Castlevania (2003) (VG)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn

Release Date:

21 October 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery

Plot:

Leon Belmont is on a mission to rescue his betrothed Sara Trantoul who is kidnapped by an unknown enemy...

Plot Keywords:

Sequel To Cult Horror | Castlevania | Sequel To Cult Favorite | Vampirism | Vampire Hunter

Cast

Nobutoshi Kanna	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version) (as Nobutoshi Canna)
Hidekatsu Shibata	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)
Yumi Tôma	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)
Haruko Kitahama	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)
Hiroshi Kamiya	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)
Yukimasa Kishino	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)
Nobuhiko Kazama	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)
Masaharu Satô	...	Additional Voices (voice: Japanese version)

Also Known As:

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (USA)

Country:

Japan

Language:

English | Japanese

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M | Japan:15 | South Korea:18 | USA:M

Company:

Konami Computer Entertainment

Trivia:

The plotline for this game establishes the official beginning of the timeline for the long running Castlevania video game series.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Although the game takes place in the late 11th Century, nearly all the clothing, weaponry, art and architecture is of the Renaissance Era, which wouldn't start for another 500 years.

Quotes:

Joachim Armster: If you want to know, BEAT ME!

Movie Connections:

Follows Dracula II: Noroi no fûin (1987) (VG)

Beautiful graphics, a phenomenal musical score and amazing game play make this a worthy addition to the "Castlevania" series. Grade: B+

In the fall of 2002, Konami revitalized the sagging "Contra" franchise with the superb PS2 game "Contra: Shattered Soldier". It has now done the same with the "Castlevania" series, which previous forays into the 3D realm were duds. Credit should really be given to the game's developer Koji Igarashi and composer Michiru Yamane; the duo responsible for the great PS1 "Castlvania" title "Symphony of the Night".

Those expecting a "Symphony" sequel will be a little disappointed. "Lament of Innocence" does not contain any of the heavy RPG elements found in that game. It's more of a sequel to the original NES title, although it's presumably a prequel to the entire series. The biggest triumph of the game is its presentation. This is an artistic achievement of sight and sound. Beautiful graphics, an amazing score and fantastic special effects fill this "Castlevania" adventure to the brim.

You the play the game as Leon Belmont, the first member of the Belmont family who picks up a whip to fight off their life-long nemesis, Dracula. The cut scenes which tell the story are of top-notch quality and perfectly dispersed throughout the game. "Lament" mainly consists of the same game play that is found in all "Castlevania" titles. It's just the most refined. As you progress, you gain attack moves, magical orbs and relics.

The orbs enhance your sub weapons and the relics gives you special powers. Some of the orbs are hidden and the others are acquired by defeating bosses. There are five main bosses before the final showdown. If you look hard enough, you can even face three others called Elementals, representing fire, ice and lightning. If you defeat them, you are given new whips. Some of the relics are hidden as well and to get them you need to find keys, which are scattered around the castle's rooms.

The castle itself is huge and takes a bit of time to master 100 percent. On your first play through, it should take about 8 or 9 hours to beat. To get through it all, should take about 12. One of the game's weaknesses is that your huge arsenal isn't really necessary for the average length. There are no multiple endings or anything that really encourages a second play through for a 100 percent completion. But if you are a die-hard fan of action and exploration, you'll want to savor every minute this game has to offer.

I'd give "Castlevania: Lament of Innocence" *** out of **** or grade it with a B+. It's an extremely enjoyable adventure title that is a must play. Thumbs up.