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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: cecil-kain on June 15, 2011, 02:25:54 AM

Title: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 15, 2011, 02:25:54 AM
Topic.

Yes, I know, I know...  Lots of topics about LoS, E3, 25th, Anniversary, and such already.  My last poll took surveyed various Castlevania complaints, but what I'm wondering now is this --just how strongly do the complaints influence your opinion of Konami overall?  They do make more games besides Castlevania.  Maybe you enjoy Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, Zone of Enders, etc --or maybe Castlevania is all you really care about...

As always comments welcome.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Kale on June 15, 2011, 02:33:13 AM
Was never a big fan of Silent Hill, it was pretty awesome when it first came out but I drifted away. I never played or cared for Zone of Enders. MGS is pretty damn awesome, but it seems like they're riding it too much. As such,... I'm not much on approving them with their steps in it. It might be good but iunno, it feels stretched. Contra has been awesome for a while, though I've slacked in playing it. Last one I played was Shattered Soldier I believe for ps2, and that was great! Too bad lots of people thought differently. I hope they pick it back up and on a console or PC, not handheld.

And CV... they've really been on teh bad end for me with these games.. LoS sounded and looked great but when played it was a bit better than decent, and it failed the hype imo. Pretty good game, but I enjoy the older stuff more. Overall, I disapprove... not strongly but still disapprove.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Profbeanburrito on June 15, 2011, 02:41:41 AM
I've always found Konami to be one company that I am constantly satisfied with. Aside from  Castlevania, I've always been fond of many of their games. Metal Gear, Gradius, Twinbee, Contra and I'm sure more I can't think of, I've always been generally happy with the attempts at each game they do. For awhile I wasn't too happy with some of the contra games but they fixed with 4 and I'm looking forward to their new game. I've never really got into ZoE and silent hill but I really enjoy what I've played of those too. So maybe I'll give those some play time soon.

like every company sometimes their games fall short, But I feel like it's not too often and i always seem come back to a konami title with very few dislikes.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: A-Yty on June 15, 2011, 02:52:30 AM
Konami is/was my favorite video game publisher. It has made so many of my favorite games and I'm pretty sure the majority of my games are from them. I think what's it doing wrong nowadays is what many Japanese VG companies are doing: handing out their series to western developers.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 15, 2011, 02:54:54 AM
needs the "My mind was recently violated by Konami" option.

otherwise, meh. All I ever care about Konami for is Castlevania and maybe one or two other things I cant remember now.

Im more or less satisfied with their Castlevania up till now. We all complain about IGA's games, but they are still fun to play.

I loved LoS and im eager to see where it goes, but at the same time, Im eager to see the Classic Castlevania timeline get a game on the same level as Lords for once.

All im REALLY disappointed with is that they are completely bypassing the 25th anniversary without so much as a word. Instead simply DLC for an already released game that had nothing to do with any anniversaries, and a release of an experimental game that again, has nothing to do with anything, to the PS3. And neither of those are even meant as anniversary fodder either. just happy coincidence with the timing of their release.

 I mean, Jesus, give us SOMETHING. Considering LoS did so well, actually makes it even MORE surprising that they would ignore the 25th anniversary of the franchise it belongs to.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 15, 2011, 03:01:46 AM
needs the "My mind was recently violated by Konami" option.

I almost fixed that, but I decided it would be better to leave it alone.
Best not to misrepresent the opinions of the two who've already chosen that option.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: 赤月 on June 15, 2011, 03:04:22 AM
My Mind Was Recently Violated By A Dark Priest.

I am okay with Komani as a company, but Castlevania wise, it's disappointing.
I am one of very few that still support IGA till this day. I enjoyed all the CV games he's produced and directed, even Harmony of Despair and Judgement. I don't mind his recycling of stages and sprites at all. An then now, it's all Lords of Shadow for Castlevania, and the game wasn't even supposed to be Castlevania in the first place.

Konami, I miss Ayami Kojima, Michiru Yamane, and most of all, IGA.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: JR on June 15, 2011, 04:07:20 AM

All im REALLY disappointed with is that they are completely bypassing the 25th anniversary without so much as a word. Instead simply DLC for an already released game that had nothing to do with any anniversaries, and a release of an experimental game that again, has nothing to do with anything, to the PS3. And neither of those are even meant as anniversary fodder either. just happy coincidence with the timing of their release.


This is my current gripe with them. I liked Lords of Shadow, and although I'm still unsure of how Castlevania-esque it is, it was fun, and I hope to see the storyline to its conclusion.

Castlevania is about the only Konami series I'm a diehard fan of. I still buy every Metal Gear game that comes out, but Hideo Kojima's tendency for overindulgence and other quirks are wearing thin. Kind of a love/hate relationship with the series, since the games are still fun to play, and I like to see where the story goes, no matter how insane it becomes.

Contra has always been a favorite of mine, but still doesn't measure up to CV in holding my interest overall. (Though I will say that Contra 4 was one of the finest games I've ever played.) I liked Silent Hill 2, but haven't played any of the other games yet, so meh. Gradius III is one of my favorite SNES games, but like SH, I just haven't tried many other Gradius games (and I suck at most shmups anyway).

Overall, they've put out some great games from some good series, but I don't think their name carries as much weight as it did in the 80s and 90s. In a way I kind of considered them the yin to Capcom's yang back then, but not anymore. I think they should consider themselves lucky that they can still persuade Kojima to keep making Metal Gear games.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Munchy on June 15, 2011, 06:08:15 AM
The only cool looking game they're making right now is NeverDead. Silent Hill Downpour has producers who keep using the word "immersion" in spite of the game having button icons for fucking everything, Lords of Shadow was derivative of everything but Castlevania, Gradius is on life support via tits and moe (see Otomedius), Metal Gear Solid is the only series they seem to give a rat's ass about, and they murdered Hudson for no reason at all.

Yeah, I disapprove.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: A-Yty on June 15, 2011, 11:23:45 AM
Yeah, they pamper MGS.

Which is silly, since MGS4 was the last worthwile game of the series and even that was just for the story (which it sadly kind of destroyed).  I like Raiden and all, but another game is completely unnecessary. Hideo "This is my last MGS" Kojima is not stupid, so he'll milk the whole thing dry. The 3D remakes of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 are inevitable, mark my words.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 15, 2011, 12:13:42 PM
Quote
and the game wasn't even supposed to be Castlevania in the first place.
Yes it was.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: A-Yty on June 15, 2011, 12:17:23 PM
Yes it was.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_KaILARS3nRA%2FS31ZDtOvb0I%2FAAAAAAAAARg%2FtseyDTxXl58%2Fs320%2FGIGGS%2BDON%2527T%2BGO%2BTHERE%2B1.jpg&hash=c330e4f9ed9e58602cb9b52d4207d9a80a7546c8)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 15, 2011, 12:21:05 PM
I'm just correcting him. Nothing more. people say that as a way to dismiss LoS because they dont like it, but it is incorrect and untrue. And rather bothers me.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 15, 2011, 12:36:56 PM
Cox has said both stories; yes it was Castlevania, and no it was an original IP. Who knows which is true?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 15, 2011, 12:53:19 PM
It was originally Castlevania. it was changed to not upstage Judgement.
then it was changed back.

Well, if we don't know, then we shouldn't go saying that "it wasn't supposed to be Castlevania".
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Successor The Cruel on June 15, 2011, 01:05:29 PM
Konami is one of the greatest video game companies in history. However, what they're doing with Castlevania is horrendous and, frankly, disrespectful to the series and its fans. A good example is Dave Cox telling us we basically don't matter, and he and his team sacrificing the spirit of the series in a misguided attempt to get more casual people interested. There is nothing wrong with getting more fans, but I think there is when the series' identity suffers. When all the product is is a hodgepodge of ideas from other well established franchises, it just makes the product look like a poor man's version of those things, and a desperate attempt to ride on the coattails of what is currently popular. This is not to imply the only solution is to go back to having Koji Igarashi helm the series (if that is a solution at all), but what they're doing now is pretty darn bad.

As far as the other things Konami is doing? Meh, I dunno' nor care. I'm only really interested in Castlevania from them at the moment. I like plenty of other series and games from them, but I only faithfully follow CV right now. Concerning the lack of 25th anniversary goodies? Man, that is the least of Castlevania's problems. I know it shows a general lack of care from Konami, but the way I see things, the Castlevania series has much bigger problems than the lack of a re-released game or artbook or whatever.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Chernabogue on June 15, 2011, 01:06:03 PM
I agree with all of Flame's posts.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 01:09:28 PM
I for one still have a high opinion of Konami. Cuz, let's face it. They have a lot of games that are just worth playing. The entire Castlevania series, the entire Metal Gear series (and I'm looking forward to Rising!), the entire Suikoden series, and even standalone titles such as Shadow of Destiny/Memories and Nanobreaker (both of which had IGA as a producer). All of their titles I've played so far have been great. Well, except DDR. I've never actually found that quite fun.

And besides, Konami's not the only company that SCREWED UP a game series.
Konami = Castlevania (what has been talked about for several months on this board)
Capcom = Devil May Cry (DmC)
Square Enix = Final Fantasy (FF13 sucked)
Tecmo = Dead or Alive (when what's-his-face producer left it went downhill)
etc. etc. etc. etc.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: A-Yty on June 15, 2011, 01:21:42 PM
I'm just correcting him. Nothing more. people say that as a way to dismiss LoS because they dont like it, but it is incorrect and untrue. And rather bothers me.

Not necessarily to dismiss it. It certainly didn't harm SH4's reputation when Konami flat out admitted it wasn't originally a Silent Hill game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 15, 2011, 01:26:27 PM
Are you implying Dead or Alive was ever a good game?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 15, 2011, 01:27:15 PM
I agree with all of Flame's posts.
Thanks... I guess...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 01:43:31 PM
Are you implying Dead or Alive was ever a good game?

I think that the combat in that game is far better than most fist fighters out there. I don't play it for the women (who are one-dimensional and have terrible portrayals). I play it for the fast paced combat and annoyingly hard boss battles. :3
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Kingshango on June 15, 2011, 02:26:23 PM
Konami used to be a top tier company in my eyes putting out quality game after quality game but I will be the first to admit that Konami rised and peaked at the 90's and their decline started at the turn of the millenium. To me Konami's last effort was Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater (and the know it considering they're porting it to 4 other systems now.)

As far as Konami's treatment of Castlevania is concerned, they're better off just selling the series to a company that gives a damn instead of placing it in the corner trying to figure out what the hell they want to do with it (while pimping out Metal Gear and Kojima in general) and just burying the rest of the franchises that they have like Suikoden and Gradius and flatout killing Hudson.

In short I disapprove of Konami.

May god help the Contra reboot  :(
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 15, 2011, 02:27:44 PM
Konami is terrible in marketing and managing PR, it also treats horribly some of its franchises (Suikoden, Silent Hill, Castlevania!) with little to zero interest in making them grow, they just pay a studio and say "do what you please!" the game becomes (mostly) a mess of ideas (also hitting the canon and harassing the fanbase) and they don't give any promotion for them.

If it wasn't for Kojima, I don't know how far the MGS would have gone. Konami is a terrible, terrible publisher.

Howver the same could be said of all Japanease publishers, the eastern industry is really struggling these days, they just don't know what to do anymore.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 02:29:06 PM
Konami is terrible in marketing and managing PR, it also treats horribly some of its franchises (Disgaea, Silent Hill, Castlevania!)

Since when was Disgaea a Konami game? Please clue me in. ^^
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 15, 2011, 02:31:29 PM
Since when was Disgaea a Konami game? Please clue me in. ^^
Sorry I confused Suikoden :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Sindra on June 15, 2011, 02:37:34 PM
I'm not happy with what's been happening with not only the Castlevania series, but Silent Hill as well. If Downpour doesn't right alot of wrongs, that's the next series I think will be needing some fan outcry to restore, if that's even possible.

Real question being, what does everyone think Konami SHOULD be doing in order to meet a balance where both they and we get what everyone wants?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on June 15, 2011, 02:44:43 PM
Konami is one of the greatest video game companies in history. However, what they're doing with Castlevania is horrendous and, frankly, disrespectful to the series and its fans. A good example is Dave Cox telling us we basically don't matter, and he and his team sacrificing the spirit of the series in a misguided attempt to get more casual people interested. There is nothing wrong with getting more fans, but I think there is when the series' identity suffers. When all the product is is a hodgepodge of ideas from other well established franchises, it just makes the product look like a poor man's version of those things, and a desperate attempt to ride on the coattails of what is currently popular. This is not to imply the only solution is to go back to having Koji Igarashi helm the series (if that is a solution at all), but what they're doing now is pretty darn bad.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

At first I was indifferent to LoS, and even thought it beautiful. Now I can't stand to look at it or anything surrounding it. Konami and the (aptly named) Cox don't want fans of the series, they want players. There is a difference: the fans of Castlevania as a rich, epic mythic cycle spanning 25 years (a milestone that isn't even being celebrated), and the players of Castlevania as a big-name title shelved alongside other big-name titles.

It makes me incredibly sad to see the series take a downward spiral like this. Even from the memories of me playing Castlevania the Adventure at a family gathering 10 years ago and later listening to SotN music before I even knew what it was, to me picking up OoE at the Nintendo Store in NYC in 2008 and starting my file in the Hard Rock Cafe, to now where I am an active collector of the series and a proud devotee...I am very dismayed at the neglect this great series is receiving. I hope that, one day, Konami will decide to hear us fans out. That is, if they're not too busy hiding in Snake's cardboard box to care.

Konami itself? Their old-school games were gold, but otherwise I just don't care. Other than Castlevania, which is really the only series of theirs I'm hardcore into, I mostly followed their music games and they've definitely taken a nosedive. I was a big DDR player until SuperNOVA, then they just stopped trying. I don't even shrug my shoulders when a new one comes out. They killed their music game industry in America and could have had a great chance to dominate the music genre in America as they do in Japan, but because of their regional stinginess, Guitar Hero and Rock Band arrived on the scene and all was history. Another favorite of mine is Pop'n Music and they've only given us two half-assed US ports. I own a lot of Japanese pop'n goods, but really guys, if you're going to bring an amazing property stateside, at least freaking TRY.

TL;DR: "We've replaced their music games with Folger's Crystals. Let's see if they notice."

Oh, and poor Hudson...

I don't know what Konami should be doing...there are so many spectra of Castlevania fans that it will probably be impossible to please everyone at once. I think that the fans need to make their general stance known and communicate their needs, and then it will be a little easier to judge from there.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 15, 2011, 02:50:09 PM
Real question being, what does everyone think Konami SHOULD be doing in order to meet a balance where both they and we get what everyone wants?
Sell Silent Hill to THQ and Castlevania to EA/Ubisoft.

Problem Solved!
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 02:55:38 PM
Castlevania to EA/Ubisoft.

Anything but that. D:
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 15, 2011, 03:18:58 PM
Replace with Wayforward.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on June 15, 2011, 03:24:07 PM
what sort of reasoning was used to pick those companies
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on June 15, 2011, 03:30:27 PM
Castlevania to EA/Ubisoft.

If there is one company that could make the situation worse...it would be EA.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 15, 2011, 03:38:17 PM
The negative spread emerging here is pretty shocking  --let's see how it holds up over the next week...

It would be interesting to see how Konami comapres to other Japanese companies like Capcom, Squenix, Sega, Nintendo, and others mentioned here...  Some of the recent conversations on the forum remind me of how Inafune recently caused controversy criticising the industry at the TGS last year.

Quote
“I look around Tokyo Games Show, and everyone’s making awful games; Japan is at least five years behind. Capcom is barely keeping up. I want to study how Westerners live, and make games that appeal to them.” - Inafune
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 15, 2011, 03:59:13 PM
Replace with Wayforward.
No thank you, we need an ambitious 3D developer/publisher not a niche traditional 2D one. My best bet would be Crystal Dynamics but they are under Square Enix and I don't trust them anymore than Konami.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on June 15, 2011, 04:04:08 PM
If we're talking about "best for the series" here, the answer could probably vary depending upon who you ask... but for me, not necessarily 3D, but at the same time not necessarily 2D. Someone capable of both, to please all kinds of fans (as if Konami really cares about that right now, which is why this discussion is taking place, period.)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on June 15, 2011, 04:11:40 PM
No thank you, we need an ambitious 3D developer/publisher not a niche traditional 2D one. My best bet would be Crystal Dynamics but they are under Square Enix and I don't trust them anymore than Konami.
No, thank you. We need a niche traditional 2D one not a ambitious 3D developer/publisher.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 04:12:19 PM
No, thank you. We need a niche traditional 2D one not a ambitious 3D developer/publisher.

Err... How about both? From a company that knows what they're doing in both? :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 15, 2011, 04:18:19 PM
Err... How about both? From a company that knows what they're doing in both? :P
it would be great of course, ok I'll change my sentence  we need an ambitious 3D developer/publisher AND Wayforward for the 2D games (But only if they make them BIG like Rayman Origins)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Successor The Cruel on June 15, 2011, 04:59:40 PM
What we need more than anything are good... no, great games. Be they 2-D or 3-D. In my opinion, the only great games in recent history (say... 05 onward) are Order of Ecclesia and Dracula X Chronicles, and one of those is a remake. The series is starved of quality games lately.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 05:08:05 PM
I still don't know why IGA didn't make a game for the 1999 war.

