"Portrait of Ruin? More like "Portrait of Awesome""

(yes, I know that the tagline sucks)

Some of my fondest memories in gaming stem from the Castlevania series. Specifically, Castlevania Bloodlines, way back on the Genesis/Mega Drive. CV:B was the first game I ever saw in my life, at the age of 4. While I was too young at the time to realize it, this would have more impact on me than anything else. Today, I am a rabid fan of the series, going so far as to find an MSX2 and a copy of Vampire Killer just to say, "I've played the MSX2 version of Akumajou Dracula."

When I heard of a sequel to Bloodlines being developed for the DS, a sudden surge of joy overcame me. I had hoped for a game worthy of containing the awesomeness of Eric Lecarde. Did Portrait of Ruin live up to this lofty expectation?

STORY: 8/10

As I stated, this is a semi-direct sequel to Bloodlines. The plot is set in 1944, a severe departure from the previous two CV titles, Aria and Dawn of Sorrow. A vampire, named Brauner, is seeking to exact "revenge" on humanity for their sins. Two hunters, Johnathan Morris (son of Bloodlines' John) and Charlotte Aulin (who, according to my sources, is a descendant of the Belnades family) travel into Brauner's castle to stop him. The setting could have been put to better use (specifically, a level set in Germany would have been nice), and as far as Castlevania plot goes, it's standard fare. Also, there is an unexpected cameo near the end that I don't think was really necessary. I also found some slight translation errors (Grand Cross = Grand Cruz? Whaa--), but nothing game-breaking.

GRAPHICS: 8/10

While I'm a fan of Chi no Rondo, I wish that Konami would stop using sprites ripped directly from it. The new sprites (which are few and far between) are greatly detailed and well animated. However, I just can't get past the fact that they've been using the same 2D Skeleton and Medusa Head sprites for 14 years now. The spell animations are beautiful, and the levels are visually breathtaking (especially the Egypt stages).

GAMEPLAY: 9/10

Standard Castleroid fare here: run around pummeling monsters, gaining EXP, money, and what have you, progressing the story as you go. As they say, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it."

The most noted feature is the dual character system. The second character is controlled by a simple AI routine, fights when needed, and can be dismissed/called at will. When the AI partner is damaged, your HP does not decrease, but rather MP. This leads to slight tactical decisions during combat ("Hmm, will having Charlotte whack that guy with a book be worth losing MP if she takes a hit?").

The Dominance system from Aria/Dawn is slightly reworked here, giving way to the Skill system. Certain enemies drop skills or spells, some of which can be bought. Charlotte's spells strengthen the longer they are charged, while John's skills grow as they are used. The weapon selection is large, though not up to Symphony size and not as varied. There are also Dual Crashes, which are essentially team Item Crushes. Most of these are new (Volcano), and a few are returns of Richter's ICs from Rondo. There are a few puzzles, but nothing too taxing. Also, there is an extra stage similar to Circle of the Moon's Battle Arena, dubbed the "Nest of Evil", where some powerful enemies (as well as a certain classic boss encounter) can be found.

The challenge level has greatly improved since Dawn, without being too hard.

AUDIO: 10/10

I really want to give this higher, but logic won't allow it. The audio in this game is perfect, save for the horrible English voice-acting (which can be remedied with a code or an import). Some really unexpected songs appear here, such as Opposing Bloodlines, Simon's Theme, and Iron Blue Intention. Even long-forgotten tracks return, such as Devil's Revival (named "Victorian Fear" here) and Cross Your Heart ("Crucifix Held Close") from Haunted Castle. Heck, even non-Castlevania music found its way in ("Sandfall" and "In Search Of The Secret Spell", both from King's Valley 2 on the ancient MSX system). As for the sound effects, they fit. Whips, bones falling to the ground, even flesh tearing from a sword slash, every sound is rich and used to the greatest extent.

REPLAY VALUE: 9/10

As expected with every new Castlevania, there is a plethora of extra modes, including New Game +, three levels of Hard (each of which give a stat boost in New Game + mode when cleared) and three sets of hidden characters. My only gripe with the replay value is that there is no "Bloodlines" mode (that being John Morris Sr. and Eric Lecarde), and that after about ten playthroughs in each mode, you'll be searching for something else. Seriously, did you HAVE to put Axe Armor Lord (Old Axe Armor) as a hidden character again, IGA?

So, did this game live up to my expectations as the sequel to Bloodlines?

Sadly, no. I was slightly disappointed with the result, but still recommend this game for anyone who has a DS, no matter who they are.

BUY OR RENT: I wouldn't choose this over Rondo or IV, but I'd gladly pay a hefty sum for it. It's well worth your money. Who knows? Maybe your money will go towards IGA hiring someone to design a new Medusa Head.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/05/07