GUESS WHAT! I'M A KONAMI FANBOY! AND THE ONLY PERSCRIPTION... IS MORE BELMONT!
Yeah this is like my favorite video game series of all time (Gradius is 2nd), so I'm kinda amazed noone's done a thread about it yet. And SCVIV and Rondo of Blood is like my second and first favorite games of all time respectively I think. AkuDrac's been trucking for 25+ years now and its arguably the most "if it ain't broke... don't fix it" format outside of Mario. Hell even the Castleroid-era didn't change it that much.
So what are your thoughts?
I've played two of the GBA Castlevania's (Circle of the Moon and Aria of Sorrow), and two of the DS Vania's (Dawn of Sorrow, and Portrait of Ruin), and I like what I've played of all four of them.
Haven't tried out any of the Classicvania's, Symphony of the Night, or Order of Ecclesia yet, though I'd like to. I also should download Harmony of Despair once I get the chance.
I played SOTN for the first time in a little bit. Partially for motivation for my SOTN entry, partially for something else. I'm loading my end savefile and just traveled around the castle, Learn something new everytime. I put on some random knuckles weapon and found out how to do a 'hadoken' and punch flurry.
The Castlevania I want to get my hands on the most now is Bloodlines. That is, if I don't already have it. I was looking everywhere for the SNES version of Rondo Of Blood only to recently find out that my brother already had it on the laptop he gave me. :lol: I also have the pc version. Got nowhere in there. Annnddd SOTN is the only one I've beaten. 'm way behind on every good long running series.
I think these games are harder than the Contra games. (Well, the non-Metroid style ones, anyway) The only main series games I've beaten are Rondo Of Blood and Castlevania ReBirth.
That said, I do really enjoy the series. It's a shame that we don't seem to get too many of these games anymore since the Lords Of Shadow universe seems to be taking everything over everything from now on. Konami might try to Silent Hill it.
Lords of Shadow wasn't even that popular, though. Would Konami really invest in a sequel to that game rather than just continue with the 2D handheld games which have at least been moderately successful by the sales standards of handheld games? That decision just doesn't make sense to me. At any rate, I wouldn't mind if LoS wasn't such a blatant God of War clone like every other shallow hack n' slash game that wants to look appealing to the mass public of gamers, but since it is I'm just not interested in it.
The new portable game is a 2.5D sidescroller set in the LoS universe. It might be fun, but I would rather have had a classic style game. It's been a while (for a new one, I mean- ReBirth was a remake of the worst classic style game) and I would like to play a totally new entry.
LOS is just going to be the next two games and that's it, which is good since I don't want Konami getting too far off track from the main continuity and game style.
I started a new SOTN file last night or early this morning, I forget. Anyway, the beginning is good as ever. I got past Alucard's first boss, which I really love. Honestly, one of my favorites just because I love team working enemies and once I think about it, I don't know many bosses that do it.
I'm so bad at this series. I played Rondo last night and died three times against the level two boss. Then later I made it to stage 4 and did the same thing.
Then I played III and... I don't even want to talk about it. :sweat:
So I just looked at the SNES version of Dracula X... Ewww. What happened to the graphics and level design? The controls look clunkier, too. And what did they do to the final boss fight? It looks like total cheese.
I honestly have no idea what Konami was thinking of with this port. Everything is a total downgrade from the original.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on July 31, 2012, 11:17:26 PM
So I just looked at the SNES version of Dracula X... Ewww. What happened to the graphics and level design? The controls look clunkier, too. And what did they do to the final boss fight? It looks like total cheese.
I honestly have no idea what Konami was thinking of with this port. Everything is a total downgrade from the original.
Yeah don't play that game. Its garbage and has probably done more to damage Rondo's reputation in the eyes of modern critics than anything else.
Also... its the source of one of my greatest pet peeves in regards to people who don't know that the X in Akumajo Dracula X is actually a roman numeral, unlike say Megaman X.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on July 31, 2012, 08:02:19 PM
I'm so bad at this series. I played Rondo last night and died three times against the level two boss. Then later I made it to stage 4 and did the same thing.
Then I played III and... I don't even want to talk about it. :sweat:
I'm not much better. I've only beaten Harmony Of Dissonance and SOTN, meaning I can't ger past a classic one.
And last night on SOTN..I...I forgot how to get through the Clock Tower.
That midboss in Stage 2 of Bloodlines is a pain. Talk about demanding perfect timing. Well almost.
I wish more Castlevanias used 8 directions. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that you can use 5 in Bloodlines...when in the air. Also nice that it has a seperate button for sub-weapons like Super IV does. I've been thinking how it would be perfect if Super Castlevania IV's and Rondo Of Blood's controls/moves were combined. Why isn't this game being made?
Is Vampire's Kiss a better version of Rondo of Blood for SNES than Dracula X or something? I searched for Castlevania roms for the emulator my brother got for his phone and stumbling across that game.
