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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: Archangel on January 01, 2012, 04:57:05 PM

Title: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Archangel on January 01, 2012, 04:57:05 PM
Hi everyone!

It's been a while since I've last visited the dungeon. But now I need your help. I've got interested in Dawn of Sorrow again. But I heard the story isn't nearly as good as AoS, the characters are acting kinda stupid etc.

You know, I liked Aria. To me, it gives the series somewhat of an open ended closure (Dracula's soul can live in peace, Chaos is destroyed, you get the idea.) So, my fear is, by playing DoS, I'd destroy this image. Surely, this sounds pretty stupid to you. But I'm really in conflict over this o_O

So I've read the thread about LoI and everyone helped out pretty well. Then I thought: wow, maybe you guys could hep me, too!

Okay... were do I start? I've played AoS, so the soul system shouldn't be a problem. I've also played PoR and OoE. I've heard that all three DS Vania's would have pretty much the same controls, so that´d be no problem either. It´s all about the story here. So, is it worth for me? Or should I continue to ignore DoS?

Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Vrakanox on January 01, 2012, 05:11:28 PM
Well the story sucks in comparison, I mean it really turns AoS story into saturday morning anime tropes. But it's still a great game, very fun to play, it also has Julius mode where you can play as Julius, Alucard, and Yoko. It's worth it to play IMO.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on January 01, 2012, 05:15:38 PM
Story is lame.

But the gameplay is pretty awesome considering if you like Metroidvanias that is.

I'd say if you enjoyed the gameplay of symphony than you will definitely enjoy this game.

So yes, you should give it a chance.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: X on January 01, 2012, 05:37:12 PM
You won't get anything new out of DoS' story. No new character development or the like. But over all, the game is decent and a good play through for any first timer. Be warned though, the soul system has been added onto. In other words you have to make weapons using the souls you collect and this drags the game on in a way that ruins the flow. In fact the only way to get every weapon and soul is to play through the game at least twice. It will be tedious so steel yourself.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: knightmere on January 01, 2012, 05:56:40 PM
Its definitely worth playing just don't expect much out of the crappy storyline. The gameplay is good and some of the bosses are really fun to fight.  As mentioned however the excessive need to grind souls holds the game back a little and forces multiple playthroughs just to get all the final versions of weapons.  Its not up to the same level as AoS, but is better then PoR.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Claimh Solais on January 01, 2012, 06:36:29 PM
The gameplay is pretty sweet. Of course, I only played it on an emulator and got stuck at Zephyr because of the stupid ass Magic Seal which I can't complete with my mouse.

However, yeah, the story sucks in comparison to AoS. No new twists, nothing of much import. It takes cool characters like Dario who have the potential be someone worth remembering, but it falls flat on its ass because the story marketed to younger audiences.

The game's really awesome, but don't expect much out of the story.

I still think a big mofo like Menace was cool as the last boss.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Archangel on January 01, 2012, 07:33:59 PM
Thanks for the replies. You´ve convinced me; I´ll give it a try :) I guess I´ll just have to concentrate on the gameplay, which so far never managed to disapoint me.

Be warned though, the soul system has been added onto. In other words you have to make weapons using the souls you collect and this drags the game on in a way that ruins the flow.

This sounds suspiciously like Curse of Darkness´ forging system. oO
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Claimh Solais on January 01, 2012, 08:32:11 PM
Adding onto the expanded soul system, they also made it to where it isn't useless getting multiple copies of the same soul. Getting multiples strengthens the soul.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: darkwzrd4 on January 01, 2012, 08:35:20 PM
Thanks for the replies. You´ve convinced me; I´ll give it a try :) I guess I´ll just have to concentrate on the gameplay, which so far never managed to disapoint me.

This sounds suspiciously like Curse of Darkness´ forging system. oO
It's worse.  In CoD, you simply used materials dropped by enemies and found lying around.  That's fine.  It's what there meant for and they don't do anything else.  In DoS, you use the souls you have spent time grinding for.  Plus, each of the really good weapons require a boss soul and if you use one, you can't get the chaos ring unless you beat the game without it and do a new game plus.

