okay, I'll stop now.

Like all organizations they want to make money not go bankrupt.

OH BURN. :p

[leon]

I'm so happy they're making a third DS Castlevania, I've been expecting this for ages and now it's closer.

[PrinceCaspian]

I was waiting to reply to Artemis with this, but I'd rather post it now:



So because this is one of the only CV games ever to have a name that actually describes it's premise (as opposed to Aria of Sorrow or Dawn of Sorrow, names which mean nothing in the context of the game), we're only NOW going to start bitching about CV game names? Let me guess- this name is crap because it doesn't mention any classical forms of music or evoke any gothic imagery, regardless of the fact it actually has something to do with the game this time? This game has a potentially awesome story and premise, and I don't mind if the developers want to draw attention to it.

Just my opinion... ;)



Actually no the title is lame because it’s the kind of limp-dick pulp fiction title you’d expect to see on the cover of a 1980’s barbarian’s and kill-the-boss-with-a-thrown-sword-through-the-chest type cheesy Z grade movie. That or a porno title.

I haven’t liked a Castlevania game in a very long time. Symphony of Night was great, but it’s become a horribly derivative series since then. I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.


Surprise surprise Conan the Vampire Slayer looks like it’s reused the Castlevania template yet again. Hooray for creativity!

[WhyMe]

WTF the PS2 Castlevania's sucked balls. The music was excellent though.

That said, I actually enjoyed the N64 3D ones...

[PrinceCaspian]

WTF the PS2 Castlevania's sucked balls. The music was excellent though.

That said, I actually enjoyed the N64 3D ones...

I did say it wasn’t a great game.


But at least it’s wasn’t a ****ing template of every other Castlevania game since Symphony.

[WhyMe]

I did say it wasn’t a great game.


But at least it’s wasn’t a ****ing template of every other Castlevania game since Symphony.

Ah, no you didn't. Which is why I'd rather the series follow successful templates rather than trying something new, and ending up like a pile of shit.

[PrinceCaspian]

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.



I did, actually :p

I’m past the point where I want to play the same ****ing game I spent my money on last time. I’ve got better things to waste money on.

[Lex]

then don't. just stop clogging threads with your inane crap.

[PrinceCaspian]

Make me.

[Lex]

exactly.

[WhyMe]

I did, actually :p

I’m past the point where I want to play the same ****ing game I spent my money on last time. I’ve got better things to waste money on.

LOL, I read your post wrong. I'm also supposed to be studying at the moment so skim-reading resources is transferring over into "skim-reading posts". As such, I thought what you wrote was "I didn't say it was a great game.", and as a result was agreeing with you - "Ah (short, "oops I was wrong Ah"), no you didn't", not "Ahhhhhhh, no you didn't" (condescending tone) - damn internets!

Anyway! Pity you're not excited. I am though ;)

[RunningMild]

That or a porno title.

I'm not even going to ask how you reached that conclusion...

I haven’t liked a Castlevania game in a very long time. Symphony of Night was great, but it’s become a horribly derivative series since then. I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.

Surprise surprise Conan the Vampire Slayer looks like it’s reused the Castlevania template yet again. Hooray for creativity!

Did you read the article? This game is not using the same template as SOTN. It's actually trying to 'mix things up a bit'.

[Lex]

Artemis doesn't read, he glances at the title and throws a tantrum because he happens to be in a pissy mood.

[PrinceCaspian]

Artemis doesn't read, he glances at the title and throws a tantrum because he happens to be in a pissy mood.

With good reason <_<



Templated graphics still, regardless of what gimmicks they throw in

[Tukenstein]

Here's hoping they don't announce the game as cell shaded. :P

[RunningMild]

Templated graphics still, regardless of what gimmicks they throw in

YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING!

So you're judging games based on graphics now? You're writing this game off purely because of 'templated graphics'? That's the most pathetic thing I've ever heard.

And yes, overhauling the entire game structure (IT'S NOT METROIDVANIA FOR ******S SAKE) and adding a new weapons upgrade system (AFAIR the only other CV game ever that allowed you to actually upgrade weapons was Dawn of Sorrow) are just 'gimmicks thrown in', whereas when the PS2 games did likewise, it was 'mixing things up a bit'? Are you a graphics whore all of a sudden?

I appreciated the effort that went into the PS2 games since, although they weren’t great games, they tried to mix things up a bit.


Surprise surprise Conan the Vampire Slayer looks like it’s reused the Castlevania template yet again. Hooray for creativity!

