1.) Hodespair PS3 edition will have special anniversary DLC.
Oh yes that would be great adding anniversary DLC! ;D Maybe we can get a Rondo of Blood theme or Castlevania II themed map for Chapter 12, Nathan Graves (hottest Castlevania guy and interesting DSS card style), Trevor (SOTN sprites), Hammer, Stella and Loretta.I agree, new DLC for game would be awesome ^^ And most likely the initial sales will affect this. Good thing is that Operation: Akumajou will have their members buy Harmony of Despair as soon as its out to show where the money is - 2d games. So if there really is enough fans for the operation go through with this plan, its more likely that we will get more DLC for the PSN version xD Kinda hoping for re-sprited characters for the game (like Juste or perhaps bring in some characters from the 3d games into pixel form like Aeon or Leon) and of course more stages. One of the main complaints were that the game was short (unless you were after getting every single rare item and boosting every character to max... which I probably will be doing xD)
This really deserves at least 1 or 2 more waves of more playable Characters, Chapter(s) and music packs. Well maybe PSN sales could have some influence. :)
They won't redraw Juste's sprite, it's too much work (which is ironic since they included Simon's 8-bit sprite anyway)Simon's 8 bit sprites for was for nostalgia's sake, but when it comes to adding character's particularly from the gba era it might be needed to redo their sprites. This would be to at least keep him consistent with the other characters (Nathan would need a similar process done, since all the other characters have better sprite quality). Its not that its too much work, more rather that they don't want to spend too long a time on one game. Where they can save time yet add to the game is probably the way they would go, so they can work on other new games and so on. So Trevor, Sypha and Grant, Albus, DoS' Hammer, Good old Axe Knight, Stella and Loretta are the most likely to make it as extra DLC if any. GBA remakes or 3D characters being remade to 2D have the least xD but it would be awesome if they did (the best chance they have at being made from a logical standpoint, would be in a sequel to Harmony of Despair ^^"). Unless Konami can prove me wrong by adding Nathan or Juste without altering their looks at all, but even then I don't mind since gameplay is what matters most for me xD
I would like to see Trevor, Sypha & Grant added and maybe Albus. Hell, throw in Old Axe Armor too and we have ourselves a brand new game
Oh yes that would be great adding anniversary DLC! ;D Maybe we can get a Rondo of Blood theme or Castlevania II themed map for Chapter 12, Nathan Graves (hottest Castlevania guy and interesting DSS card style), Trevor (SOTN sprites), Hammer, Stella and Loretta.
This really deserves at least 1 or 2 more waves of more playable Characters, Chapter(s) and music packs. Well maybe PSN sales could have some influence. :)
1.) Hodespair PS3 edition will have special anniversary DLC.http://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/no-new-dlc-planned-for-castlevania-harmony-of-despair-on-psn-at-this-time-previous-dlc-will-hit-in-waves/ (http://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/no-new-dlc-planned-for-castlevania-harmony-of-despair-on-psn-at-this-time-previous-dlc-will-hit-in-waves/)
http://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/no-new-dlc-planned-for-castlevania-harmony-of-despair-on-psn-at-this-time-previous-dlc-will-hit-in-waves/ (http://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/no-new-dlc-planned-for-castlevania-harmony-of-despair-on-psn-at-this-time-previous-dlc-will-hit-in-waves/)To add to that, here's something:
*JULY 25, 2011 1:24 PM
Perhaps, though I wouldn't be suprised if spreading out the DLC has to do with a marketing ploy to somehow make more profits by not releasing it all at once.Problem I see with that marketing ploy is how much more will they really get? If they sold the separate DLC along with selling the game at the same time, how much different would it be to selling it in waves? The fans of the game I can't expect to be too happy about it, since the fact again is that this game is just a port (unless something more was going to be added while they stall with the waves of releases). Taking a look at how Castle Crashers did it is another thing; their game was pretty successful on the PSN port, and theirs included all of the DLC right from the get go.
Though it's very possible new DLC would be a result of that.
And also, mainstream consumers usually look down on 1st day DLC unless it's free, so stacking up the launch with all the DLC, could turn off buyers more than releasing it in waves. :P
Releases like TES Oblivion, Borderlands, etc. had their DLC spread out among months, and many people still bought all the DLC anyways.Its more around the fact that its a port xD Some people won't be as patient as every singe part of the game has already been shown off on the 360 version before. Although I can't say if that's just a spoiled minority, or that they're tired of waiting (though they probably will buy the DLC anyways, that's just how we fans are xD). And of course this will be new to a good number of PS3 users so that shouldn't be too much a factor. One problem many had with Harmony of Despair is because of how short it was, and the DLC remedies that to an extent. Some characters like Shanoa can't reach their full potential without the DLC as well...
Waiting for DLC isn't going to turn off people because
1. they would still own Castlevania HD, so they can play it whenever they want, and there's plenty fun even after maxing everyone and obtaining all items. Spaced out DLC releases can actually have people come back more often over the months than sucking all the content dry the first weeks.
