Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

[menage]

Can't believe there isn't a thread for this.

RGAy6jrRUaY

Shit looks epic. 1-up also just reported that it will indeed be a Metroidvania. So I can almost say this is my game of the show. Can't freaking wait, please don't suck.

[Gorvi]

That looks pretty damn great, though dammit, show some game play.

[menage]

There are a couple of gameplay cams floating around. I'll post them later when I'm not at work:D

[hunterx280]

Looks cool, though the trailer seemed weird with the epic music cutting over almost all the audio. I think it's intentional but it sort of takes some of the impact away.

[boratika]

The voice talent has come looooooong way since SotN :)

[menage]

The voice talent has come looooooong way since SotN :)

Have at you!!!!

[Mike Kelehan]

1-up also just reported that it will indeed be a Metroidvania.

Last time they did that in a 3D game, we got Curse of Darkness, which was just Lament of Innocence with backtracking. It wasn't open at all. We'll see what happens... my eye is firmly on this game.

[Adam Blue]

1-up also just reported that it will indeed be a Metroidvania.

Odd that they say this, because the game consists of 50 levels which can be revisited from the beginning once completed.

[Philonious]

3D Metroidvania..? Isn't that essentially a Zelda game?

[Mike Kelehan]

3D Metroidvania..? Isn't that essentially a Zelda game?

Not really. Zelda has discrete dungeons. When you enter one, you can stay in it until you beat it, and then never return. A Metroid-style game has one continuous world that you're constantly gaining the ability to explore more of.

[Food Nipple]

Shit looks epic. 1-up also just reported that it will indeed be a Metroidvania.

Not really. Zelda has discrete dungeons. When you enter one, you can stay in it until you beat it, and then never return. A Metroid-style game has one continuous world that you're constantly gaining the ability to explore more of.

Like Mike said, Metroidvania is a pretty strict constraint, and it doesn't sound like Lords of Shadow is a continuous world. By 1up's logic, Lost Planet 2 is a Metroidvania too: it's got secret stuff you can find. Their story seems inaccurate.

[Dukefrukem]

Where's this gameplay footage i've been hearing about?

[Adam Blue]

Pyvh_-oqjtc

GTE_lvWMFJM

Looks good.

[MachEnergy]

Gameplay would have been nice to see, but that certainly was entertaining. Castlevania + Kojima + Patrick Stuart = ZOMG!

I just need to see how it plays to be sure it's an insta-buy.

EDIT: Ah, and you lovely chaps have filled that void before I could reply :) Thanks!

[Hawkzombie]

This game was an insta buy for me since the first teaser trailer.

Robert Carlyle and Patrick Stewart. As to why Mr. Carlyle is so damned awesome, I merely present this:

MnSIp76CvUI

This is what I like to call knocking it out of the fucking park. I'm a Castlevania fanboy and have been since SotN...So don't be surprised if I buy two copies :p

[menage]

GTE_lvWMFJM

Looks good.

Don´t know how big Kojima is with this game but damn that last bit really was well done Mercury Steam. I´m so sold on this, even if the whipping does seemj simple.

[Banacek]

Excuse me for being vulgar, but I just creamed my jeans. Cannot wait for this!

[evilgoodwin]

Yes! Yes! A billion times YES!

[menage]

So, 5 october, yeah.

YEAH!

I so hope they didn't rush this.

[Hawkzombie]

So, 5 october, yeah.

YEAH!

I so hope they didn't rush this.

I know what I want for my Birthday now :p

[evilgoodwin]

I want a hot girlfriend for my birthday. That will buy this for me.

[menage]

Eurogamer preview (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-24-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-hands-on)

Seems like it's shaping up to be at least a good game. If not a great one. Me is happy:)

[Mike Kelehan]

So, 5 october, yeah.

YEAH!

I so hope they didn't rush this.

Since they showed the first footage over two years ago, I think we're good.

[Hawkzombie]

I want a hot girlfriend for my birthday. That will buy this for me.

I may get both if things turn out positively :p

[Draconis]

Any word of which version thus far is the better? Or are they both equal for 360/ps3??

Leaning on ps3 collectors edition right now, but want to be sure that this won't end up like bayonetta, which I doubt it will but hey, a concern is a concern

[menage]

I think PS3 is the lead platform, the 360 version will also be on 2 discs. I'm leaning towards the PS3 with this, but I'll hold off in case it's another Bayonetta as well.

[Yeti2005]

I think PS3 is the lead platform, the 360 version will also be on 2 discs. I'm leaning towards the PS3 with this, but I'll hold off in case it's another Bayonetta as well.

FYI, the 360 will play off only one disc if you do an install.

[Mike Kelehan]

FYI, the 360 will play off only one disc if you do an install.

Huh, that's interesting. Hopefully this becomes a standard practice. I always install my 360 games anyway, and it doesn't matter to me if they're huge; all of my hard drives are at least 120GB.

I hope that's the standard in the next generation, too. Rather than building in an expensive Blu-ray drive, just make big hard drives standard. We'll be downloading most of our games, anyway.

[menage]

That's a nice development indeed. But I probably will still aim for the PS3 version.

[Hawkzombie]

God I want this game. The voice cast alone gives me chills every time I listen to it.

[Xerxes]

Huh, that's interesting. Hopefully this becomes a standard practice. I always install my 360 games anyway, and it doesn't matter to me if they're huge; all of my hard drives are at least 120GB.

I hope that's the standard in the next generation, too. Rather than building in an expensive Blu-ray drive, just make big hard drives standard. We'll be downloading most of our games, anyway.

Yeah, it seems like many benefits could be gathered from doing installs but I wonder if any developer is really looking into it. I bought the 360 because it's my preferred controller. Any known issues come out before it's released and I'll quickly switch.

I stole this from another thread I posted in.

It's nearly impossible not to reference God of War when describing Lord of Shadow's mix of combat, platforming, and short puzzles. But that description alone would short-change this game considerably, because there is a whole lot more to the latest Castlevania. This is Konami's attempt to return the franchise to the mainstream in a big way. After playing the first eight hours of the game we've broken out the most important reasons to start getting excited about Lords of Shadow.

IGN's take on the first 8 hours. (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/111/1116188p1.html)

This was the article I was reading last night on Ripten. that sent me straight to Amazon to buy though. (http://www.ripten.com/2010/09/03/hands-on-with-the-final-version-of-lords-of-shadow-and-producer-david-cox-getsome/)

Get a $20 GC with Amazon on either version also. The included soundtrack doesn't look worth $20 either.

[Hawkzombie]

God I want this. Bad.

[menage]

All I want to know is which damn version to get so I can place that damn preorder.

[Xerxes]

All I want to know is which damn version to get so I can place that damn preorder.

This is the biggest question. At least vanquish has something of an answer. Is there supposed to be a demo?

[menage]

No idea, it would be a good thing but I'll just read some reactions to it instead of playing it myslef. I don't want to spoil anything anymore, I've seen enough.

The PS3 is on 1 disc though, and it's the lead platform, 360 has 2. but that's all I know.

[evilgoodwin]

I always feel giddy at a new Castlevania, and I wonder... do you think they'll have throw-backs to the old ones music wise? It's almost expected, since they've always had classic music in all the games since Super Castlevania IV (except for Symphony of the Night and possibly the last two DS ones, and maybe the one that was on XBOX). It's minor, and won't change the game from a "Must buy" status, but it's still something I always like to be surprised by.

[Xerxes]

No idea, it would be a good thing but I'll just read some reactions to it instead of playing it myslef. I don't want to spoil anything anymore, I've seen enough.

The PS3 is on 1 disc though, and it's the lead platform, 360 has 2. but that's all I know.

The installing of discs is habit for me so it wouldn't be a issue. Didn't know PS3 was lead system. Seems odd.

Aside from gameplay issues like long load times, slow downs, and major tearing it should be good regardless.

[menage]

I always feel giddy at a new Castlevania, and I wonder... do you think they'll have throw-backs to the old ones music wise? It's almost expected, since they've always had classic music in all the games since Super Castlevania IV (except for Symphony of the Night and possibly the last two DS ones, and maybe the one that was on XBOX). It's minor, and won't change the game from a "Must buy" status, but it's still something I always like to be surprised by.

I read somehwere that it will def. include old favorites. Yay!

The installing of discs is habit for me so it wouldn't be a issue. Didn't know PS3 was lead system. Seems odd.

Aside from gameplay issues like long load times, slow downs, and major tearing it should be good regardless.

It's not that odd seeing as how Kojima is involved I guess. But yeah, I doubt it will be another Bayonetta (which is certainly inferior on PS3 but no where near unplayable after the patch)

[menage]

I played the demo twice yesterday. And I really think they nailed it. The game looks gorgeous. It has a nice European vibe you mostly see in half assed German fantasy RPG's but done well for a change.

Combat takes some getting used to. It's pretty tough. I got slaughtered pretty fast before I got that dodging and blocking is essential in this game. Once you master that it plays a mean game of hack n slash. The "whip" really lashes out and has a great heavy feel.

Nice detail.

At one point in the demo you summon a demon horse to escape some werewolves. I got knocked off my horse and had to battle them on the ground. After slaughtering them I threw a knife just as my horse appeared in a small cut scene again, the horse came galloping towards me but the knife suddenly flew past the horse almost hitting it square in the face in the cut scene. Nice to see the world is build as solidly as that.

I had another revelation. In the game you have a book (like so many of these games) where all your moves, upgrades an stuff are viewable. all your moves are illustrated in a very nice 2D animation of your character which looks exactly like how I want a HD 2D Castlevania to look. Do it Konami, make it happen.

[Yeti2005]

I played the demo twice yesterday. And I really think they nailed it. The game looks gorgeous. It has a nice European vibe you mostly see in half assed German fantasy RPG's but done well for a change.


I downloaded the demo but I haven't had a chance to install it yet (hopefully tonight).

[Karak]

Hmmm. The gametrailers review seemed very very worrying. Especially as the issues they point out might not crop up in a demo. I think I will rent just in case.

[menage]

Hmmm. The gametrailers review seemed very very worrying. Especially as the issues they point out might not crop up in a demo. I think I will rent just in case.

I'm not watching it, I saw too much already. What did they say?

I just read the GamesTM review and they were really positive. Only the long length and some iffy platforming could be called issues.

Will buy regardless.

[Karak]

I'm not watching it, I saw too much already. What did they say?

I just read the GamesTM review and they were really positive. Only the long length and some iffy platforming could be called issues.

Will buy regardless.

Nothing game breaking. Some bad decisions about exploration and how it occurs, some pretty bad controls for the jumping/platforming that leads to death far more than it should and unexplainable times when moves SHOULD work that just don't and inane puzzles. Also that basically when the game is always walking forward with no exploration it works well but during the exploration parts it breaks down fairly often. Not game breaking but worrisome enough for me that 60 bucks isn't worth it when I can rent it for 5.

[menage]

Nothing game breaking. Some bad decisions about exploration and how it occurs, some pretty bad controls for the jumping/platforming that leads to death far more than it should and unexplainable times when moves SHOULD work that just don't and inane puzzles. Also that basically when the game is always walking forward with no exploration it works well but during the exploration parts it breaks down fairly often. Not game breaking but worrisome enough for me that 60 bucks isn't worth it when I can rent it for 5.

Tnx. I read some of those things as well indeed, but that's stuff that I can live with compared to the grand setting and total epicness of it I guess.

[Karak]

Tnx. I read some of those things as well indeed, but that's stuff that I can live with compared to the grand setting and total epicness of it I guess.

Agreed.I usually do as well. But if I have to wade through bullshit I just can't spend money on it...or 60.00 versus a rental (10.00). If it turns out that its awesome, I buy it, if I haven't beat it for 10. But since its basically a 1 playthrough game I don't see much need for a purchase for me just to say I have it.

I have been trying to get back into renting anyway. I have a HUGE pile of games that are basically 1 offs like this that I bought and said...oh ya I will play that again. And never did. 60.00 for a piece of plastic is starting to sit with me less and less well as I get older and want to keep my home somewhat picked up.

