Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

"The Best Castlevania Ever, the Best 2D Platformer Ever?"

Alongside Mario on the great old days of the Nes, there was another title that got me interested into games even more. It was vastly different to anything the Mario Bros could throw up, despite the limitations of the system, and considering the console's 'family' appeal, it was perhaps one of the most sophisticated and mature of the Nes's huge game library. Unfortunately, I was a little too young to appreciate what they were really about and all their intricacies, and it was the later Snes title of Castlevania IV that really blew me away! Since that day, a fan of the Castlevania series I have always been.

So it was with great eagerness that I looked forward to playing the Playstation sequel to that great game, called Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It was delayed for quite some time for the UK, and it was with some trepidation that I thought I would not get it in time for Christmas 1997 as one of my presents. Thankfully, I did get it on the day, and I placed it in my machine immediately (Zelda: Ocarina of Time was my other present). My initial reaction was, very stylish presentation, very impressive FMV opening that sets the mood and history of the story perfectly, great Final Stage episode with Belmont, but wait a minute?!! The main character is a vampire called Alucard, and there is not a whip in sight in the main game! I started playing it, and very quickly died at the Alchemy Laboratory in gruesome blood spraying fashion. ''mmmmm'' I thought, this is different to how I imagined the new Castlevania to be, it was harder, and the arcade style whipping and ploughing through short stages were nowhere to be seen. ''I'll come back to you later'' I said aloud. I didn't know what to think of the game. When I came back though and settled down for a longer gaming session....I knew this was something very special indeed.......

Graphics: 10/10

The game as I have mentioned is not in 3D but is in 2D, reminiscent of the old side scrollers of years ago. A few critics (namely ignorant ones) maligned much of this aspect of the game. After all, if it isn't a 3D game like the new trend setters, it simply looked like a old Snes game and didn't push the hardware any further. Truth be told, to disregard a game just because of its 'retro' style is stupid beyond belief. It happens to be the most stylish, beautifully crafted 2D game of its long and great genre. The Playstation's power has been used to crank the detail up on the character sprites/models, as well as creating more atmospheric and elaborate level settings. When you cast a spell, the screen kicks into life with a cool flash, as does the brilliant destruction of bosses. The palette of colours used is very impressive and rich in design, it is a dark game to match its gothic structure but not so much as to leave the gamer in the darkness of unclarity.
The FMV's are very well done, although there are not enough of them. This game relies on its game play grandiose....

Sound: 10/10

One of the strongest aspects of the Castlevania series, and certainly one of the most important aspect of this game. Never before has a Castlevania game allowed itself full reign on orchestral creativity, or concentrated so much on the tracks. They are truly amazing, some use previous classic tunes to the series (like 'Vampire Hunter'), but there are so many new ones that utilise a haunting ambience that truly enhances the game play and enjoyment. It is at times melancholic, grand & with classical elements(like the Library), or haunting and dark 'Abandoned Pit'. The music by Michuru Yamane is simply superb, and the best of the series so far. For music, it has to be one of the best game's out there alongside Akira Yamaoka for the Silent Hill series or Metal Gear Solid to a lesser extent. Konami for me, have the best game musicians in the business and are revitalising gaming and blurring the two medias for new people to enjoy. The song 'I am the Wind' by Rika Muranaka is spellbinding.

Other sound beside the music such as the SFX and speech are expertly done as well. The speech is not cheesy, all the voice actors seem to be the perfect choice and carry out their task with bravado. Alucard's voice is one of the best in game for me, alongside Snake (David Hayter) of MGS fame. It is deep and abrupt, but at the same time multi-layered with the feeling of a centuries old vampire tormented by his existence and his heritage. Yet there is compassion present too, one of the best examples being the confrontation with Succubus. Perhaps only Maria's occasional lines seem a little poorly timed.