So your definition of 'creativity' is reskinning Devil May Cry and replacing the sword with a whip?

Seriously, just GTFO of this thread before you say something really dumb. :D

[Sweating Bullets]

Curious to see what it will play like.

i still need to finish Portrait Of Ruin.

[AnTrAxX]

im not sold on this glyph thing yet.

And at the moment it looks to be more of the same, which i dont mind too much.

[Antwandemarco]

Why is anyone worried about it being a sotn clone? That was one of the great games of it's era. I don't really like portrait of ruin as it focus's on the story line and action over exploration and upgrading your character. I loved DOS and would happily play another one with a new map some new gimmicks and enemies.

[RunningMild]

Why is anyone worried about it being a sotn clone? That was one of the great games of it's era.

That's true, but I think the problem people have is that since SOTN there have been 5 Metroidvania games that are (ITO) basically SOTN clones with new maps, weapon systems, and other gimmicks.

While OoE appears to be dumping the Metroidvania layout (which is good, because I'm not sure how many Metroidvanias I could play before getting tired of them myself) it also seems to be the first one since SOTN to have a left/right hand equipping system, which should be interesting.

[Antwandemarco]

Yeah that was a nice feature. I have only played Sotn, Dos and Por. I know there is aria of sorrow(which i havent played). What is this fabled fifth metroidvania?

But if it's not the Metroidvania layout what is it? Back to ghosts and goblins left to right style?

[WhyMe]

Harmony of Dissonance is the other one, I enjoyed it till I played the ungodly brilliant Aria of Sorrow. Then I went back to it, couldn't play it because it was crap...

[RunningMild]

Since SOTN there have been 5:

1. Circle of the Moon
2. Harmony of Dissonance
3. Aria of Sorrow
4. Dawn of Sorrow
5. Portrait of Ruin

But if it's not the Metroidvania layout what is it? Back to ghosts and goblins left to right style?

Instead of having just one big castle map, there's a HQ (which acts as a hub) and a world map containing 20 different worlds.

[Antwandemarco]

Just ordered the HOD and AOS double pack of ebay...60 bucks. Looking forward to em.

Ooh and i'm in a bidding war for ff6 advance XD

[RunningMild]

Look out for Circle of the Moon as well, it's one of the best.

[AnTrAxX]

Im playing SOTN now actually after a few years of putting it off. Im just amazed at how much DoS and PoR have taken from it. For those who havent played SOTN, DoS and PoR are appealling (at least to me anyway) because its fresh to them. It's pretty cool playing as Dracula's son and storming his castle. Im refraining from using a guide so its even more rewarding once i do something cool.

One thing though about SOTN, i always happen to stumble upon a boss without realising. There i am, shitting myself cause i didnt save (or find a save room anywhere close), thinking that only a second ago i was happily traversing new castle territory. Anyway, after all that, a boss battle hasnt killed me yet, thank goodness. Small things, like fleamen and and stair guards just plummel me.

oh well i love it.

[Antwandemarco]

Im playing SOTN now actually after a few years of putting it off. Im just amazed at how much DoS and PoR have taken from it. For those who havent played SOTN, DoS and PoR are appealling (at least to me anyway) because its fresh to them. It's pretty cool playing as Dracula's son and storming his castle. Im refraining from using a guide so its even more rewarding once i do something cool.

One thing though about SOTN, i always happen to stumble upon a boss without realising. There i am, shitting myself cause i didnt save (or find a save room anywhere close), thinking that only a second ago i was happily traversing new castle territory. Anyway, after all that, a boss battle hasnt killed me yet, thank goodness. Small things, like fleamen and and stair guards just plummel me.

oh well i love it.

Yah great game. Of all the metroidvania's i've played it has the best castle. Just remember, skeleton ape with flaming barrel > wooden floor.

I've just started aria of sorrow(yesterday), already 55% through. So it's pretty small. Regardless i'm really enjoying it. Was just checking out DOS on hired man's DS and i've forgotten how much prettier the graphics are, i might have to go back and play it again...

Argh POR, i seriously don't think i'll ever bother to finish it.

[aceaussie]

Since SOTN there have been 5:

1. Circle of the Moon
2. Harmony of Dissonance
3. Aria of Sorrow
4. Dawn of Sorrow
5. Portrait of Ruin
And I loved all of them.

This is going to be a great game :D

[Antwandemarco]

Well i got Aria of Sorrow on monday and i'm already 78% through. It is very sweet but man is it short. I think i might have to replay DOS just to get my extra fix.