[Hawkzombie]

Nothing game breaking. Some bad decisions about exploration and how it occurs, some pretty bad controls for the jumping/platforming that leads to death far more than it should and unexplainable times when moves SHOULD work that just don't and inane puzzles. Also that basically when the game is always walking forward with no exploration it works well but during the exploration parts it breaks down fairly often. Not game breaking but worrisome enough for me that 60 bucks isn't worth it when I can rent it for 5.

HERETIC! I'll not suffer a witch to live.

[Karak]

HERETIC! I'll not suffer a witch to live.

Gametrailers cause they said it?
Or me because I am not spending 60 when I can spend 10 to try it first?

Please specify which witch is the witch which you want to burn:)

And if it is me...then prepare sir.
I will poke holes in your condoms for your upcoming date with a needle and put baking soda in your lube. And thats me in a good mood:)

[Xerxes]

Man it's already ordered. I must have. I mean wondering around I do in every game any ways. Just don't pad the game for time. I'm getting tired of Darksiders towards then end here cause it's like do this similar task, over and over again x amount of times just so it can keep moving.

[Hawkzombie]

Gametrailers cause they said it?
Or me because I am not spending 60 when I can spend 10 to try it first?

Please specify which witch is the witch which you want to burn:)

And if it is me...then prepare sir.
I will poke holes in your condoms for your upcoming date with a needle and put baking soda in your lube. And thats me in a good mood:)

Which Witch is which? While you want there wherefore witch who is which witch that I want, I shall not inform thee of which witch until which witch knows which.

....Oh fuck it. Just leave my jimmy hats alone :p

[Karak]

Well.
Here is a bit of a mini review.
The game looks amazing. And when I saw amazing I am not adding any hyperbole. It's a1 steak-sauce amazing. One of the best looking games I have ever seen console or otherwise. We are talking about cutscene quality gameplay.

The story has been pretty damn good so far with far less emo chick-dude content than I could have ever assumed or hoped for. It makes the game far more enjoyable. Though the story is a bit angsty it doesn't hinge on it like say a God of War or DMC.

The plateforming at times is indeed fucked but passable at the worst of times and flowing well at the best of time. I would never play this more than once but wow. It's freaking beautiful and the score is somewhat LOTR'ish which adds a great deal to the game as much of the world looks somewhat tolkienish.

The moveset seems pretty lean so far with just combo's on the main weapon adding an extra swing or so to an already existing move set but it plays very well in combat.

The only complain I have aside from some of the plateform bits is that the collision detection on some monsters is maybe 1.5 what it should be, making dodges timing altered for some creatures you fight.

[menage]

Sounds good!

[Sandman]

Gamefly just shipped it and is giving me a keep it price of $48. :)

[Grifter]

Gamefly just shipped it and is giving me a keep it price of $48. :)

Yeah, I got a keep of $43 but as fun as I know this game will be I don't think I'd play through it more than once so it will stay a rental. If I feel like playing it again down the road I'll buy it when it drops to $20 or less.

[Karak]

Sounds good!

Ya it turned out just looking and feeling way better than I thought. As I said the plateforming is ok. At times great and at other times pretty bad. But its the exact definition of a rental. It a beautiful linear game that is damn fun.

[Narradisall]

I'm on the fence on this one, I tried the demo, was a bit confused at the riding a unicorn through the forest part, but otherwise it was a solid demo.

Only thing I hate is the camera, constantly getting plowed down by werewolves because the camera decides to settle on a pretty tree over there while 3 wolfs gang rape you off camera is a bit shitty.

[Karak]

I'm on the fence on this one, I tried the demo, was a bit confused at the riding a unicorn through the forest part, but otherwise it was a solid demo.

Only thing I hate is the camera, constantly getting plowed down by werewolves because the camera decides to settle on a pretty tree over there while 3 wolfs gang rape you off camera is a bit shitty.

FYI. This continues in the normal game as well.

Also the tutorials for some things do not occur until after the 3rd or 4th failure. That was...a BAD decision. And caused me some serious cash in the cussing jar.

[Narradisall]

FYI. This continues in the normal game as well.

Also the tutorials for some things do not occur until after the 3rd or 4th failure. That was...a BAD decision. And caused me some serious cash in the cussing jar.

I may give it a miss for now then. I found it a bit annoying, esp when the big wolf leapt at me, but I missed the split second warning to grab the giant wood stake next to me, and then didn't have enough health to do it again, so died and reloaded.

Dramatic unicorn leap was hilarious, but I loath games with almost deliberately shitty camera angles and mobs that hang in the blind spots to attack.

[Karak]

I may give it a miss for now then. I found it a bit annoying, esp when the big wolf leapt at me, but I missed the split second warning to grab the giant wood stake next to me, and then didn't have enough health to do it again, so died and reloaded.

Dramatic unicorn leap was hilarious, but I loath games with almost deliberately shitty camera angles and mobs that hang in the blind spots to attack.

Well, I think I said it in this thread, or in another one, that collision detection is off a bit on some enemies as well. So a dodge is timed differently for 1-2 of the enemies. And it's obviously not planned as the enemies aren't anything special it just crops up. Its a strange thing to occur. Also yes, the camera angles can suck. I have been killed a handful of times by invisible enemies hidden in bushes that just swiped out a hand and killed me hahahaha. But I laughed it off and moved on and now have a fear of bushes.

The thing about the tutorials threw me for a loop. I thought it was a glitch but saw on another forum that it happened to them as well. It was NOT a hard action to do, it just wasn't as intuitive as the developers probably hoped it would be.

On the other hand there are some bits that are GREAT fun. The first 2 boss(mini boss) battles are great fun(NOT THE WOLF) and I enjoyed them. Sadly with no real combos in the game, its basically just hitting x or y again or at a different time, the battles are a bit of a bone breaking game where you just whittle each other down. But it was still fun. I think that is a kudo to the developers who had to make the battles enjoyable with such a terrible and shallow combo/weapon system.

[menage]

Yay. I got one. Sadly my father in law happens to ruin the fun for tonight since it's his birthday:P (I mean of all the weeks I waited for a decent game to buy and this week everybody is making plans, what about all those days I was bored before huh???). But tomorrow I'm so there.

[Draconis]

Picked this up today.

For starters, I am REALLY impressed with the limited edition box. I really wish more companies would take this avenue with collectors editions boxes in regards to the game case.

What they did is made the case, and combined it into a wonderfully artistic hardback case of sorts, artbook, game case, and cd soundtrack case all at once. They then have a good and relatively sturdy plastic sleeve that goes around it.

The entire thing is a work of art, and I am sitting here looking at my Batmans collectors edition game case (not the big batarang) and really wishing they did the same thing.


That having been said....I've played a bit of this, and I am thoroughly impressed. The voice acting is top notch, some of the best I've ever seen. They've managed to carry through the character of Gabriel beautifully. You can tell he loves his wife, misses her dearly, but it's not over the top. Its well stated, but stoic in a way as well.

The combat is great. Very good, and though has a slight learning curve, has some real OOPMH.

The combat Cross when it hits, feels very visceral and solid. Unlike God of War or other games where you feel like you are just hitting armor or blocks constantly, the Combat Cross when it hits, is almost FELT. The impact sounds and the way they are implemented gives a definite feel of realism to the weapon. You can almost feel it THUNK into the enemies as you fight them, giving a very satisfactory sense of combat to the senses.

Last bit I want to comment on.


This is by far, one of the most GORGEOUS games I have ever seen in my entire life. Kudos goes to the art teams and level designers. Everything just feels so lush, vibrant, alive. You can feel the oppressive nature of the environments as you go through them, the chill of winters bite as the snow whirls around you, or the sheer wild aura of the forests in some areas as you traverse them.

Details are not left out either. The glisten of rain, Birds that are pecking at food on odd ledges as you pass by, the glow of fireflies and faerie lights or the choking poisonous mists that threaten to squeeze the life out of you. Truly, this is by far hands down, the most beautiful game I have ever seen.

They nailed down one thing that Castlevania has always had. Atmosphere, and in this game, the environments and graphics bring out that atmosphere in SPADES.

Music is also fantastic, the implementation of the book, demonstrations of the skillups and what they do....I can go on and on but seriously I cannot praise this game enough thus far with my initial impressions. I am truly in love with it, and I didn't know what to expect coming in.



Thus far, I think the big question one has to ask themselves is this. Is this the first, TRULY successful 3D Castlevania?

Thus far, my answer is a resounding YES.

[Xerxes]

My copy finally got delivered... after I had gone to work. I might try to jump on the old 360 to finish up Darksiders. Apparently I'm licking at the tail end of the game. Don't won't to leave any more loose ends. Still have Reach to complete. Thinking about giving up on hookup with friends for the 4 player smack down.

Castlevania though has been on my list for a year. So ready to get into this. I see people complaining about the camera like it's Ninja Gaiden 1 on Xbox. I didn't have much of an issue.

[evilgoodwin]

SOMEONE GIVE ME MONEY FOR THIS!

Extra stuff so that it's not all caps!

[Banacek]

My copy is waiting at home, but I'm not opening it until I'm done with Dead Rising 2.

[Karak]

Snip
Yep to all. THis is what I have been saying since I started playing it. This game looks amazing. If they somehow added some diversity it would be a buy for me. But a rental is just as good.
AMAZING looking.

The first plateforming part looks amazing. Its a bit ponderous but man, the zoomed out perspective and the way they have it allows you to see a great deal more. GOW 3 was outstanding looking but I will admit so much was going on much of it was lost. This one seems more of a artwork than the other.

[Xerxes]

Karak, a Castlevania without replay value sounds nice to me. :p
I know that's one of the staples of the franchise, but I've been so lost in so many Castlevanias even with a map. Sad thing is I like what I'm playing so I'd always try them.

[Karak]

Karak, a Castlevania without replay value sounds nice to me. :p
I know that's one of the staples of the franchise, but I've been so lost in so many Castlevanias even with a map. Sad thing is I like what I'm playing so I'd always try them.

No no no. I also was cool with this. I have some difficulty trudging through games like this if they have tons of random variation etc... This is a great and fun game. Small issues with control, sure but damn play it and enjoy. It is fun. And that is what matters.

[Exodus]

Alright so I just played a good solid few hours and picked up the light magic amulet.

The game play mechanics aren't fluid like ninja gaiden or dmc it's god of war. What I DO like very much is being able to pre-press moves during animations. Dodging WILL cancel out something I believe makes japanese game play superiour to western game play. GAME PLAY OVER REALISM FOLKS, if I know a heavy attack is coming by the fuck I want to be able grab my character by the ear and pull him the fuck out the way.

The combos depend on the animations going so the slight pause on impacts are the perfect cues for you to decide what to do next. The only thing I can really say other than it being decent combat is that you might hit them when they're a couple feet away from you, but that doesn't mean they are going to stop, I always get the constant feeling I should play keep away...I so very much wish the combat cross could turn into a sword....

The magic game play is like ninja gaiden. You pull orbs in to absorb them. You turn on light mode and heal off attacks or at the cost of expending absorbed orb energy. You can over charge the metre but it will decay. You cannot absorb orbs on the fly which I think is balls.

I understand what reviewers have said about the environment and not knowing where you can go because there is NO MINIMAP#%#%)*#%#%. You'll find yourself backtracking through several other paths just to collect items/scrolls and checking all corners of the level box just to see if you can get through. -_-

I can't get out of my head sean connery from highlander when I see the mentor character but I'm hearing patrick stewart(I wonder how much he cost!!).

I think the whole in-between to infer travel on the map with a transparent model in a walking motion is corny as hell. Mr. Thumb head big neck only looks even stupider...

Other than that, there's something that's just a bit off with the movement that makes you don't feel that true freedom of control. I can't quite put my finger on it but it just doesn't feel fluid that would really make this game a joy. Maybe I should remap the dodge button to R2.

Oh well, fun game so far! You WILL have to backtrack. -_-

[Exodus]

AHHA! I figured out what I don't fucking like about the combat. You use a god damn mother fucking whip. YOU WANT RANGE. Every move you use force you to step forward so I always find myself attacking and shifting backward.

That, is probably my biggest pet peeve with the game mechanics.