"I come up with gameplay systems first blah blah blah"

How the hell hard is it to come up with a gameplay system for Julius? ಠ_ಠ
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Successor The Cruel on June 15, 2011, 05:15:14 PM
That doesn't bother me. He could make a game that takes place in 1985 for all I care, so long as it's a great game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 15, 2011, 05:19:23 PM
the 1999 game will be the 3rd CV released for the 3DS... we still have several more years to wait.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 15, 2011, 05:35:00 PM
the 1999 game will be the 3rd CV released for the 3DS... we still have several more years to wait.

I've been thinking this aswell.

by going with the pattern of 3 games per handheld I also believe that the CVDCW 1999 game will be released third.

My ideal list for the 3 CV games on the 3DS would have to be

1st. a 2.5d Symphony of the night sequel staring Alucard.
2nd. a 2.5d Castlevania Dracula's curse remake complete with Classic gameplay similar to DXC.
and last but not least,
3rd. a 2.5d Demon Castle Wars battle of 1999 game and it can metroidvania or classicvania for all I care (but I'd rather it be metroidvania).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 05:36:22 PM
Hmm... Is it me or is the third title on every handheld always the best?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 15, 2011, 05:38:12 PM
Hmm... Is it me or is the third title on every handheld always the best?

Lets see......

Gameboy third title was Castlevania Aria of Sorrow

and

Nintendo DS third title was Castlevania Order of Ecclesia.

So yea I would have to say yes the third is always the better of the three. ;D
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 15, 2011, 05:40:35 PM
Belmont's Revenge>Legends
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 15, 2011, 06:03:27 PM
Actually I think Belmont's Revenge was the third if you also count Kid Dracula. That's means there is a curse on the fourth one...     
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 15, 2011, 06:04:58 PM
Actually I think Belmont's Revenge was the third if you also count Kid Dracula. That's means there is a curse on the fourth one...     

I count Kid Dracula, so yes.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on June 15, 2011, 06:18:48 PM
Let's get an ambitious 2D developer heh
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 15, 2011, 06:26:04 PM
Yeah the third one is the best, CV3>The other 2 nes games  ;D
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on June 15, 2011, 06:33:03 PM
If only IGA made one more game on PS2...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 15, 2011, 07:21:37 PM
I was actually kind of curious about one more 3D run from IGA. Judgement raised a few good ideas that would benefit a full 3D title. Specifically the comboing ability and combat in a whole (minus the silly/dumb moves like Simon's spin dive). Apply this to a 3D adventure setting and I think you have a great game awaiting. The platforming is all that is left to prove really for 3D Castlevania, and would be the biggest question I'd have left.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Munchy on June 15, 2011, 08:51:23 PM
I was actually kind of curious about one more 3D run from IGA. Judgement raised a few good ideas that would benefit a full 3D title. Specifically the comboing ability and combat in a whole (minus the silly/dumb moves like Simon's spin dive). Apply this to a 3D adventure setting and I think you have a great game awaiting. The platforming is all that is left to prove really for 3D Castlevania, and would be the biggest question I'd have left.

I'd be up for another 3D IGA game provided he fires his lazy ass level designer. If those game levels had actual depth I would've enjoyed them a lot more.

Not counting on this ever happening though.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 15, 2011, 09:48:05 PM
I'd be up for another 3D IGA game provided he fires his lazy ass level designer. If those game levels had actual depth I would've enjoyed them a lot more.

Not counting on this ever happening though.

Yea that was my only real complaint with games like LOI (which by the way I loved).

Even tho I still enjoyed LOI I felt it could have been MUCH better if it did not have such a lame level design. If only they could have added ALOT more platforming and more depth and design to each room then LOI trully would have been my 1 of the top 3 favorite CV titles hands down.

And don't even get me started on the repetitiveness of COD's level design. :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: VampirehunterB on June 15, 2011, 10:25:41 PM
konami..just do it..just give us really good 3D castlevania game..could it be so hard!? bring back ayami kojima and michiru yamane(if she would approve), and get back to work..
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 15, 2011, 10:51:55 PM
if only Lords had Yamane & Kojima(female) on board... it'd feel a lot more... sticky.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 16, 2011, 01:35:33 AM
if only Lords had Yamane & Kojima(female) on board... it'd feel a lot more... sticky.
Exactly, I would love to have Kojima and (to a lesser extent) Yamane again, just not IGA, he sucks at level design.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 16, 2011, 01:40:12 AM
Exactly, I would love to have Kojima and (to a lesser extent) Yamane again, just not IGA, he sucks at level design.

Uh... You are aware IGA's not the level designer.

...

...Right?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 01:46:44 AM
(to a lesser extent) Yamane .

So let me ask you something.

Do you prefer Óscar Araujo over Michiru Yamane?

Just curious.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 16, 2011, 01:49:43 AM
So let me ask you something.

Do you prefer Óscar Araujo over Michiru Yamane?

Just curious.

Well, maybe he wanted someone like Yasushi Asada or Kinuyo Yamashita.

Even the guy who did Order of Shadows did good music. Shame on you, Araujo.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 01:53:40 AM
Well, maybe he wanted someone like Yasushi Asada or Kinuyo Yamashita.

Maybe.......

But I am asking who he prefers between Michiru and Oscar.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on June 16, 2011, 02:04:20 AM
Oy, I can't stand Araujo. Everything was just so...generic. Yamane had a gorgeous gothic vibe about her work, and it screamed "this is Castlevania." Yuzo Koshiro did great work on the Portrait soundtrack with her as well. Araujo's stuff is largely forgettable and just distances me from the game rather than immersing me into it, because I've heard it a million times before.

Just my 2 cents...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 16, 2011, 02:05:52 AM
Oy, I can't stand Araujo. Everything was just so...generic. Yamane had a gorgeous gothic vibe about her work, and it screamed "this is Castlevania." Yuzo Koshiro did great work on the Portrait soundtrack with her as well. Araujo's stuff is largely forgettable and just distances me from the game rather than immersing me into it, because I've heard it a million times before.

Just my 2 cents...

Don't worry. We're with you there. The only notable piece from that game was Belmont's Theme, and that was rather bland.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Pemburu Vampir on June 16, 2011, 02:25:36 AM
Oy, I can't stand Araujo. Everything was just so...generic. Yamane had a gorgeous gothic vibe about her work, and it screamed "this is Castlevania." Yuzo Koshiro did great work on the Portrait soundtrack with her as well. Araujo's stuff is largely forgettable and just distances me from the game rather than immersing me into it, because I've heard it a million times before.

Just my 2 cents...

I agree with you.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 16, 2011, 02:36:14 AM
The numbers emerging here are quite damning...

14% (4/28) approve or strongly approve.  Meanwhile 71% (20/28) disapprove or strongly disapprove.
That's a negative spread of 57% more disapproving than approving of Konami overall.

It might be time to start thinking about some sort of rebuke.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 16, 2011, 02:50:04 AM
So let me ask you something.

Do you prefer Óscar Araujo over Michiru Yamane?

Just curious.
I'm not sure, they are completely different beasts. Both are somewhat repetitive but spot on in what they are trying to achieve, it's just a difference in style I guess. In my ideal world,  I would like something like: Yamane's atmosphere and riffs, Araujo's instrumentation and sense of completeness (His score are not parts put togheter, it feels like every track belongs to it). Epic.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on June 16, 2011, 03:05:20 AM
LOS has the only CV OST I can't stand listening outside the game... it's so fucking generic... with the exception of the track that plays when you're fighting Satan, the music sucks. It screams Lord of the Rings, not Castlevania.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 16, 2011, 03:09:10 AM
LOS has the only CV OST I can't stand listening outside the game... it's so fucking generic... with the exception of the track that plays when you're fighting Satan, the music sucks. It screams Lord of the Rings, not Castlevania.

It screams mythical fantasy world, not gothic vampire slayers.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 16, 2011, 03:13:36 AM
It screams mythical fantasy world, not gothic vampire slayers.
Could it be because the game is placed in a mythical fantasy world where gothic vampire slayers are not born yet?  :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 16, 2011, 03:26:19 AM
Could it be because the game is placed in a mythical fantasy world where gothic vampire slayers are not born yet?  :P

But there's no semblance of gothic-ness at all in LoS. Even Lament had that, and the "gothic vampire slayers" weren't born until the end. Plus, IGA's timeline wasn't too much of a mythical fantasy world (even though it had to do with vampire-myth and was a fantasy story).

^Does that make sense?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Sindra on June 16, 2011, 03:37:05 AM
What's funny is, if you search Twitter for Castlevania, you find tons of people praising Lords of Shadow for whatever reason.


THAT'S what Konami will probably take notice of....praise, over criticism. And they won't try to fix things that are criticized, either.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 16, 2011, 03:45:36 AM
I hate how any orchestrated scores that people dont like get comparisons of "so lord of the rings" when it sounds nothing like it.

And Im not just saying it because I like the LoS soundtrack. (as repetitive as it might be, the tracks themselves are still nice)  I say it as someone who has heard the LoTR soundtrack. They are nothing alike.

In MY ideal world, I would like both. Both are good at making music, and Id love to have both on board.

Quote
praising Lords of Shadow for whatever reason.
Maybe because they liked it?
Is it THAT hard to imagine people liking this game? I mean lets face it, the majority of the people who dont like it are the hardcore CV fanbase. the kind that dislike change.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 16, 2011, 03:46:03 AM
What's funny is, if you search Twitter for Castlevania, you find tons of people praising Lords of Shadow for whatever reason.


THAT'S what Konami will probably take notice of....praise, over criticism. And they won't try to fix things that are criticized, either.

Like a bad homebrewer.

Maybe because they liked it?
Is it THAT hard to imagine people liking this game? I mean lets face it, the majority of the people who dont like it are the hardcore CV fanbase. the kind that dislike change.

I like it. I don't mind change. :P
The soundtrack is good, but a little on the bland side.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 16, 2011, 03:47:43 AM
THAT'S what Konami will probably take notice of....praise, over criticism. And they won't try to fix things that are criticized, either.
Cartman: Elementary School Musical (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc9NGoMrknQ#ws)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on June 16, 2011, 05:40:15 AM
I hate how any orchestrated scores that people dont like get comparisons of "so lord of the rings" when it sounds nothing like it.

And Im not just saying it because I like the LoS soundtrack. (as repetitive as it might be, the tracks themselves are still nice)  I say it as someone who has heard the LoTR soundtrack. They are nothing alike.

In MY ideal world, I would like both. Both are good at making music, and Id love to have both on board.
Maybe because they liked it?
Is it THAT hard to imagine people liking this game? I mean lets face it, the majority of the people who dont like it are the hardcore CV fanbase. the kind that dislike change.

I like changes. But changes for better, not changes for the worst.

LoS is a good action game, but not a good Castlevania game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on June 16, 2011, 07:07:55 AM
What is your opinion of Konami?

In the toilet. I selected the third option.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Chernabogue on June 16, 2011, 07:21:05 AM
I still approve Konami.

I liked LoS and its music. And there's still time (GamesCon and TGS - before the end of September) to announce something for the 25th Anniversary. The only thing that bothered me a bit this year was the two tribute albums, though half of the track sound good (but I really don't like the other half).

And since the beginning of 2010, we had LoS, HD, two albums, some audio dramas, (Pachislot 2 LOL), etc. That's kinda great. Now, it may be time for Contra or MGS, since the last game was released in early 2010 and was a PSP game (not a HD game, I mean). Castlevania will be back in its time. The video game industry is a synonym for "long wait". Plus Japan had the horrible earthquake this year, let's give them some time.

However, if Konami does nothing for the Anniversary or does not announce something new for CV soon (at least a MS game/LoS sequel), I'll be disappointed and change my mind.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 16, 2011, 11:56:06 AM
Quote
I like changes. But changes for better, not changes for the worst.
Except for many people, these are changes "for the worst" because it doesnt involve Michiru Yamane, Ayami Kojima, or the atmosphere of the IGAverse. All people want is the same they know, and dislike that it went in a COMPLETELY different direction, not being a slave to the other universe.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 16, 2011, 01:45:47 PM
Oy, I can't stand Araujo. Everything was just so...generic. Yamane had a gorgeous gothic vibe about her work, and it screamed "this is Castlevania." Yuzo Koshiro did great work on the Portrait soundtrack with her as well. Araujo's stuff is largely forgettable and just distances me from the game rather than immersing me into it, because I've heard it a million times before.

Just my 2 cents...

100% agree. Yamane stated she studied the older tracks and feeling of the series very hard when she got signed on to her first Castlevania project, Bloodlines. It shows. Her music fit right in, and made a logical and smooth progression from one era to the next.

Araujo clearly didn't take the same approach at all.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on June 16, 2011, 02:03:20 PM
Except for many people, these are changes "for the worst" because it doesnt involve Michiru Yamane, Ayami Kojima, or the atmosphere of the IGAverse. All people want is the same they know, and dislike that it went in a COMPLETELY different direction, not being a slave to the other universe.

Except this isn't true. I don't see people bitching about the Tomb Raider remake. It's the universe re-imagined and most of the people (even old fans of the saga) are liking what they see so far. That's because even with a new setting, they still have respect for the older titles, and use them as inspiration.

Asking for people to forget about the older titles of their favourite franchise is a stupid thing to do, no one does that. And when they don't see what they expected on the new game/re-imagination, they'll bitch (and they ARE right). All the reasons and problems the fans point here are valid points, and if they want these older fans to like the game, they have to address them. (as a matter of fact, I'll not believe what David Cox says anymore, because the game isn't anything like he said).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 02:50:21 PM
I like changes. But changes for better, not changes for the worst.

LoS is a good action game, but not a good Castlevania game.

This sums up my thoughts ^^^

Change can sometimes be a good thing assuming it is changed in the right way.

And in my opinion Lords of Shadow did not reinvent the CV series in the right way.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 16, 2011, 02:57:36 PM
Quote
Except this isn't true. I don't see people bitching about the Tomb Raider remake.
Different fanbases are different beasts. Just look at the Sonic Fanbase.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 03:01:33 PM
Just look at the Sonic Fanbase.

And whats wrong with the sonic fanbase exactly?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 16, 2011, 04:27:56 PM
And whats wrong with the sonic fanbase exactly?

That's a joke, right?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 16, 2011, 04:36:48 PM
And whats wrong with the sonic fanbase exactly?
That's a joke, right?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 04:48:04 PM
That's a joke, right?

No not really.

I am part of the Sonic fanbase so I fail to see any severe problem with it.

It has not had a reboot like CV so I am just wondering why it is even being brought up in the first place.

Surely you guys are not refering to the (Sonic Cycle).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 16, 2011, 04:53:24 PM
No, we mean the Sonic Fanbase. Uzo can explain.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 04:55:56 PM
No, we mean the Sonic Fanbase. Uzo can explain.

Do you mean the Classic and Modern fan divide?

If so that is actually being rectified with the announcement of Sonic Generations which will surely please both.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on June 16, 2011, 05:54:45 PM
Nope, it won't. Just read SonicRetro forums and prepare for a world of bullshit and nitpicking.

It's just like this forum... but the fanbase there is much, much crazy than here. D:
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 06:12:48 PM
Nope, it won't. Just read SonicRetro forums and prepare for a world of bullshit and nitpicking.

It's just like this forum... but the fanbase there is much, much crazy than here. D:

I regularly visit Sonic Retro And the only complaints I have heard is regarding the DS version which uses similar mechanics to Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Other then that most people are excited about Sonic Generations so I do not know what you are talking about.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 16, 2011, 07:48:24 PM
I agree. If anything, most Sonic fans are stoked over Generations. And, most, if anything, ALL the gripes about Sonic 4 were over REAL problems with the game. Interestingly enough, Sega DOES seem to be listening to the fans gripes, and are taking them into consideration. If only Konami did the same regarding CV. And I don't mean that every fan advice should be considered, but it goes some way into the whole "You are fans, we respect you for the love you've shown, so let's hear what you have to say" type of thing. 
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 08:12:34 PM
I agree. If anything, most Sonic fans are stoked over Generations. And, most, if anything, ALL the gripes about Sonic 4 were over REAL problems with the game. Interestingly enough, Sega DOES seem to be listening to the fans gripes, and are taking them into consideration. If only Konami did the same regarding CV. And I don't mean that every fan advice should be considered, but it goes some way into the whole "You are fans, we respect you for the love you've shown, so let's hear what you have to say" type of thing.

This I agree with ^^^

I don't think Companies should completely be slaves to their fanbase but they should ALTEAST listen to what the majority of the fanbase has to say and take it into serious consideration.

Like take for instance Sega and the (Sonic Cycle).