I say to stay away from the game.  It's just a waste of time and is inferior to AoS.  DoS should have never been made as it is.  It was just an excuse to use Soma and the soul system again.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Gecko on January 02, 2012, 12:54:32 AM
So, is it worth for me? Or should I continue to ignore DoS?


You should buy it, and play the hell out of it. Soma's gameplay is drastically improved, Julius mode is Incredible, and the levels are fun.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: shelverton. on January 02, 2012, 05:45:16 AM
DoS is still the best Metroidvania since SotN in my opinion. I don't remember much of the story because it's not why I play videogames. I can never understand how people judge an entire game based on if they like the story or not, which people do A LOT. I think the story in DoS is not better nor worse than in any other CV, AoS included.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: VladCT on January 02, 2012, 06:34:06 AM
Word of advice: Do NOT play this game on an emulator!
Seriously, the more complicated magic seals that are already annoying enough with a stylus become almost hellish with a mouse. That, or I may have bad motor skills. :-X
Oh, and while we're on the topic of DoS, has anyone managed to hack and fix the blood color? The orange blood is starting to become an eyesore.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Chernabogue on January 02, 2012, 10:02:03 AM
Give it a chance. It is still a fun game to play, even if the story is inferior to AoS.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Pemburu Vampir on January 02, 2012, 12:19:54 PM
Oh, and while we're on the topic of DoS, has anyone managed to hack and fix the blood color? The orange blood is starting to become an eyesore.

That and the resized Alucard sprites are annoying too.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Sumac on January 02, 2012, 01:07:28 PM
Story - is one of the worst and unCastlevaniash in the series. Comparing to that LOS feels like a proper CV.

Graphics are beatiful and gameplay is very solid.

Locations are bland, bosses - not bad, but nothing special.
Music is bland.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: VladCT on January 02, 2012, 01:14:47 PM
That and the resized Alucard sprites are annoying too.
Problem is, if we're going to restore his original size, then we'll have to resize his hitbox as well, and saying that the process will be complicated would be quite an understatement. Then again, I have no experience in hacking, so who knows?

...bosses - not bad, but nothing special.

Hey, Zephyr was pretty good for some kicks if you happen to be a fan (or have some knowledge) of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventures series.
Shame that he didn't drop steamrollers. :-X
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Flame on January 02, 2012, 03:11:30 PM
Music isnt all that great either, and its sad that a DS game cannot top a GBA soundtrack. (Aria's is still vastly superior to DoS's) But there are a few that stand out here or there, the Chapel theme, Condemned Tower, Bloody Tears... And even the clocktower theme is starting to grow on me.

Play the game, and play Julius mode. Julius mode is great. Though it could be better. (there is no excuse for Julius' sprite having a solid black outline) And It's great to finally get the Neo Dracula battle against Soma.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on January 02, 2012, 03:42:14 PM


Play the game, and play Julius mode. Julius mode is great. Though it could be better. (there is no excuse for Julius' sprite having a solid black outline) And It's great to finally get the Neo Dracula battle against Soma.

Yea julius mode is definitely one of the best things about this game.

Its actually the only CV games (that I know of) that actually gave a story to the unlockable characters game mode.

usually games like symphony and Lament of Innocence, for example, just let you play as the unlockable characters with no story to it at all.

Julius mode actually offers some story such as when you meet Alucard and Yoko and also when you finally find Soma/dracula for the final battle.

Its not much but it was something that the others neglected to do.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: PFG9000 on January 02, 2012, 03:47:37 PM
You should absolutely buy it and play the hell out of it.  The story isn't great, but it's no worse than most Castlevanias.  Who ever got into Castlevania for the stories anyway?  I always thought the fanbase largely agreed that Story just isn't there in the series.  Castlevania's always been about gameplay and atmosphere, and DoS has that down pretty well (moreso in gameplay than atmosphere, but certain areas have pretty nice atmosphere). 

