"There is no sorrow to be felt when playing this great game!"

Summary

Forget the hype about this not surpassing Symphony of the Night, or that it is not a worthy Castlevania game. It provides what you seek, action, decent plot that does not hiccup, and plenty of great character interaction. And all the while it extends the Castlevania mythology easily.

Graphics 8

While some folk will say “This does not look like a next-generation game.” I want to point out one simple fact.

It was never meant to be! (Sort of)

It takes the Symphony of the Night game engine and improves upon it, giving you Playstation quality graphics without voice overs during story sequences! It improves upon everything liked about that older title and adds a bit more as well.

The graphics are easily comparable to the previous entry in this series on the GBA. But with a 3-D graphical engine overhaul for backgrounds and certain monster models. The character animations are smoother and better; with a wider variety for the hero of the game depending on which weapon is being used to smite evil.

Spell effects are better than what some have said. And for those saying this could have been a GBA game. It could have, but it would have been like Aria of Sorrow, and not more like Symphony of the Night, which it surpasses easily because it improves upon a tried and true formula.

No innovation as far as graphics since it uses Playstation quality graphics. However the director of this game was reported as saying the DS is great for 2-D gaming; which sadly seems to be on the way out on consoles. Not everything has to be in full 3-D or overly flashy to make a good game as shown by this title.

Sure they could have made this game graphically *even* better. But they cannot lose for using the same tried and true popular formula now can they?

Story 8

A year has passed since the last game came to a close. And in that game's ending sequences Soma Cruz was revealed to be “Dracula” however in a reincarnated form. (Same software, different hardware) He has an “evil” power within the power of Dominance, which has been unused and dormant since his last adventure.
This power is called upon again suddenly when Soma comes under attack in broad daylight by the leader of a dark cult.

This cult seeks the revival of the “Dark Lord”, and thus to allow someone to take on that role since Soma refuses it. They wish to kill him, free the power of his soul, and usher in a new King of Darkness. And thus Soma uses his powers granted him by his soul, the object of the cult's desires, to face them and to prevent his death.

The game features multiple endings, ranging from Worst, to Bad, to Good; and as always the endings are affected by how you perform certain actions in game.

I found the story to be good, with the opening sequence being what any action RPG needs. Action from the start!

There are interactions with the “Shop” characters that have humorous moments. And provide a lighthearted tone briefly before you get back to brutalizing demons once more to obtain souls.

Music 10

I loved the music in this entry, all the songs fit; and do not seem out of place. I like this music better than the music in Symphony of the Night. Blasphemy other longtime fans may say. But, upbeat tunes are what I appreciate in games, music does set the mood.

The game was not meant to be Gothic or dark like Symphony of the Night. It was meant to be modern with a tilt towards futuristic given its time setting. So the music would reflect that and propels the player into Soma's mission better.

Sound effects are dead on for when you perform certain actions like walking, leaping, sliding, landing, and attacking. As the DS's speakers take up the task of providing this musical score easily; but headphones or ear buds (my personal pick) are advised if you want to *enjoy* the music.

If you dislike it, then, turn off the sound and save some battery life. I on the other hand will continue to enjoy this soundtrack whenever I play through the game.

Playability 10

Demon souls are pivotal to progressing in this game. Like the previous entry, you kill demons until they drop a soul. The souls provide different powers to progress through the game and give you a reason to go into “Pokemon” mode.

The maximum number of souls you can hold is nine per soul type. This time around the game gives you reason to get nine souls of the same demon. Some level up when you increase the number of that one type of soul. Increasing your attacking power and capabilities in game while using said soul type.

The controls are the same as the previous game, with the L button proving a back dash and the R button accessing whatever magical enhancement power you have equipped. Be it offensive, defensive, stat boosting, or demon summoning.

You will be flinging magic, Beef Curry (seriously) or knives depending on what soul(s) you use. In the end the game system is a great one and the demonic soul effects excellent when Soma's powers are employed.

The only weakness, but it adds an extra hint of danger and excitement to boss fights is the Magical Seal system.

You have to memorize via practice a pattern to draw when the Sealing Circle appears on screen; and draw it quickly without lifting the stylus or your finger from the screen. Before I killed a boss, I always paused and put the stylus between my lips for quick access.

There is nothing worse than weakening a boss enough to seal it away. Than to have to weaken it again after it regains HP because your finger did the seal design wrong and it revives.

Otherwise an annoyance it may be, but the Magical Seal system just forces you to improve your memory beyond memorized fighting game move sets. And when being used it actually seems cool when you just draw the seal without as much as a hint of uncertainty in your stylus movements.

Replay Value 9

With multiple endings a sound test and alternate play mode with three extra characters to control that actually has a story this time around to unlock. You will be playing this game for a while. Even after you complete it to gain the best ending you can get.

Overall 9

Dawn of Sorrow could have been better graphically, true; but by going with what they knew. Konami put out a seriously good game, which will be easily enjoyed multiple times.

Previous experiments with 3-D have met with mixed reactions from fans. I am glad that Konami decided to not play around with this installment. So what you end up with is a solid 2-D/3-D action RPG worthy of the purchase price.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/17/05