[RunningMild]

Or buy Circle of the Moon... ;)

[Antwandemarco]

Does anyone have a link for the complete castle map? Couldn't find one on gamefaqs :(

I'm 98% done and i just know the remaining percentage is going to be breakable walls :(

[AnTrAxX]

Gamefaqs not having something?!!

**SPOILERS OF SYMPHONY OF THE NIGHT AHEAD SO DONT LOOK IF YOU DONT WANT TO HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING THIS AWESOME GAME RUINED BECAUSE YOU READ SOMETHING I WROTE AND LEARNED SOMETHING WHICH WOULD SPOIL THE PLOT**

I figured out the Flaming barrel wooden floor thing by accident, so i just learnt it like that which was handy. Ive only been playing since sunday and im already in the second castle (the first castle but completely f***ed). It's been a bitch so far, going through the same old territory but upside down and new enemies, i've actually died a few times. I thought it was a walk in the park, even when fighting Richter, however, since then its been a pain. The stumbling onto bosses still happens, at any moment i could be facing a boss and then get something cool in return. Also, the endings were cool but i have a feeling the final one will be better.

*SPOILERS OVER ITS OKAY TO LOOK**

SOTN is better than DoS, PoR and all other Metroidvania's. I've only just realised Ive been playing the same game for years, but never the original and best one.

Shield Rod+ Alucard Shield = SUCCESS!

[Antwandemarco]

Ahhh sotn...Tis a brilliant thing...

[AnTrAxX]

Okay I finished it, just trying to get that 196% for that "better" ending.

Any new news on OoE?

[Sac]

I'd like to check out this new DS game, but having recently finished the 1st one to feature Soma on the GBA (I forget what it's called, but it's on the double pack cart.), I'd like to buy the 2nd DS game that also features him.

At the moment though, I'm playing the NES game that was ported to the GBA. Alot of fun.

[RunningMild]

I'd like to check out this new DS game, but having recently finished the 1st one to feature Soma on the GBA (I forget what it's called, but it's on the double pack cart.), I'd like to buy the 2nd DS game that also features him.

The GBA one with Soma is Aria of Sorrow. I highly recommend the DS one, Dawn of Sorrow- it improves a lot of things IMO.

[aceaussie]

I'd like to check out this new DS game, but having recently finished the 1st one to feature Soma on the GBA (I forget what it's called, but it's on the double pack cart.), I'd like to buy the 2nd DS game that also features him.

At the moment though, I'm playing the NES game that was ported to the GBA. Alot of fun.

I'd say get PoR now at Dick Smiths it's going for $20 or lower.

[Antwandemarco]

I'd take DOS over POR anyday :)

[aceaussie]

But for $14-20?

[Antwandemarco]

Yeah i guess. One thing POR has going for it is pretty graphics. There is some amazing areas throughout the castle...

[aceaussie]

Yeah i guess. One thing POR has going for it is pretty graphics. There is some amazing areas throughout the castle...
I found it to be a great game, Personally it was better than DoS, But i should really play that one again.

[RunningMild]

I prefer DOS to POR but I like both games. If POR is under $20, don't even think, just get it!

[bulkerking]

Any word on Two player yet ?

Even if it's single player I'll still get it by default

[RunningMild]

I think it's got the same 2 player modes as POR along with some new ones.

[RunningMild]

BUMP

Play-Asia are taking pre-orders for this now.

[kid B]

I know.
I've already ordered my copy!

[RunningMild]

IGN have heaps of new videos and pics up. Looks pretty cool. I may pre-order it from PA sometime this weekend.

[AnTrAxX]

Have you heard?
Japan get a special edition release. http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/08/special-edition.html

Do want. I got the special edition of POR with the timeline, stylus, soundtrack, etc. It was really grand. Here's hoping the US get a fancy leather bound book release.
Play-asia have these on pre-order but, for us, it's close to $150. I love collectors stuff, especially for Castlevania, but no way am I shelling out that much money for the JAP version.

[leon]

Did anyone find the PoR bosses a lot more enjoyable than DoS's? Plus points for me.

I love PoR, I don't see why it's worse than DoS.

[RunningMild]

Did anyone find the PoR bosses a lot more enjoyable than DoS's? Plus points for me.

I love PoR, I don't see why it's worse than DoS.

Worse is such a strong word, I prefer 'less good'. ;)

I can't honestly think of another boss in any 2D platformer who was as awesome as DoS's Menace. :p

(except maybe the final fight in Yoshi's Island...)