In my opinion, Dawn is worth playing for the boss fights alone.  Two of them are especially memorable, and one of them is just about the best, most inventive boss fight in the CV series. 
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: crisis on January 02, 2012, 10:16:12 PM
In Reply To #17,

Actoulee, Poltlait of Ruin's "Sisters Mode" serves as a prequel with some dialogue segments (particularly with Blauner)
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Archangel on January 03, 2012, 08:07:40 PM
Okay, I´ve managed to play DoS. A friend of mine knows a friend who was kind enough to lend it to me :)
I´ve completed the Story Mode just now.

So yeah, it was very entertaining. And it was nice to see some familiar bosses I´ve encountered in PoR Nest of Evil. Gameplay simply rocks. But those last two magic seals are really tricky to pull off if you don´t practice enough (thank god you have the chance to practice them!).

Well, I don´t know what to think right now about DoS. It´s a good game with some nice details, like snow falling off from cars, or those secret monsters.... but I can see where guys like darkwiz4rd are coming from. The story really is kinda bleh, but I´ve expected worse. And the drop rate for souls can be hellish.

So, as you can see, I´ve mixed feelings right now. I´m wondering how Julius Mode will turn out...
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Flame on January 03, 2012, 08:44:48 PM
Julius mode has Bloody Tears. One of the best renditions of. That's all you need.

I WILL say, the difficulty seems a bit unbalanced at times, since the levels are made for Soma, and the magic meter runs out quickly, but its no biggie.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Charlotte-nyo:3 on January 06, 2012, 08:46:12 PM
All I'm saying is, give peace DoS a chance!
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Successor The Cruel on January 07, 2012, 11:36:39 AM
I'm not a fan, and Dawn of Sorrow is a game that I would not recommend to someone else.

It pretty much bastardizes the characters of Aria of Sorrow. I have an emotional investment in those characters, so that's not something I'm going to turn the other cheek to. The atmosphere is way off, and that goes along with bastardizing the characters. The general anime trope-ish deal permeates the entire game. The graphics are actually not that nice to me. There are some stunning areas, but they are rare, and most of the graphics bleed laziness. The new sprites do not gel with the reused Symphony of the Night/Rondo of Blood sprites at all. The differences between the styles are actually pretty jarring. The Tactical Soul System is surprisingly worse, as it's become way too grind heavy. The music is mostly boring, empty jingles.

The good things are that the boss fights are really cool, the difficulty has been ramped up, and the extra game modes are way better than anything the series has had before in that area.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: e105beta on January 07, 2012, 05:07:44 PM
Okay, I´ve managed to play DoS. A friend of mine knows a friend who was kind enough to lend it to me :)
I´ve completed the Story Mode just now.

So yeah, it was very entertaining. And it was nice to see some familiar bosses I´ve encountered in PoR Nest of Evil. Gameplay simply rocks. But those last two magic seals are really tricky to pull off if you don´t practice enough (thank god you have the chance to practice them!).

Well, I don´t know what to think right now about DoS. It´s a good game with some nice details, like snow falling off from cars, or those secret monsters.... but I can see where guys like darkwiz4rd are coming from. The story really is kinda bleh, but I´ve expected worse. And the drop rate for souls can be hellish.

So, as you can see, I´ve mixed feelings right now. I´m wondering how Julius Mode will turn out...

How long did it take you to get a Great Axe soul? Just curious.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Archangel on January 07, 2012, 07:33:51 PM
I´m not sure, but at least 3 hours.