2. when the DLC is available, they can still buy it and use it whenever they are not playing other things.
look at Xmen Arcade, people still play that on PSN, even without DLC updates. So how DLC released isn't going to affect things negatively. XBLA users most certainly bought Chapter 8, 9, 10 and 11 and the other characters despite how long it took. The minute they release, they are already available to expand it further, so people don't need to "wait" in a way, just enjoy what's there and look forward to the other DLC when available. ;D
And also, mainstream consumers usually look down on 1st day DLC unless it's free, so stacking up the launch with all the DLC, could turn off buyers more than releasing it in waves. :P
Releases like TES Oblivion, Borderlands, etc. had their DLC spread out among months, and many people still bought all the DLC anyways.
Chapter 7 is fun, IMO. It really stands out with its one of a kind enviornment, lots of floors and rooms to go around beating enemies, picking up treasure, bypassing traps, and the first boss to be resistant to things like Valmanway (yes people found other ways to exploit a quick victory, but Astarte really gave a lot of groups plenty of new challenge until they adapted.)Didn't chapter 7 also have its own unique stage clear theme? A tiny detail, but I did like that touch on the chapter. Also looks rather interesting in general.
Especially the first times without guides, it can take longer to reach the boss than, say, Chapter 3, 4 or 5, and there are no easy Soma exploits to reach the top without the elevator switch. ;D
Overall very nice, fun and varied chapter that adds more flavor to the selection. :)
They won't redraw Juste's sprite, it's too much work (which is ironic since they included Simon's 8-bit sprite anyway)Pretty sure you already said this on the first page ^^" And like I said earlier, Simon's 8 bit form was for nostalgia's sake. Any other character inclusion will need to be redrawn so that they can be consistent with the other sprites in terms of quality. The characters from SOTN, Dawn of Sorrow, POR, and OoE have the best shot of being in the game because their sprite quality is very similar. Juste and Nathan could be added as they are (not that I have any problem with that at all), but some may not like that because its HD for a reason.
I would like to see Trevor, Sypha & Grant added and maybe Albus. Hell, throw in Old Axe Armor too and we have ourselves a brand new game
Pretty sure you already said this on the first page ^^" And like I said earlier, Simon's 8 bit form was for nostalgia's sake. Any other character inclusion will need to be redrawn so that they can be consistent with the other sprites in terms of quality. The characters from SOTN, Dawn of Sorrow, POR, and OoE have the best shot of being in the game because their sprite quality is very similar. Juste and Nathan could be added as they are (not that I have any problem with that at all), but some may not like that because its HD for a reason.
Why Stella & Loretta? They are gimmick characters that float around.
Well, okay. Barring story, they're gimmick characters who can fly.
And when including story, their mode adds hardly anything to it. Their perspectives are completely generic. The events shown are already known about in the main story.
There's no character development at all to them..
Even the floating gameplay is at dissonance with how they're human
It's really nothing to write home about that they just decided to include two or so menial cutscenes to an extra mode.
If there is, you should be doing it about Dawn's Julius mode then. I mean, Portrait of Ruin's Sisters Mode has an ending with dialogue as a point over Dawn's Julius mode if anything. But again, it just recaps things you already know about, and adds nothing of value to what we already know.
And again I repeat.
http://i4.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/af/91/e069_1.JPG?set_id=7 (http://i4.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/af/91/e069_1.JPG?set_id=7)
LOL
You know what? I agree with all your above comparisons! But what you know what the difference is? The ones you mentioned, regardless of the inspiration, are actually GOOD designs! Yeah, imagine that! I know, I know, it's REALLY hard to imagine, but not all art is created equal. Shocking, I know. It's a crazy world we live in.
Loretta and Stella ... oh God where do I begin. The bonnt ... UGH, the gaudy green and purple, no thanks. A fencer sporting heels ... alright then. Excessive trashy cleavage, right. I mean, Loretta looks like a cabbage patch kid. And that cheap flower in her hair, when she already has a bonnet on, gross. I just can't ... at these designs. Some of the worst to come out of Castlevania.
The bottomline is their designs just have too much going on. No one took the time to scale them back. You don't need to combine a billowing dress with heels, cleavage, a pleated collar and big hair. Shanoa's design for example, was very sleek, with colors that complimented each other, and flowing hair and dress. She was sexy without being trashy and totally mismatched, like Loretta.
I honestly can't say much about Loretta and Stella (As Im yet to play Portrait of Ruin), but I won't trash Loretta and Stella's design because people during a certain time period really did dress like that. Im sure enthusiasts of that time period appreciate their design, as well as some of the castlevania fan base.
Not everyone can be pleased when it comes to character designs - really comes down to the taste of the person - particularly in this case . As an artist that is something we all would know about, and POR's point in time gives enough reason for Loretta and Stella to use that design. This one just didn't fly as much as the other character designs did, but they still added to the game regardless and some fans (like Affinity) received their designs well.