Sega kept adding lame "gimicks" to their sonic games such as making Sonic turn into a werehog or giving sonic a sword to use. each time those game types of games did not do to well and Sega had to step back and ask the fans what they are doing wrong. They took into conisderation that the only real problem with games such as Sonic Unleashed was the werehog section of the game (which everyone hated). Everyone however loved the daytime stages which involved Sonic being Sonic which is a Hedgehog being very fast and utilising platforming. After Sega listened to us we got Sonic Colors which IMO is the best sonic game we have gotten in a LONG time not to mention that It is doing good financially wise and ratings wise.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 16, 2011, 08:34:55 PM
Like someone said, most of feedback recieved via twitter has been very positive, when you talk about the majority of fanbase you are forgetting that it's easier for Konami read opinions via twitter than entering in a forum when they are constantly bashed by 20 people. Just sayin'
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 16, 2011, 08:39:36 PM
Regarding "change", change should be handled in the most logical of ways. The fact of the matter is, in most cases, it isn't. When a game isn't doing well, you have to assess what went wrong. Why aren't the CV games selling? What's wrong with 3D CVs? You isolate the problems and work on them. That which ISN'T a problem, you don't touch(for, what's not broken, don't fix). By doing this, you keep what works, toss out what doesn't and fix what's broken. But many companies have the knack of seeing this like this, "If THIS doesn't work, then the EXACT OPPOSITE must be the key to success!". Pure black and white reasoning hardly ever works to achieve success in real life, why would a stark opposite prove successful? I see this a lot with some JRPGs, sadly. The first game would be very character/story driven, focused on extreme linear paths, little to no exploration and heavy character development, and when they find out it didn't work, the sequel would be extremely light on story, more player driven, LOTS of free exploration, and little to no character development. Doesn't it ever occur that there might just be a place in-between, a balance between two heavy contrasting sides?

For me, LoS was a great game, but didn't feel like a CV game. As far as change is concerned, both the atmosphere and music of the original CV series, be it side-scroller 2Ds or bad 3D-vanias, music and gothic/horror atmosphere NEVER seemed to be an issue, even in the worst CV titles. Changing it for the sake of sakes never felt valid enough of a reason to do so. It was, IMO(and a lot of people's opinions), two of the things about the CV series that were never broken to begin with.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 16, 2011, 09:59:49 PM
Like someone said, most of feedback recieved via twitter has been very positive, when you talk about the majority of fanbase you are forgetting that it's easier for Konami read opinions via twitter than entering in a forum when they are constantly bashed by 20 people. Just sayin'

Just a couple very important things to consider about the Twitter angle.  First you need to consider WHY the account exists and Secondly you need to consider who CONTROLS the content there.  Konami and Cox are out to SELL their game.  The account is designed to attract interested parties to sell them the game.  Naturally this also attracts more favorable opinion, but let's play devil's advocate here.  Let's suppose all the hardcore critics decided to be rude and descended there to sound off and make trouble --do you really think Cox would let us poison public opinion on his forum?

And it's also important to remember that Konami pays attention to their critics --at least the professionals.  I seem to remember Cox getting rattled when IGN's LOS review came out...  I'm sure Konami could easily dismiss disgruntled fans as a "vocal minority" but I think they would be mistaken to underestimate the general sentiment just because we're not organized.  This is a large site populated primarily by longtime fans that have supported Castlevania and Konami for many, many years...  And yet, Konami's approval rating is emerging in solid negative territory.  I challenge anyone who disagrees to rally supporters and turn these numbers around.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on June 16, 2011, 10:58:49 PM
I agree. If anything, most Sonic fans are stoked over Generations. And, most, if anything, ALL the gripes about Sonic 4 were over REAL problems with the game. Interestingly enough, Sega DOES seem to be listening to the fans gripes, and are taking them into consideration. If only Konami did the same regarding CV. And I don't mean that every fan advice should be considered, but it goes some way into the whole "You are fans, we respect you for the love you've shown, so let's hear what you have to say" type of thing.

There are people saying that Classic Sonic physics while rolling/normal spin aren't good, because he don't roll like a ball on a ramp. That Classic Sonic feels heavy. That the height of his jump while defeating the enemies is fixed. That Sonic eyes glitter is on the bottom of his eye, not the upper part. That modern sonic is green and he looks lame... all these things are what I meant with nitpicking.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 16, 2011, 11:27:41 PM
Wow, really? I'm glad I'm not that much of a Sonic fan! LOL! I love the classic games, dislike the 3D games, sure, but little nitpicks like shimmering eyes never bothered me. The most that bothered me was the lack of consistency when they started to make Sonic interact with more realistic(yet NOT that realistic) human characters. Seeing semi-realistic humans(like the Princess), and cartoony looking anthropomorphic animals just doesn't fit, IMO. Same for realistic cities. Either keep the world looking stylized cartoony(checkered rocks, clustered sides, striped grass, which always added to the Sonic series' charm, IMO), or do a realistic depiction of Sonic(okay, even thinking about a realistic take on Sonic makes me crack up), but bringing both together pulls me out of the experience. Like Super Mario, some of the things that draw me to them are the unique, bright and rather stylized worlds. If I wanted to play an adventure through a realistic world, there are far many games out there I could choose to play.  :)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 16, 2011, 11:42:27 PM
There are people saying that Classic Sonic physics while rolling/normal spin aren't good, because he don't roll like a ball on a ramp. That Classic Sonic feels heavy. That the height of his jump while defeating the enemies is fixed. That Sonic eyes glitter is on the bottom of his eye, not the upper part. That modern sonic is green and he looks lame... all these things are what I meant with nitpicking.

Yea I have heard a "few" people nitpick about some of the stuff you said.

But I have only seen around 5% of the Sonic Retro forums AT MOST bitch about little stuff like that.

A Majority of the Sonic fanbase (including myself) are looking forward to Sonic Generations so I really do not agree with you when you make it seem as if the ones "nitpicking" make up a large number of the fanbase when they really do not.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 17, 2011, 12:35:02 AM
The Sonic fanbase hates it's source almost as much as the Star Wars Fanbase hates its own.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 17, 2011, 12:42:59 AM
The Sonic fanbase hates it's source almost as much as the Star Wars Fanbase hates its own.

proof?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 17, 2011, 01:23:33 AM
The constant bitching about Sega and how they suck at Sonic, etc etc.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 17, 2011, 01:31:20 AM
The constant bitching about Sega and how they suck at Sonic, etc etc.

And where has this been lately?

The fanbase has been pretty pleased lately after the release of Sonic Colors which is a result of Sega listening to their fanbase.

Afterwards we got a awesome game and a much happier fanbase.

Sonic Generations is currently the most anticipated game Sega has coming out right now and looks to be just what we Sonic fans have been asking for.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 17, 2011, 01:39:09 AM
I'd like to see fanart of Sonic Belmont wielding whip

Thence turn into Robotnik at the end

Hey u guys think Earthworm Jim gonna make a comeback soon?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: 赤月 on June 17, 2011, 02:06:05 AM
Yes it was.
Sorry, I double checked the information, it seems like I got my sources wrong for the longest time.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 17, 2011, 03:17:36 AM
Hey u guys think Earthworm Jim gonna make a comeback soon?
Last Earthworm Jim news I heard was the HD version for PSN(I think XBOX LIVE). I played the demo, and it looks nice.

Talk about Earthworm Jim returning makes me long for a return of some of the more classic 80s/90s franchises that are, now, dead. It's almost like wanting too much, though, and you'd have to wonder how they'd fair in modern times. Hell, while Sega's at it, make a TRADITIONAL RPG Phantasy Star game(PS5) and not yet another variant of the PSU formula. 

And, as far as Konami's concerned, if they have any respect for Hudson, resurrect their IPs. Bomberman, Bonk and Adventure Island most definitely need to return. Hell, like I said, I'd love a Kid Dracula Meets Bonk cross over game. Konami can do it now!!! :)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 17, 2011, 04:28:53 AM
And where has this been lately?

The fanbase has been pretty pleased lately after the release of Sonic Colors which is a result of Sega listening to their fanbase.

Afterwards we got a awesome game and a much happier fanbase.

Sonic Generations is currently the most anticipated game Sega has coming out right now and looks to be just what we Sonic fans have been asking for.
You seem to keep ignoring PRE-colors fanbase....
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 17, 2011, 01:08:14 PM
You seem to keep ignoring PRE-colors fanbase....

How am I ignoring it when I just aknowleged it with this part of my post

"The fanbase has been pretty pleased lately after the release of Sonic Colors which is a result of Sega listening to their fanbase."

Tell me how I am ignoring it because the line above proves otherwise.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 17, 2011, 01:29:59 PM
All you are talking about is the fanbase now that they have their hopes up from Colors. but it still stands that before Colors,The fanbase was really something.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 17, 2011, 01:37:30 PM
All you are talking about is the fanbase now that they have their hopes up from Colors. but it still stands that before Colors,The fanbase was really something.

yea it was.

But I never denied that.

infact I implied that more then 2 times with the fact that I said "LATELY the fabase has been pleased and "AFTER Sonic Colors everyone has been pleased".

Now if you read between the lines then obviously it implies that the fanbase was not all that happy before colors due to the (Sonic Cycle) which is also something I pointed out in earlier posts.

So NO I did forget the past fans but It is YOU who should have been more specific and pointed out that you are talking about the PAST sonic fans and not the present ones.

I am merely trying to point out that Sonic Generations is really anticipated this year and Sonic fans have all started to support Sega after the release of Sonic Colors.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Sindra on June 17, 2011, 04:39:40 PM
Maybe because they liked it?
Is it THAT hard to imagine people liking this game? I mean lets face it, the majority of the people who dont like it are the hardcore CV fanbase. the kind that dislike change.

Fair enough, and I worded that wrong anyway. What I mean is that I'm seeing people give it unreal praise. I've talked to people who aren't huge CV fans but played the game, and while they agreed parts were good, the general consensus was that the camera sucked, the music was bland, and it just didn't seem like what they knew Castlevania to be like.

Differing opinions, I know.....and I try to keep that in mind, but I can't help be get frustrated when we all are begging for the happy medium between LoS and the older games.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 17, 2011, 10:44:10 PM
I found the camera to be pretty good, as far as static cameras go. It only ever gets wonky around climbing segments.

I just CANNOT forgive the SUN being placed DIRECTLY BEHIND the glowing grapple point in some places. Making me wonder WTF im supposed to do when I cant see it.

I also liked the "movie" like approach used. I really was amazed how well they did that, with the "lens" getting wet with rain and snow
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 18, 2011, 01:46:25 AM
I am merely trying to point out that Sonic Generations is really anticipated this year and Sonic fans have all started to support Sega after the release of Sonic Colors.
From my knowledge, the only thing Sonic fans are worried about, as far as Sonic Generations is concerned, is the stages Sega plans on choosing. Seemingly there were "rumored" list leaks that featured too many city stages and not much variety overall. I, personally, hope the leaks are fake, considering the one thing I love about the Sonic series is the variety of different locations featured throughout the franchise's entirety. Not showing that variety would be a sin. It would be like, if they choose purely to include all the hill/forest zones only.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 18, 2011, 03:47:35 AM
From my knowledge, the only thing Sonic fans are worried about, as far as Sonic Generations is concerned, is the stages Sega plans on choosing. Seemingly there were "rumored" list leaks that featured too many city stages and not much variety overall. I, personally, hope the leaks are fake, considering the one thing I love about the Sonic series is the variety of different locations featured throughout the franchise's entirety. Not showing that variety would be a sin. It would be like, if they choose purely to include all the hill/forest zones only.

Yea I do agree that they should try to add some diversity to it.

I Like city stages in Sonic but I do not want the majority of Sonic Generation's levels to consist of them.

As long as they atleast have,

City Escape
Starlight Zone
or
Stardust Highway

City Escape has already been confirmed so if these 2 are some how able to be squeezed in I think that should be enough city levels for 1 game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 18, 2011, 06:16:33 AM
Did anyone else notice this topic became a Sonic topic?

And since Sindra was talking about Lords of Shadow...
Yeah, the game does get unreal praise. So much that sometimes it isn't funny. However, half the people I hear talk about it give it reasonable praise. While it's not the best game out there, it is a great game on its own. (I, for one, agree that the "Castlevania" title should have just been left out)

The controls were solid. The gameplay wasn't just "mash X til everything's dead" and to an extent required you to think about what you were doing. The platforming (what I played of it) was pretty good. However, I played enough of the game and watched enough videos to know that the camera just gets on my nerves. It's kinda worse than Lament's, cuz at least in Lament you can see where all the pathways are at.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Sindra on June 18, 2011, 11:37:29 AM
Yeah, the game does get unreal praise. So much that sometimes it isn't funny. However, half the people I hear talk about it give it reasonable praise. While it's not the best game out there, it is a great game on its own. (I, for one, agree that the "Castlevania" title should have just been left out)


I guess that, when you get down to it, that's probably why I cringe at the thought of LoS becoming the norm for the series - because it's so little like Castlevania that if you took the title and names out, it'd be pretty much it's own game. I dislike the idea that THAT is what the series very well might continue progressing as, and people will be ok with it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 18, 2011, 11:50:22 AM
I guess that, when you get down to it, that's probably why I cringe at the thought of LoS becoming the norm for the series - because it's so little like Castlevania that if you took the title and names out, it'd be pretty much it's own game. I dislike the idea that THAT is what the series very well might continue progressing as, and people will be ok with it.

Exactly. In my opinion, if they make a sequel to LoS, they should just remove the "Castlevania" logo from it. Luckily Dave Cox said he doesn't want a sequel, and would rather just make another non-canon game (though that's not much better).

The only people that are really okay with it are the people that aren't familiar with what Castlevania was prior to LoS. You know, the Belmont clan of vampire hunters that was the mortal enemy of the evil Count Dracula. The son of Dracula stood up against his father, etc. etc. etc.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 18, 2011, 01:29:31 PM

The only people that are really okay with it are the people that aren't familiar with what Castlevania was prior to LoS. You know, the Belmont clan of vampire hunters that was the mortal enemy of the evil Count Dracula. The son of Dracula stood up against his father, etc. etc. etc.

*ahem*

<------

also, I am 100% certain if it WASNT titled Castlevania, people would be comparing it to Castlevania the same way they compare other games to castlevania, like say- Demon's souls. Not to mention the Dracula thing in the epilogue, the massive amount of name drops, a protagonist with a whip, etc. people would say "wow this reminds me of Castlevania"!
or even accuse it of ripping off castlevania.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 18, 2011, 01:30:30 PM
*ahem*

<------

My bad. Speaking from a general standpoint. I, too, am okay with the game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: uzo on June 18, 2011, 03:07:13 PM
or even accuse it of ripping off castlevania.

That's basically what it is. Some sort of odd CV ripoff.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 18, 2011, 03:09:28 PM
That's basically what it is. Some sort of odd CV ripoff.

Thats actually how I look at it lol.

More specifically its more like a CVLOI ripoff.

I mean

Walter Bernhard family
The Forgotten One
The Cronqvist family
Rinaldo Gindolffi

And maybe even more that I can't remember.

Thats why I was pretty suprised to hear that Joachim was not in the game. :-[
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 18, 2011, 04:20:20 PM
It used LoI names because it was a "prequel". But it took other names too.

Carmilla
Cornell
Brauner
Olrox
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 18, 2011, 04:30:44 PM
*ahem*

<------

also, I am 100% certain if it WASNT titled Castlevania, people would be comparing it to Castlevania the same way they compare other games to castlevania, like say- Demon's souls. Not to mention the Dracula thing in the epilogue, the massive amount of name drops, a protagonist with a whip, etc. people would say "wow this reminds me of Castlevania"!
or even accuse it of ripping off castlevania.
Had it not had the easter eggs, name nods and Gabriel used a sword and not a whip, it COULD very well be it's own thing. The whip thing is probably the biggest tie to CV. You could easily change the identities of the other characters with a quick name swap. Rename Cornell to "Volg", Carmilla to "Morganna", Olrox and Brauner to "Ulger and Thaag" and swap the name "Belmont" with "Warheit" and it could be a totally different game. You don't even have to say Gabriel turns into Dracula. Take out the Combat Cross and give Gabriel a grappling hook and a Cross shaped sword and you got a new IP entirely.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 18, 2011, 05:28:45 PM
Except the Whip was ALWAYS part of the game. In fact, in earlier concepts, (like the original LoS teaser) it was a pyrokinetic whip. AKA a fire whip. The reason being the afformentioned fact that it was always intended as a castlevania game, and was originally named as such but had the name tossed for the teaser due to Judgement's release before Konami let them keep it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Kingshango on June 18, 2011, 05:33:39 PM
Had it not had the easter eggs, name nods and Gabriel used a sword and not a whip, it COULD very well be it's own thing. The whip thing is probably the biggest tie to CV. You could easily change the identities of the other characters with a quick name swap. Rename Cornell to "Volg", Carmilla to "Morganna", Olrox and Brauner to "Ulger and Thaag" and swap the name "Belmont" with "Warheit" and it could be a totally different game. You don't even have to say Gabriel turns into Dracula. Take out the Combat Cross and give Gabriel a grappling hook and a Cross shaped sword and you got a new IP entirely.

Many people would have perfered this instead of using Castlevania's name, I loved the game regardless but it would have been %100 better if it was it's own IP.