The Turbografx/PC-Engine version is the one you want.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on August 17, 2012, 02:01:06 AM
The Turbografx/PC-Engine version is the one you want.
I know that and I've had it for about a year.
So lately I've been playing Castlevania again, and have been working at the game I still haven't beaten in the original trilogy, which is Castlevania 3. And I seriously love this game, but I just can't beat Dracula.
Speaking of Castlevania, I've been thinking of finally getting around to SOTN via XBLA. Its only 800 MS points which seems like a pretty good deal.
Quote from: talonmalon333 on October 14, 2012, 07:35:55 PM
So lately I've been playing Castlevania again, and have been working at the game I still haven't beaten in the original trilogy, which is Castlevania 3. And I seriously love this game, but I just can't beat Dracula.
Yet another reason why Akumajou Densetsu is the the superior version... you can continue at the second to last screen.
Quote from: Lord Dalek on October 14, 2012, 08:03:05 PM
Quote from: talonmalon333 on October 14, 2012, 07:35:55 PM
So lately I've been playing Castlevania again, and have been working at the game I still haven't beaten in the original trilogy, which is Castlevania 3. And I seriously love this game, but I just can't beat Dracula.
Yet another reason why Akumajou Densetsu is the the superior version... you can continue at the second to last screen.
I still love it though. It's just brutally hard. I can usually get to the final part of the fight, before quickly dying. My overall favorites at the moment are...
1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
2. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
3. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
4. Super Castlevania IV
5. Castlevania
Quote from: Ensatsu-ken on October 14, 2012, 07:57:31 PM
Speaking of Castlevania, I've been thinking of finally getting around to SOTN via XBLA. Its only 800 MS points which seems like a pretty good deal.
My very first XBLA game. My brother gave it to me for one of my birthdays because I played the hell out of the 15 minute demo and couldn't shut up about it. It's the 2nd greatest Metroidvania of all time and has tons of secret locations, items, weapons and even a few secret bosses. Go ahead and get it.
Quote from: gunswordfist on October 15, 2012, 06:51:56 AMIt's the 2nd greatest Metroidvania of all time and has tons of secret locations, items, weapons and even a few secret bosses. Go ahead and get it.
What's the 1st? I struggle to imagine them ever reaching the level of SotN again. :P
And yeah, EK, definitely get it. One of the best PS1 games.
Alright, so I succumbed to peer pressure (listening to you guys), and got Castlevania: SOTN via XBLA. Of course, much like RE4 I'll probably be playing through this game in really disjointed intervals due to my busy and hectic schedule.
I played a bit of the game so far and just beat the first boss encounter (well, its more like 2 mini-bosses, really). The game is fun so far, and I plan to come back to it a little later on tonight, but I do have 1 minor gripe, which is that I wish there was some sort of map to use in this game (though maybe I get a map later on). Its kind of hard to keep track of where I am in the castle without one. Also, the game doesn't give you any clear destination to go for. So far I feel like I have just been wandering around listlessly just going from room to room. I've still been having a fun time fighting enemies and platforming, but I would like it if there would be a clear goal for me to be pursuing at any given moment other than just going to the next room that I can find an opening to.
Quote from: Ensatsu-ken on October 15, 2012, 07:12:52 PM
Alright, so I succumbed to peer pressure (listening to you guys), and got Castlevania: SOTN via XBLA. Of course, much like RE4 I'll probably be playing through this game in really disjointed intervals due to my busy and hectic schedule.
I played a bit of the game so far and just beat the first boss encounter (well, its more like 2 mini-bosses, really). The game is fun so far, and I plan to come back to it a little later on tonight, but I do have 1 minor gripe, which is that I wish there was some sort of map to use in this game (though maybe I get a map later on). Its kind of hard to keep track of where I am in the castle without one. Also, the game doesn't give you any clear destination to go for. So far I feel like I have just been wandering around listlessly just going from room to room. I've still been having a fun time fighting enemies and platforming, but I would like it if there would be a clear goal for me to be pursuing at any given moment other than just going to the next room that I can find an opening to.
Hope you enjoyed the cheesy voice acting in the beginning. In fact, I think one of the characters has the same voice actor as Chris Redfield from RE1. :P
As for a map, I believe you do start with one. In the PS1 version, I think you press "Select" to access it. So I'd recommend experimenting with different buttons to find it.
Quote from: talonmalon333 on October 15, 2012, 07:23:50 PM
Hope you enjoyed the cheesy voice acting in the beginning. In fact, I think one of the characters has the same voice actor as Chris Redfield from RE1. :P
The way I see it, that's part of the games charm. :D
QuoteAs for a map, I believe you do start with one. In the PS1 version, I think you press "Select" to access it. So I'd recommend experimenting with different buttons to find it.