Game play: 10/10

Like any classic game, the music will be perfect, but most of all, the game play is the main body of the title and its finest. It is vastly different to any previous Castlevania before it. As I mentioned earlier, it is no longer separated into short stages of arcade action. It also has new and unique RPG elements for the first time, making it a little more similar to a Final Fantasy game but without the complexity of the materia system. The more creatures of the night you defeat, the higher Alucard powers up a level and becomes stronger. The system menu allows you to assign weapons and objects such as shields or food to whatever hand you wish, left or right. There are many types of sword to possess, a great feature being that some are two handed. Do you go for the more powerful two handed weapon that leaves you open to attack because it is tougher to use quickly, or do you use a sword and shield combination? Weapons improve as the game goes along, so that progress is not too easy and there is always the excitement of discovering a new weapon. The discovery aspect of Castlevania is one of its strongest strengths, and it is a huge task in CV: SOTN. Unlike separate levels, they are all connected together as rooms in the huge main area of Dracula's castle. You enter by the drawbridge in suitable dramatic fashion, make your way through to the alchemy laboratory and then onto other adjoining rooms such as the Marble Gallery or haunting spiritual ambience of the Royal Chapel. The Castle (shown by your map) is huge, and you must travel through all the rooms to progress past bosses to unlock a new wing of the castle, growing stronger with ever victory so that you may face Dracula. It is this exploration element, finding hidden rooms and powering up Alucard that is the game's most amazing and addictive feature. There is over 200% to cover in the castle as shown by the map, and although it is not necessary to complete the game, unlocking its full percentage is very challenging.

As with all the games in the series, the bosses are HUGE and take up most of the screen on some occasions. They are truly breathtaking and a monument to IGA's creativity. I always look forward to facing a huge boss, and it is very satisfying when you defeat them. Later on, it is essential for obtaining artefacts for progress. There is even the option to buy your items with the money you collect from those slash able candles in the game, and but or sell items, armour, new moves, magic, gems, or useful information about the monsters from the librarian.

The story is very compelling, and keeps you guessing until the startling revelation when you think it is all over, but you get more for your money!! This is a great and innovative touch. You can empathise with Alucard's plight, and feel his torment as you learn more about his split loyalty. This makes the battle with Dracula, his 'father' even more watchable. For me, Succubus and Death are the two greatest foes in the game, and the personal vendetta Death has with you from the start, and your revenge near the climax of the game is a very neat touch.

Admittedly there is the criticism that it may seem slightly repetitive, some of the later monsters are incredibly hard at first until you level up or work out a strategy, or that a gamer can just level up in one area which makes progression easier later

If you like a game that has action and requires you use your brain as well for the puzzles, I can think of no other better game of this type. Throughout the game you get the ability to have Alucard obtain the power to transform into mist, a wolf, or a bat. A little further ahead you gain specific powers for the transformations like becoming an acidic mist or a bat with a sonar to see in the dark. This is essential for solving some of the tricky and crafty puzzles, and it's great that as soon as you obtain one, it unlocks another part of the castle with this new skill and you rush top get there in excitement!

Life Span: 10/10

It will take you a while to complete this huge game, and to get over 200% it may take over a week. It is hard in places, and very challenging to master (e.g. learn the spells and use them, find special items etc). Once you have completed it, you can unlock the Belmont character and go through the game again with the classic whip. It is much harder doing this though. Likewise, there is armour to be won and many endings to the game. There is the bad ending which is quickly achieved, but there is the good ending for those who fully explore and search out all the skills and objects.

Overall: 10/10

This game is truly amazing and one of the best I have ever played. Alucard is one of the greatest anti-heroes ever created, the game play and RPG elements are pure genius and expand on the game's concept and length, and the music (and the art of CV:SOTN) is the best I have ever seen in a game.
Own the Limited Edition of this game and get a free music cd with samples of songs from the series and an art gallery book of all the new gothic styled artwork. This fetches a considerable price nowadays and is hard to track down.
Whatever you do you must own this game. It is the greatest Castlevania ever in my opinion. More importantly, it IS the best 2D action platformer all time that marries many types of gaming together for a wondrous blend. It is the best and last of its kind.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/24/03