Visuals aside, if their gameplay is balanced out then I see no problem at all with their addition to Harmony of Despair. There's support for the character as is, and since they would be DLC then its optional. Not everyone will like their design (pretty much a given from what I've seen here), but no denying that their gameplay was alright in PoR, perhaps even fun (I can't say for sure since I haven't played it yet). But Im sure there's a way to incorporate them without them being broken in one way or another yet still be fun to play as
well the big probelm with PoR is its Wierd-ass Direction, you got two people with modern Clothes, and the rest feels like the 1800's in a world where WW2 has supposed to already have passed, oh yeah and Cyborg Death.Well habit in some games is that the main character(s) will look vastly different (even to the point of being modern looking) in comparison to the environment and time period they are in. Another thing was what was the difference in time between Johnathan and Charlotte's time vs Eric Lecard's (Wind's) time? Since again I haven't gotten to play the game yet, Im not to aware of the time difference (and that could warrant why Charlotte and Johnathan look more modern). Even the residents of the castle could have been living there for centuries and only stick with the fashion that stuck with them the most in a certain time period. As for that cyborg death... I picture Soma fighting that thing more than Johnathan and Charlotte (due to Soma having access to guns), but then again they have the gimmick of different paintings which lead to different worlds. So its down to tastes on that one though the original probably would have been better (doesn't hurt to try the concept out regardless).
Aside from all that PoR is supposed to be the Campy Castlevania game.
The thing that makes it seem so much worst is that it really wasn't Special, Dawn was Before it, and OoE was after it.
so by compairson, it looks horrible.
I appreciate the effort Kusanagi, but it just doesn't work. You can like the designs, fine. Obviously I can't stop someone from liking something, nor should it be my prerogative. However, that doesn't change the fact that from a design perspective (color, composition, balance, harmony, and so on), most of the designs in PoR are just a mess. To be honest, Johnathan is the only half decent one, mostly because his colors work well together. Charlotte is just trash slutty, like Stella, and the typical anime jail bait garbage that I'm so sick of seeing. Another level is the time period. Bloodlines references the first World War, taking place in 1917. It seems strange that Loretta and Stella (though with a big emphasis on Loretta) seem to be referencing some sort of bastardized colonial/Victorian period from America or possibly Britain, which existed several hundred years earlier. It just doesn't work. It makes the characters end up looking like they were created in a vacuum, with one key word being the only determinant of their visual appearance (Johnny boy: edgy! Charlotte: schoolgirl! Loretta: colonial! and so on).Well, anime styles tend to be more hit or miss with some designs, I find them as more an acquired taste vs them being exactly fitting for Castlevania. OoE's artwork I felt captured Castlevania in terms of artwork and design a lot better than the first two, but because I also watch anime from time to time, the designs of those games work for me just as well. Aria/Dawn of Sorrow hinted at the anime artstyle and personality a bit, and since those two games were received well enough they tried to take it a step further (For better or worse for PoR). This comes into relation with what Kamui Zero brought up as the "campy" Castlevania (but I'll get to that later). Different artists have different tastes, and as an artist I can say the designs work alright based on the character's personalities and the style they were going for (won't say they are perfect, but passable at least). After taking a look at the designs, I can see the complaint you have against Loretta/Stella, but again they're alright in my opinion, but they're not perfect. In a sense I can agree with what you've said, but it got the job done for the most part. Konami took the hint from PoR and went back to a more serious Castlevania with the artstyle and design to suit it.
I meant Campy as in your not really supposed to take it too Seriously.Now back to the campy part xD as I said earlier, the anime art style and personality I felt is what they were going for. Konami I can guess, assumed that from the sales Aria/Dawn of Sorrow had, that anime blending in more might work well for the game. So the typical anime esk personalities they gave those to the protagonists. It was a nice change for me personally, but for those who have been playing Castlevania for years can find it somewhat of a turn off due to the general seriousness the series has shown. But perhaps they were trying to appeal to other audiences asides from the fans of the Castlevania series (OoE probably was made with the fans in mind). Whether that tactic was a good choice or not I can't say for sure (even if I were to say something, some bias would be there as I appreciate anime for what it is).
My Main Nit-Pick is with Jonathan's Clothes, He's a young American man in the lat 1940's Wearing a Japanese Fashion made popular in the mid 2000's
Charolette wears the whole school girl thing which at least got popular in the same century.
From my assumptions on the time period, they probably were using Brittan's fashion sense, since those styles of clothing didn't go out of style as fast as it did in America.
Hm. I've never heard anything like that. Do you have a source? If anything, Europe was always in the forefront of fashion movements.Haha, well it was on assumptions only xD So at the moment no I don't (what happens when I wake up too early in the morning then head to school with lack of sleep). I had only guessed because it seemed more apparent in Brittan those outfits more than America. Anyways, scratch that point ^^"
Just a quick question: Is HoD region locked? Meaning, can I play with my friends in Europe?Well if it runs similar to how X Box Live does things then no. There shouldn't be a region lock, although I haven't heard anything about the PSN release for Europe or Asia yet...