*controversial opinion incoming*

Lords of Shadow as it's own game could have been the true sucessor to Castlevania similar to how Maximo was the spiritual sucessor to Ghouls N Ghost.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 18, 2011, 08:19:11 PM
I think a lot of companies are wary of releasing too many IPs over something familiar in name to the public. That's a business standpoint, but I always saw that it's never a bad thing to have a few IPs grace the market. You can only milk big name franchises so much. It's like with movies and all the reboots you see now. Production companies are too afraid to test the waters and step out of the wading pool. I'm not saying, all or none, but a little adventurous soul is good. Most, if not ALL the big name franchises we have now were once adventurous steps taken by video game companies back in the day. You wouldn't never had Mario, Link, Castlevania, Mega Man, Sonic, had those companies never taken the chance and tried something new and adventurous. Hell, had LoS been it's own IP, Konami would have two great fantasy adventure series under their belts(CV and LoS). That would be great for CV, AND LoS(because it would be given even MORE freedom to do it's own thing, and would have NO ties to CV keeping it down).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 19, 2011, 12:26:15 AM
For the most part I believe all the "easter egg" name dropping was shoe-horned in later in the game's development cycle.  The only reason to believe that LoS may have been a Castlevania game from the beginning is the whip wielding hero.  But if there's one thing IGA taught us about Castlevania, it's this.
''
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Castlevania doesn't need a whip-wielding hero, Dracula, or even the Castle itself...  Castlevania's soul is in it's atmosphere --darkness, mystery, and gothic romance --and that's where LoS ultimately FAILed.  The right music alone may have nearly saved it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 19, 2011, 02:09:17 AM
For the most part I believe all the "easter egg" name dropping was shoe-horned in later in the game's development cycle.  The only reason to believe that LoS may have been a Castlevania game from the beginning is the whip wielding hero.  But if there's one thing IGA taught us about Castlevania, it's this.
''
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Castlevania doesn't need a whip-wielding hero, Dracula, or even the Castle itself...  Castlevania's soul is in it's atmosphere --darkness, mystery, and gothic romance --and that's where LoS ultimately FAILed.  The right music alone may have nearly saved it.

Im not entirely sure when Konami gave them the green light to name it Castlevania again, but I actually think that it might have been still early in development. Tjose names were certainly not shoehorned.

Carmilla, Brauner and Olrox are all vampires as well they should be, and Cornell was a werewolf. Sound about right. The massive castle which is suggested to be a creature of chaos belonged to the Bernhard Family, the previous owners of the castle- And they were far from saints, even letting Frankenstein hang around.

If anything, only the Bernhards are the out of character name drops. Everyone else seems just fine.

Quote
Castlevania doesn't need a whip-wielding hero, Dracula, or even the Castle itself...  Castlevania's soul is in it's atmosphere --darkness, mystery, and gothic romance --and that's where LoS ultimately FAILed.  The right music alone may have nearly saved it.
It very much DOES need Dracula and A whip wielding character involved. In fact,it is because we know there ARE Belmonts that we can have non whipping characters like Soma and Alucard.

The whip is still a core part of the franchise. (as is Dracula)

To quote Zero punctuation's Yahtzee:

"I thought hr first thing you did when coming up with a new castlevania game was to take out a big piece of paper and write "DRACULA" right in the center and then branch out from there."
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 19, 2011, 06:42:12 AM
I don't want to be nitpicky here, but Cornell is a man-beast, and not a werewolf. He just might happen to turn into a wolf, but in general man-beast are different from werewolves. By making Cornell some kind off chieftain among werewolves just shows how non-caring MercurySteam is. Not shoehorning in this references only adds to the stupidity.       
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: C Belmont on June 19, 2011, 08:46:12 AM
Quote
Lords of Shadow as it's own game could have been the true sucessor to Castlevania similar to how Maximo was the spiritual sucessor to Ghouls N Ghost.

I think I probably would have been more accepting of LOS if it had just been something like this, as opposed to the cut & paste Castlevania reboot that it is.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 19, 2011, 01:19:03 PM
I don't want to be nitpicky here, but Cornell is a man-beast, and not a werewolf. He just might happen to turn into a wolf, but in general man-beast are different from werewolves. By making Cornell some kind off chieftain among werewolves just shows how non-caring MercurySteam is. Not shoehorning in this references only adds to the stupidity.       

Correct.

Cornell transforms into a wolf, yes. But it doesn't quite show anyone else other than Ortega from the tribe. So we can't quite be sure what they turn into.

And Ortega's definitely not a werewolf. He's uh............. a man-thing.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/features/n64good/LoD-OrtegaBeast.gif)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Chernabogue on June 19, 2011, 01:23:40 PM
And Ortega's definitely not a werewolf. He's uh............. a man-thing.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/features/n64good/LoD-OrtegaBeast.gif)
Seeing this makes me think he's actually a Chimera (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimera_%28mythology%29).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 19, 2011, 01:31:42 PM
Well, he's got the lion head right but the rest of his body... I think he's doin' it wrong.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 19, 2011, 02:34:00 PM
Cornell transforms into a wolf, yes. But it doesn't quite show anyone else other than Ortega from the tribe. So we can't quite be sure what they turn into.

Cows and tigers.  :)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 19, 2011, 02:35:08 PM
Wait, it did show them off? Oh, were they the other random were-creatures you fought throughout the game? I wasn't paying much attention when play through this game cuz the platforming really annoyed the hell outta me, but yeah.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Koutei on June 19, 2011, 03:04:06 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/features/n64good/LoD-OrtegaBeast.gif)
Ortega became Chimera by Dracula's power.

Ortega: I thought that I could surpass your strength with Dracula's powers.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 19, 2011, 05:46:24 PM
Man beast or not, he's still a Lycan, and Lords of Shadow makes him one too.

Cornell is also not a large bearded man with a sledgehammer is he? He also was not a member of some order of knights.

LoS Cornell is a reference in name and character type. AKA a man named Cornell who is a Lycan.

Much like Carmilla is just a vampire lady named Carmilla. The basic gists are still just fine.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 19, 2011, 07:54:14 PM
Yes, obviously. Though personally I don't think the basic gits really cut it if you're going to refer to a specific character.  :-X
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 19, 2011, 08:25:17 PM
I get it meow! it's much like how aeon(ooe) is a reference to aeon(judgment) in that both are adult males that wear white clothing
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 19, 2011, 09:54:13 PM
I get it meow! it's much like how aeon(ooe) is a reference to aeon(judgment) in that both are adult males that wear white clothing

I lol'd
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on June 20, 2011, 12:03:18 AM
IGA beats Mercurysteam at their own game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 12:34:02 AM
I get it meow! it's much like how aeon(ooe) is a reference to aeon(judgment) in that both are adult males that wear white clothing
Not even the same comparison. Unless they both time travel.

Meanwhile, both Cornells are wolfmen,
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 12:49:43 AM
Not even the same comparison. Unless they both time travel.

Meanwhile, both Cornells are wolfmen,

Both Aeon's are men.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 06:27:11 AM
Exactly. The basic gits are there. You have no right to criticize this perfectly valid character reference, Flame. So shut it.  >:(     
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Chernabogue on June 20, 2011, 10:02:18 AM
Both Aeon's are men.
Something chocked me about that. The Chief in OoE is called Aeon BUT in his dialogue (in the French version in which he's still called Aeon - I haven't played the English version), he says he's called Ian. An error from Konami?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 12:11:35 PM
Ian is his correct name. Aeon is just a weird mistranslation.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 12:58:57 PM
Then my point stands. Its not the same.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 01:21:27 PM
Then my point stands. Its not the same.

Maybe they mistyped Cornell's name into the script of LoS. Maybe they meant to but... Ferman. Or something. And the voice actors didn't think it necessary to let MercurySteam know. And the voice director didn't wanna be assed to re-record all those lines with "Cornell" in it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 01:44:07 PM
Then my point stands. Its not the same.

Not really because regardless of these two Aeons being some kind off reference to each other the situation is still comparable to the name only reference in LoS. Whetever the two were really supposed to share the same name is inrelevant.

And it wasn't like Crisis was joking or anything.  :-X                 
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Ahasverus on June 20, 2011, 01:46:16 PM
Seriously guys, this discussion is going nuts
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 01:49:53 PM
Except it isnt the same, because you just admitted that Aeon in OoE was a mistranslation. Means he was never intended as a namedrop.

Quote
And it wasn't like Crisis was joking or anything.
About this?

Quote
Maybe they mistyped Cornell's name into the script of LoS. Maybe they meant to but... Ferman. Or something. And the voice actors didn't think it necessary to let MercurySteam know. And the voice director didn't wanna be assed to re-record all those lines with "Cornell" in it.

Then he's grasping at straws.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 01:55:46 PM
Who cares if it wasn't intented as a name drop? It's still basically the same as the two Cornells who share the same name but share nothing in common aside from that they turn into wolves.               
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 01:57:51 PM
Except it isnt, because one is a mistranslation. The original version of the game has no such issue.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 01:59:15 PM
Yes, but that's like not even what I'm trying to argue here.   
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 01:59:53 PM
1) Aeon from OoE and Aeon from Judgment share absolutely nothing in common other than obvious things. They wear white. They're both human. Big whoop.

2) The Cornell's both are man-wolves and both share the same name. Look closely at both of them also. They're both wearing the same waist-belt-thingy. Also, they both have annoying voices.

3) I'm positive Crisis was joking, for the record. Notice how ridiculous my posts were.

4) The whole Aeon thing may not have been the original intention. But remember, OoE and Judgment came out around the same time. Maybe the US decided to change it to some reference (though why they'd pick him of all people irks me).

5) The point is, Aeon was not intended to be a reference. Cornell was. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 02:08:02 PM
Quote
Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Arent we already?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Chernabogue on June 20, 2011, 02:09:27 PM
- Cornell in LoS was a reference/tribute to Cornell in LoD
- Aeon (Ian) in OoE is a mistranslation of Aeon (Judgment)
/discussion
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 02:11:30 PM
Arent we already?

Ignore the whole point I made and go for the Family Guy reference I made, why don'cha? :P

But here's the whole thing about the Cornells. It doesn't matter that there's hardly anything in common about them. Regardless of that, it's still a reference. It's not the Cornell from KCEK's games. They made a man-wolf character and then made a reference to IGA's timeline by calling him Cornell. There doesn't need to be anymore than that for a reference.

- Cornell in LoS was a reference/tribute to Cornell in LoD
- Aeon (Ian) in OoE is a mistranslation of Aeon (Judgment)
/discussion

^^^This
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 02:17:09 PM
The thing with Aeon from Judgment and the one from Ecclesia, is that in the sense of two characters that share the same name but are totally different aside from like one thing, that situation is comparable with Legacy Cornell and Lords Cornell. And yes, in the Japanese version that isn't the case but I'm talking about the localized version here.

Also, I'm not saying naming another wolfman character Cornell doesn't count as a reference, just that it is a very stupid and half-assed one.     
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 02:28:19 PM
Also, I'm not saying naming another wolfman character Cornell doesn't count as a reference, just that it is a very stupid and half-assed one.     

Half-assed? Regardless of how big or little the reference is, it's still a reference. A half-assed reference would be the whole Aeon thing, as they have nothing in common with each other.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 02:30:46 PM
They are both homo sapiens.  :)

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 02:32:15 PM
Now that is a half-assed reference.  ;D
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 02:35:08 PM
Yes, but really it's just the same to me with Cornell. Or the Forgotten One. etc.     
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 02:39:00 PM
Dear god, TFO... That made me rather disappointed. He wasn't nearly as creepy as he was in his original game. And making him talk was worse...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 03:00:06 PM
Quote
I'm talking about the localized version here.
Except localizations do not count. It is just a mistranslation.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 20, 2011, 03:26:34 PM
Nevermind already if you're not even listening to what I'm saying.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 20, 2011, 03:27:28 PM
COX: Okay guys, forget everything you knew about Castlevania. This is a brand new rebooted story with brand new characters, we're wiping the slate clean. But lets reference some old games anyway & call these characters Cornell & Brauner. ok so.. only forget the music, setting, & atmosphere, but NOT certain characters~
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 05:10:21 PM
COX: Okay guys, forget everything you knew about Castlevania. This is a brand new rebooted story with brand new characters, we're wiping the slate clean. But lets reference some old games anyway & call these characters Cornell & Brauner. ok so.. only forget the music, setting, & atmosphere, but NOT certain characters~

I think what they meant by forget what you know about CV is this: Forget about the storyline and gameplay. Because they were reinventing the story and gameplay. You know, something that a reboot does?

Only forget the music:
Belmont's Theme references Bloody Tears. The music box in the game plays Vampire Killer. There is a rearrangement of The Waterfalls from SCV4. At least three songs on the OST reference Beginning. They sure forgot about the music.

Forget the setting:
It takes place in a land that's... you know, in a chaotic state? There's also a large dark castle in ancient times that has a whip-wielding hero named BELMONT going through it. They sure forgot about the setting.

Forget the atmosphere:
It's a dark, gothic atmosphere. They're using gothic architecture with a little bit of extra thrown in. They sure forgot about the atmosphere.

People are bashing LoS far more than they actually should.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on June 20, 2011, 05:39:44 PM
The music is still bland & boring, pretty much any hardcore fan here agrees with only a few exceptions. Yeah there's like 3 songs but uhh.. who cares.

I couldn't tell if the game takes place in Wallachia, Transylvania, Mordor, Maya or wherever. Maybe a mirror-dimension of the LotR universe.

The gothic atmosphere didn't show itself until chapter 5 or 6, and even that didn't last as we approached the Necromancer land.

The thing about using other character's names, it's obvious LoS was meant to "reimagine" LoI with all the references it has, so why are they using names like Olrox & Brauner? The reasoning behind it is more like "by the way, lets throw the old fans a bone or 2 by naming these characters such" and nothing more. The characters coulda been named literally anything else & none would have been the wiser.


and.. we bash LoS just as much as we praise it. Atleast I do  ;)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 07:34:40 PM
The music is still bland & boring, pretty much any hardcore fan here agrees with only a few exceptions. Yeah there's like 3 songs but uhh.. who cares.

I couldn't tell if the game takes place in Wallachia, Transylvania, Mordor, Maya or wherever. Maybe a mirror-dimension of the LotR universe.

The gothic atmosphere didn't show itself until chapter 5 or 6, and even that didn't last as we approached the Necromancer land.

The thing about using other character's names, it's obvious LoS was meant to "reimagine" LoI with all the references it has, so why are they using names like Olrox & Brauner? The reasoning behind it is more like "by the way, lets throw the old fans a bone or 2 by naming these characters such" and nothing more. The characters coulda been named literally anything else & none would have been the wiser.


and.. we bash LoS just as much as we praise it. Atleast I do  ;)

In all honesty, I think LoS is a pretty good game. Like, it's not as good as it could have been, like a lot of games as of late, but it's a pretty darn good game.

(NOTE: I see waaaaay more hate than praise on this board. :P)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 20, 2011, 07:44:55 PM
.

(NOTE: I see waaaaay more hate than praise on this board. :P)

My response is deal with it.

Alot of us hardcore fans simply did not like LOS as a Castlevania game simple as that.

I have seen LOS fanboys constantly bicker and object to anything negative said about LOS while also trying to change our tune with some failed since of reasoning but the bottom line is that some of us dislike it as a CV game and some of us don't, hence the reason why I say "deal with it".
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 07:48:39 PM
And I understand people's hate for it. Me? I prefer IGAvania over MSvania any day. Or rather, just the original Konami series rather than the new MercurySteam one. So I don't mind that there's hate for it. I will point out every now and then that I feel that there's too much hate, or the rare case where I say it needs more hate. So yeah, I can deal with it. :)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 20, 2011, 07:53:10 PM
And I understand people's hate for it. Me? I prefer IGAvania over MSvania any day. Or rather, just the original Konami series rather than the new MercurySteam one. So I don't mind that there's hate for it. I will point out every now and then that I feel that there's too much hate, or the rare case where I say it needs more hate. So yeah, I can deal with it. :)

I actually do not "Hate" LOS as a game.

Infact, I think LOS is a pretty good game with great gameplay and awesome graphics.

Its just that I dislike LOS as a Castlevania game since it doesn't appeal to me as a longtime CV fan.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: VampirehunterB on June 20, 2011, 10:20:22 PM
I actually do not "Hate" LOS as a game.

Infact, I think LOS is a pretty good game with great gameplay and awesome graphics.

Its just that I dislike LOS as a Castlevania game since it doesn't appeal to me as a longtime CV fan.


totally agree!
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 10:31:24 PM
Quote
Belmont's Theme references Bloody Tears
actually...

@CastlevaniaLOS Hi Mr. Cox! What do you think is the definite track from LOS? You know the track that best exemplifies the game as a whole!

@UnManuel - Belmont's theme. It's actually based on Simon's theme.....

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 11:39:32 PM
actually...

@CastlevaniaLOS Hi Mr. Cox! What do you think is the definite track from LOS? You know the track that best exemplifies the game as a whole!

@UnManuel - Belmont's theme. It's actually based on Simon's theme.....


Well, Belmont's Theme, if you listen you can hear the references of Bloody Tears, but nothing of Simon's Theme. My thoughts on that were that BT was labeled as Simon's theme song back during CV2. It was also used as his theme in Dream Mix TV Fighters, so... yeah.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 20, 2011, 11:44:31 PM
I can actually hear the Simon's theme in there.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 20, 2011, 11:49:35 PM
Can you point it out? Cuz I didn't hear it. I might've missed it. Like at what second in the song?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Svart on June 21, 2011, 09:42:16 PM
konami and nintendo have the sad truth that i love some of their games and franchises (Metroid, Castevania, Pokemon, Silent Hill, ZOE, etc..) but i found them the worst exmples of japanese VG enterprises of DOOM!

on the other hand , i don't care too much for any franchise of capcom, but i feel that is the most interesting japanese big company in it's enterprise ways... it's not ideal, but no as bad either...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on June 22, 2011, 01:04:38 AM
Konami's biggest problem right now is its inept internal business culture, which seems either too afraid of change or too willing to spurn nostalgia in favor of distancing itself from perceived past mistakes.  One thing's for sure though...they certainly don't have very pragmatic leadership in charge of their product line.  They're holding onto the coat tails of the Metal Gear franchise for all its worth, other worthy licenses be damned.  The only thing we can hope for now is that Mercurysteam comes out in LoS2 with its Castlevania heritage firing on all eight cylinders...giving us long time fans the game we deserve while still drawing in hordes of new fans from the mainstream gaming scene.  Maybe then, Konami will come to fully understand the financial gold mine that Castlevania is.....and at last we'll see them give it its due.