[WhyMe]

OoooooooooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooh I hope you can exploit the speedy attacks/backwards sliding in Order of Ecclesia as you can in Portrait of Ruin! <3

Also, I'm totally buying this game. I <3 Metroidvanias!

[leon]

Irrelevant, but where's our bloody futuristic castlevania ds game, AKA a brand new 2D metroid??

Nintendo, hurry the **** up before I lose my boner.

[leon]

IGN states Aus gets this "October" instead of America's October 21.

Earlier release for Aus?

[RunningMild]

IGN states Aus gets this "October" instead of America's October 21.

Earlier release for Aus?

If I know my CV handheld games, it means 'We'll put in October as a tentative release to get you fans excited, then we'll push it back to December before finally releasing it in Feburary'. Sif it's gonna be EARLIER. :D

October 21 is also the day TF: Animated is scheduled for release. I hope PA have pre-orders for that so I can put them in the same order. :)

[Slippery]

Earlier release for Aus?

No such thing.

[leon]

I'm really enjoying this so far. Anyone else playing through yet?

The difficulty has been notched up quite significantly, but I think the game benefits from it.

[WhyMe]

I'm really enjoying this so far. Anyone else playing through yet?

The difficulty has been notched up quite significantly, but I think the game benefits from it.

Ah, yes I heard that about the difficulty! I'll be nabbing this when its cheap/the exchange rate drops, after this crowded silly-season!

[RunningMild]

Where did you get it from?

[leon]

Oh I'm playing the US version.

edit: this is easily one of the best portable games I've ever played.

[Rambo]

Yup I'm playing it too :D

It's really good so far. I'm having trouble keeping focused because I have mother 3 and Fable 2, but I'll play as much as possible.

[RunningMild]

Oh I'm playing the US version.

Duh, but where did you get it from? Play Asia has an Oct 24 release date.

[RunningMild]

Shipped today!

[leon]

Finished!

I've seen Shanoa smile.

[RunningMild]

Mine arrived today. I'll post something when I've actually played it.

[leon]

Mine arrived today. I'll post something when I've actually played it.
Please do ^__^

[RunningMild]

Played it! I just reached the save point after you rescue the shopkeeper.

The overall impression I get is that Koji Igarashi still has some very good ideas left when it comes to Castlevania. Ditto for the graphic artists, that forest outside the monastery looks amazing the first time you see it.

Gotta say I love the left/right hand fighting system. :p

Not sold on the music yet though. There hasn't really been a slam-dunk Castlevania tune yet. I mean, in Portrait of Ruin I stepped into the first painting and the music was like a punch in the face, but in OoE I'm still waiting for that moment...

[RunningMild]

Is it just me or is this game a lot harder then other recent Castlevanias?

Also, I really like the Glyph system. PoR's weapon system felt all over the place, but the Glyph system has a good, consistent theme.

[leon]

At first it's pretty hard, but you start to adapt to it.

It's all about working out which glyphs to use on what bad guy. Also grinding helps a lot with the bosses... when they got too much, I'd grind for about 5 levels and try again.

[RunningMild]

At first it's pretty hard, but you start to adapt to it.

It's all about working out which glyphs to use on what bad guy.

Yeah, hammers work better against armoured knights, stabby weapons work better against certain enemies... it never really matterd before, but now it's crucial to survival! :p

Also grinding helps a lot with the bosses... when they got too much, I'd grind for about 5 levels and try again.

Grinding in a Castlevania game? That's stupid. Harden the **** up.

(Why do I get the feeling I'm gonna be eating those words sooner rather than later... :D )

[RunningMild]

I noticed last night that all of those weapon attributes- fire, ice, light, dark, etc- have their own EXP stats.

Also, remember how there used to be slashing weapons, stabbing weapons, and hammer weapons? Looks like slash and stab has been combined into one sword icon. I guess the only difference slashing and stabbing makes now is that Lizardmen block stabs really easily and such...

[RunningMild]

LOL!

Gametraders have Feb 2009 as the local release for this game.

EB don't even have it on their system.

It happens with every single CV game, doesn't it? I'll prolly finish the game before it's in stores.

Speaking of which, this may be the first handheld CV that I finish without using GameFAQs at all. Are they getting more obvious or am I just getting smarter?

(Okay, I used a playguide once to find out where to get Iron Ore from, but that doesn't count towards finishing the story portion of the game)

[FrozenSoul80]

Since we are waiting so long for a local release, what are the chances of some kind of cool bonuses for pre-ordering?