Did the game ever establish what Johnathan does/goes in his pass time or when he's working with Charlotte? well, even if we were to consider either, that could take him to many different parts of the world (including Japan where he may have gotten the clothes). In no part in the game I can assume explains anything to either justify or negate this claim, so its just all speculation on my part. Story aside, the anime art style would be the one to blame again for the design choice. Anime tends to do that with the designs, despite the time period they are in. Though personally I liked both his and Charlotte's design (there being some bias, but that's just my taste xD). Nit pick is a nit pick, but Im still looking forward to my playthrough to see how well the gameplay is.
Problem about going to Japan in Post-WW2 time is that there technically wasn't a Japan in the Post-WW2.Probably what they were going for in that game (the anime style certainly didn't give off any seriousness for PoR, the design just followed the style). By a technicality there wasn't a "Japan" and was being occupied by the Americans (if I remember my history right). Even still the place was there and could have been visited by Johnathan. Though it is questionable how WW2 events happened in Castlevania's universe, or if they even happened at all.
but then again, since SoTN Belmonts have been wearing designer fashion clothes...
by all means it looks cool, but that adds to the whole "dont take it serious" thing.
I will always be grateful to Portrait of Ruin for bringing back the whip option for a main character. Been missing that in DoS and OoE. Though now that there's four whip users in Harmony of Despair, I'm missing Jonathan's ability to use something else.
The DLC is available? I didn't see it when I looked, but I didn't really look to hard. I hardly played it last night and didn't even do any multiplayer, but I had fun. I'll give it more time once I beat Ico/SotC HD.Yeah, just start up the game then there should be an option to check for DLC (and all of it is there, though it didn't appear under the new releases section of the PSN where I found Harmony of Despair.
I swear if Konami didn't update Jon so that Players don't have to spend 3 eternitys to max him out I really won't buy this game until I get a savefile editor.What did you have to go through to max out Johnathan anyways? Im guessing leveling up all of his sub weapons (and he has a lot...).
I will always be grateful to Portrait of Ruin for bringing back the whip option for a main character. Been missing that in DoS and OoE. Though now that there's four whip users in Harmony of Despair, I'm missing Jonathan's ability to use something else.Yeah that would be nice if Johnathan had that option, but then again that might outbalance him from the other characters (because he has a variety of sub weapons already). But if he did have that option, that would make him the most varied of the lot (and would outclass Soma in collectable stuff xD).
Yeah, just start up the game then there should be an option to check for DLC (and all of it is there, though it didn't appear under the new releases section of the PSN where I found Harmony of Despair.That explains why I didn't see them. Thanks! I'll pick 'em all up eventually.
Oh yeah, lemme know if you need a party member for online xD Can't be online all the time, but hopefully we'll manage something.Will do. Like I said, I'm currently busy with another game, but when I'm ready to give HD more attention, I'll be sure to let ya know.
That explains why I didn't see them. Thanks! I'll pick 'em all up eventually.Yeah, can't blame you either since ICO was an amazing game from what I've heard. Right now I'll be training Richter, but probably will move onto Alucard after I've maxed it out.
Will do. Like I said, I'm currently busy with another game, but when I'm ready to give HD more attention, I'll be sure to let ya know.
Is the local co-op only two players?
Wow you really get nickel&dimed with this game. I'm paying $15 for a game that's been out for longer than a year, and if I wanted to get all the extra content, I have to pay even more?Nicely done xD I sorta felt that way as well when I saw it, but I was waiting for the game for a year and anticipated it would be like this. Still bought all of the DLC anyways and Im rather happy with it. Although, if you got it already on the 360, why did you get it again for the PS3? Perhaps the PS3 d pad or just the completest fan inside you? :P
This game is a ripoff.
I still bought it but feel dirty about it. Blargh...
I understand the time limit thing when you're doing online co-op with 6 people... But it really isn't good for the local gameplay --especially when you're just learning your way around. I swear I'm fighting the clock every time I start a new chapter...Much agreed there, especially for new players. Transition into this game is easy only if you know what to expect, but for new players that time period can be harsh. Castlevania as a series itself takes adjusting to as is (I had to when I played my first Castlevania game), and that stacked with the time limit probably won't help any for attracting new players. The game still is alot of fun in my opinion, but the results will be varied.
Nicely done xD I sorta felt that way as well when I saw it, but I was waiting for the game for a year and anticipated it would be like this. Still bought all of the DLC anyways and Im rather happy with it. Although, if you got it already on the 360, why did you get it again for the PS3? Perhaps the PS3 d pad or just the completest fan inside you? :P
From the other castlevania's I've played, they also felt a bit slow (in comparison to other platformers I played), but it was part of their charm. Harmony of Despair's slow I haven't really noticed as yet (then again, I do the speed run trick with the dive kicks, and only got better once I got the slide jump for Richter). Although I do have Alucard next on my list of character's to play as so I'm curious on how that will go.