In the meantime, I'm not getting my hopes up.  At this point I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than deeply disappointed. 
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on June 23, 2011, 02:51:16 PM
This is an interesting read:

http://www.1up.com/news/hideo-kojima-japanese-obsession-overseas (http://www.1up.com/news/hideo-kojima-japanese-obsession-overseas)

I kinda agree. I think the Japanese should do what they are best at doing, and stop trying to fight for Western attention. I can only speak for myself, but I started to like Japanese games(be them JRPGs or platformers) BECAUSE they were Japanese. They were "different", a break away from the way Western games were. It goes hand-in-hand with how lots of things are being handled, not just with video games, but movies, television shows and such. Everything is trying to be everything just to appeal to the most possible amount of people via pop trends. It's like those kids who are sort of unique, in themselves, but want that overal acceptence by the popular kids, so they change who they are to be accepted, forsake what's unique about themselves just to be "in" with the clique and up with popular trend. But, trends die, and are replaced, and you can try to catch on with each one, like catching shooting stars, but it's near impossble to stay trending and ENJOY it. Sometimes you have to come into terms with who you are, and say, "Enough is enough! What the hell am I doing? I'm NOT like THESE guys. I don't enjoy that stuff. I don't like the clothes, the music sucks, and it's just not ME!". Sadly, the lure of money is too great.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 23, 2011, 03:10:58 PM
Kind off ironic that Kojima says that after producing Lords of Shadow.   
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 23, 2011, 03:18:08 PM
Kojima didn't do much besides supervise LoS, as well as voicing the Chupacabra in the Japanese version. Of course, I don't know much about what supervising the project does to it.

But still, that's kind of why I admire Kojima. He wants things done right. That's also why I enjoy the Metal Gear series, despite the fact they're milkin' Big Boss for all he's worth.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Kale on June 23, 2011, 03:38:33 PM
He also gave lots of suggestions to LoS did he not? I remember Dave Cox saying something to that in one of his interviews.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Munchy on June 23, 2011, 09:36:26 PM
He also gave lots of suggestions to LoS did he not? I remember Dave Cox saying something to that in one of his interviews.

I still think that epilogue was Kojima's idea.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 23, 2011, 10:14:18 PM
I want to know who voiced the chupacabra in the English version.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 24, 2011, 03:56:12 AM
This is an interesting read:

http://www.1up.com/news/hideo-kojima-japanese-obsession-overseas (http://www.1up.com/news/hideo-kojima-japanese-obsession-overseas)

I kinda agree. I think the Japanese should do what they are best at doing, and stop trying to fight for Western attention. I can only speak for myself, but I started to like Japanese games(be them JRPGs or platformers) BECAUSE they were Japanese. They were "different", a break away from the way Western games were. It goes hand-in-hand with how lots of things are being handled, not just with video games, but movies, television shows and such. Everything is trying to be everything just to appeal to the most possible amount of people via pop trends. It's like those kids who are sort of unique, in themselves, but want that overal acceptence by the popular kids, so they change who they are to be accepted, forsake what's unique about themselves just to be "in" with the clique and up with popular trend. But, trends die, and are replaced, and you can try to catch on with each one, like catching shooting stars, but it's near impossble to stay trending and ENJOY it. Sometimes you have to come into terms with who you are, and say, "Enough is enough! What the hell am I doing? I'm NOT like THESE guys. I don't enjoy that stuff. I don't like the clothes, the music sucks, and it's just not ME!". Sadly, the lure of money is too great.

The pic from that article says a lot...

http://www.1up.com/media/03/9/0/5/lg/816.jpg (http://www.1up.com/media/03/9/0/5/lg/816.jpg)

Gaming used to be a hardcore geek culture activity, but now its clearly been hijacked by outside interests.  The art is no longer respected --it's become a stagnant business driven by remakes and sequels.  Hell, the Japanese game industry is making Hollywood look innovative.  Casual mainstream influences have been driving the challenge out of games since the Super Nintendo, but Western Pop Culture has been spreading its claws ever since the Xbox launched --then you have games like Grand Theft Auto and Guitar Hero nailing the coffin.  Also the celebrity worship of game producers like Miyamoto and Kojima has bothered me for awhile now...  Just look at that pic --Hideo looks like the second coming.  If I had the chance to interview him all I'd say is  "Look Hideo, I don't give a crap about you or your company.  I want you and your people making fresh and exciting games that don't waste my time --until you do that we have nothing to talk about."
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Munchy on June 24, 2011, 04:12:20 AM
I want to know who voiced the chupacabra in the English version.

I forget his name, but I know it wasn't Dave Cox.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on June 24, 2011, 06:47:08 AM
Kojima didn't do much besides supervise LoS, as well as voicing the Chupacabra in the Japanese version. Of course, I don't know much about what supervising the project does to it.

Yes, but I think it's still odd he supported a game that changed Castlevania's unique East meets West approach into just generic epic Western fantasy because that is mainstream nowadays. I mean, isn't that kind off what he is prostesting against?     
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: C Belmont on June 24, 2011, 08:20:23 AM
Quote
Kojima didn't do much besides supervise LoS, as well as voicing the Chupacabra in the Japanese version

I recall hearing that Kojima played a big part in convincing Konami to let Mercury Steam create Lords of shadow in the first place

Quote
I still think that epilogue was Kojima's idea
Cox said in an interview their initial idea was for a remake but what they pitched was a radical retelling plus he has said that Gabriel was always going to become Dracula. I reckon Kojima just liked what Mercury Steam pitched because it sounded like something that he would do.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on June 24, 2011, 08:40:33 AM
A tiny article, but this is the effect Kojima's name has on people, regardless of the role he played - and it did turn out like this too:
http://www.gamesabyss.com/so-what-exactly-is-kojima-bringing-to-castlevania-lords-of-shadow/ (http://www.gamesabyss.com/so-what-exactly-is-kojima-bringing-to-castlevania-lords-of-shadow/)

This whole game just has a fishy feeling about it. It's not because of being accustomed to IGA or Symphony or whatever; in fact, I grew more and more distant from it after playing the old-school titles, and I don't think I could trust (the aptly-named) Dave Cox as far as I could throw him to make another game like this...but they are anyway. It reeks of money in the hand to me. Other people can see what they will, and I respect those that do, but I just don't see anything remotely redeeming in it at all.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 24, 2011, 09:09:39 AM
I recall hearing that Kojima played a big part in convincing Konami to let Mercury Steam create Lords of shadow in the first place

Well, in pretty much anything where it says someone is supervising a project... half the time they're not really doing much.

I want to know who voiced the chupacabra in the English version.
It was Jason Sampson.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on June 25, 2011, 10:47:38 PM
I find Kojima's statements interesting considering how westernized his baby Metal Gear has gotten during the last decade or so.  If he were looking to stay true to the so-called "Japanese way of doing things", he would have stuck with the overhead camera and not included first person perspective shooting.  The whole Japanese vs western gaming argument is just tedious and tiresome.  I just don't understand how Japanese developers are supposed to stay "un-westernized".  What does that even mean?  Are they supposed to ignore all innovations and conventions brought on by western developers?  Are they supposed to do everything the opposite of western developers?  Is it an aesthetic or art style thing?  I mean...what???

Let's face it, video games are a HUGE business nowadays...and business is all about making money.  The production budget for a decent high def game these days is astronomical compared to the good ole days of the NES or Genesis.  If these companies don't make money, they can't make games. You can't blame them for trying to stay lucrative.  It was their own inability to stay in tune with the times that led to many of the major Japanese gamemakers going into the financial downturn that led them to this point.  You want to place blame, place it on the latest generation of gamers.  I've been gaming since the early 1980's, and I have no overarching complaints about the current gaming scene.  There's always plenty of choices to be had, and I'm never more than a quick memory of my days playing Space Invaders away from really appreciating how wonderful the games we have available to us today really are.  All the bitching about the Halo's and Grand Theft Auto's is hilarious considering how innovative those titles were to the gaming industry as a whole back in the day (and even today).  One's dislike of more mainstream titles like these is purely a personal problem....not an industry-wide one. 

This industry is all about risk assessment.  Do you spend millions to produce a game that has an established fanbase?...or something new that may or may not bomb with consumers?  Do you spend millions to produce a game that will likely only appeal to a small niche in the market?...or one that is sure to attract a major segment of gamers?  Sure, we all want these company's to take chances and try something new and fresh, but how often do we end up expressing our wishes that said games had done something more like some other established title?  And so many complain about sequels and remakes, but here we are on a forum dedicated to a series that is rife with 20+years of sequels, remakes, and recycling.  So the real question here is: what message are YOU sending to game companies with your purchases?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 25, 2011, 11:08:05 PM
Uhhh... You do realize the FPS-aiming was added in for more accurate shots, right? Westernizing it would be if he made you able to move, rotate the camera, and fire all together while in first person view.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on June 25, 2011, 11:49:10 PM
Now you're just stretching it to get into an argument.  The fact is that FPS gameplay is largely looked down upon by certain gamers as being some sort of westernized gaming convention, responsible for all the Halo's, CoD's, and Doom's.  This isn't a complaint I created.  It's one parroted by a faction of so called "hardcore" or elitist gamers that seem to abhor anything western or "non-Japanese". It doesn't really matter whether you're able to move and pan during these FPS sequences...that's just cherry-picking.  You're still aiming down the sights of a gun to make a shot...the same as you would in a game like Modern Warfare [gasps]. My point?  It's a feature plucked straight from the bowels of every other modern western first person shooter to date, and I mentioned it to illustrate just how silly this whole allergic reaction to westernized gaming conventions in Japanese made games today really is. And truly, that whole statement was meant to be in jest.

I remember the whole outrage that beset the gaming world when it was first learned that Nintendo was allowing a western developer to not only do the next Metroid (Metroid Prime), but to do it utilizing an FPS perspective.  Sure, some of those gamers still cling to their hatred of the change, but as a whole....how dumb was this "anti-westernization" campaign for Metroid Prime, in restrospect? 


Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 26, 2011, 12:35:40 AM
Well, with all due respect, the FPS-view came in during Metal Gear Solid 2, before the whole "FPS Rage" going on. Same with Metroid Prime, and that was a damn good game series. Sorry, didn't mean to make it sound like I was trying to start an argument. My bad. ^.^

But yeah, Japan still does FPS games. They've done it before the whole Western FPS Rage. (and for the record, Doom is a kind of terrible game)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on June 26, 2011, 03:49:41 AM
Uh, do you have proof of that last statement?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 26, 2011, 04:02:27 AM
Uh, do you have proof of that last statement?

The whole FPS Rage didn't start until the like... Halo 2, Call of Duty 4, etc. (in their series specifically). It wasn't as big with Halo 1, or Call of Duty 1-3.

Whereas Japan had games like Breakdown, which was a full first person game all the way through, which came out before Halo 2. It even included things such as fist-fighting. Also, there were first person games on the SNES (which were rather clunky). I don't believe I have to list them all out to you. You can google them or something.

In fact, you could've just googled it all in the first place. :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on June 26, 2011, 04:46:15 AM
oh, i thought there was a significant boom to fpses since the early 90's in the western market. so i kinda link the fps rage to the entire period since its inception. not as big now i guess, but i think they were still big back then.

i know about breakdown. i guess it sorta counts as an fps even though it's more fist-oriented. the gunplay itself was kinda just awkward. i think it's more of a

first person thing

than a first person shooter

i guess it comes as something before your boom though.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on June 26, 2011, 06:40:27 AM
A real chunky one to play that came out on the PC, but was then ported to the SNES and Genesis was Wolfenstein 3D. This is the earliest FPS I've ever heard about and played. I heard about Doom shortly afterwards. Breakdown is something I didn't hear about 'till now.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 26, 2011, 10:38:58 AM
Yeah, Breakdown be a great game with an amazing story. The gameplay is good, but it could use a lot of fixing up in some areas. Check it out when you got the time.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on June 26, 2011, 01:36:06 PM
The lack of Duke Nukem in this conversation saddens Duke.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on June 26, 2011, 03:54:03 PM
How could we ever forget about The Duke of Nuke'ms? He still has games coming out. I don't think he'll die out that easily since he's extremely popular with one-line pick-ups and wooing the women.  ;D
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on June 26, 2011, 08:14:52 PM
Well, with all due respect, the FPS-view came in during Metal Gear Solid 2, before the whole "FPS Rage" going on.

Umm, what???

Quote
But yeah, Japan still does FPS games. They've done it before the whole Western FPS Rage. (and for the record, Doom is a kind of terrible game)

What games are you using as your example/proof?  Cuz I'd really like to know what you're basing this on.  Yes, there were a couple of Japanese made games in the 80's that utilized what could technically be considered a first person perspective, but they weren't the first...and they were hardly the impetus for the modern FPS as we've come to know it.  ID's Wolfenstein and Doom franchises were single handedly responsible for that...no matter how little an opinion you have for them.  Trust me, back in the early 90's those games were the most awesome thing most of us had ever experienced on a computer screen.

Quote
The whole FPS Rage didn't start until the like... Halo 2, Call of Duty 4, etc. (in their series specifically). It wasn't as big with Halo 1, or Call of Duty 1-3.

I guess you never heard of Goldeneye 007, Tribes, Duke Nukem 3D, Star Wars Dark Forces, Deus Ex, Half-Life, Counterstrike, Unreal Tournament, Quake 1-3, Medal of Honor, Turok, Perfect Dark, Thief......etc, etc, etc.  I hate to break it to you, but the FPS rage has been "raging'" since the mid 90's or so. 

Quote
Whereas Japan had games like Breakdown, which was a full first person game all the way through, which came out before Halo 2. It even included things such as fist-fighting.

Are you being serious?  One mainstream Japanese made FPS from 2004?  What does that have to do with originating the FPS craze???

Quote
Also, there were first person games on the SNES (which were rather clunky). I don't believe I have to list them all out to you.

I know what FPS games were available on the SNES...I owned just about every one of them.

Quote
In fact, you could've just googled it all in the first place. :P

I don't have to Google anything my friend.  I was right there in the thick of the FPS genre's beginnings.  From the statements being made here, it seems that it's you who may need to pay Google a visit.  I'm not trying to be an ass here, but you really are speaking out of your dept on this one. 

I'm really regretting ever making this one little hyperbolic quip about the FPS gaming element now...it seems to have completely derailed the entire thread at this point.  I'm gonna drop it now, as it was never my intention to throw my hat into the whole East vs West gaming debate.  If anything I was trying to show how dumb and irrelevant that whole argument actually is.  A good game is a good game.  There have been plenty of them made in both the east and the west, using conventions pioneered by both.  All the fuss over who is using more conventions from which country is just silly to me.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on June 26, 2011, 08:27:51 PM
Indeed, it is as Renonsgoods says.
There have been plenty of topnotch 'first person' titles since waaaay back.
I remember the old "Shining..." games (I used to play Shining in the Darkness), which is technically a first-person RPG!  Holy crap that was many many moons ago (sure it's not a fp-shooter but it had that perspective).

But yeah, even the Id Software's "Doom" port for the SNES was damn awesome back in the day.
And 4-player GoldenEye007 still rocks (if you play the Wii version's update, you can still split-screen giving you that old 90's feeling of the N64).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on June 26, 2011, 08:38:46 PM
Jorge, you should try out the HD remake of the original Perfect Dark on the 360 if you ever get a chance (if you haven't already). :o Talk about gaming nostalgia-bliss-overload.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Pemburu Vampir on June 26, 2011, 08:52:24 PM
Never got into FPS, because I get motion sickness every time I play it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on June 26, 2011, 08:56:31 PM
Jorge, you should try out the HD remake of the original Perfect Dark on the 360 if you ever get a chance (if you haven't already). :o Talk about gaming nostalgia-bliss-overload.

I would, but no 360.  And Rare is part of Microsoft, which means it'll never make it to other systems, blarghleschnarph.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on June 26, 2011, 10:11:06 PM
Can't believe some people have not played GoldenEye for N64.

That game was EPIC!