You're using a fucking whip. Who the fuck moves forward into a big mother fucking spider wielding a whip? Epic fail.

P.S. - Not being able to absorb orbs on the fly PISSES ME OFF.

P.P.S. - The camera can be a real bitch when you're fighting multiple enemies.

PPPS - Secondary weapons do not respond at any time you cannot be performing an attack and I ALMOST think you are forced to be stationary in order to throw a dagger...

PPPPS - Orbs disappear/fade. That, is fucking stupid considering you're trying to keep your focus on and cannot absorb orbs while on the move. Horrible.

[Xerxes]

I understand what reviewers have said about the environment and not knowing where you can go because there is NO MINIMAP#%#%)*#%#%. You'll find yourself backtracking through several other paths just to collect items/scrolls and checking all corners of the level box just to see if you can get through. -_-

Sounds like Castlevania!!!

I can't get out of my head sean connery from highlander when I see the mentor character but I'm hearing patrick stewart(I wonder how much he cost!!).

Dude, sometime it sounds like Patrick loves to do other stuff rather than be Picard or narrator. Being the co-star instead of King blah blah was a something he jumped at. Shit, he does the voice on American Dad.

[Karak]

Sounds like Castlevania!!!



Dude, sometime it sounds like Patrick loves to do other stuff rather than be Picard or narrator. Being the co-star instead of King blah blah was a something he jumped at. Shit, he does the voice on American Dad.

He will always be remembered by me as the Knight in the original Excalibur. NEVER for Star Trek the shit generation.

Oh and yes. Castlevania is fun:)

Also I agree about the above posts. you do end up attacking backwards.

[Ghostbear]

People are surprised you're using a whip in a castlevania game? My brain hurts just thinking about that complaint. You know what I hate about Zelda games? Having to use a sword.

[Exodus]

People are surprised you're using a whip in a castlevania game? My brain hurts just thinking about that complaint. You know what I hate about Zelda games? Having to use a sword.

No. I'm surprised that someone who uses a whip needs to move forward every time he uses the whip further negating the BENEFITS OF USING A WHIP.

Durrr da durrr.

Read the post.

I think your problem is your head hurt even before you read my post. Sounds like a personal problem.

[iHap]

Now watch carefully...


VM_2jcjGQ8s

[Exodus]

Alright, so I finally understand what the GT reviewers meant by getting stuck on environment.

Say you're fighting 6 trolls and a BIG troll. you're bustin out a combo and the big troll's about to charge. So you make a hasty retreat. Problem is you're stuck against the collision of the enemies, the edge of the ledge is 'boxed off' and the only thing in your way is a vase. You get stuck on a vase that's in your way that gets you hit by the charging troll.

That's what GT meant.

[Exodus]

Now watch carefully...


VM_2jcjGQ8s

I'm noting the fact that he can lock on to his target and 'back up' while still facing his target.

This game would definitely benefit from it. It's not terrible but it means you're not likely to pull off the heavier combos often. Any move that does have you stay in one place is detrimental. You send an enemy up in the air they're dead before before they hit the ground and where your landing is where the bigger enemy is going to charge or pounce. You cannot finish off with a ground slam often with the follow up back whip.

Fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee prevails.

[Xerxes]

Now watch carefully...


VM_2jcjGQ8s

I so want to see the clips he edited out with the dog getting popped! :o

[ElektroDragon]

I was about to open my copy six hours ago and noticed the idiots at Amazon warehouse in KY packed it in a thin barely padded envelope, which of course the UPS idiot lobs 20 feet through the air from his truck onto my stone porch. Sure enough the bottom corner of the case is cracked all to hell. So I got pissed and just returned it for refund to Amazon. Thinking I might try again at Toys R Us sale next week. Bollocks.

[Xerxes]

I was about to open my copy six hours ago and noticed the idiots at Amazon warehouse in KY packed it in a thin barely padded envelope, which of course the UPS idiot lobs 20 feet through the air from his truck onto my stone porch. Sure enough the bottom corner of the case is cracked all to hell. So I got pissed and just returned it for refund to Amazon. Thinking I might try again at Toys R Us sale next week. Bollocks.

Mine came in a envelope too, but the guy at least rings the door bell and drops it on the porch. All things peachy here. But I do understand the not having to take shit. You should of just told customer service to overnight another one. And do something nice for you. :o

UPS is horrible. I can't say FedEx does better. They do the same as UPS does above but I've seen UPS do some of the dirtiest shit.

[ElektroDragon]

My experience is that Fedex is much gentler than UPS. Still, they should pack these things in cardboard boxes. Protects the game much better, and is recyclable, unlike those blasted plastic padded envelopes.

I would have done an exchange, but my motives are darker. I already used the $20 credit Amazon gave me for ordering to buy something else. If they now give me the full $60 refund, I end up with a free $20 credit. And if I buy the game again at B2G1 free sale, you could work it out so my net expenditure on the game is $20.

However, I fully expect Amazon to do something nasty to get its credit back.

[Xerxes]

My experience is that Fedex is much gentler than UPS. Still, they should pack these things in cardboard boxes. Protects the game much better, and is recyclable, unlike those blasted plastic padded envelopes.

I would have done an exchange, but my motives are darker. I already used the $20 credit Amazon gave me for ordering to buy something else. If they now give me the full $60 refund, I end up with a free $20 credit. And if I buy the game again at B2G1 free sale, you could work it out so my net expenditure on the game is $20.

However, I fully expect Amazon to do something nasty to get its credit back.
If I was amazon I would. :D

[Grifter]

It sucks, I've got Castlevania, Halo Reach and Enslaved sitting on the counter but I'm in the middle of moving and restoring the new house and won't have anything setup to play on for at least 2 more weeks. The silver lining? When I do have everything hooked up it will be on a new TV and home theater system... the wait is gonna be awful though.



I was about to open my copy six hours ago and noticed the idiots at Amazon warehouse in KY packed it in a thin barely padded envelope, which of course the UPS idiot lobs 20 feet through the air from his truck onto my stone porch. Sure enough the bottom corner of the case is cracked all to hell. So I got pissed and just returned it for refund to Amazon. Thinking I might try again at Toys R Us sale next week. Bollocks.

I've been lucky with UPS (I used to work for them so I know how bad things can get) and Fed Ex. I know both the drivers that deliver to my place regularly and while that doesn't help with the initial shipping they never throw the packages and if the boxes are bigger and from Newegg or other electronics dealer and I'm not home they will put the package inside the side door of my garage.

[Banacek]

Umm, they're going to only refund you $40. Also, Amazon sent mine in a cardboard box, but mine came out of a different werehouse. I'd be pissed too if they sent it in an envelope.

[Xerxes]

Umm, they're going to only refund you $40. Also, Amazon sent mine in a cardboard box, but mine came out of a different werehouse. I'd be pissed too if they sent it in an envelope.

Mines came out of Oklahoma this time. Normally it comes from Kentucky though. Halo Reach collectors came in a box but was also delivered by FedEx. <shrug>

I don't understand their operation but yes. Boxes always; recyclable and delivery men throw all packages.

[Karak]

Fuckity FUCK FUCK FUCK.
Man, the whip thing is now also getting on my nerves. Some of the later dudes = hard core mothers. And that damn weird whipping bug/glitch/terrible design flaw has me tearing the fucking walls down.

Game is still hot looking though:)

[Zecon]

Well, it's certainly the prettiest movie I've ever played.
It's done by Kojima's studios? I never would have guessed.:p

[Exodus]

Fuckity FUCK FUCK FUCK.
Man, the whip thing is now also getting on my nerves. Some of the later dudes = hard core mothers. And that damn weird whipping bug/glitch/terrible design flaw has me tearing the fucking walls down.

Game is still hot looking though:)

Meh, I've pretty much given up doing anything except the block breakers when I can pull it off. The camera angling is retarded at times. I dub it below god of war 1's static cameras, there's times where you'll think hey! The camera is pointing down so that must mean I should drop down from this ledge I'm hanging on to the platform below right?

No.

I'll say this about the game. The hit detection sucks. It's off. A minion who is doing a simple swipe will hit you in the air even though you are heads above him. It is an utter bitch to jump over enemies that you should be able to jump over.

The hit detection in this game stinks on you.

Other than that though it's decent. 7.8 for now but if the game complete unlockables are 'kojima' awesome it will make it an 8.2 game for sure.

Kojima produced this game but he didn't design it.

[menage]

I played the first 4-5 levels yesterday and I love it. I just reached the first Titan but he killed me like 4 times before I called it quits and decided I was just tired to make my way up again. He just pulls me off before I can kill him and my health was too low. Going back to find a crystal so I got some more.

Looks awesome though, great settings and very crisp.

Shame to hear about the frustrations, but then again, Castlevania was never really about the combat for me, I just want to see all the cool stuff and discover a lot of crap.

[Exodus]

Well..I wouldn't say the game's frustrating I mean it is a 7.8.

My impressions might read like it's a 6 but everything else about the game is awesome. I also know for sure that there's a solid snake costume you can get so it's definitely going to be an 8+.

[National Kato]

Really impressive looking game. I'm about as far as menage and enjoying it well enough.

[Karak]

I am glad no one is in here calling me a liar about the graphics because I know I was going on and on about them. They are truly extraordinary.
And my pet peeve doesn't show up much...if at all in the game. Flickering shadows.
Everything is just smooth and solid.

This is the first time I ever yearned for a hacked xbox360. So that I could use a screenshot tool that the hackers made and take some shots for backgrounds on my PC.

[menage]

I am glad no one is in here calling me a liar about the graphics because I know I was going on and on about them. They are truly extraordinary.
And my pet peeve doesn't show up much...if at all in the game. Flickering shadows.
Everything is just smooth and solid.

This is the first time I ever yearned for a hacked xbox360. So that I could use a screenshot tool that the hackers made and take some shots for backgrounds on my PC.

Yeah. If it wasn't fro ME2 I would call it best graphics of 2010 so far.

[Karak]

Yeah. If it wasn't fro ME2 I would call it best graphics of 2010 so far.

Yes for sure. Its just so clean, and lifelike at the same time. When the cutscenes fold right into the playing of the game it really makes you sit back in amazement. Especially as the monsters. The people...not so much:(

[x Returner x]

I'm loving everything about the game so far except the combat:( Maybe it will grow on me.

[Exodus]

I'm loving everything about the game so far except the combat:( Maybe it will grow on me.

It does when you pickup the bigger enemy grab from air.

I'm having a lot of fun chain grabbing myself in to fly kick them into ground cutter or doing the heavy chain combo. I think I might have to see if there's a skill that is area attack though because if i have to fight those gremlins again...

[Pinchy]

I'm enjoying the game, though I'm only through Chapter 1. My only issue so far has been that horse riding part, which I thought was pretty stupid. I wish these types of games wouldn't feel it necessary to throw in half-assed stuff like that (like Dead Space with the asteroid shooting..)

The only other nitpicks I have would be the occasionally horrible camera angles. I'm also not amazingly thrilled with the main character's voice acting. It just seems a little.. dry? Love the constant Patrick Stewart narration though.

[menage]

Yes for sure. Its just so clean, and lifelike at the same time. When the cutscenes fold right into the playing of the game it really makes you sit back in amazement. Especially as the monsters. The people...not so much:(

True, the people do look very rough compared to the rest of the game. At least the main character isn't that bad, but his love interest looked very ps2 in his flashback, even worse than DMC4 in that regard.

All the other stuff looks great though. Loved Pan.

[menage]

Beat the titan, rode a spider (best mounts ever in this game, at least since Golden Axe, I mean a boar and a spider, can't wait till I see more), this game is gorgeous, drop dead gorgeous.

[Exodus]

You know, I thought the game was pretty awesome when I got the Dark Gauntlet.

Then it became more awesome after the crazy story they served me up when I met the lord of the lycans. THEN it became even more awesome when I got the Dark boots! I can't wait to collect the whole set!

The cherry on top was missing however. I won the battle, the fiend was dead but I didn't get anything when I collected the holy relic...disappoint!

This game has now become an 8.5 and if the story gets better might just beat out red dead for my personal goty!

[Draconis]

Trust me, it gets better, ALOT better.