Time also hasn't been much of an issue for me (Lost at chapter 2 due to being killed by the boss ^^"), Chapter 1 went rather smoothly. Although that might have been because I watched gameplay footage to hype myself up for the game's release, and since then I know where to go ^^"
Much agreed there, especially for new players. Transition into this game is easy only if you know what to expect, but for new players that time period can be harsh. Castlevania as a series itself takes adjusting to as is (like I had to when I played my first Castlevania game), and that stacked with the time limit probably won't help any for attracting new players. The game still is alot of fun in my opinion, but the results will be varied.
The Castleroids have us well trained to explore every nook and cranny --the time limit simply discourages that... Maybe the whole idea was to force multiple playthroughs --much like the treasure hunting... I must admit the randomness of the treasure chests is something I really hated about Order of Ecclesia... I'm not liking it any better here. :-/True that, and its probably for the reason you mentioned - multiple playthroughs. An artificial way to extend the game I suppose.
Nicely done xD I sorta felt that way as well when I saw it, but I was waiting for the game for a year and anticipated it would be like this. Still bought all of the DLC anyways and Im rather happy with it. Although, if you got it already on the 360, why did you get it again for the PS3? Perhaps the PS3 d pad or just the completest fan inside you? :P
I don't have an X360. This should've been out on both systems simultaneously... but you know, then we wouldn't have it as a 'big tribute' game or whatever nonsense Konami seems to think. And I was under the impression that for $15 I'd be getting THE COMPLETE GAME (that's with all the DLC included), not just the core game.Ah I see, well least it was with Chapter 7 + Julius and Yoko. It is rather a pity we don't get the complete game in one download (like what Castle crashers did). Offline multiplayer wasn't as effective as I thought it would be (single expanding screen... how much time on coding did they save with that?), but it does allow the training of multiple characters at once for as long as you have the friends to support it.
So I reiterate: I'm paying for an old game that isn't even all that cool, when there are $10 games on the Wii that are generally better.
I think I'll go play Castlevania Adventure Rebirth again, maybe with some Gradius Rebirth, as well.
... It seems strange that Loretta and Stella (though with a big emphasis on Loretta) seem to be referencing some sort of bastardized colonial/Victorian period from America or possibly Britain, which existed several hundred years earlier. It just doesn't work. ... and so on).
The Castleroids have us well trained to explore every nook and cranny --the time limit simply discourages that... Maybe the whole idea was to force multiple playthroughs --much like the treasure hunting... I must admit the randomness of the treasure chests is something I really hated about Order of Ecclesia... I'm not liking it any better here. :-/
Not on Chapter 4 on Single-Player. Fuckin' painting switches will murder your half hour.
What's the point of the time limit, again? Is it 'cuz PSN can't keep a connection going any longer?
Seems like plain evil, to me. Time Limits? What is this, Super Mario Bros. 1?
I'm still not digging the timer in this game, though.
Using your downward jump kick to bounce off of the heads of your enemies. Good way to get some out-of-the-way chests and bypass a lot of monsters (especially for the Slogra/Gaibon gauntlet if you take the castle wall shortcut on Chapter 9).I don't think that's what Kamui was referring to. Once Soma gets the Yorick soul, he can toss a skull and jump-kick off of it repeatedly for a much higher jump. Getting 9 Yorick souls makes the skull much bigger. Other players can use the skull after Soma tosses it, too, and this can be used to skip large parts of levels, most notably in Chapters 1, 3, and 4.
I don't think that's what Kamui was referring to. Once Soma gets the Yorick soul, he can toss a skull and jump-kick off of it repeatedly for a much higher jump. Getting 9 Yorick souls makes the skull much bigger. Other players can use the skull after Soma tosses it, too, and this can be used to skip large parts of levels, most notably in Chapters 1, 3, and 4.
Here it is. This was our first time fighting Dracula, so we thought the beam was going to go forward instead of down toward the floor.. ???LOL (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/c0mbat/laugh.gif)
I don't think I agree.
At least, not until you've got better weaponry and spells or whatever.
I'm only just now at that point in game in which skeletons take one hit to kill. Since there are no levels in the game (or am I just missing something?), I have to grind, at the easier stages (or grind and fail at the harder ones) in order to either earn the gold or find the weaponry to improve my offensive/defensive power. I've failed two stages due to lack of time but one time it was because I did not realize that even though the game is paused, the timer still ran (which is bullshit for a local game and you know it).
Sorry, but I play during commercial breaks when I watch TV and just did not see that.
The 2nd time, however, it was with Stage 4 and its painting maze. I'm sure later on I'll memorize the map but this time playing it, I found it very frustrating. And my only spell is a shitty Summon Spirit with Alucard. At least my equipment is the best I can buy so far, but it doesn't help me when I couldn't even reach the upper sections of the stage in time (or at all).
Not on Chapter 4 on Single-Player. Fuckin' painting switches will murder your half hour.ah yes the painting switches, had a fun time with that my first run through. One big thing to remember is the section that leads to the boss, as the paintings really only have around 3 - 4 different sections connected by the paintings, while most of the time the 4th is only if you detour from the path that leads to the boss. You'll get use to it in due time, but I do commend you for trying to running through the game on your own. Also, keep in mind that for some ledges, Alucard's mist form can give him just enough height to reach it if you move the mist towards the ledge you're after. That will come in handy for the secret room in Chapter 6.