I spent hours playing with friends and stil do from time to time.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on June 26, 2011, 10:32:06 PM
I don't know how I made it past this one college semester years ago.... GoldenEye007, Mario Kart, Pokemon Puzzle League, and Dr.Mario64 made my friends and I very, very, bad students. xD
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on June 26, 2011, 11:08:42 PM
I don't know how I made it past this one college semester years ago.... GoldenEye007, Mario Kart, Pokemon Puzzle League, and Dr.Mario64 made my friends and I very, very, bad students. xD

I still have a soft spot for Pokemon Puzzle League... as well as Pokemon Puzzle Challenge for the GBC. Fun times. :)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on June 27, 2011, 02:59:49 AM
I'm really regretting ever making this one little hyperbolic quip about the FPS gaming element now...it seems to have completely derailed the entire thread at this point.  I'm gonna drop it now, as it was never my intention to throw my hat into the whole East vs West gaming debate.  If anything I was trying to show how dumb and irrelevant that whole argument actually is.  A good game is a good game.  There have been plenty of them made in both the east and the west, using conventions pioneered by both.  All the fuss over who is using more conventions from which country is just silly to me.

I stand corrected then. Last thing I'll say on the topic is this: Breakdown was not mainstream. It was received pretty poorly.

EDIT: Wait. It was received badly in America. In Japan, it was like, the best thing since seafood.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on June 30, 2011, 07:36:04 PM
Well it seems we have reached a verdict.  Konami has been awarded a negative approval rating of -41.9%.  Thanks to all that participated.  How shall we express our discontent?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 01, 2011, 04:23:40 AM
Nice letter there Cecil-Kain. But to make it more impressive and really deliver the impact you should add in those little statistics that all these major corporations ogle over. There would be no way that they would ignore such a professional and complex letter unless it gave them a complex just from glancing at it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on July 02, 2011, 12:54:35 AM
You should add that a port of HD isnt satisfactory either
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: bark on July 03, 2011, 12:40:58 AM
I strongly disapprove because the lack of Castlevania and the excess attention to Kojima. As an aside, I don't think Castlevania will ever be the same without Yamane's music style in the game. LoS music was so terrible. It made me want to pour holy water in my ears.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 03, 2011, 05:41:19 AM
Thinking about posting my sig on Konami's Facebook page....  Maybe I should wait for TGS...  just in case...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 03, 2011, 10:26:09 AM
I did make an angry post on their Wall, actually, but then I chickened out and deleted it. :(
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 03, 2011, 11:04:40 AM
Yeah, something tells me it'll just be ignored, or you'll get a lot of troll responses. If you're lucky they'll listen and call IGA back from his hermit's shack and get him to produce a new game, and give him greater fundings than Kojima.

But one can only dream so much...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Vampire Killer on July 03, 2011, 02:40:55 PM
Yeah, something tells me it'll just be ignored, or you'll get a lot of troll responses.

Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

If I were Konami, I'd think the lot of you were nuts, and had no actual clue as to what you really want.



Quote
If you're lucky they'll listen and call IGA back from his hermit's shack and get him to produce a new game

No, if we want Cv to never evolve past Iga, and his atrocious story elements, then by all means, give it back to him. And if that does happen (God forbid), he'll make another carbon copy metroidvania game, just like we've seen for the past 15 years. No thank you. Not saying I wouldn't play it, but I MUCH prefer the new direction. I've been playing Cv from day 1, Iga needed to go. He had done all he could with the series.



Quote
and give him greater fundings than Kojima.

Seriously?  :o :rollseyes: :-X

Dream all you want, MS is here to stay (at least for the next 2-3 years), and no amount of useless bitching is going to change that. You can either support your favorite series, or continue complain that it's not yet another carbon copy.

It's a videogame people, not a religion (well, perhaps for some, at least in their hearts, Cv is a religion)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on July 03, 2011, 02:58:32 PM
Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

That's a pretty ignorant generalization, and not true at all. But I guess it makes sense that it seems that way from your point of view.  :-X     
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 03, 2011, 03:14:56 PM
Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

If I were Konami, I'd think the lot of you were nuts, and had no actual clue as to what you really want.



No, if we want Cv to never evolve past Iga, and his atrocious story elements, then by all means, give it back to him. And if that does happen (God forbid), he'll make another carbon copy metroidvania game, just like we've seen for the past 15 years. No thank you. Not saying I wouldn't play it, but I MUCH prefer the new direction. I've been playing Cv from day 1, Iga needed to go. He had done all he could with the series.



Seriously?  :o :rollseyes: :-X

Dream all you want, MS is here to stay (at least for the next 2-3 years), and no amount of useless bitching is going to change that. You can either support your favorite series, or continue complain that it's not yet another carbon copy.

It's a videogame people, not a religion (well, perhaps for some, at least in their hearts, Cv is a religion)

Obviously you didn't understand that my post was a joke, homedog.

And religion? I'm not even close to thinking about Castlevania like that. I'm a bigger fan of the Resident Evil series, in all honesty. Metal Gear, on many occasions, is a game I'd rather play than Castlevania.

I honestly don't care for the direction CV takes anymore. As long as I think it's fun, I'm okay with it.

I only join CV fansites cuz they're the ones with the most sane members. On RE or MG(S) fansites, you'll just get a bunch of people that wanna tear your head off for even saying Leon or Raiden are good characters respectively.

So uhh. Yeah, before you think all I'm asking for is another copy of a CV game and I'm on my hands and knees kissing IGA's feet, learn to read a joke. :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 03, 2011, 03:18:08 PM
Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

Quote
Seriously?   

Dream all you want, MS is here to stay (at least for the next 2-3 years), and no amount of useless bitching is going to change that. You can either support your favorite series, or continue complain that it's not yet another carbon copy.

It's a videogame people, not a religion (well, perhaps for some, at least in their hearts, Cv is a religion)

So basically we are a bunch of bitchers and whiners in your your opinion.

Way to be a jerk towards the forum while trying to get your point across.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 03, 2011, 03:19:12 PM
So basically we are a bunch of bitchers and whiners in your your opinion.

Way to be a jerk towards the forum while trying to get your point across.

Well, to be fair, he's kinda right. We're asking for a little too much.

Wouldn't go as far to call us bitchers and whiners, though. That's a little jerkish.

EDIT: Oops.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 03, 2011, 03:21:06 PM
How is it right to call someone eles's opinion mere bitching and whining?

Thats just flat out inconsiderate not to mention completely rude towards the members of the forum.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 03, 2011, 03:22:27 PM
Again, I said I wouldn't go as far as to call someone a bitcher or a whiner. I understand how inconsiderate it is.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 03, 2011, 03:23:50 PM
Again, I said I wouldn't go as far as to call someone a bitcher or a whiner. I understand how inconsiderate it is.

You posted that part while I was posting.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 03, 2011, 03:34:02 PM
Oh. Whoops.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: JR on July 03, 2011, 05:17:39 PM
Thinking about posting my sig on Konami's Facebook page.... 

Heh, that's where I go...well, their Castlevania page anyway, and I always comment on their posts. Something along the lines of, "so where's the 25th anniversary stuff?" I'm sure my posts won't change anything, but if it irritates them, then it's better than nothing, I guess.  :-\
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 03, 2011, 05:48:00 PM
Ha! That'll piss someone off, I'm sure. I'd love to see the ALL CAPS RAGE!!! that whoever it is gets into if we were to keep pestering them about that stuff. XD
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Sindra on July 03, 2011, 06:42:30 PM
Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

If I were Konami, I'd think the lot of you were nuts, and had no actual clue as to what you really want.

You know where the door is. If you don't like how people feel, you're more than welcomed to leave. If you want to stay, I'd mind your tone and have a little bit more tact when approaching topics you know are controversial. (or at least a little more respect...which I'd say by your current words are nil)

If you can't be respectful or at least keep your comments from inciting backlash, then I'd say stay out of this topic.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 03, 2011, 09:26:19 PM
Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

If I were Konami, I'd think the lot of you were nuts, and had no actual clue as to what you really want.

No, if we want Cv to never evolve past Iga, and his atrocious story elements, then by all means, give it back to him. And if that does happen (God forbid), he'll make another carbon copy metroidvania game, just like we've seen for the past 15 years. No thank you. Not saying I wouldn't play it, but I MUCH prefer the new direction. I've been playing Cv from day 1, Iga needed to go. He had done all he could with the series.




A couple things.

First off, many of us have been playing Castlevania games since the NES.  We enjoyed Simon's Quest, Symphony of the Night, Castlevania 64, Lament of Innocence --Do you really mean to say each of these landmark games carbon copied their predecessors?

Second, you're mistaken to think this is about "Metroidvania" or IGA --it's about Konami disrespecting the fanbase.  Most of us really don't care who's making Castlevania as long they're respecting the heart and soul of what came before it.  Lords of Shadow has its rabid fans, much like the N64 Castlevanias and the PS2 Castlevanias --more power to `em.  But the 3D games have also had their detractors --and for good reason.  Personally I don't think Castlevania will ever be done right in 3D, but that's another topic...  Aside from gameplay complaints, LoS has earned more criticism than the others.  Not merely because it's new, but because it reinvents rather than reboots.  For example, most of us have rejected Dracula as a Belmont because it disrespects the Belmont Vs Dracula paradigm at the core of the Castlevania mythology for 25 years.

Now you might say the "Metroidvanias" of the GBA and DS were a rut, and I'm inclined to agree with you --but not for the reason you're probably thinking.  IMO Konami made the mistake of putting quantity ahead of quality.  #1 condemning 2D Castlevania to portables and #2  condemning Castlevania to limited budgets on all fronts --and forcing the cheap, recycled elements people always complained about.  Wouldn't games like Aria of Sorrow *beautifully remastered* in 2.5D for PS3 be a wonderful thing?  If it were Hideo Kojima's Baby, that would've been done way back on the PS2 --and everyone here knows it.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: VampirehunterB on July 03, 2011, 11:28:34 PM

Second, you're mistaken to think this is about "Metroidvania" or IGA --it's about Konami disrespecting the fanbase.  Most of us really don't care who's making Castlevania as long they're respecting the heart and soul of what came before it.


totally agree, I'm really worried about the future of our beloved series..hope they will resurrect the genuinity of the series such as they did to super CV IV and SOTN
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 03, 2011, 11:36:30 PM

 Aside from gameplay complaints, LoS has earned more criticism than the others. 

For a very vocal sect of the fanbase, sure.  But back in the day there was an equal amount of complaint and dissatisfaction over the N64 Vanias and the PS2 titles for various reasons both technical and artistic.  IMO nothing's really changed with LoS other than the fact that we are all raging over the plot details now more than the gameplay itself (ironic, considering how often it is stated what little role story plays in the fun factor of most CV games of the past). Everytime a new 3D Vania comes down the pipeline, a whole new generation of haters is born.  I think those of us that don't like LoS want it to seem like it's the worst 3D Vania to date, but that's just a forced projection of opinion.  You can't discount a section of the fanbase that found it felt very much like a CV game (and there are quite a few of us that did) just because another section of the fanbase did not.

I'm not saying this to counter any dissent posted against LoS, but to give a bit of perspective regarding this whole notion that LoS is a sure sign of the coming death of Castlevania.  I think that that's a bit of an alarmist statement to make.  I had alot more concerns for the direction of this franchise following LoI than I did with LoS, but that's probably also because of the level of expectations I had placed on that game before its release...along with the inevitable disappointment of it ending up nothing like I had hoped or expected it to be.  I'd imagine this is the same sentiment as of alot of people who mistakenly put too much stake in LoS before its release, but from experience I can tell you....life, and Castlevania, will go on.

Truth be told, I have more concerns about how Konami is handling its 2D games as of late than its 3D series.  THAT'S where I feel the disrespect for the fans of this franchise is really being generated. They are leaving TONS of potential on the table IMO, and it's baffling as to why that is.  The budget for a decent HD 2D game can't be more than for that of a full fledged 3D title these days.  Apparently someone at the top of the totem pole is convinced that 2D titles can't do well on a home console anymore.  That....is worrisome.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: C Belmont on July 04, 2011, 12:59:01 AM
It's a little hard not see LOS as the end of Castlevania when the fan base has been told to forget everything they know about Castlevania & been given the most unfaithful reboot conceivable (story wise atleast). I don't think there is any denying that turning Gabriel into Dracula is roughly the equivalent to giving Ganon a green hood & telling us that he is the new hero of time for a Zelda reboot.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 01:10:19 AM
We'll put.^^^

And I agree.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on July 04, 2011, 01:11:01 AM
I like changes. But changes for better, not changes for the worst.

LoS is a good action game, but not a good Castlevania game.

Just quoting myself about this matter.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 04, 2011, 01:32:45 AM
For a very vocal sect of the fanbase, sure.  But back in the day there was an equal amount of complaint and dissatisfaction over the N64 Vanias and the PS2 titles for various reasons both technical and artistic.  IMO nothing's really changed with LoS other than the fact that we are all raging over the plot details now more than the gameplay itself (ironic, considering how often it is stated what little role story plays in the fun factor of most CV games of the past). Everytime a new 3D Vania comes down the pipeline, a whole new generation of haters is born.  I think those of us that don't like LoS want it to seem like it's the worst 3D Vania to date, but that's just a forced projection of opinion.  You can't discount a section of the fanbase that found it felt very much like a CV game (and there are quite a few of us that did) just because another section of the fanbase did not.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have polled the forum on Lords of Shadow moreso than the other 3D CVs, so I'll need to concede your point about comparing the N64 Cvs and PS2 CVs to LoS for lack of evidence.  As for what I have polled, let's take a look.  And please bear in mind this data comes from a variety of polls conducted on this forum over the last several months and the surveyed samples are not necessarily consistent. 70% have rejected Cox's call to "forget what we know about Castlevania" - 57% agree Dracula is NOT a Belmont - 52% were not excited about the LoS DLC (prior to its arrival) - 44% believe Konami guilty of dishonest marketing - 40% would like IGA to finish his timeline with Demon Castle War - 39% will not commit to buy the LoS sequel - 39% believe storylines are essential to Castlevania - 34% consider themselves Coxlevania fans.

Although 73% agree LoS is a decent Castlevania game, 53% of those holding that view also believe it had flaws that needed to be fixed.

I'm not saying this to counter any dissent posted against LoS, but to give a bit of perspective regarding this whole notion that LoS is a sure sign of the coming death of Castlevania.  I think that that's a bit of an alarmist statement to make.  I had alot more concerns for the direction of this franchise following LoI than I did with LoS, but that's probably also because of the level of expectations I had placed on that game before its release...along with the inevitable disappointment of it ending up nothing like I had hoped or expected it to be.  I'd imagine this is the same sentiment as of alot of people who mistakenly put too much stake in LoS before its release, but from experience I can tell you....life, and Castlevania, will go on.

When Cox told us to forget what we know about Castlevania, he was obviously serious.  The best damage control Konami can do right now is to announce development on a new 2D game --and not some hack job like Wii's Rebirth game...

Truth be told, I have more concerns about how Konami is handling its 2D games as of late than its 3D series.  THAT'S where I feel the disrespect for the fans of this franchise is really being generated. They are leaving TONS of potential on the table IMO, and it's baffling as to why that is.  The budget for a decent HD 2D game can't be more than for that of a full fledged 3D title these days.  Apparently someone at the top of the totem pole is convinced that 2D titles can't do well on a home console anymore.  That....is worrisome.

That gets back to the quality control problem I mentioned earlier.  Konami's made a quick dime over and over pumping out portable Castleroids that recycle and cannibalize code as much as possible --and it shows...  I say 2.5 D on a console, because it would force a proper budget when the game's code needs to be written from scratch.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 04, 2011, 01:37:06 AM
It's a little hard not see LOS as the end of Castlevania when the fan base has been told to forget everything they know about Castlevania & been given the most unfaithful reboot conceivable (story wise atleast). I don't think there is any denying that turning Gabriel into Dracula is roughly the equivalent to giving Ganon a green hood & telling us that he is the new hero of time for a Zelda reboot.

this
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 01:37:45 AM
Although 73% agree LoS is a decent Castlevania game, 53% of those holding that view also believe it had flaws that needed to be fixed.

Something's wrong with the above sentence.

it had flaws that needed to be fixed

You mean like every CV game? :D
Or rather, every game in existence?

Nah, I kid you, Cecil-kain (lovin' that name by the way). I understand what you mean by it. ^.^ No need for an explanation, though if someone wants to waste their time doing it, by all means. I'll certainly read it. ^.^

Shit, I'm sounding like a sarcastic douche.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 01:47:49 AM

Shit, I'm sounding like a sarcastic douche.

Then why post in a manner that makes you feel that way?

Anyway,

For the most part I agree with Cecil-Kain.

I'f Konami trully wants to do something for the longtime fans of the series then they can go and make a 2.5d game.

Its already been established that alot of us are huge fans of the 2d gameplay more so then the 3d and making a 2.5d game would eliminate the only real major complaint people have had regarding the 2d games and that is the recycling of sprites.

Not to mention that it would really be a way to shut up some of us LOS skeptics out there lol.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 02:12:58 AM
I don't know. It's becoming natural. I'm hanging 'round Serio's board and idiots on Facebook too often. >.<

Yup. 2.5D game is the way to go. With the huge success of DXC, it's kind of dumb not to go more that way. That game that Alucard was to be the star of would be wonderful as one of those games.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 02:15:45 AM

Yup. 2.5D game is the way to go. With the huge success of DXC, it's kind of dumb not to go more that way. That game that Alucard was to be the star of would be wonderful as one of those games.

I completely agree.

Just imagine a HD 2.5d symphony of the night sequel for the PS3 and Xbox 360 complete with the metroidvania formula and exploration.