The later levels of the game make it look like the dev team was dicking around and being a tease
in the beginning.

The combat has gotten a TON easier for me, once you learn block syncs
and become good at dodging the combat becomes alot more fun and very, very rewarding


Also, flame vortex from the gauntlet is fricking awesome

[KefkaTaran]

I always feel giddy at a new Castlevania, and I wonder... do you think they'll have throw-backs to the old ones music wise? It's almost expected, since they've always had classic music in all the games since Super Castlevania IV (except for Symphony of the Night and possibly the last two DS ones, and maybe the one that was on XBOX). It's minor, and won't change the game from a "Must buy" status, but it's still something I always like to be surprised by.

They featured an awesome version of an older Castlevania song in the launch trailer, so I'm guessing there will be some old tunes in the game itself.

To the final boss of chapter 1 right now. Can't wait to dig in more this weekend. Really loving this game.

[Exodus]

Trust me, it gets better, ALOT better.

The later levels of the game make it look like the dev team was dicking around and being a tease
in the beginning.

The combat has gotten a TON easier for me, once you learn block syncs
and become good at dodging the combat becomes alot more fun and very, very rewarding


Also, flame vortex from the gauntlet is fricking awesome

Agreed about block syncing. I'm so used to dodging > blocking but that is definitely not the case in this game.

[Kelegacy]

I played through the entire first chapter last night and liked it--feels like a mish-mash of various other popular games as many reviews say. So far I really like the game. The camera can be a pain, though I usually like static cameras more than free control for some reason. Also, the camera pulls way out in some areas, showing the size and beauty of the environs, but it has that side effect of making my character tiny. I don't really like that.

Can't wait to dive through some more chapters this weekend.

[Mortis]

I wish they would have made the right stick roll and LT block only. That is the only complaint I have at this point. Really digging the combat, visuals, and the game as a whole.

[cawblen]

Played the demo and it was good but i couldn't get into it because it was too GodofWarish for my liking. I LOVE God of War but it is not what i expect of a Castlevania game. It's Castlevania only in name.

Just went from 'buy now' to 'buy when the price drops'.

[Jason]

After reading this thread, it's time to try the demo.

[Exodus]

After reading this thread, it's time to try the demo.

Bleah the demo won't do it justice.

Think of it this way...Devil may Cry/Bayonetta but not nearly as twitchy and mountains above engaging story.

The moves and equipment are actually half explained however, not just, oh hey here's this. HALF-explained.

[National Kato]

Devil may Cry/Bayonetta but not nearly as twitchy and mountains above engaging story.

Dude, are you trying to push him away from trying the game? It's nothing like Bayonetta, in that it isn't inane, doesn't cause seizures, nor is it made by 13-year olds.

[Exodus]

Dude, are you trying to push him away from trying the game? It's nothing like Bayonetta, in that it isn't inane, doesn't cause seizures, nor is it made by 13-year olds.

You can look at bayonetta that way if all you're looking at is the look of it. I'm talking about the game play. There's a game underneath there and it's actually quite solid.

I can understand if you're offended by exaggerated boobs and the like but after years of north american culture I'm kind of long over the whole 'WoW' factor of sex selling. I can see it still offends you however. Good for you for sticking to your moral fibre. How's church?

[evilgoodwin]

Dude, are you trying to push him away from trying the game? It's nothing like Bayonetta, in that it isn't inane, doesn't cause seizures, nor is it made by 13-year olds.

Bayonetta rules. Hell of a lot of fun.

[Jason]

I actually love Bayonetta. It's a very fun and cheesy game.

[Deadend]

I thought the demo seemed to do a bad job of showing me what was a going on, and it felt a bit too shakey cam in the cutscenes, but it seems like another good beat-em up, even if I skipped the stupid book loading screens, fuck those.

[Jason]

Played the demo. You guys weren't kidding, it's a very pretty game. The combat seemed fairly basic two attack button combos. It was enjoyable. The enemies attacking you while you jump over them sucks though. I'll end up getting this at some point, probably after Christmas.

[Exodus]

Played the demo. You guys weren't kidding, it's a very pretty game. The combat seemed fairly basic two attack button combos. It was enjoyable. The enemies attacking you while you jump over them sucks though. I'll end up getting this at some point, probably after Christmas.

20% of the time the static camera is going to make you hate this game. but when it's bad it's bad...someone already mentioned it but just wanted to weigh in on it...

A piece of hanging cloth will flap in your camera blocking your view while a ghostly visage attacks you with a sword. The only thing to do is dodge in to camera view to see things.

The combat might seem basic at first but you open up a hell of a lot of skills that allow you to do some pretty amazing stuff especially in shadow magic mode.

I've pretty much gotten what I've wanted out of the non-magic moves, going to grab holy cross and see why it's worth 6000 points. Great game. It's like...the first japanese game where I actually really enjoyed the story...it's amazing! I am finally getting the best of both worlds!

[evilgoodwin]

Played the demo, finally.

I'm in love. I might have to sell a kidney for this.

[Exodus]

Yeah...so let's just say you are going to be fucking decked the fuck out with some really cool equipment when this game is all said and done...I absolutely cannot wait to see what you get when you complete the game!

[Jason]

Urge to buy getting stronger. Must stop listening to temptation.

[Kelegacy]

I am getting my butt handed to me occasionally on the default setting. At least, I THINK it's default. It's the second to highest setting from the get go. Knight, perhaps? I'm guessing it's Normal mode.

I just suck I guess. I started to block more and am having a bit better time now. And I turned on enemy health bars so I can tell when I should go in for a kill or hold off a bit on the bigger enemies.

I usually only die once and then I restart and get past it first try. It has to do with the health in the game. Seems you shed it quickly but it's harder to replenish. Even with Light Magic.

[Exodus]

I am getting my butt handed to me occasionally on the default setting. At least, I THINK it's default. It's the second to highest setting from the get go. Knight, perhaps? I'm guessing it's Normal mode.

I just suck I guess. I started to block more and am having a bit better time now. And I turned on enemy health bars so I can tell when I should go in for a kill or hold off a bit on the bigger enemies.

I usually only die once and then I restart and get past it first try. It has to do with the health in the game. Seems you shed it quickly but it's harder to replenish. Even with Light Magic.

Yah, knight mode is actually hard mode. Paladin mode is very hard. I would say the timing required for this game compared to babyonetta is about 200-300 millisecond different from the planting of your brain of the telegraph and reaction. No getting by the thread of a hair here in accordance with the animation. You have to stay ahead of it.

[Deadend]

Yah, knight mode is actually hard mode. Paladin mode is very hard. I would say the timing required for this game compared to babyonetta is about 200-300 millisecond different from the planting of your brain of the telegraph and reaction. No getting by the thread of a hair here in accordance with the animation. You have to stay ahead of it.

Ah, that is what it was! the timing window and telegraphing. I thought most of the telegraph animations were a bit too short, and the actual attacks of the wolves in the demo were even shorter than normal for the genre, I wasn't super happy with it, but as long as doing counters isn't essential to winning, I'd be okay.

[Exodus]

Ah, that is what it was! the timing window and telegraphing. I thought most of the telegraph animations were a bit too short, and the actual attacks of the wolves in the demo were even shorter than normal for the genre, I wasn't super happy with it, but as long as doing counters isn't essential to winning, I'd be okay.

Aye, personally I think you should be dodging the animation but it's the telegraph you really have to dodge. It's consistent in that though so once you get used to the rhythm the rest of the game is a cake walk.

Also, for those of you who were wondering about backtracking(TAKE A NOTE!)

When you go to backtrack and you get the upgrade you wanted, you can quit out to the world map at that moment. You will retain the upgrade/gem you found.

Can I get a BOOYA?

[Abyssion]

I think I'm gonna grab this and Enslaved as part of Toys R' Us buy 2 get one free deal. I asked my uncle if there was any games he wanted to get and we can split the cost 66/33.

I really can't wait to play this game. The demo was pretty cool though I wondered if I was supposed to stay on the horse longer than I did... I got knocked off kinda quickly shortly after getting on the thing.

[Exodus]

I think I'm gonna grab this and Enslaved as part of Toys R' Us buy 2 get one free deal. I asked my uncle if there was any games he wanted to get and we can split the cost 66/33.

I really can't wait to play this game. The demo was pretty cool though I wondered if I was supposed to stay on the horse longer than I did... I got knocked off kinda quickly shortly after getting on the thing.

You're forced to unhorse two times even if you don't defeat the wargen riders you'll hit a tree branch and the second you'll be stopped by an ambush.

[Abyssion]

You're forced to unhorse two times even if you don't defeat the wargen riders you'll hit a tree branch and the second you'll be stopped by an ambush.

Ah I see, thanks! I'm really excited to play this.

[menage]

Reached the second Titan. I'm taking my time with this.

The game is quite difficult. It throws stuff at you sometimes which you really need to puzzle out how to solve. The Titan where I'm at now sure doesn't come down easy, but what a great spectacle.

I love the level structure. In a way I prefer it above the Metroidvania approach. There's still tons to discover but the cut up levels make it way more varied in the looks dep. And retreading earlier levels to find hiden shit has a certain old school feel to it I would expect in a Castelvania reboot.

I read somewhere in a review that they found it a game which had lost it's identity. I couldn't disgagree more. This is so much a Castelvania of old it's incredible how MS pulled it off, even with help of Kojima. It has that same amount of mystery, hidden stuff and atmosphere the old nes/snes/genesis games had. And in a way the only game that managed that this gen is Demon's Souls.

Now I only need a new Ghouls n Ghosts. After the Arthur reveal in MVC3 there's hope I guess.

[Kelegacy]

Yeah, it definitely has it's challenge intact. I thought it was me just sucking sometimes.

[menage]

Beat the second titan, beat the Lord of the Lycans. Very cool story bits indeed. Combat is improving. The crystal summon is nasty.

[Exodus]

I just beat the game but I won't spoil anything!

i) The developers are a spanish studio...FUCKING GOOD WORK GUYS!
What you should know is that this is the same team that did Team Jericho! WOW!

ii)The game's end made me go OMGOGMOMGOMGOMGOMOGMOGMOMGOMGOMOGMOGMG
What it hints at, is fucking EPIC!

iii)This game is my GOTY.

iv)You will unlock solid snake's bandana and pirate's eye. But...they don't seem to do anything? Haven't tried yet...

[menage]

Sounds good:)

I just beat level 6 so I'm at the heart of the castle now. Game is surely a contender for GOTY, but ME2 and Bayonetta wil probably just edge it out until now. Who knows what might happen though. It already went past GoW3 for me.

Edit: Biggest flaw so far for me, the puzzles with the crests where you have to switch red and blue around are megalame. It's actually easier doing it trial and error than having a think about it cause when it's not one it automatically is the other.

[Kelegacy]

I started having more fun once I left the Lycans area. The Vampire levels, like the abbey, look so great and play great too. Game actually is getting better and better as it progresses.

I wish the camera wasn't pulled out so far, though. You aren't able to really appreciate the level of detail on the characters and monsters with it that far out. Just the art of the levels themselves.

[MrBibbz]

I like the game so far.. but I have a few nit picks about it. Like no health pots for those times when you don't have magic :(

[Kelegacy]

I like the game so far.. but I have a few nit picks about it. Like no health pots for those times when you don't have magic :(

Yeah, that's the hardest thing to get over for me. After you start getting better with combos and blocking, magic is super easy to get. But at the beginning I had lots more trouble. I wish you could find health items since I'm pretty old-school.

[Exodus]

If the camera work was better this game would be like...what half-life 2 is for fps's.
The puzzles were FUN! I actually had to think a few times. But what makes the game half-life like is the pacing. It is very well done. Where I'm expecting another slew of areas filled with grueling combat they change it up. It was perfect! The story was offered at great times.

I think what made the 'crest' light magic or shadow magic effort was having a sliver of life left after fighting, one mistake could kill me. The worst is when I failed the puzzle and had to fight the bone warriors..the behemoth enemy i can handle..the bone warriors are another beast...after you're good at killing bone warriors you can take on anything the game can throw at you.

NOTE: I played on knight so it might not be as bad on normal...