What's the point of the time limit, again? Is it 'cuz PSN can't keep a connection going any longer?
Seems like plain evil, to me. Time Limits? What is this, Super Mario Bros. 1?
Yeah, I preferred single player HoDespair at first, but once I learned how important Multiplayer is in building up your character (especially as Soma and Alucard), I started doing that more. And that's when I really fell in love with the game. The best way to play, though, is multiplayer with friends. You can help each other learn which switches activate which doors, and you can heal each other with the Waters of Life, and work together. Most multi games with Randoms turn into everyone for himself matches.Hmm, for me at least I sometimes get stuck in the loading screen then need to quit the game and start up again. Perhaps I need to reinstall the game...
I bought the PS3 version last night, and I'm a little let down. The framerate on the menu screens is much lower than the X360 version, and it looks really choppy. It's pretty noticeable when the menu book's pages are flapping across the screen. I think some of the saving and loading times are longer, too, and it seems like the default view is zoomed out a little further. The game just wasn't optimized for the PS3. But it's nice having some of what was originally DLC (Julius, Yoko, and the Pyramid level) now included with the regular purchase.
It's kinda weird starting from scratch again after I'd gotten used to blazing through the levels with the Valmanway and Winged Boots. But it's nice playing through with people who are also just starting out.
EDIT: My PS3 gamertag is Rickdogg213 (lame, I know) if anybody wants to add me.
So far after playing the game after a few days, I really enjoy the online aspect of the game and helping out others. I had a few games where me and random people almost beaten the main game on Hard mode.Me too, I enjoy helping out other people as best I can; thats probably one of the main reason why I love the game xD Been running in hard mode for a while, so if you need help you can add me if you want xD
I've had more fun with this game than I did with Lords of Shadow.Well I actually bought Lords of Shadow two days before the release of Harmony of Despair (it was about 20 bucks so I wasn't gonna pass up on that deal), but I find myself more attached to Harmony of Despair over Lords of Shadow. Partially because I like co op games, and partially because I have fondness and attachment to 2D games vs 3D games. The boss fights for the most part are fun (particularly chapters 4 and 7 for me), and although a tad slower than say Symphony of the Night or any of the following Metroidvania's, I still find this game a blast to play. This is mostly because I don't have time to fully play through a metroidvania and enjoy every single aspect of it - I usually pause between a few days to even weeks at a time before I continue due to being busy with school and other things.
Harmony of Despair is a better game than Lords of Shadow.
There I said it. Flame me all you want. The lot of you can kiss it.
Bloodrayne:Betrayal>both of em :Phahaha, heard that one before. Had a look at it just now and looks interesting enough. Funny though I remember Bloodrayne was a 3D game. Guess they wanted a crack at a 2D game.
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I've had more fun with this game than I did with Lords of Shadow.I'm not sure it's a better game, but I've had infinitely more fun with HoDespair than LoS. I've put more time into HoD, too. But LoS is more polished, and obviously a lot more work went into it than into HoD. Think how amazing HoD would be if it had the budget and manpower of LoS behind it!
Harmony of Despair is a better game than Lords of Shadow.
There I said it. Flame me all you want. The lot of you can kiss it.
I wonder if Konami will ever bother releasing this on the EU PSN?Odd, I saw some players from Germany online, but the rest of Europe hasn't gotten the game yet? Even saw some players from Japan and China (well, red flag and star in the center I think is China, could be mistaken). What region does Germany fall under then?
Instead of nerfing them, how about adding a 3rd difficulty level for previous and new chapters, while expanding the other characters abilities and buffing their advantages a bit? :DIm all for that, but if Konami wants to save time they should opt to nerf Soma. All I really know about him being OP is his Valmanway, the ring that makes you consume HP instead of MP for attacks, and all that paired up with the Succubus soul. I intend to play as Soma at some point, but I want to avoid making him OP as much as possible (Avoiding the Valmanway being the top of the list, the last two aren't so offensive in my opinion).
Stage 4 and Brauner are the easiest and fastest in the game, you can literately beat him and the stage under a minute.Pretty much, and with equips that focus on strength (Berserker mail especially), he's pretty much done before he gets to finish his first "Blood art Technique", although my Richter isn't strong enough to do that just yet.
Pretty much, and with equips that focus on strength (Berserker mail especially), he's pretty much done before he gets to finish his first "Blood art Technique", although my Richter isn't strong enough to do that just yet.lol, looks like we're missing the same piece.
