"Nintendo, Konami and the DS deliver once again"

This is actually my first Castlevania game and just like Advance Wars a few months ago, I must say I am impressed. It is an enjoyable game that could keep your interest for quite a while. We play the role of Soma Cruz, a possible candidate for becoming the new dark lord while he attempts to stop all those he knows and cares for from being hurt by those that wish to bring the dark lord back. Not everybody can be an elf, a plumber or a alien fighting suit wearing person...

Graphics:
The game has some impressive 2D backgrounds and the models look nice and there are some little 3D and 2D effects that make it all the more impressive. Soma's breath can be seen during the early part of the game while he is in the snow during a conversation he is having with another person. 3D backgrounds and enemies come along too few and far between, but you are playing a 2D side-scroller--what do you expect? You wont be disappointed here, the game looks great.

Sound:
I was blown away with some of the sound in this game. A lot of it is really well done and very interesting. Fans of the series dont need to worry about this.

Gameplay:
Ah, the most important feature there is. The DS focuses around offering new, unique and innovative gameplay features. The touchscreen is used during boss fights to seal the bosses after you damage them enough. If you fail, the boss recovers a little health and attacks you again. The seals can be frustrating at times but I'll get to that later. The top screen serves as a map, which is actually very helpful and it displays information about enemies, your experience, stats and other things. Konami included many of the system's features but the game isnt a showcase for them.

The game itself is a classic 2D side-scroller and in Castlevania (or Metroid) fashion, it pits you against hordes of enemies as you run, jump and explore your way through a large area. The game doesnt stray much from its other installments, but warp points now eliminate backtracking and speed up gameplay. Soma can gain new abilities throughout the game with his power of soul domination. It adds a fun collectors element to the game, it makes you want to see who does what and make Soma unique to how you like him. The powers range from throwing cards to summoning cats to shooting energy blasts. Many are as creative and interesting as the enemies that drop them but others are disappointing. The souls can also be used to upgrade weapons, which comes in handy. The game includes RPG elements and leveling, which should appeal to you real time RPG players. All in all, the game is fun on just about every level.

Replay:
After you complete the games three endings, you are rewarded with a few special features including Sound mode, Julius mode and Boss Rush. Julius mode is like a whole new game. In it, you use Alucard, Yoko and Julius Belmont and together they go through the adventure Soma did. It can actually be quite hard because you cant use soul powers or healing potions, but arent we all up for a little challenge? Boss Rush mode pits you against all the games bosses and after defeating them (easier said than done) with certain times, you can get weapons for Soma to use. Soul trading, exploration, collecting, and leveling should make this game last quite a while.

The Cons:
Even good games have problems, but in this case they are relatively small. Ah, the seals. Penmanship doesnt even matter, its all speed but you obviously have to make it similar to the design. There are five in all, but one is optional. I had a little trouble with these at times, but the game allows you to practice the seals whenever you want and once you get the hang of it, it's easy. Another cause of frustration could be difficulty. The game isnt that hard, but if you try going through it too fast or unprepared, you will die. The RPG elements of the game stress leveling, upgrading and collecting and upgrading the souls so, again, problem solved. My only major complaint would be the script, character interactions and plot can bea little flat and mediocre at times. Rest assured, the fun factor takes care of this issue. Besides for the annoyance of some enemies that seemingly never drop a soul, that just about rounds it all out.

Conclusion:
The DS proves it will be a great system once again. With games like this, it is well worth the price. Fans of the series, fans of 2D gaming, fans of action games or RPG's or just gaming in general should fall in love with this game. If you are looking for something to do, look no further than Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow.

Wrap up:
Gameplay: 10
Graphics: 9
Sound: 10
Value: 9
Tilt: 10

Overall: 10 (not an average)

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/17/05