[Karak]

Ya I would say this game ranks as one of my top ten this year. Despite some issues with the platforming the game is just very well done. I went from this to Enslaved and felt like a letdown. Which I don't think is a hit against enslaved I just think they are somewhat the same kind of game and I was actually yearning for more Castlevania. Just like people who play Enslaved first and then play this.

[ElektroDragon]

I decided to wait this one out, for multiple reasons.

1) I hear the game is hard... like the adventure combat game equivalent of Demon's Souls hard.

2) God of War Collection, God of War III, Dante's Inferno, DMC4, Ninja Gaiden II, and Darksiders are all sitting UNFINISHED in my collection. So why do I need another GoW genre game?

3) I'm trying to save money. So I will pick this up in the sub $30 range.

[Exodus]

I decided to wait this one out, for multiple reasons.

1) I hear the game is hard... like the adventure combat game equivalent of Demon's Souls hard.

2) God of War Collection, God of War III, Dante's Inferno, DMC4, Ninja Gaiden II, and Darksiders are all sitting UNFINISHED in my collection. So why do I need another GoW genre game?

3) I'm trying to save money. So I will pick this up in the sub $30 range.

This game is worth 60$.

I'd just want to add this to the pot though. I had Alan Wake syndrome throughout the entire game. What does this mean you ask?

I NEVER USED MY ITEMS. I liked to horde them and never use them, they are my go to when I get stuck. I just...never bothered. The thing is you get a LOT of items all the time. Enemies will drop items, destructibles yield items...

USE ITEMS ALL THE TIME!

[menage]

I decided to wait this one out, for multiple reasons.

1) I hear the game is hard... like the adventure combat game equivalent of Demon's Souls hard.

2) God of War Collection, God of War III, Dante's Inferno, DMC4, Ninja Gaiden II, and Darksiders are all sitting UNFINISHED in my collection. So why do I need another GoW genre game?

3) I'm trying to save money. So I will pick this up in the sub $30 range.

1. Normal is not that bad and there's an easy mode.

2. It's better than all of them:)

3. That won't take long I guess.

I NEVER USED MY ITEMS. I liked to horde them and never use them, they are my go to when I get stuck. I just...never bothered. The thing is you get a LOT of items all the time. Enemies will drop items, destructibles yield items...

I didn't either at first, then I discovered Holy Water, and vampires are toast.

[Kelegacy]

I am playing on easy mode now (lame I know) but the challenge is still there. But it's not challenging enough. Normal was a challenge but it was almost too much for me (I was making progress but occasional deaths were ruining the flow of the game). Neither settings are perfect for me. I need something in between.

Some enemies can take a real beating, that's the issue. Even on easy. I don't come close to dying on easy mode, but normal wasn't as fun either. I should switch back now to see if I got any better with my skills, but then again I'm having more fun now so I'll probably stay here.

I hate playing games on easy, but this is the first in years. If I weren't renting it I might me more apt to waste my time dying, but that's not the case.

[Exodus]

I am playing on easy mode now (lame I know) but the challenge is still there. But it's not challenging enough. Normal was a challenge but it was almost too much for me (I was making progress but occasional deaths were ruining the flow of the game). Neither settings are perfect for me. I need something in between.

Some enemies can take a real beating, that's the issue. Even on easy. I don't come close to dying on easy mode, but normal wasn't as fun either. I should switch back now to see if I got any better with my skills, but then again I'm having more fun now so I'll probably stay here.

I hate playing games on easy, but this is the first in years. If I weren't renting it I might me more apt to waste my time dying, but that's not the case.

You should at least try the Lycan lord on normal difficulty. I see him as the skill check for the entire game. Once you mastered him you've mastered all bosses and large creatures. I'll actually admit that I've had harder times with the masses of gremlins than fighting any of the bosses. The bone warriors are just a bitch because they have a charge that can't be blocked and a whirwind that can be inconvenient if you don't have the room.

Other than that there's the ghostly visage sword wielders who can be pretty cut throat.

Remember, USE ITEMS. I didn't use them often enough and against the undead it makes the game a damn sight easier.

Another tip is to turn on the health bars for yourself, enemies etc. within the options. It might look stupid but it helps instead of having to look at your health bar up top all the time. Heck I always tried to keep my health out of the red because the heart beat sound is annoying.

[menage]

1up is reporting there is talk of a sequel already. Which would be really ok in my book.

[ElektroDragon]

1up is reporting there is talk of a sequel already. Which would be really ok in my book.

It's Castlevania. Do you also think it news when Nintendo announces another Mario game? ;)

[menage]

It's Castlevania. Do you also think it news when Nintendo announces another Mario game? ;)

I know, but since we waited a very long time for a "this gen" one, slow sales or a bad form could ruin it easely, and it would be back to the DS once again.

[Exodus]

I know, but since we waited a very long time for a "this gen" one, slow sales or a bad form could ruin it easely, and it would be back to the DS once again.

Let's just say the sequel is hinted at if you beat the game and what it purports to....is fucking EPIC.

[Tayaya]

I'm still way back at the end of Chapter 2, due to a really rough week filled with way too many things breaking and way too much stress at work.

Hoping to make some forward progress this week, but I really do love this game. It's got a few rough edges here and there but even with those it just fits together really nicely, gives you a lot of incentive to return to already-done stages, is kick-your-ass hard at times, and the whole game just has had this feel so far that I can only describe as "really f-ing epic." Something about the environment design and the way the monsters fight just really makes me feel like I'm one man, alone, trying to save the world, and that I'm exploring long-forgotten, now-terrible places. I love it.

[Kelegacy]

I'm going to finish chapter 8 tonight and proceed onto 9, which means I still have 3 to go afterwards. Man, the Vampire Shadow Lord is taking a while to get to.

Does the game speed up after this? Like, are the last 3-4 chapters shorter? And man, I've been encountering more and more puzzles. There're quite a few in this game, and good ones too.

[Banacek]

I just got to Chapter 2 and I'm not going to get much time to play this over the weekend. I'm really liking what I've played so far.

[menage]

There's a patch coming for the PS3 which prevents save corruption. I'mm not touching it again until it hits seeing I'm at chapter 9 or something.

I did kill the Vamp Queen and I'm at Baba's house now. What a great looking game.

[Exodus]

I'm going to finish chapter 8 tonight and proceed onto 9, which means I still have 3 to go afterwards. Man, the Vampire Shadow Lord is taking a while to get to.

Does the game speed up after this? Like, are the last 3-4 chapters shorter? And man, I've been encountering more and more puzzles. There're quite a few in this game, and good ones too.

I wouldn't say the game speeds up but the vampire lord did take a while to get to. I mean it's like...4 castles surrounding one central castle.

Don't worry, you'll get to baba next I think and that's a nice little release from the game play.

[Kelegacy]

I wouldn't say the game speeds up but the vampire lord did take a while to get to. I mean it's like...4 castles surrounding one central castle.

Don't worry, you'll get to baba next I think and that's a nice little release from the game play.

It comprises quite a few chapters, too. The abby was fairly big, then you got to the castle and it just seems like a big slog. Not unfun, just like I've been trying to get to her for a while.

I hope to finish it this weekend. I'm going to try anyway.

[Mortis]

I absolutely love this game. The visuals and art are simply incredible, so beautiful. I'm starting to dig the combat more and more, and I think the bosses are very well done. Great dialogue and solid story.

This will be on my GOTY contender list and I am not even halfway through yet.

[Wasson_]

I can't wait to get a copy of this when I get home...

[National Kato]

I've been putting off playing this for a few days because I want to save it for Saturday (I'm on chapter eight, I think). It's been calling to me...

[menage]

Chapter X, I'm getting chilly.

[Banacek]

I need to unsubscribe from this thread until I beat the game...

[Lekon]

So, I just beat the game. Finally. Up until the second to last chapter, I had been annoyed. For every awesome thing, there was an annoyance (Fucking camera, Fucking chubacabras.) Seriously, was ready to give the game a seven or maybe an eight.

Then the last chapter began. What followed was one of the most epic sections, bossfights, etc, of any game I've played in a long time. Went from "Ugh, here we go" to "Wow.. okay.. I don't hate this" to "Helll YES". Then the endings. (There is something after the credits.)

Many a good game's been ruined for me by a shit ending. This is the first game I can remember where it went from "kinda good" to "Oh hell yes awesome" on the strength of the ending sequence/endings.

Just please make it so in the sequel we can move the camera on our own.

[Kelegacy]

Okay, so I beat the Silver Warrior. Will finish up chapter 10 tomorrow and plow through to the end. Whoo!

[Lekon]

Okay, so I beat the Silver Warrior. Will finish up chapter 10 tomorrow and plow through to the end. Whoo!

You are in for such wonders my friend. Such wonders indeed.

[menage]

Dammit, now I want to play some more.

I back-upped my save so I won't have a corrupted one at some point. Like I'm really going to stop playing this.

[Narradisall]

I think just from skimming this thread I'll have to pick this up, but probably not till Christmas when I have time to just kick back and play it.

Still sounds like the combat and camera is going to annoy me to death, but the talk I've been hearing about the story and game has made it one I think I will regret letting slip by.

[National Kato]

Camera hasn't been bad at all for me. Once or twice (on a two-disc game) a banner or other decor item has blocked my view, but once you dodge out of the way everything is fine. And dodging is something you do...a lot.

The main issue I have with the camera is that it takes a second for the game to realize the camera has switched and adapt the movement controls to match. That is to say, if I'm running down a hallway that doglegs to the right, when the camera switches my dude runs into the wall for a second while the game catches up to the fact that my direction is now valid. Minor quibble, but it happens.

Otherwise, the game has been spectacular. Visuals, audio, story...I'm hooked and I still have 4 chapters left to play.

[Kelegacy]

The main issue I have with the camera is that it takes a second for the game to realize the camera has switched and adapt the movement controls to match. That is to say, if I'm running down a hallway that doglegs to the right, when the camera switches my dude runs into the wall for a second while the game catches up to the fact that my direction is now valid. Minor quibble, but it happens.


That happened to me a couple times just last night. It's annoying. But as you say, minor in the grand scheme of things.

[evilgoodwin]

This game is epic. Just beat the Ice Titan.

I'm so happy to play this!

[menage]

Done!. Kind of a mindfuck really. I'm a bit torn.

Epic last fight though.

[Draconis]

I wasn't able to finish this until now, due to a wedding I had to attend and prepare for all weekend, was one of the groomsmen.

Let me just say flat out, this is my Game of The Year. Hands down, NOTHING I have seen come out thus far this year can even hold a candle to this game.

I had no idea what to expect in the storyline, and the final boss fight was VERY satisfying. Hell, Almost ALL of the boss fights in this game are among the most memorable I have EVER played.

This game is a solid 9.8-9.9 for me. The storytelling is phenomenal, the graphics are the BEST I have ever seen in all of my years gaming, and the combat though difficult, was very satisfying and rewarding.

Moreoever, the cutscene after the credits made my jaw drop through the floor. I have NEVER felt so rewarded nor so excited by a games ending. Not like this, not ever. I seriously cannot wait for the sequel of this game, and I sincerely hope that others who beat this, will come to understand why.

This is just, hands down the best game of this year and hands down the most phenomenal ending to a game I have ever played in my entire life.

What's amusing to me is that I told a friend, YOU MUST GET THIS GAME.

His wife now blames me for the neglect she is now suffering because of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

As she said, "Thanks for introducing him to Castlevania....he lives downstairs now. I blame you for the neglect"


To basically sum up, and I cannot put this any other way, this game just went into my all time personal top 10 games forever. I highly, and very seriously doubt, anything will ever bump it out of that category ever.

[Codicier]

They should have sent you a review copy so you could provide box quotes. :p

I've got the collector's edition sitting here waiting until I've finished some other stuff first. I'll probably play it around Halloween, for the appropriate atmosphere. ;)

[menage]

Moreoever, the cutscene after the credits made my jaw drop through the floor. I have NEVER felt so rewarded nor so excited by a games ending. Not like this, not ever. I seriously cannot wait for the sequel of this game, and I sincerely hope that others who beat this, will come to understand why.