I have 3/4 of Simons armor, still missing the cape, and I usually prioritize with Sage rings since I prefer having the MP to use my subs for training purposes and being versatile over boosting my attack power (plus its satisfying combo-ing the whip + spin kick). Saving up for that ring that helps with training sub weapons though; almost halfway there too, but till then I train them the traditional way (not using multiple slots or the BSD trick however). I do really need to farm for those thief rings so I can farm for the fuma gear, as that probably will give me what I want in terms of MP regen but still very decent stats. Won't complain if I find the Retro armor though xD
lol, looks like we're missing the same piece.Yeah, I'd be happy to help you farm for the cape. Last I checked, you were using Julius right? I'll be on later tonight about 11 hours and 30 minutes from now (8:00pm on my end, but Im not sure of your time). Besides, Legion is a very good boss to train sub weapons on, especially for me since I don't use the BSD trick or the same sub, multiple slots trick. I want to train Richter the normal way, as that in a sense lengthens the game for me (perhaps for the other characters I'll use those tricks). Though do you have a thief ring? it'll probably help if either one of us can get our hands on some, that way it will drop a little easier. I still am farming Hard chapter 2 to find those rings, haven't gotten one yet, but then again I have school so I don't have much time to play (in comparison to most people I mean xD).
If you want, wanna farm for the cape with me?
Anyways, my thoughts of this game. Normal is too easy. Least for me since when i first started and killed gergoth, it dropped the samurai armor, which made everything deal baby damage against me. And the game is alright, but its addicting as hell thanks to farming for good equipment. This is also the first game where i'm not on the hundreds in the leaderboards, or the thousands.
Yeah, I'd be happy to help you farm for the cape. Last I checked, you were using Julius right? I'll be on later tonight about 11 hours and 30 minutes from now (8:00pm on my end, but Im not sure of your time). Besides, Legion is a very good boss to train sub weapons on, especially for me since I don't use the BSD trick or the same sub, multiple slots trick. I want to train Richter the normal way, as that in a sense lengthens the game for me (perhaps for the other characters I'll use those tricks). Though do you have a thief ring? it'll probably help if either one of us can get our hands on some, that way it will drop a little easier. I still am farming Hard chapter 2 to find those rings, haven't gotten one yet, but then again I have school so I don't have much time to play (in comparison to most people I mean xD).
Probably was easy since you got the samurai armor so early ;D Took me a few more chapters before I found that armor myself, by then I went and ran on hard mode to gather even stronger equips. I unfortunately am in the hundreds last I checked, was at 74th when I first started though. Ah well, Im enjoying myself enough through working with people online. Once I do have the better equips (first aiming to get that cloak, then my next armor goal is the fuma gear), then I'll think about increasing my score.
Send me a PM on PSN so i know when you're ready. Other than that, i'm just trying to get a stupid valamnway. I got a claimh solasis, 5 dracula souls and mercury boots but still. Also got all of my characters except Charlotte decent equipment and sub weapon levels so i can tackle hard with them.Should have checked here before I went online, sorry about that ^^". Ok, tonight I'll be starting up a group so I'll invite you when I see you on. I actually was waiting for you to invite me to a game, but then a friend invited me to a game so I went and joined his group instead. So this time around I'll make a few runs with you on Ch 8 (I'll also invite some of the friends I've been playing with, just to help things along). My friends may request for other chapters after a while though, cus Im sure grinding one chapter repeatedly will get boring for everyone (though personally I can keep playing Ch 8 as many times as needed, just for that cloak and to train my subs). I seriously need to get myself a thief ring and the winged/sonic/fuma boots xD but that's another thing I'll need to farm for at some point.
Maybe i should feel ashamed for playing this game, but its like a drug.
Also must resist the urge to rip on the CV fans here again.
Anyone else thought any Maxed out Whip user should have Holy added to their whip?Hmm, that would be nice, but aren't there some enemies who are resistant to holy damage? There was always at least one in all the other castlevania games, though Im not so sure here. Im already pretty satisfied with the damage output of Richter (and Im not even maxed on my subs yet).
I'm just trying to join teams to farm with, but I keep getting kicked off. I don't have any of the totally broken equipment yet and I want it!Ah, broken weapons I stay far away from (though currently maining Richter so that doesn't apply). Anyways, you just need to find a decent group and show off your skill for a few levels. Then you could ask if you can get some help for farming. What character are you playing as? My first guess is Soma or Alucard (the only two with broken weapons at least).
Are there any other Simon players out there? I could've sworn he had a projectile, but every time I do the move (a shoryuken motion + the square button) my MP goes down, but nothing happens except for the normal whipping motion.
Lol. In all seriousness here's a video showing what I mean:
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair - Simon Projectile Glitch? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VYxniA2aTg#)
Also, I'm kind of a trophy whore, and I just cannot get the 'Boned' trophy.
Add me on PSN if you can help or you also need it. (PSN is on the left.)
Lol. In all seriousness here's a video showing what I mean:There's been a number of glitches in the game like getting stuck in Dracula's second form (just happened yesterday), and getting stuck on loading screen glitch. The game needs a bit of tweaking, but then again that problem is also present in the xbox version... But that projectile glitch is something that must be fixed if nothing else.
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair - Simon Projectile Glitch? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VYxniA2aTg#)
Also, I'm kind of a trophy whore, and I just cannot get the 'Boned' trophy.