Well, in the XBLA version when I press the "back" button (the equivalent of "select" on the XBOX360 controller), it brings me to the main screen where you can equip items and view stats. I don't believe I saw an option to bring up a map but perhaps I missed it and I can check for it again. Whenever I press the "start" button, it just brings me to a generic XBLA menu screen asking me if I want to return to exit the game and return library as well as giving a few other options. But if you say its there, then I probably just missed it.
Quote from: Ensatsu-ken on October 15, 2012, 07:12:52 PM
Alright, so I succumbed to peer pressure (listening to you guys), and got Castlevania: SOTN via XBLA. Of course, much like RE4 I'll probably be playing through this game in really disjointed intervals due to my busy and hectic schedule.
I played a bit of the game so far and just beat the first boss encounter (well, its more like 2 mini-bosses, really). The game is fun so far, and I plan to come back to it a little later on tonight, but I do have 1 minor gripe, which is that I wish there was some sort of map to use in this game (though maybe I get a map later on). Its kind of hard to keep track of where I am in the castle without one. Also, the game doesn't give you any clear destination to go for. So far I feel like I have just been wandering around listlessly just going from room to room. I've still been having a fun time fighting enemies and platforming, but I would like it if there would be a clear goal for me to be pursuing at any given moment other than just going to the next room that I can find an opening to.
I'm pretty sure you have to press LT or LB (likely LT) to have the map be shown onscreen. Either that or in classic Castlevania pointlessness 101, you have to find the map. I'm pretty sure you start with it though. The map is extremely useful and it encourages exploration. Y'all be trying to fill up each "room" AKA blue square on the map in the first time.
Funny enough, the first castle boss is my favorite in the game. I'm a sucker for enemy teamwork and there's something cool about blocking fireballs with that cheap ass shield. Of course the boss is really easy but still.
Yeah, I actually just figured out that LT brings up the map the second time I started up the game. :sweat:
I made a little bit more progress but then died at the second boss (the Alucard clone). I figured that he'd be easier to fight if I got the throwing daggers to spam on him, so I ended up backtracking quite a bit to find that item again and when I finally did I just decided to to save my progress and retry that fight at a later time since I'm getting kind of tired now and I have to get up early for class tomorrow.
Overall, though, the game is certainly growing on me. I still have no idea where I'm really supposed to be going, though, but the game seems to be mostly linear in where it allows you to go at any given time, so its not a big issue. Its good in that it allows you to go off on branching paths and explore, but at the same time you won't ever get lost since you won't be able to pass points that you aren't meant to pass if you don't have what you need to get through them, which will be enough to redirect you back to the right path.
SOTN isn't quite as linear as some of the later Castleroids. In fact its pretty easy to sequence break accidentally, making the game way too hard or ruining your chance at getting the best ending.
That reminds me, I forgot how to get past a part shortly after where you are at and now I'm stuck. :sweat: I think I just remembered how to though. :D
I'm thinking of giving CV3 a break. I've improved at the final battle, but lately I've started to get progressively worse at it. I think I'm just burning out. And there are other games I've wanted to play before October ends, so... I'll come back to this one.
Quote from: gunswordfist on October 16, 2012, 08:05:15 AM
That reminds me, I forgot how to get past a part shortly after where you are at and now I'm stuck. :sweat: I think I just remembered how to though. :D
So basically, your entire post was pointless.
I said I got to see if it'll work, ass face. I'm going to try out soon today.
Quote from: gunswordfist on October 17, 2012, 10:44:26 AM
I said I got to see if it'll work, ass face. I'm going to try out soon today.
:imnothappy:
I've managed to get further in Symphony of the Night and I'm really enjoying it. The exploration is fun and while there is no clear destination for me to head to, I don't ever feel overwhelmed by all the paths presented to me thanks to tight level design for this game and having those teleportation rooms to keep you from having to backtrack from one side of the castle to another if you have to cover a long distance. I also like the lite JRPG elements in this game in terms of the whole leveling, stats, and item system. Its all the fun of enhancing and progressing your character throughout the game without the tedium of having to grind through boring turn-based battles to do so.
It'll probably be a while before I get to play this game again, so I won't be finishing it anytime soon, but once I do I'll certainly be interested in checking out some of the other Castlevania games in this vein (I do want to check out more of the classics as well, but aside from Super Castlevania IV the others will have to wait for a while). I don't have a Nintendo DS so I can't play any Castlevania games released for that device, but if anyone has any recommendations for some good GBA Castlevania games, then I'd be glad to check them out in the future.
Circle of the Moon, Harmony of Dissonance, and Aria of Sorrow have the same gameplay as Symphony. I've played Circle and Aria, and both of them are pretty good, though Circle can get pretty hard for me, I reccomend them both. If you want a game that feels like a sequel to Symphony story-wise, then you should play Aria first seeing as how
Spoiler
Alucard makes an appearance as an NPC under the alias "Genya Arikado".
I played Harmony Of Dissonance. It's the first Castlevania game I've ever beaten and it's pretty good.
COTM has a bit of a different feel to it against the other Castleroids since IGA had nothing to do with it
It definitely looks different.