While I thought the conclusion ws suitably epic and really well done. My fear with the sequel is that it will be set in the here and now or future. I really liked my castles and forests with this, I don't need skyscrapers. That's what tore me up a bit. Great story, but the sequel set up, I don't know.

[Kelegacy]

Hmm, I hear people really loving the graphics, but I never thought I got to fully appreciate them because the camera is pulled so far out. The environs are pretty, however. Uncharted 2 is still the prettiest console game I've ever played by far.

I really enjoyed the ending and the sequel is going to be...interesting.

[Urizen]

snip

So, in this post, you had me...then you lost me...and then you had me again.

I'll give it more time. Only at the Ice Titan.

If it's not worth it, I'm coming after you, good sir.

[Draconis]

Work keeps me busy, so in general though I have a ton of games to play (Backlog numbering over 500 games last I checked. ; ; ), I don't have alot of time to dedicate to them.

So in general, when I do play games, they have to grasp me, I mean really grasp me. Really, the only high praise I think I've personally given for some games this year has mostly been Demons Souls, because I felt a deep sense of satisfaction after I got the Platinum for that.

Metroid Other M I enjoyed, but I didn't highly praise. It's rare I gush over games like this. It just really is.

So yeah, a lot of my quotes could probably be seen as box quotes, and that's understandable. I do know I sounded like a schill for the game, but to be honest it's rare when a game invigorates and excites me this much.



Urizen, definitely give it a chance. The game picks up for most people after they defeat the first Lord of Shadow. Once that boss is beaten, the game becomes easier, as they start to understand what the combat system desires in order for you to survive.

I know that after I beat the first Lord of Shadow, the game suddenly opened up for me and became INFINITELY easier. Also, bear in mind that on a lot of enemies, such as the lesser cave trolls, ghouls, creeping corpses etc, that they can be one shotted, essentially, by hitting R2.

That will start the animation for Gabriel to do the timing event, and though that bears some challenge, its pretty easy. The R2 grab also makes Gabriel invincible during the animation, so nothing can break you out of it while hes pounding the enemy into the dirt.

It definitely makes things easier by far, it also generates elemental orbs, which can help keep you going. The best advice I have is to stick and move, stick and move. Use Crowd Control attacks when surrounded, and above all else learn Block Syncs and Dodging. Block Syncs are the key to this game in addition to the combo counter. Keep up the Block Syncs, and you will easily survive, as you keep generating elemental orbs.

One thing I also want to state about the combat in addition to this. Pay attention, very careful attention, to what the enemy is doing. The game does telegraph the attacks, though difficult to see at first, they ARE there. One boss at the castle for example, would attack with his right hand always for unblockable attacks. So any time I saw him reach for his sword with his right hand, I knew instantly I would not be able to block the attack, and thusly, dodged it.

Also, one thing I love about this game, it seems to have brought back old school difficulty from the nes days, but not in the frustrating sense. This is why I said the combat system is rewarding, in combination with the comments above, it really shines and when you succeed, you have a deep sense of satisfaction and self reward.



As for Menage's comments, here we go.

I STRONGLY, STRONGLY suggest that all who are playing this game and have not beat it....please heed my advice. DO NOT CLICK ON THE SPOILER TAG. I REPEAT, DO NOT CLICK IT.

Spoiling this game will destroy the enjoyment utterly for you.

In general Menage I understand the apprehension, but as a point, bear in mind that Satan gave Zobek the knowledge to cast a spell that not only caused a helluva lot of problems, but also allowed Zobek to split the heavens from the earth, so that no spirit could go to its final resting place. In this vein, it would be very easy, should Satan's acolytes succeed in bringing him back to earth, for an Apocalypse to immediately hit and devastate the world, thus altering it drastically and still allowing Mercury Steam to do the fantasy landscapes.

I rather suspected from the start however, that Gabriel would become Dracula. The hint at the beginning in the manual, with him rumored to have been of the Cronqvist line, was all I needed. This game is steeped in the lore of Castlevania, and though a definite reboot, still has what I love about it. There is a scroll that hints at the Castle being a living being, and that no one has ever successfully mapped it due to this, despite tons of wealth being spent on doing so.

I also like, immensely so, that this game is colored in very deep shades of Grey. Gabriel is an anti hero, a man who has done and continues to do horrific things throughout the storyline, a man who deep down, as Zobek states, already has a dark soul, a raging monstrous beast inside of him. Whilst at his core he is indeed a good man, he has done absolutely terrible things all in the name of love and revenge.

What 'I' want to know, is why did he become a Vampire? Why did he become Dracula? Did God curse him, granting him back his life, but in an immortal sense so that he would have centuries to repent, to keep him from being barred from the gates of heaven? Or did Carmilla in fact, albeit unrealistically, somehow survive? Moreover, what happened to Gabriel after the events where he defeated Satan? Did he choose to become what he is, did he reject God? There are just so many questions I want answered. I LOVE the fact that Gabriel has been made to be a dark anti hero, and I love the fact that even though during the final battle, he was briefly made an angel by God, that said angel has fallen so far, a very ironic contrast to Satan.

Amusingly enough, Death is never far from Gabriels side, and Zobek fits that role PERFECTLY. I rather enjoy the fact that they made Zobek Death, the very personification of undeath and ruler over the dead. And that despite all this, despite everything that has happened, the lore of Death never being far from Dracula's side is STILL kept intact. I had a feeling instinctively that it was Zobek at the beginning of the cutscene. However, the shock of it being modern day sent me into fits of hysterical joy.

To be honest, this IS Castlevania to me, and I am so very very glad that Mercury Steam did this reboot. Because it brings a VERY fresh light to the game and the series instead of constant repeats of "Invade castle, insert cliche story here, kill Dracula here".

The irony to me, being so familiar with Milton's Paradise Lost and how Lucifer/Satan was a Dark Anti Hero in that, in contrast to Gabriel in this, is not lost on me. It is in fact, something that makes me love it all that much the more.

The only question now is...what happened to the Belmont line? What about all of the other characters in the line of the history? Moreover, are we going to play as Dracula in the sequel? And will we learn what happened to him?

No one had faith really in Mercury Steam to pull off a 3D Castlevania, no one thought it would be a successful game. Well, that's definitely been proven wrong now. And given that Mercury Steam is in essence a very tiny team in comparison to alot of major studios, and that they pulled this Castlevania off so successfully, I have no doubt that when the Sequel comes, we'll see some hellish style apocalypse that occurs, that essentially forces Gabriel/Dracula to have no choice BUT to fight.

This game makes me think about the story very much in depth, long after I have played it, and that, to me, is a successful definition of a good plot and storyline.

[LarsenNET]

The PS3 version of this game on Goozex hasn't traded once yet, very unusual. I'm 13th or so in line.

[Draconis]

Ah, yeah, a point on that.

Apparently the Xbox 360 Version has some serious framerate issues according to alot of forum boards. So I'd go PS3 if you can.

That's probably why it hasn't traded at all yet, among other reasons.

[EternalGamer]

Kel, it is the dramatic camera that makes me appreciate it so much. Even if it occasionally caused gameplay issues, I prefer this style to the boring typical over-the-should view most games now employ. It allows you to really appreciate the environments as whole set pieces.

I am only on chapter 3, but so far, I would say I appreciate the visuals in this game more than any game this generation, including Uncharted 2.

[Urizen]

So in general, when I do play games, they have to grasp me, I mean really grasp me. Really, the only high praise I think I've personally given for some games this year has mostly been Demons Souls, because I felt a deep sense of satisfaction after I got the Platinum for that.

Yeah, I appreciate your taste and your criticisms more than most, and I know you don't lose control of your bodily functions easily, so you've definitely pushed me over the edge.

I'm going to stop visiting this thread now that the spoiler tags are coming out fast and furious, but I will say the powerful force keeping me away from CV right now is Kirby's Epic Yarn.

I see conversation in this thread with people talking about this being the most beautiful console game they've ever seen. My vote goes to KEY. The style and its implementation is unbelievable. Framerate and animation is flawless, as you would expect for a low-spec game, but this game is beautiful - indescribably beautiful. Oohs and ahhs everywhere.

I'll come to this thread once I put a major dent in CV for the next week.

[menage]

Draconis, you make some good points. I think I'm just a little cautious with how popular IP can be treated. I would hate if it became a standard action game. I fully support your theory of how they could get away with it. I would be fine with that.

I'm just a huge Castlevania nut, after the credits I wished there was a negative universe to appear. I just wanted more:P

[Exodus]

The music for this game is pure awesome as well.

I'm very happy people are enjoying this game.

There are two parts where it just blew my mind. The last titan fight and the Ikaruga game play at the end...fucking AWESOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME

I don't know if Kojima directed the flow as well but the game changed its pitch every round. Where I was expecting monotony they changed it up. It made me pay attention and threw me something I didn't expect. It's like getting out of midgard in FF7 and realizing that there's a whole world to explore. Every chapter felt like that.

Simply amazing.

[Cpl_Punnishment]

Just finished.
draconis, fully agree with your synopsis.

Love this damn game!

[Abyssion]

I've been playing this game on hard, and it's kinda kicking my ass... a lot...
But I keep trying and eventually I get through a part I'm stuck on. I am considering moving down to normal though.

I really like it a lot, but sometimes the platforming bits seem really bleh. Like when I'm rappeling down a wall, and I hit down a little too much so I fall to my death. Like his whip has varying lengths depending on where he is at. Then sometimes I die from stupid jumps even when I'm at the edge before jumping. Just some minor gripes.

[EternalGamer]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite games this entire generation. I'm on Chapter 4 now and it keeps getting better. The first fight with the Lord of the Shadow was fantastic. He kicked my ass the first couple of times, but when I got the counter-block timing down, I ran the floor with him. I think the combat system is one of the best I've seen in any game. I love how every single enemy is a fountain of health just ready to be popped if you play them right. When I finally beat the first Lord of Shadow, I had a fully charged combo gauge for almost the whole fight and I had orbs galore to heal and use dark magic. It was a beautiful, pure fight. A nice contrast to the (also amazing) set pieces of the two colossi.

The game definitely borrows heavily from many others: God of War, Devil May Cry, Shadow of the Colossus, etc. But it integrates their ideas well and, in my opinion, improves upon most of the concepts in each of these games.

As I said earlier, I agree with others that the camera angles can cause problems. I occasionally miss a jump, try to jump the wrong direction, or repel too far down a cliff side and die. But the trade off is beautiful camera shots with great views of the world. I think it is more than a fair trade. In fact, I prefer this to a boring over the shoulder camera that lets me always see exactly where I'm going/what I'm doing. And besides, there aren't any huge penalties for falling/dying most of the time. Checkpoints are pretty frequent and a fall just resorts in a small loss of life.

The sign of a truly great game is that, while you are playing it, you feel like it is the best thing ever. I certainly have that sensation frequently with this game.

[Kelegacy]

Kel, it is the dramatic camera that makes me appreciate it so much. Even if it occasionally caused gameplay issues, I prefer this style to the boring typical over-the-should view most games now employ. It allows you to really appreciate the environments as whole set pieces.

I am only on chapter 3, but so far, I would say I appreciate the visuals in this game more than any game this generation, including Uncharted 2.

I just wish I could appreciate the art and detail of the characters and monsters better by having a slightly zoomed in camera, or more areas where the camera was closer. I had no problem with the pulled back lens, but most of the game was like that it seemed like.

These are nit-picky things though.

[Exodus]

I wish I could absorb orbs while on the move....

[Abyssion]

I wish I could absorb orbs while on the move....

It would have been neat if you could set up a priority auto-absorption, like collect orbs as light magic till full then go over to dark, then back to light for that extra filling that goes down over time.

[EternalGamer]

I wish I could absorb orbs while on the move....

Yeah, but there is a reason you can't. They copied the idea from Ninja Gaiden. It is all about risk/reward.

[EternalGamer]

I just wish I could appreciate the art and detail of the characters and monsters better by having a slightly zoomed in camera, or more areas where the camera was closer. I had no problem with the pulled back lens, but most of the game was like that it seemed like.

These are nit-picky things though.

I'll agree that I wish there was a way to zoom in first person view to look around. Would be handy for certain gameplay situations as well. But I like the set angles they chose during default gameplay.