Add me on PSN if you can help or you also need it. (PSN is on the left.)
Okay, Jorge already added me. I'll add you as well. The easiest way for everyone not fighting the boss to die would probably be spikes or fire. And yeah there are plenty of glitches. I've fought an invisible Dracula 3 times already.oh that's always fun, invisible dracula. Actually when I ran into Dracula getting stuck in second form, everyone else couldn't see dracula at all. So I got the other side of the glitch there xD Though some of my recent deaths have been the result of the boss teleporting right on me even though they technically stood in a different spot (Like second form Dracula from the wall slides right to the center, or Astarte teleporting closer to me and me getting hit). Can't say that aspect is fun :-[
I think the funniest glitch I've seen was when I failed a level (with 5 other people), but there was one guy left, and the timer still had 15+ mins left on it. But the funny thing was that one of the players, who was a skeleton, was visually pulling off Alucard moves (could see Valmanway slashes), and about 20 seconds after the match failed (it was stuck on the screen for a while), the skeleton randomly exploded.
"FAILED" (and yet Julius is right there all nice 'n alive, chilling)Hmm, how about the "Success" and Alucard or Soma with a valmanway using instant transmission and jumping around while everyone just stands there?
Fun with the CVDungeon HD Classic Castlevania run.
Hmm, how about the "Success" and Alucard or Soma with a valmanway using instant transmission and jumping around while everyone just stands there?
Another thing we haven't tested yet; the glitch in chapter 10 that allows you to skip up to near the final section of the chapter without fighting the mummy, Frankenstein's monster, and death.
Yeah I saw a few Soma's doing that earlier. I believe you have to use the Puppet Master Soul move, while standing in the room with the 2 elevators at the very left, and time a jump kick JUST right.Theres a way to do it with Richter from what I understand (using his spin kick), also can be done with any character with a dive kick. How to do that exactly Im not sure, though I prefer to play the game as it should be.
As much as i want to play with you guys, i'm now stuck with no internet for my PS3 (still able to get on my lappy thanks to my phone) cause someone refused to pay the bills.Ouch... least you have internet from your phone. Are you stuck temporarily out of internet or are you out of it for a long time?
And now i'm stuck farming solo, which sucks cause all i'm getting are the same items over and over again. srsly, enough with the tetra spirits and give me my damn alucard sword!
Ouch... least you have internet from your phone. Are you stuck temporarily out of internet or are you out of it for a long time?Its only temporary. Least until someone pays the bills (the phone is out too so that should entice them to pay up).
All the best with your farming though; it'll be tough but it has to show up eventually. Oh, but did you get the thief rings yet?
Use phone as hotspot. >_>mind if you share with me on how to do that? pdanet doesn't seem too reliable when it comes to bridging a lappy with a ps3, to sum it up, the method i tried doesn't work.
I'd love to play as well, but Dark Souls is consuming a lot of my free time lately. :-\haha, thats all well and good. But do keep in mind that more and more players are transitioning to hard mode, and it may be harder to find a group for normal mode (although I probably will still be around to play the game xD).
Its only temporary. Least until someone pays the bills (the phone is out too so that should entice them to pay up).Ah awesome, I also just got my first thief ring on my first run yesterday xD I also need just one more ring then we go to farm for simons cloak, then after the retro armor and fuma armors!
And yes, i got a thief ring and an ebisu raiment while i was farming ch11 normal with shanoa. Still need another thief ring though.mind if you share with me on how to do that? pdanet doesn't seem too reliable when it comes to bridging a lappy with a ps3, to sum it up, the method i tried doesn't work.
First time i played it, yesterday, offline, made it to chapter 2 and i can say that bosses, are hard as hell!!!!
First time i played it, yesterday, offline, made it to chapter 2 and i can say that bosses, are hard as hell!!!!haha, that sums up my offline run in a nutshell. Though ironically now I farm chapter 2 hard with little to no difficulty xD
I'd love to play it online, but i don't have any friend to help me and the time difference, between Greece and other countries, doesn't make it easy for me.... :P
Finally got my Alucard sword 4 days ago thanks to my luck items and dextro custos and luminato 3 days ago. Now if only i can get my hands on sinestro custos and acerbatus...congrats on finding the Alucard sword and all the best with finding those other items ;D but what do those items do anyways?
I noticed that they did add one more little thing to the game for PS3, and that's a little guide with animations for each character explaining in better detail how each player plays. It's available when you chose to view more details about a character. I know a lot of people complained about how this was missing on the XB, so at least on thing they fixed one thing. They also renamed the confusing "Main Menu" to "Status Menu" (though I think "Equip" would be less confusing). Have you noticed any other minor improvements?hmm, nothing I've noticed myself (though never played the 360 version). But there are still issues from the 360 version that should be fixed on the other hand... Btw, did the 360 version have the "stuck on loading screen" issue? I know of the issue of being stuck fighting second form dracula or dracula disappearing altogether was already in the 360 version.