Nosferatu

"Wow, this game isn't that great."

I came into the game expecting to play a good sneaking game. Your character obviously isn't a Belmont so I didn't expect him to try and rip through all the baddies through out the game.

But what did I get? Some little nerd who has never heard of the concept "kicking" punching his way through this castle and doing rather simple "push button" puzzles. It could have been better, but I don't think it could have been much worse.

Graphics: 4

The graphics were rather dark, and I suppose appropriate for the environment. However, too many of the stages looked the same. Yellow walls everywhere. And the characters were bland and not drawn very sharply.

Sound: 2

Really, this music was so bad that I tried to just ignore it. But it beat into my brain and caused me to just turn it off. Maybe in there it was creepy for a second or two. It certainly was horrifying.

Control: 0

This game has got to have the worst control I've ever experienced. When the game punishes you for running into walls as you try to slide, you'd think they'd make the controls tight. But sadly, that's not the case. You have to anticipate seconds ahead of the control adjustment you need to make in order to avoid traps and monsters. Plus your character takes about two - three seconds to duck or turn and longer to try and build up to a run. I almost got to the end of the game, but I just couldn't punish myself anymore.

Difficulty: 3

I judge this category at a target difficulty. Too easy gets low points, too hard gets low points. This game is far too hard. Though I never came close to running out of time, I have died because of poor control causing me to fly off an edge instead of jump or fail to run and get stabbed. This is offset slightly by endless continues, but it causes you to return with no red crystals, which make your girly arms slightly stronger. And the enemies can be particularly difficult, since you have no idea how to pick up things and swing them, limiting you to your little arms. Though sliding and shoulder lounges are in the game, they're weak and leave you open. It's better to try and get in and unleash a combo.

Fun/Replay: 1

I don't know why you'd play it one time, let alone more. And it's real fun to watch my character die because I was hitting jump and he decided to just keep running for a few extra feet.

Reviewer's Score: 2/10, Originally Posted: 05/09/04