IMO that could potentially be 1 of the best CVs ever made.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 04, 2011, 02:16:21 AM
Deservedly so. Many of the opinions on this forums are ridiculous (IMO). You've basically got a bunch of people who just flat out refuse to enjoy anything Cv unless is a carbon copy of every Cv that came before it. And when yet another carbon copy is delivered, those same people do little but bitch and complain about how nothing new is every done with the series.

The problem with Lords of Shadow is that it is very hard for many (not all) devotees to "enjoy" a game that is, to a sizable group of fans (including myself), tied to Castlevania primarily through names and locales, and little to naught else, bearing little semblance to Castlevania as much as to Insert-Hack-and-Slasher-Here.

Also, please don't speak for the whole. You're just making a sweeping generalization. Yes, those groups of fans do exist, but there are an equal amount that are open-minded about the series. You need to be mindful of your words and a lot more mindful of the people you're speaking to. This is a sensitive matter to many right now, especially with the lack of a 25th anniversary anything, and making inflammatory statements doesn't help it at all.

Quote
Dream all you want, MS is here to stay (at least for the next 2-3 years), and no amount of useless bitching is going to change that. You can either support your favorite series, or continue complain that it's not yet another carbon copy.

So running a survey and collecting statistics is now considered "useless bitching"? Last time I checked, it was called "peaceful protest." In this way, at least we are discussing ways to take some sort of incentive towards an opinion.

---------

Renonsgoods: You make some great points, and I can't argue much with you there. Although I dislike LoS, the Metroidvanias are becoming way too similar for their own good (although I still enjoy playing them), and so much potential for elaboration/depth/many other things was thrown out (see: PoR and the World War II setting seeming like a flimsy backdrop when it could've been so much more.)

----------

also:
Quote from: C Belmont
It's a little hard not see LOS as the end of Castlevania when the fan base has been told to forget everything they know about Castlevania & been given the most unfaithful reboot conceivable (story wise atleast). I don't think there is any denying that turning Gabriel into Dracula is roughly the equivalent to giving Ganon a green hood & telling us that he is the new hero of time for a Zelda reboot.

I third this notion.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 02:23:55 AM
I completely agree.

Just imagine a HD 2.5d symphony of the night sequel for the PS3 and Xbox 360 complete with the metroidvania formula and exploration.

IMO that could potentially be 1 of the best CVs ever made.

As much as people say Alucard is overused, I fuckin' love that dude, and would love to see him in another game. I imagine NoR being rewritten to fit the game format.

Speaking of which, anyone actually listen to that? It's a great drama in my opinion. DanceofGold translated it, but you all probably know that.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 04, 2011, 02:33:57 AM
As much as people say Alucard is overused, I fuckin' love that dude, and would love to see him in another game. I imagine NoR being rewritten to fit the game format.

Speaking of which, anyone actually listen to that? It's a great drama in my opinion. DanceofGold translated it, but you all probably know that.

Yes, I did listen to it, and with DanceofGold's subtitles...I loved it. My only complaint is that the ending didn't give much closure for me, and the way Alucard explained away the whole vampire thing to Maria made him seem like a jerk, and for the whole thing, I felt that he was transgressing against his mother's wishes rather than obeying them as ardently as he did before. Then again, it may be a way to explain his dark instincts returning, and his inner conflict...

(To anyone else who heard the drama: Does anyone have any idea what Lisa's favorite flowers, the ones used to make the garlands, are?)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 02:39:40 AM
I was quite surprised at how well the whole thing was delivered (well, as far as acting went).

And I think that whole thing is part of Alucard's personality. He was kind of a twat waffle to begin with, but had his moments where he's a nice guy. At least, that's how I interpreted it.

I don't think Japan ever since what kind of flowers are using in anything. Well, for the most part.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on July 04, 2011, 03:15:14 AM
I don't know. It's becoming natural. I'm hanging 'round Serio's board and idiots on Facebook too often. >.<

Yup. 2.5D game is the way to go. With the huge success of DXC, it's kind of dumb not to go more that way. That game that Alucard was to be the star of would be wonderful as one of those games.

LOL.
DXC was everything but a success. It's kinda the other way...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 03:33:37 AM
LOL.
DXC was everything but a success. It's kinda the other way...

This one here obviously has not seen the ratings it's gotten, or evolved past his personal view of the game. :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 03:38:04 AM
I agree lol.

As far as the ratings go It has scored above average on MANY ocasions.

IGN gives it a 8 out of 10
Gamespot gives it a 8 out of 10
and
Metacritic gives it a 80 out of 100

Here are some links if you do not believe me.
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/castlevaniathedraculaxchronicles/index.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B0 (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/castlevaniathedraculaxchronicles/index.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B0)
http://psp.ign.com/objects/882/882267.html (http://psp.ign.com/objects/882/882267.html)
http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/castlevania-the-dracula-x-chronicles (http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/castlevania-the-dracula-x-chronicles)

DXC may not have been a overwhelming success but It did do pretty good ratings and sales wise.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on July 04, 2011, 03:43:03 AM
It was a good game but it didn't succeed. Mainly because it didn't sell.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 03:46:31 AM
It was a good game but it didn't succeed. Mainly because it didn't sell.

It hit Greatest Hits...

That means it sold...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 03:50:52 AM
True It did not sale oustandingly well.

But It also did not completely flop either.

And who's fault is it that it did not sell to well?

Konami's in my eyes considering they really did not market such a good game as this all to well.

All of the reviews have been pretty positive on this game which goes to show that if Konami would have just put a little more effort into marketing this game it could have done much better sales wise.

If Konami can make a 2.5D casltevania for the PS3 and Xbox360 and atleast try to market it well it could really become a huge success in my opinion.

Also here are some other websites who also had positive reviews towards the game.
http://www.1up.com/reviews/castlevania-psp (http://www.1up.com/reviews/castlevania-psp)
http://www.gametrailers.com/game/castlevania-dracula-x-chronicles/4298 (http://www.gametrailers.com/game/castlevania-dracula-x-chronicles/4298)
http://psp.gamezone.com/reviews/item/castlevania_the_dracula_x_chronicles_psp_review (http://psp.gamezone.com/reviews/item/castlevania_the_dracula_x_chronicles_psp_review)
http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/938141-castlevania-the-dracula-x-chronicles/index.html (http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/938141-castlevania-the-dracula-x-chronicles/index.html)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on July 04, 2011, 04:10:41 AM
This one here obviously has not seen the ratings it's gotten, or evolved past his personal view of the game. :P
I never said it was a bad game, it just wasn't a huge success as you said.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 04:20:05 AM
I never said it was a bad game, it just wasn't a huge success as you said.

But it was. It was great financially, sold lots, and got high ratings. Why Konami didn't follow up on this is beyond me.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on July 04, 2011, 04:40:09 AM
But it was. It was great financially, sold lots, and got high ratings. Why Konami didn't follow up on this is beyond me.
Because, they are MORONS, which is obvious, considering this thread is proof of that.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 04:44:40 AM
Morons are something I choose not to understand, hence they are beyond me. ;)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on July 04, 2011, 05:04:58 AM
FYI Greatest hits is not quite what you think it is- Many games that sold well DO reach that label, but most times they also just use it as a way to get rid of games that DIDNT sell well. Leftover games that have stuck around too long.

on the LoS and whatnot thing.

VK, I REALLY think you could have said the EXACT same thing without sounding like a douche. because TBH, you kind of come off as a jerk there.

Although I must agree with him to an extent. And it goes back to what I have previously said. the Fanbase says the want something new, but when we DO get something new, they complain that it "isnt castlevania".

Which shows that apprently there is a LIMIT to how much new they want, and Konami probably sees it as just plain nitpicking.

for a first trym I think MS did alright in their take of a CV game. And I find Gabriel's transformation to Darkness much more appealing than Mathias, for reasons which have previously been discussed.

I think that Agharta could have been shortened a smidge, certainly, but everything from Crows pass to the end, felt very vania to me, including the land of the necromancers. Fighting Satan was no biggie, Just asserts how badass Belmonts are. THEY 'AINT CONTENT TO FIGHT JUST DRACULA ANYMORE, THEY GOTTA TAKE DOWN SATAN NOW TOO! plus DoS already brought us to hell, so no issue with me.

on IGA. He brought us things like DoS, Judgement, and CoD. And PoR, which as a successor to Bloodlines, utterly fails because of IGA's OBSESSION with limiting the game to inside the castle. Sorry IGA, but trying to replace actual world exploration with paintings just isnt gonna cut it...

In my honest opinion IGA's magnum opus Vania was Aria of Sorrow. it was a satisfying, fun and fresh conclusion to Castlevania and Dracula.

And then he made Dawn, completely ruining that effect.

Now im not discrediting him, bue he is just so WEIRD in his vania development process that it does more harm than good. (mainly the "I come up with gameplay first everything else second" )
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 05:11:31 AM
FYI Greatest hits is not quite what you think it is- Many games that sold well DO reach that label, but most times they also just use it as a way to get rid of games that DIDNT sell well. Leftover games that have stuck around too long.

Greatest Hits is a title that is given to a game that has sold over a certain amount of copies. I believe for PSP it was 100,000 copies, but I'm not sure.

The crap games that no one wants (leftover games that have stuck around too long) are just simply given price drops and reprinted covers giving some sort of word of praise on the back cover. Greatest Hits titles are actually deserving of the title (not like Microsoft's Platinum Hits, which goes to just about any crap game, and the deserving games don't get it).
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: JR on July 04, 2011, 08:05:45 AM
Yeah that's true, it's definitely sales that determines whether something becomes repackaged as a GH title or not. A PSP GH has to have sold 250,000 or more after being on the market for at least 9 months.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 01:53:29 PM
Which further shows that Konami really should have followed up on that type of game with making it for the consoles.

Ratings and Sales wise it did good which only raises questions as to why Konami has not even bothered to make another 2.5d game.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 04, 2011, 02:03:59 PM
Well, IGA was ousted from his chair (apparently, we don't know for sure whether or not he's gone) before he could. He, specifically, said that he wanted to make more games like that. He did technically with Rebirth.

Hell, I'd even want another game like HD. You know, 6 person multiplayer. Not recycled sprites. I feel now that IGA released that game (which was a test anyway), we can see what he can possibly do with a new one.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 04, 2011, 02:14:56 PM
I don't know.

If Konami really wants to just ban IGA from making 3d CV games then that fine. But atleast let him keep making 2.D game and more specifically another 2.5D game.

I'm talking fully HD 3D graphics with the 2.D gameplay. I just would love to see such a game come to pass,
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 04, 2011, 02:54:30 PM
Agreed.  I don't have a problem with Iga remaining on board for the 2D titles, as long as he bothers to finally step into the 21st century in the process.  I'm in BIG favor of him not attempting anymore full 3D titles though.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 04, 2011, 03:03:35 PM
If IGA were to come back, I'd like to see him finish his timeline with Demon Castle War and that's it.  Beyond that, I agree Castlevania needs fresh perspective and a rebooting.  How hard is it for Konami to hire someone passionate that understands the mythology?  It takes brazen arrogance or stupidity to screw up the Belmont Vs Dracula rivalry like Mercury Steam set out to do...  Dracula's not even a highborn "Count" anymore, and that goes beyond insulting Castlevania...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 04, 2011, 03:18:15 PM
I guess I'm more open to change than most of you here.  After having the Dark Keep move itself to Japan in AoS and Dracula become some random dude from the 11th century in LoI, I apparently became quite numb to ridiculous turns in the canon.  I'm reserving my outright disapproval of MS having the reigns of a 3D Vania until I see how they adjust course for LoS2.  LoS was a great, solid game.  IMO it just failed in delivering enough traditional CV elements and atmosphere...but I'm still on the fence as to whether that was MS' agenda or Konami trying to make them take a radical course change to distance it from previous 3D Vanias.  If LoS2 features a Belmont making his way to the top of Castlevania to square off against Dracula (regardless of who Drac used to be), then I'll be happy.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on July 04, 2011, 03:33:47 PM
I guess I'm more open to change than most of you here.  After having the Dark Keep move itself to Japan in AoS and Dracula become some random dude from the 11th century in LoI, I apparently became quite numb to ridiculous turns in the canon.
Change actually works both ways, though. You think focusing on Japan was ridiculous, but it WAS "change". It was a change you didn't like, hence you weren't "open" to it. The change brought forth by LoS WAS more of a type of change you liked, so you WERE open to it. Either way, there were two forms of change, yet clearly you weren't "more open to change", like everybody in the world, you are only open when it resonates to your liking. Being "more open to change" has always been something of a sham-saying to me, because nobody's THAT indifferent that they welcome every and all change with open arms. But yeah, you might've liked LoS, and have the right to, but others might have felt it was just as ridiculous as how you felt about the Japan storylines. Doesn't mean they aren't open to change, more than they just didn't like THAT change.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 04, 2011, 03:39:59 PM
I guess I'm more open to change than most of you here.  After having the Dark Keep move itself to Japan in AoS and Dracula become some random dude from the 11th century in LoI, I apparently became quite numb to ridiculous turns in the canon.  I'm reserving my outright disapproval of MS having the reigns of a 3D Vania until I see how they adjust course for LoS2.  LoS was a great, solid game.  IMO it just failed in delivering enough traditional CV elements and atmosphere...but I'm still on the fence as to whether that was MS' agenda or Konami trying to make them take a radical course change to distance it from previous 3D Vanias.  If LoS2 features a Belmont making his way to the top of Castlevania to square off against Dracula (regardless of who Drac used to be), then I'll be happy.

IMO this is wishful thinking.  Mercury Steam has written themselves into a corner in a lot of ways.  The more likely scenario is that we'll see Mr. Eu Sunt Dracul as the playable anti-hero and Satan is the new villain.  If the sequel shoehorns a new Belmont and Vampire Killer into the game, it undermines the story they've told up till now.  Making Belmont into Dracula and destroying the Vampire Killer were both well thought out and deliberate --why would they go backwards?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 04, 2011, 03:41:41 PM
No, I meant it the way I originally worded it.  I actually didn't like Gabe turning into Drac, or the final boss being Satan...but all of that simply didn't phase me on the level that it did with many of you.  Like I said, I've apparently become more numb.  I expected a more traditional CV as much as the rest of you, and I experienced some of the same disappointments as the rest of you.  It's just that the game's better qualities managed to appeal to me in a way that made me not mind the more disappointing elements so much.  Sort of the way LoD had plenty of qualities that made me overlook the horrible graphics, sluggish controls, and problematic camera.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 04, 2011, 03:44:59 PM
No, I meant it the way I originally worded it.  I actually didn't like Gabe turning into Drac, or the final boss being Satan...but all of that simply didn't phase me on the level that it did with many of you.  Like I said, I've apparently become more numb.  I expected a more traditional CV as much as the rest of you, and I experienced some of the same disappointments as the rest of you.  It's just that the game's better qualities managed to appeal to me in a way that made me not mind the more disappointing elements so much.  Sort of the way LoD had plenty of qualities that made me overlook the horrible graphics, sluggish controls, and problematic camera.

BTW Renon was the best part of 64 games --love your avatar.   ;D
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 04, 2011, 03:51:02 PM
BTW Renon was the best part of 64 games --love your avatar.   ;D
Thanks. 8)  IMO Renon is one of those elements that definitely needs to make a comeback in a future CV game.  I love the idea of a demonic merchant with whom the player experiences certain consequences for doing business with. ;D
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on July 04, 2011, 03:56:07 PM
Then he reveals himself to be Satan, master of temptation.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 04, 2011, 04:07:13 PM
IMO this is wishful thinking.  Mercury Steam has written themselves into a corner in a lot of ways.  The more likely scenario is that we'll see Mr. Eu Sunt Dracul as the playable anti-hero and Satan is the new villain.  If the sequel shoehorns a new Belmont and Vampire Killer into the game, it undermines the story they've told up till now.  Making Belmont into Dracula and destroying the Vampire Killer were both well thought out and deliberate --why would they go backwards?
 

Well, truly, it is just wishful thinking.  By no means am I saying that MS will do the right things with LoS2, I'm just stating that I'm willing to wait and see what they do before saying that their involvement in this franchise was nothing but a huge mistake.  If the more unpleasant changes to the core formula were purely of MS' doing, and they continue with that route with LoS2...then I'm on board with the rest of you.  If they make the right changes, however, LoS2 has as decent a chance as anything of being a truly great addition to the franchise. 

As far as why would they go "backwards"?  Well, look at gaming franchises throughout history.  How many games featured a part 2 that went a radically different route from the original game...only to revert back to that original formula for the 3rd installment?  QUITE a few.  It's a very common thing in the gaming industry.  I won't be surprised in the least if we see an LoS sequel that features Simon Belmont squaring off against Dracula with a traditional VK whip and all the original subweapons. Nothing in LoS rules out a traditional Belmont vs Drac legacy taking place.  And really, MS stands to drive out EVERY longtime core fan (myself included) if they decide to throw out that paradigm.

I guess the only real difference between me and the rest of you is that I saw enough good things in LoS to give MS the benefit of the doubt for its next title.  As I said previously, their recipe was solid...it was just missing some key ingredients.  I'd far prefer that to having a CV game with plenty of great CV ingredients, but a very poor recipe...as we've experienced many times with this franchise in recent years.  All in all, it's just a difference in perspective that separates us.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on July 04, 2011, 04:29:44 PM
After having the Dark Keep move itself to Japan in AoS 

Aria of Sorrow takes place in a solar eclipse. 
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on July 04, 2011, 04:46:05 PM
Aria of Sorrow takes place in a solar eclipse.
I always found it amusing how the game itself lampshades this.