[Exodus]

Yeah, but there is a reason you can't. They copied the idea from Ninja Gaiden. It is all about risk/reward.

Ninja Gaiden allowed you to cancel into an orb absorb into ultimate technique unleash. On top of that in ninja gaiden you don't exactly get 'stuck' on enemies or on geo or have instances of horrendous camera view being blocked by a statue/piece of clothe. You have an out.

Castlevania needs that little out for when your shit is hitting the fan like being in a small room with 4 bone warriors and one of them is in whirlwind mode.

[evilgoodwin]

I don't know what a bone warrior is, but I'm pretty sure I'll learn to hate them :)

If anything, they need to have the orbs last longer.

[Exodus]

I don't know what a bone warrior is, but I'm pretty sure I'll learn to hate them :)

If anything, they need to have the orbs last longer.

That is the alternative and probably the easiest fix actually lol. I just like being able to do multiple things at the same time. .;)

[EternalGamer]

Ninja Gaiden allowed you to cancel into an orb absorb into ultimate technique unleash. On top of that in ninja gaiden you don't exactly get 'stuck' on enemies or on geo or have instances of horrendous camera view being blocked by a statue/piece of clothe. You have an out.

Castlevania needs that little out for when your shit is hitting the fan like being in a small room with 4 bone warriors and one of them is in whirlwind mode.

It would certainly make the game easier if you could absorb while you move. But I have found numerous times where it makes for very tense fights. Like I"m almost out of life. I dodge/jump out of the way and try to quickly absorb orbs to turn on my healing spell before the enemies close in.

As for getting "stuck," haven't had that problem yet, but I am still fairly early in the game. The camera angle problem, though, is just something I have learned to work around as part of my strategy. When I dodge or move, I try to avoid putting myself in a blindspot.

Overall I think the use of orbs in this game is more interesting than NG's super cancels. You have two different sets of techniques to apply orbs to and each has its own subset of combos while engaging in defense or offense. In NG, I tended to use the orbs as a quick way to "autopilot" the battles.

I will certainly agree that the various quirks mean the game isn't always as "fair" as NG is. But I don't care that much about "fair." As long as it doesn't become overly frustrating, I'm find with sacrificing some balance for aesthetics. In this case, however, I think the orb system adds more player choice and depth the to combat. I have played a good number of games in this genre in the last few years (Devil May Cry 4, God of War 1 & 2, Ninja Gaiden 1 & 2, Wolverine, Bayonette, etc.). I actually prefer this combat system to any of those. For me, it seems to have the right balance of strategic options and it encourages you to play smart. The combos, at least at this point, aren't so batshit crazy that you end up just button mashing. There is a lot to keep aware of with the enemies, the orbs, the two magic gauges, and the combo meter, but I feel like they introduced them over time and integrated them in a way that isn't overwhelming.

[evilgoodwin]

I've just learned to not get hit. Don't need to absorb if they can't touch you!

Makes me glad of the hours I spent playing Bayonetta and doing those fucking portals where you could only get hit, like, 3 times.

[National Kato]

Forget Bone Warriors. Fuck Creeping Coffins. For realz.

[Exodus]

Snip.
This game does have its share of 'invincibility' frames in the form of the grab QTEs. I don't quite like it but it is a nice breather however with a guarantee of orbs.

I'll go with orb duration lasting longer instead of absorb on the move. You try to skirt the edges of battle to get a quick refill but let's say that first encounter with 3 werewolf men(the higher tier werewolves). That's not a lot of breathing room. I stayed away from using items during that time(I'm reluctant to waste fairies since...I just don't like the fact that they 'die'...sentimental?...maybe...). I also didn't like being rooted to position just to throw a knife. This dude can connect with pin point accuracy while flailing in the air...he can't throw a dagger on the move? -__-

Keep in mind, this game is my GOTY but I'm going to throw this down too.

Half the combos are irrelevant where quite a few leave you just too vulnerable or require too much wind up. If it wasn't for the double jump I probably would have played a much tighter game.

Still surprised as hell that the bandanna doesn't give you unlimited item use or the solid eye doesn't allow you to have either inifinite magic at least something magically helpful like full focus metre all the time. Heck maybe just seeing monsters in that shadow/light way(that would have been an extremely fun mode).

[Mortis]

Finished it this weekend. This will be hard to beat for my game of the year and I doubt anything will surpass it. Pure excellence from beginning to end with the most satisfying ending I can remember.

Regarding the ending:
I think the second game will cover the events leading up to Gabriel becoming Dracula, and the third game will be set in the time/situation that we see in the final cutscene.

[Phades]

I just finished it last night. I absolutely loved this game. Can't wait to see what they do for the next one.

[National Kato]

Ah, Castlevania. You were an amazing ride start to almost-finish. In the very end, you fall back on boring narrative tropes and a faux-challenging final fight. Disappointing.

[Mr. Murphy]

This game totally slipped under my radar until y'all started hootin' and hollerin' over it. I hope I remember to buy it when I'm done playing New Vegas next year. :p

[Draconis]

Odd about the problems with the Camera angles, as well as the Terrain.

I really never had much of these issues. But then again, I destroyed literally everything I saw, because alot of the statues, rocks etc bore items hidden within them. So it was kind of eventful that my destructive nature came through so much.

But yeah, not really sure why others have had problems as I have not on Camera Angles and terrain. Platforming once or twice was a problem with the camera, but that was easily corrected unlike the original Castlevania 3D, where you would die a ton due to the Camera angle in like say, the Clock Tower

[AgtFox]

Odd about the problems with the Camera angles, as well as the Terrain.

I really never had much of these issues. But then again, I destroyed literally everything I saw, because alot of the statues, rocks etc bore items hidden within them. So it was kind of eventful that my destructive nature came through so much.

But yeah, not really sure why others have had problems as I have not on Camera Angles and terrain. Platforming once or twice was a problem with the camera, but that was easily corrected unlike the original Castlevania 3D, where you would die a ton due to the Camera angle in like say, the Clock Tower
My thing with the camera is that it isn't as well designed or tight as other "static camera" games are (like God of War or Devil May Cry, although there were some problems in the latter series). Now, MercurySteam had a lot less people working on this than Sony has on God of War or Capcom on DMC probably.

I really think had we been given control of the camera it would have been far better and not made me feel like I was "handcuffed" so to speak. The static camera really shows its bad side when facing off against the large/tall (in terms of physical size) bosses. I mean, really, the right analog stick isn't used for much other than pushing in to draw Shadow power.

I am going to guess giving us camera control would have broken the graphics somehow. There was one point during the moving of the flock of crows where there was graphic chopping at a specific post for instance that I saw while playing. It wasn't a huge detraction since it was only in one spot, but if made me think had we been given camera control things like that would have happened without extra time given to development.

[Exodus]

Yah there's probably a lot of off camera hiding to keep/make the areas that are supposed to be pretty, pretty/loaded. It's the price one has to pay for performance etc.

[Tayaya]

I'm on Chapter 5 now, and the game just keeps getting better. I'm hoping that today I can dump a good portion of time into it. Yesterday I was off but I'm sick as all get out so much of the day was wasted sleeping.... so full of regret after that!

I just like how the game just gets more and more impressive as you move forward, though. All those "rough edges" I talked about in chapter 1 and the first part of chapter 2 are long forgotten now. Can't wait to see what the future holds!

[EternalGamer]

Yah there's probably a lot of off camera hiding to keep/make the areas that are supposed to be pretty, pretty/loaded. It's the price one has to pay for performance etc.

Perhaps, but I just respect set cameras because it is like a director setting a tone. I think static or controlled cameras are under appreciated and under utilized. When done right, it involves a carefully established perspective. The behind "always behind the back camera" seems a lot more lazy to me.

Again, it causes problems on rare occasions in this game, but it is a small price to pay for the tone the camera sets.

[Klunka]

Ah, Castlevania. You were an amazing ride start to almost-finish. In the very end, you fall back on boring narrative tropes and a faux-challenging final fight. Disappointing.

The challenge of the final boss could not have been more disappointing for me. Especially considering WHO it is. Huge let down to an otherwise very fun game.

[menage]

Better that than some Metroid Prime Echoes like hard to the motherfreaking core boss which never let me finish the damn game. Last bosses need to be spectacular and fun, not overly hard for me. I'm practcally done with the game by then most of the time.

[Abyssion]

Better that than some Metroid Prime Echoes like hard to the motherfreaking core boss which never let me finish the damn game. Last bosses need to be spectacular and fun, not overly hard for me. I'm practcally done with the game by then most of the time.

I hated that thing... I was playing on hard difficulty so it was even more of a pain in the ass. Part of me thought I wouldn't be able to finish it.

[Exodus]

The challenge of the final boss could not have been more disappointing for me. Especially considering WHO it is. Huge let down to an otherwise very fun game.

I liked the idea of it i just wish they made it harder.

[Abyssion]

Whew! Just beat the game. Lot of fun, next action game I play will be on normal. Though the game did get a lot easier past a certain point. For some reason my death count per stage lowered greatly after chapter 3 or 4.

And how about that post credit video. Really awesome stuff.

[Tayaya]

Finished this game up last night. I'm rather sad that I'm done with it, but it's definitely a contender for my own Game of the Year.

It's rare in this day and age to find a game that just gets better and better the further in you get. The last boss itself was a bit disappointing, but the dialog before and after the fight was really great, and the ending was satisfying. Can't wait to see if they take this any further, or develop a sequel.

Some may balk that it strays too far from established Castlevania norms, but I don't think it's a problem at all.

[menage]

Meh, I think it's spot on in the Castelvanianorms. The whole structure and atmosphere really was captured perfectly from the nes/snes days. And the story, best CV story ever.

[quidmonkey]

Been taking my time with this. In Chapter 8 on Hard.

What I like: Patrick Stewart. The environs. The platforming. SotC-like boss battles. The epic feel. The 2-disc, long quest - a rarity in this day and age.

What I dislike: Terrible checkpoints. The way Gabriel walks. Combat.

Let me explain that last one: Enemies are cheap. This can be thought of in two ways: one, either the animation tells aren't long enough (Goddamn Wraiths); or two, Gabriel can't cancel out of animations (God of War-style). Thus, to control a fight, you need to memorize all enemy attacks vs. reflexes + smarts. I suspect this isn't much of an issue on Normal or Easy, but it's old school design is outdated.

[AversionFX]

I got this from GameFly on release day after buying into the hype. I played for maybe 2 hours, couldn't really get a feel for it, and shelved it for the time being. After reading through the thread, and getting the spoilers, I was really interested in finishing the game. It's just such a pain in the ass, because right now I just don't care for Gabriel or his story.

I hate how "pulled-back" the camera is - what is the point of a pretty game if I'm too far away to actually see it, save in cutscenes? The "God of War" gameplay is incredibly fucking stale, and just devolves into mindless button mashing. I wish I could see the great game that most everyone else seems to be enjoying.

I just want to see the game's conclusion. Without going to youtube. :(

[Banacek]

I really liked this game. Any enemy I had an issue with I discovered a combo that worked well against them. That to me is an rewarding experience. I hope everyone checks this game out.

[quidmonkey]

I got this from GameFly on release day after buying into the hype. I played for maybe 2 hours, couldn't really get a feel for it, and shelved it for the time being. After reading through the thread, and getting the spoilers, I was really interested in finishing the game. It's just such a pain in the ass, because right now I just don't care for Gabriel or his story.

I hate how "pulled-back" the camera is - what is the point of a pretty game if I'm too far away to actually see it, save in cutscenes? The "God of War" gameplay is incredibly fucking stale, and just devolves into mindless button mashing. I wish I could see the great game that most everyone else seems to be enjoying.

I just want to see the game's conclusion. Without going to youtube. :(

It's good, not great. I found it palatable in bite-sized chunks, but more than an hour, and it goes stale quick. The combat system is solid in theory, but uneven in execution.

[ElektroDragon]

Thus, to control a fight, you need to memorize all enemy attacks vs. reflexes + smarts. I suspect this isn't much of an issue on Normal or Easy, but it's old school design is outdated.