[RunningMild]

Since we are waiting so long for a local release, what are the chances of some kind of cool bonuses for pre-ordering?

Who's waiting? :p

Also, none of the others had cool pre-orders.

[aceaussie]

Since we are waiting so long for a local release, what are the chances of some kind of cool bonuses for pre-ordering?
I'd say there is a 0% chance of an awesome pre order bonus and a 100% chance of us having to pay more than the RRP for this game, koonami sure hate Aussies :(

[AranchineD]

Just got this game this morning, having an absolute ball with it. It's good to see that the Metroidvania's keep changing things up in regards to the battle system rather than sticking with the same thing and just adding more.

Also it is a very purdy game. ^_^

[RunningMild]

I'd say there is a 0% chance of an awesome pre order bonus and a 100% chance of us having to pay more than the RRP for this game, koonami sure hate Aussies :(

I think it's more the fault of whoever distributes the games in Oz, and I'm pretty sure the distributor is not Konami.

[Antwandemarco]

So i finally "picked" this up. Really good so far even though i'm just at the start. I've heard the game gets better in the second half when you move onto the proper castle. Love the weapon system and the graphics are superb. God i love castlevania, best 2d action ever.

[RunningMild]

So i finally "picked" this up. Really good so far even though i'm just at the start. I've heard the game gets better in the second half when you move onto the proper castle. Love the weapon system and the graphics are superb. God i love castlevania, best 2d action ever.

I dunno, I thought it got worse when it got to the castle. It's like they were 'almost there' with the new map system, and then thought 'this is too hard, oh well, back to the castle'.

That said, I still haven't finished the castle section so maybe it does get better...

[PrattP]

I think it's more the fault of whoever distributes the games in Oz, and I'm pretty sure the distributor is not Konami.

I'm pretty sure Atari is the Konami distributor in Australia.

[AranchineD]

I dunno, I thought it got worse when it got to the castle. It's like they were 'almost there' with the new map system, and then thought 'this is too hard, oh well, back to the castle'.

That said, I still haven't finished the castle section so maybe it does get better...

I thought the castle was brilliantly done in the game, there isn't as much backtracking through it as previous games so most of the time you're just going through new experiences.

Plus I think it had my favourite boss fights of the handheld games.

[RunningMild]

I thought the castle was brilliantly done in the game, there isn't as much backtracking through it as previous games so most of the time you're just going through new experiences.

Plus I think it had my favourite boss fights of the handheld games.

I think the 'no backtracking' element is what I didn't like about it. You're just ploughing through the castle killing enemies. The exploration element- the thing which made all the other Castlevanias so addictive- is sadly lacking in this game's castle. When I played it it felt really straightforward and basic, like a Fisher Price My First Castle as opposed to a REAL castle.

[AranchineD]

I think the 'no backtracking' element is what I didn't like about it. You're just ploughing through the castle killing enemies. The exploration element- the thing which made all the other Castlevanias so addictive- is sadly lacking in this game's castle. When I played it it felt really straightforward and basic, like a Fisher Price My First Castle as opposed to a REAL castle.

The exploration element is still there in full swing, but you don't have to keep backtracking through half the castle just to progress in the game, only to get those optional things, which is better I think.

[RunningMild]

The exploration element is still there...

But not as much as in previous games?

you don't have to keep backtracking through half the castle just to progress in the game

That's what warp points are for. ;)

[AranchineD]

Yeah, not as much as in previous games, but I still think there's enough to still be fun and worth it.

And warp points can shorten the trip, but a lot of times in previous games you still had to travel to a point right in between warp points so it could still be a long trip.

[RunningMild]

Yeah, not as much as in previous games, but I still think there's enough to still be fun and worth it.

Yeah, I'm not saying it's not fun, I'm merely suggesting it's not brilliant. :p

[Antwandemarco]

Up to Dracula's castle now, dammit it's tough, shouldn't be too much longer for me to clock this sucker. Is it hard to get 100% ?

[Manny M]

I'm thinking I might steal my DS back off mum to give this a smash. Love Castlevania.

[tau]

tau casts resurrection on thread

slightly late to the party. Mr M, exploration is as much there as it has ever been, but backtracking has been cleverly minimised. Backtracking is not the same as exploring.

I'm guessing I'm almost at the castle. This is already looking to be one of my favourite games ever, especially with bosses and even normal enemies being hard but not unfair. Crab dude rocked, as did the titan guy with the leapin and the smashin.