"You are japanese highschool student in Dracula's Castle which appeared to you."

"Isnt Dracula's castle in Europe?"


"Yes but its in an eclipse now"
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Kingshango on July 04, 2011, 04:55:53 PM
I always found it amusing how the game itself lampshades this.

"You are japanese highschool student in Dracula's Castle which appeared to you."

"Isnt Dracula's castle in Europe?"


"Yes but its in an eclipse now"

I dunno know why but this made me laugh, sounds like a line out of an abriged anime series.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Renonsgoods on July 04, 2011, 05:10:21 PM
Aria of Sorrow takes place in a solar eclipse.

Well, considering the only people who could or would access this eclipse were in Japan...I'd say it's a safe bet that the whole "trapped in an eclipse" idea was nothing but a ploy for moving the setting of a Castlevania game to somewhere other than Europe.  That aside, the whole trapped in an eclipse idea was, in itself, pretty ridiculous.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on July 04, 2011, 05:26:03 PM
I think they came up with the eastern setting was because of the backstory that IGA developed for the Demon Castle Wars which involved a solar eclipse, and it tied in pretty neatly to the sun shrines that can be found in Japan. I see no reason to be upset because the first five seconds of the game take place there.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: thernz on July 04, 2011, 05:47:12 PM
At the very least, it was a nice reason to have that giant moon in the Castle Corridor. What a great moon.
Don't really care for it for story though. I guess it builds in junction with the cosmopolitan roster of creatures.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 04, 2011, 09:13:24 PM
Well, they do use Nostradamus' prophecies as a basis for the date of 1999 and it may seem plausible that they used it for the location of Japan as well:

"The year 1999, seventh month,  
From the sky will come a great King of Terror:  
To bring back to life the great King of the Mongols,  
Before and after Mars to reign by good luck."
(Century 10, Quatrain LXXII)

Three quatrains later:

"Long awaited he will never return
In Europe, he will appear in Asia:
One of the league issued from the great Hermes,
And he will grow over all the Kings of the East."
(Century 10, Quatrain LXXV)

It was an interesting change, no doubt, and I have no clue if any actual writings influenced it or not, but it was quite a pleasant surprise to see this while reading over the 1999 verse.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: C Belmont on July 04, 2011, 11:02:08 PM
You know what Gabriel has in common with Simon aside from his armour?
They both fought against evil and ended up cursed afterward

just some food for thought...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Munchy on July 04, 2011, 11:08:01 PM
You know what Gabriel has in common with Simon aside from his armour?
They both fought against evil and ended up cursed afterward

just some food for thought...

Oh yeah huh. Many games do mention they're a cursed bloodline.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 05, 2011, 05:23:53 AM
A cursed bloodline that is doomed for eternity to confront the forces of evil. This was put into perspective in the bloodlines intro story. But while some may view it as a curse, even the Belmonts themselves, I personally believe it's a blessing. 'Cause as long as they are around, evil will never triumph.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: C Belmont on July 05, 2011, 09:18:18 AM
I was actually thinking of the curse on Simon in Castlevania II
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Reinhart77 on July 05, 2011, 12:52:34 PM
Well, they do use Nostradamus' prophecies as a basis for the date of 1999 and it may seem plausible that they used it for the location of Japan as well:

"The year 1999, seventh month,   
From the sky will come a great King of Terror:   
To bring back to life the great King of the Mongols,   
Before and after Mars to reign by good luck."
(Century 10, Quatrain LXXII)

Three quatrains later:

"Long awaited he will never return
In Europe, he will appear in Asia:
One of the league issued from the great Hermes,
And he will grow over all the Kings of the East."
(Century 10, Quatrain LXXV)

It was an interesting change, no doubt, and I have no clue if any actual writings influenced it or not, but it was quite a pleasant surprise to see this while reading over the 1999 verse.
that's awesome to know.  Dracula being reborn in Japan actually makes sense now =)  Sounds like Julius Mode in Dawn of Sorrow too.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on July 05, 2011, 03:23:24 PM
that's awesome to know.  Dracula being reborn in Japan actually makes sense now =)  Sounds like Julius Mode in Dawn of Sorrow too.
Strange enough, it does make sense. And all these years, I thought it was an attempt to interject some Japanese pop/pride into the CV series. Sometimes they do that, just for the sake of Japanese gamers. It actually doesn't sound like IGA pulled it out of his ass now.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on July 05, 2011, 03:35:29 PM
It would've been nice if the poetic lines were actually IN the story rather than just mentioned.
People have to Wikipedia Fact-check their stuff as a result. :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 05, 2011, 04:08:56 PM
It would've been nice if the poetic lines were actually IN the story rather than just mentioned.
People have to Wikipedia Fact-check their stuff as a result. :P

Probably better that it WASN'T put in there --can you imagine how badly it would have been FUBARed in localization? English to Japanese and back to English?

*shudder*  :-X
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 05, 2011, 04:38:35 PM
Quote
It would've been nice if the poetic lines were actually IN the story rather than just mentioned.
People have to Wikipedia Fact-check their stuff as a result. :P

Oh yes, absolutely. I've heard those quatrains before and though they refer to something else, it makes AoS' prophecy of Dracula a heck of a lot better understood then what we got thanks to Konami of America  :P
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Reinhart77 on July 05, 2011, 08:59:24 PM
any interesting Nostradamus prophesies for around the year 1576 or at least "after 100 years" after some unknown time?  there's a translation of the Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth script on the Castlevania Realm that indicates that Dracula rose according to a prophesy.

"As foretold in prophecy, after 100 years, the time has come for the Demon King who once plunged mankind into fear, Count Dracula, to return. "
http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/cv-adrebirth/documents/DemonCastleLegendsREBIRTH.docx (http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/cv-adrebirth/documents/DemonCastleLegendsREBIRTH.docx)

We almost need a new thread for this.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 06, 2011, 12:44:30 AM
any interesting Nostradamus prophesies for around the year 1576 or at least "after 100 years" after some unknown time?  there's a translation of the Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth script on the Castlevania Realm that indicates that Dracula rose according to a prophesy.

"As foretold in prophecy, after 100 years, the time has come for the Demon King who once plunged mankind into fear, Count Dracula, to return. "
http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/cv-adrebirth/documents/DemonCastleLegendsREBIRTH.docx (http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/cv-adrebirth/documents/DemonCastleLegendsREBIRTH.docx)

We almost need a new thread for this.

I always did want to know where the 100-year thing came from. Maybe it's a cycle the world goes through, needing to flush all the evil out before the numbers turn. I'll have to look into that... There is one prophecy that mentions the cycles of the moon, and is explained like this in "Nostradamus and His Prophecies":

Wollner's charts show one "great cycle" of the moon between 1288 and 1648, with the next one coming only- after 3797 (in 3808) and several lesser cycles of 252 years, ending in 1576, 1828, 2080, etc.

One date listed was indeed 1576, and Wollner = Dr. Christian Wollner.

I found a very comprehensive page delineating a calendar system, but it is ridiculously complicated and makes my brain ache at 10pm at night :/

A Castlevania prophecy thread would be pretty cool. I actually did bookmark my Nostradamus ebook with a bunch of Castlevania-sounding parts, haha. I especially love these quatrains, because they could be applied to SotN if you think about it enough...


66
Through great dangers the captive escaped:
In a short time great his fortune changed.
In the palace the people are trapped,
Through good omen the city besieged.

67
The blond one will come to compromise the fork-nosed one
Through the duel and will chase him out:
The exiles within he will have restored,
Committing the strongest to the marine places.


Think: it can refer to Richter's possession and rulership of Castlevania under Shaft, and Alucard exorcising the soul of Richter / defeating his father.

I have way too much time on my hands...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on July 06, 2011, 01:02:26 AM
I approve of the creation of said thread. ;)
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 06, 2011, 06:39:38 AM
Quote
The blond one will come to compromise the fork-nosed one
Through the duel and will chase him out:
The exiles within he will have restored,
Committing the strongest to the marine places.

This one just speaks volumes of the original Castlevania to me

The blond one will come to compromise the fork-nosed one - Simon Vs Dracula

Through the duel and will chase him out: - Simon defeats Dracula

The exiles within he will have restored, - The cursed spirits of Castlevania go back to their peaceful slumber

Committing the strongest to the marine places. - Castlevania crumbles into the Black Sea.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on July 06, 2011, 07:26:41 AM
I don't think people should read too much into this stuff. You could give a thousand interpretations how all of this stuff relates to the story of the games, but I don't think it's meant to. Trust me, it will save you guys a headache.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 06, 2011, 09:22:53 AM
I don't think people should read too much into this stuff. You could give a thousand interpretations how all of this stuff relates to the story of the games, but I don't think it's meant to. Trust me, it will save you guys a headache.

It's not related to the games (except the 1999 verses, by virtue of the Sorrow games). If one were to prophecy about something it certainly wouldn't be a game series that would come centuries later. I just thought it'd be an interesting diversion. The prophecies are malleable enough that they could be applied to anything at all if you try hard enough. (Just look at all the tinfoil hat sites floating around. I had to sift through a million of them to come up with any sort of reputable Nostradamus anything.) For me, that stuff actually isn't headache-inducing, but kind of fun. It's definitely not 100% serious and I'm a person who's very much into analysis.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 06, 2011, 04:34:05 PM
I pretty much did that one for fun too. To me it screamed Castlevania (NES) that I just had to do it. It only took me a few seconds since it all popped into my head when I read it. By trying to interpret the REAL meaning behind the quatrain then yes, you are asking for a headache.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Mortificator on July 07, 2011, 01:48:32 AM
I always did want to know where the 100-year thing came from. Maybe it's a cycle the world goes through, needing to flush all the evil out before the numbers turn.

According to the story in the manual for Castlevania Chronicles, which is apparently the same as the story from the Japanese manual of the original Castlevania, there's a legend in the area that the power of Christ weakens once every hundred years.

I don't know why Christ would be on a schedule like that, though.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Flame on July 07, 2011, 11:36:01 PM
I was gonna post something witty about Christ going on vacation, but Ive got nothin'
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 08, 2011, 02:04:11 AM
According to the story in the manual for Castlevania Chronicles, which is apparently the same as the story from the Japanese manual of the original Castlevania, there's a legend in the area that the power of Christ weakens once every hundred years.

I don't know why Christ would be on a schedule like that, though.

Hmm. I don't see that in the English version text. It echoes the original story of the Easter Sunday carnival and concurrent black mass, and telling the Dracula legend to their children at bedtime, but only says "the forces of evil prevail" every 100 years. Christ's name isn't mentioned anywhere as far as I can see. Was he mentioned in the Japanese manual?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 08, 2011, 02:07:59 AM
The Easter Sunday carnival was also mentioned in the Super Castlevania IV instruction booklet too.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Mortificator on July 08, 2011, 03:39:05 AM
Huh, maybe it's only in UK printing of the manual. I downloaded a scan of that from Replacementdocs, but seeing as that site's dead (again...), I'll throw it up on MediaFire (http://www.mediafire.com/?yahb3ibdy5oddrr).

Concerning the early Japanese manuals, I'm going by the translations Gecko made available some years ago. I said "apparently" because I haven't seen the manuals myself... not that I have any particular reason to think those translations were faulty, but I don't want to present secondhand info as absolute fact.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 08, 2011, 10:31:45 AM
Huh, maybe it's only in UK printing of the manual. I downloaded a scan of that from Replacementdocs, but seeing as that site's dead (again...), I'll throw it up on MediaFire (http://www.mediafire.com/?yahb3ibdy5oddrr).

Concerning the early Japanese manuals, I'm going by the translations Gecko made available some years ago. I said "apparently" because I haven't seen the manuals myself... not that I have any particular reason to think those translations were faulty, but I don't want to present secondhand info as absolute fact.

That is definitely different from the NTSC-U text. The story at Mr. P's page for it is from the American version. It's much longer and a bit more thorough (except regarding the Christ thing). Perhaps they thought we needed a bit more elaboration, seeing as we never got the "real" story of the original.

(click to show/hide)

From the way this looks it definitely did undergo a religious purging before its North American release.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on July 09, 2011, 03:25:20 PM
"Metroidvania" isn't dead, it's just resting. I'm sure Konami will return to the formula once they get their priorities straight. And then everybody will start to love them again.


As for the 100 year rule thing, maybe COX would say he came up with the idea, just like he thinks Dracula used to wear a mask
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 09, 2011, 06:20:05 PM
"Metroidvania" isn't dead, it's just resting. I'm sure Konami will return to the formula once they get their priorities straight. And then everybody will start to love them again.


As for the 100 year rule thing, maybe COX would say he came up with the idea, just like he thinks Dracula used to wear a mask

David Cox lost his credibility over QTEs.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Kingshango on July 09, 2011, 07:16:41 PM
David Cox lost his credibility over QTEs.

Amongst other things.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 13, 2011, 07:10:22 PM
Over 3000 views and only 52 votes?  Too bad the lurkers can't vote in any of these polls...  Would they make a difference?
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 13, 2011, 10:38:02 PM
Ahh... our aptly-named buddy, Dave Cox. No discussion of Castlevania decline could be complete without him.

I think the lurkers would help. Every voice counts.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: JR on July 15, 2011, 06:49:18 PM
I guess Konami's Castlevania Facebook page had a post that asked something like, "In a perfect world, what would you want for the 25th anniversary?" Considering the timing, I wonder if they're just doing it for the lulz...
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on July 15, 2011, 07:24:45 PM
That seems indeed like mockerey. Especially after we got those remix CDs that nobody wanted. :-X
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: narkolepsi on July 15, 2011, 07:36:53 PM
I guess Konami's Castlevania Facebook page had a post that asked something like, "In a perfect world, what would you want for the 25th anniversary?" Considering the timing, I wonder if they're just doing it for the lulz...

"In a perfect world?"

The use of that phrase seems so arrogant to me. Maybe it's best read as "In the unlikely event that we're finished pimping Kojima..."
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Maedhros on July 15, 2011, 08:12:28 PM
I guess Konami's Castlevania Facebook page had a post that asked something like, "In a perfect world, what would you want for the 25th anniversary?" Considering the timing, I wonder if they're just doing it for the lulz...
Yup, just saw it:

http://www.facebook.com/konami# (http://www.facebook.com/konami#)!/castlevania
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: cecil-kain on July 15, 2011, 08:15:51 PM
"In a perfect world?"

The use of that phrase seems so arrogant to me. Maybe it's best read as "In the unlikely event that we're finished pimping Kojima..."

Indeed.  To me it implies that nothing further will be revealed at TGS --AND they're not particularly sorry about it.

>:(

Another nail in the coffin.  Come Sept 26, that page is getting my letter.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on July 15, 2011, 08:56:07 PM
Yea I also hated that line "In a Perfect World" also.

Just goes to show you that Konami is starting to give less and less of a damn about CV as a series. :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: crisis on July 15, 2011, 09:25:26 PM
What if they announce cv12&3 will be remastered for the 3DS virtual console? That'd be pretty phat.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Gecko on July 15, 2011, 10:02:14 PM
What if they announce cv12&3 will be remastered for the 3DS virtual console? That'd be pretty phat.

I'd be down with that.


On another note, I think you guys are reading too deeply into the wording of that post. I'm willing to bet that them finally acknowledging the 25th Anniversary means we'll actually get SOMETHING. I hope to god it's not a Symphony remake like what a lot of people seem to be asking for. I own that game too many times already.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on July 15, 2011, 10:04:09 PM
In a perfect world, Konami wouldn't have to ask what fans want for the 25th Anniversary of the CV series.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: JR on July 16, 2011, 04:32:04 AM

On another note, I think you guys are reading too deeply into the wording of that post. I'm willing to bet that them finally acknowledging the 25th Anniversary means we'll actually get SOMETHING. I hope to god it's not a Symphony remake like what a lot of people seem to be asking for. I own that game too many times already.

I don't really think they were thumbing their noses at their customers or anything...I just find it absurd that they're only now asking stuff like this.

I totally agree with you on SotN, btw. I'd rather not have to get that one again, remake or not.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: Nagumo on July 16, 2011, 07:40:29 AM
On another note, I think you guys are reading too deeply into the wording of that post. I'm willing to bet that them finally acknowledging the 25th Anniversary means we'll actually get SOMETHING.

I was thinking the same thing. Seems like a pretty safe bet to me.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: X on July 16, 2011, 06:00:07 PM
I'm not holding my breath. Konami's a corporation like any other. Corporations are known for backstabbing if it's their best interests or when it comes to saving profit.
Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: JR on July 16, 2011, 07:04:04 PM
I agree. To me, it was just a fluff question like all their other Facebook posts...maybe some kind of half-hearted attempt to generate interest on their page or something. I don't expect them to follow up on any feedback, either.

Title: Re: Konami's Approval Rating
Post by: A-Yty on July 23, 2011, 09:42:02 PM
Silent Hill HD Remake: R.I.P. SH2/SH3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRtrO-eSwVw#ws)

So, they're gonna release SH HDish collection (not really HD), likely with redone voice acting, since the voice/mocap actor of James is gonna sue them for failing to honor his contract. The video makes a good point; don't support shit buy buying it.