Wow, thanks, that convinces me to wait for bargain bin. I can barely play Hard on most modern, well designed games of this type.

[Banacek]

Wow, thanks, that convinces me to wait for bargain bin. I can barely play Hard on most modern, well designed games of this type.

You can play on normal, you know :) That's what I did and the game took me a week to beat. It's a very enjoyable game.

[menage]

I liked the combat, sure it wasn't the best ever but the setting pulled it through. If I was given the choice between a beautiful well told narative in a breathtaking world with fun combat and gameplay and something like Ninja Gaiden which clearly is superior combat wise but bores me to tears with it's enter a new room and slaughter everything there in 2 seconds mantra I would go for option 1 every time. It's the whole of the package for me, not just the whipping part.

I don't care about hard modes and stuff, I never got the need to bash myself against a wall every time I enter a new place, I care about a great experience. Time is precious.

[quidmonkey]

Wow, like many have already stated, the end of this game is very, very good. This is one of those games that only becomes better the longer you play it. It's simply too bad that for every Necromancer's Abyss level you have, you also have to suffer through the Titan Graveyard. I look forward to the sequel.

[Farsight]

Just finished it up on Hard and I'll just echo the consensus: it's a very good action game. Gorgeous, terrific voice cast, and a ton of variety.

The story starts off confusing, as if we've missed the first chapter of a book, but picks up into a solid narrative as they go.

Great ending, and I for one was thankful that there was no nasty difficulty spike at the end, as I was pretty battle-fatigued from the levels leading up to the finale.

The added replay from the trials, collections and SuperHard difficulty are nice, although I doubt I could play through it again on a harder level w/o breaking my controller. I'd definitely suggest most people play it through on Normal or even Easy the first time, as the powers you collect carry over and will make the harder difficulties much less painful.

I'm not a huge fan of action games, so I'd rate Castlevania about a 7/10, but I can easily see fans of the genre giving it a 9 or 10. By comparison, I'd give the last Ninja Gaiden game a 1/10. :)

Now for the sequel hopefully they can give Gabriel a man-sized head!

[Deadend]

I'm at the big ass titan boss in chapter 2.

Fuck titans. The fights for them are not exciting like they were in SotC, instead they feel more like a quick-time event slowed down to 1/50th speed. It's the way that there is only 1 right thing to do for the titan fights at any given time, which makes the interaction kind of shitty.
I also am not enjoying how Gabe's hitbox seems to extend 4 feet to either side and about 15 feet above and below him, making air juggling and trying to jump over guys quite hazardous as he can be hit by a melee attack that the attacker isn't even onscreen.
I don't like most of the attack animations, they all seem to move too fast in a weird way. I had no trouble dodging or blocking or even getting blocking timing right in Ninja Gaiden, but in here.. it's much much harder, even on easy.
Then there is the simple fact that the whip just doesn't seem to have any visual OOMPH on hits, which really lacks the satisfaction.

The camera is way too far out and has a horrible degree of fisheye going on which makes the center of the screen seem even further away and really disconnects me from the action, yet so many unblockable attacks manage to come at me from offscreen. It's kind of amazing where a camera can be too far out, yet not show what is needed.

The area designs are great as are the looks of all the characters I have seen so far, the plot went from I DON'T FUCKING CARE to something that is starting to seem interesting and not "WE FUCKING LOVE US SOME SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS!" I also like how the levels have got some hidden stuff and aren't quite as linear as they seem to be.

I'm throwing myself in the camp of "small bites" as it's just not that fun of a game for me, and I really like God of War, Bayonnetta, Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden and the whole character-action-genre.. but there is something OFF in Castlevania.

[Farsight]

You've barely played the game at that point. You're still in practically the tutorial.

[menage]

Indeed. the whole SOTC is actually just what you played till then. The 40 or so levels after that don't include that stuff at all anymore.

The first 2-3 worlds of the game are pretty disconnected from the rest of the game for me. After that it get's a whole lot better.

[evilgoodwin]

If I recall, there's only three titan battles in the game. Just remember to hit R2 (right trigger) if you see the shiny part for "Whip goes here"

I DID have some trouble flinging the rocks back until I got the hang out of it after a few throws.

All else, watch someone else do it on youtube.

[Deadend]

If I recall, there's only three titan battles in the game. Just remember to hit R2 (right trigger) if you see the shiny part for "Whip goes here"

I DID have some trouble flinging the rocks back until I got the hang out of it after a few throws.

All else, watch someone else do it on youtube.

It's not the difficulty, it's the tedium. Somehow killing a giant monster isn't AWESOME and EXCITING but really kind of boring.

[menage]

2 DLC packs incoming. One in the castle and one after the game ended featuring a notorious enemy. Both SP storymode missions. Fucking awesome. Not really expected it.

[menage]

New screens (http://www.eurogamer.net/gallery.php?game_id=10406&article_id=1313054#anchor)

[Exodus]

Awesome! I don't get it maybe we're going to help the daughter stave off the evil?

[Deadend]

haha, I gave up on the game yesterday. I feel asleep somewhere while playing Chapter 5. It did get better.. but I still found it to be a chore.

I was talking with a friend, and it seems in my offhand guess about the plot.. I nailed the various twists.
No Gabe, YOU are the Dracula! and that Patrick Stewart was really a bad-dude and that the devil was behind it all.
I honestly think the game would have been better if it was much shorter. And if some of those combos executed faster, I didn't get to use some of them as they just were too damn slow and/or most foes didn't really have stagger.

[menage]

haha, I gave up on the game yesterday. I feel asleep somewhere while playing Chapter 5. It did get better.. but I still found it to be a chore.

I was talking with a friend, and it seems in my offhand guess about the plot.. I nailed the various twists.
No Gabe, YOU are the Dracula! and that Patrick Stewart was really a bad-dude and that the devil was behind it all.
I honestly think the game would have been better if it was much shorter. And if some of those combos executed faster, I didn't get to use some of them as they just were too damn slow and/or most foes didn't really have stagger.

I think a lot of these games are win or lose for some just by the way it clicks in our fingers. I couldn't stand playing Dante's Inferno because it had a lousy block system and an even lousier roll (and horrible platforming). Ninja Gaiden also never really clicked with me because it was just too damn twitchy, and the camera was cheap.

I never had reall problems with the combat in LOS, but it sure as hell isn't Bayonetta either I admit.

[Narradisall]

Arise thread!

Interesting reading the responses on this thread.

I can *see* the potential in this game, the variety of the levels, the setting, the long questing, all of it made up a game that I should have loved to bits....

... but I found it dull, dull and boring and tedious. I honestly don't know why it didn't click with me. I literally had to force myself through it as it's been sitting gathering dust for some time. The titan fights were such a chore, and but thankfully were early (although mega sigh when they repeated the same boss pretty much for the first two bosses) then the same type of fight came back for the end, another big sigh.

The plot was massively predictable, so I didn't really get any big surprises from that although how Zobek survived I'm not sure!.

I just couldn't take it seriously, the voice acting, the story, it seemed so cliche and over acted.

I don't hate the game, I'd probably give it a 6/10 if I had to rate it.

I guess the best I could explain it was,

It has all the elements that make a AAA title, but it lacked a soul.

Ironic in a way.

[SonofSeth]

I just got this yesterday and for some reason I'm loving it for now. The craft, the details the loot lust and it looks gorgeous (except the faces, everything but the faces).

I could just play with the "book menu" for few hours alone.

I'm not far enough in to comment on the story, but as far as gameplay goes I'm all over it. I feel like combat is ripe with options and possibilities to play it many different ways, offensively, defensively, using magic, ignoring magic, using only 2 buttons or using all sorts of advanced combo moves.

I even like the "vania" side of it, with the upgrades, additional paths, hidden passages...

Patrick Stewart is giving it all he's got and I love his voice. The black and white art is just gorgeous and I can't wait for a new bestiary entry to drool over it.


There's only one part that doesn't fit with the rest, it's the camera, it's just beyond broken and many a time did it lead me in circles, or make me miss my jump or die in some stupid way.

But the book...

[evilgoodwin]

Glad to hear you like it. I've heard lots of complaints about the combat, and I had a few cheap deaths, but after a while I just got used to it. Of course, that could be because my reflexes were tuned to Bayonetta's challenge rooms (3 hits and you lose) where I just had to go balls out in order to finish with seconds to spare.

The last boss is way too easy, though. Oh well.

[Abyssion]

Did the DLC ever come out for the 360 version? I remember there was some trouble in releasing it when the content originally dropped.

[evilgoodwin]

I think so. The first came out later on 360, but the second one came out later for PS3, if I remember correctly.

[Abyssion]

I definitely need to look into those, since I loved the game when it originally came out. Thanks!

[evilgoodwin]

The DLC boss is also way harder than the last boss, so if you wanted a real test of skill, that's the way to go.

[menage]

For some reason the game sucked me in again and goddamn I'm loving it even more. For some reason the game just clicks me with combatwise now and it's truly a Castlevania game on every front once you go trialing and searching for hidden stuff. I can't believe how much better the game is the second time around. And it's still so freaking pretty.

I sprung for the 2 DLC's and just finished the first one. Not too shabby, and actually very well rpoduced for a thing like this. Bit of overkill on the puzzles but it wasn't a half-assed job.

[evilgoodwin]

For some reason the game sucked me in again and goddamn I'm loving it even more. For some reason the game just clicks me with combatwise now and it's truly a Castlevania game on every front once you go trialing and searching for hidden stuff. I can't believe how much better the game is the second time around. And it's still so freaking pretty.

I sprung for the 2 DLC's and just finished the first one. Not too shabby, and actually very well rpoduced for a thing like this. Bit of overkill on the puzzles but it wasn't a half-assed job.

It makes up for it with the second one. Don't let the boss make you tear your skin off in rage.

[menage]

Ressurection is crap. Very expensive crap.

In fact, I want my money back, and I don´t say that often.

[menage]

1 blue and 1 red crystal to go and I have all of em. Bloody hell I'm enjoying the game. These couple of days the game shot right into my top 10 of best games this gen. What a great world to be in. So ... much ... pollished .... epicness!

[Hawkzombie]

Ressurection is crap. Very expensive crap.

In fact, I want my money back, and I don´t say that often.

1 blue and 1 red crystal to go and I have all of em. Bloody hell I'm enjoying the game. These couple of days the game shot right into my top 10 of best games this gen. What a great world to be in. So ... much ... pollished .... epicness!

I...wait what?!

[evilgoodwin]

My thoughts exactly. I liked Resurrection over Reverie because I was craving a psychotic boss-fight (plus, he yells "Enough talk! HAVE AT YOU!" at the boss :D).

Also, they used actual cutscenes (for a bit) instead of the motion-comic stuff. Oh well. To each their own.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Do you need to start a new game to play the DLC?

Is it punishingly hard if you haven't played the game in a while and forgot how the combat works?

I loved the main game and 100%ed it but that was ages ago, and I don't want to be thrown into some super hard boss fights when I've forgotten the controls, but I also don't want to start right at the beginning again.

[evilgoodwin]

It picks up right after the last boss battle, so you might need to have beaten it to do it.

I do hear you on the combat, though. I'd do one of the boss fights to hone up (probably the black knight) and then you should be ready to go.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Thanks.

Maybe I'll wait for them to go on sale or something...

I do really want to try them but I have a sizable backlog (don't we all these days).

[menage]

My thoughts exactly. I liked Resurrection over Reverie because I was craving a psychotic boss-fight (plus, he yells "Enough talk! HAVE AT YOU!" at the boss :D).

Also, they used actual cutscenes (for a bit) instead of the motion-comic stuff. Oh well. To each their own.

The HAVE AT YOU thing was cool. But I found the whole thing very expensive for what you're getting. Reverie had quite a lot to do, you played with Laura, had that watersection, a lot of puzzles and a cool temple.

This basically began with a repeat section form chapter 11 or 12 (lava rising) and dumped you in a lavacave (not the most inspired setting) with a pretty generic looking enemy compared to other stuff in the game.

Plus the boss was difficult because he needed precision, something Gabriel isn't really good at.

The praise I've been spawning was for the main game, terrific stuff.