But the real pain began when I tried to get a Final Guard soul. Even with a maxed out ghost dancer to increase my luck I´ve kept on killing them half a day. It was ridiculous.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: e105beta on January 07, 2012, 08:56:32 PM
Oh word, I forgot about the Final Guard soul. Didn't help that they took forever to kill until you got the Kasier Knuckles.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Odile Kuronuma on January 07, 2012, 09:20:08 PM
Yeah you should give it a chance...to see how bad it is compared to AoS.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Lumi Kløvstad on January 13, 2012, 09:32:47 PM
Julius Mode is worth suffering through the story to get to. Best extra mode in Castlevania history.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Archangel on April 15, 2012, 08:37:10 PM
Finally beat Julius Mode :D

It was awesome! It was a nice tribute to CV3. Oh, and after beating Paraonia... it was so awesome to discover that Alucard is the only one to not have a reflection in the mirror!

Yeah, I know, this is kinda offtopic, but I recently finished CV1, too! Then I thought: if I can beat this hell of a game, then I should be able to kill Aguni, too. Seriously, I died so often because of this guy.... man.

J-Mode really added to the experience. Really nice. :)
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: X on April 15, 2012, 09:20:25 PM
Quote
It was awesome! It was a nice tribute to CV3. Oh, and after beating Paraonia... it was so awesome to discover that Alucard is the only one to not have a reflection in the mirror!

You'd think Alucard would have a reflection. He's only half vampire and his human side is strong enough to resist the darkness. He reminds me of Louie from interview with the vampire. An immortal with a mortal's passion. Louie can see his reflection in the mirror even though he is a full-on vampire while other vampires cannot. So why not Alucard? He's got more humanity the Louie ever will thus we should be able to see his reflection in a mirror.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Flame on April 16, 2012, 04:23:34 AM
Because it's Castlevania, not Interview with a Vampire.

Alucard inherits vampiric Traits from his father, but having a human Mother, Not all of the weaknesses. (I think? Castlevania made him weak to water and holy element weapons)

he inherits immortality and bloodlust, along with the magic powers and the lack of a reflection.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: X on April 16, 2012, 05:44:31 AM
Quote
Because it's Castlevania, not Interview with a Vampire.

This was already obvious to me, however it still doesn't pan out. Alucard should have some sort of visible reflection due to him being half human. His human side would be visible in a mirror, no question about it. Alucard isn't of the undead or he would be a full-blooded vampire. In fact, aside from being known as a 'Dhampyre' I have absolutely no idea as to what Alucard (or D for that matter) would be classified under. Half human means he's alive in some form or another and not fully undead...so what is he then? The whole notion of vampires casting no reflection harks to the film 'Nosferatu' as well as burning up in sunlight. In the original Dracula novel there were none of these more recent inconsistencies, though now they are common place. In the movie Bram Stoker's Dracula, Dracula's reflection caused the mirror in Harker's room to crack, but before that we could see a brief glimpse of him just prior to the break. Therefore in my reasoning, Alucard should be able to see himself in a mirror. But back to the topic before it goes astray.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Flame on April 16, 2012, 06:14:01 PM
Again, Castlevania's in universe rule state that Alucard doesnt have a reflection. that's that.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Las on April 16, 2012, 06:22:44 PM
BTW Dawn of Sorrow,yes i would give that a go. I haven't finished it but what i played of it so far was very awesome and challenging.More so that Order of Ecclesia. It's ironic just by looking at the games i woulda thought Portrain of Ruin woulda been my favortie,followed by OoE, then DoS. But playing through it's actually quite the opposite thus far. I'd have to play through DoS to know for certain. But then again i can speak on behalf of only the starting rotation for those games and not the unlockables.   Also about Alucard i was under the assumption that a dhamphir is part human/part vampire. So he has traits of both his mother and father. IT almost seems in the game espeically sotn when using things that refer to his human form weapons,moves etc seem rather weak in comparison to humans, but his vampircal side that host moves such as soul steal,bat,wolf seem to give him far more advantages and stronger aswell. WHich may explain why that story of Sonia belmont beating him happened or trevor during cv3. Then again they use the vampire killer so that's almost like an advantage right there.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Green Stranger on April 17, 2012, 01:15:32 AM
DoS it's worth checking out if you're a hardcore CV fan....I guess. However it does feel a bit light in contrast to AoS. Castlevania isn't typically a high adrenaline game series but DoS is just down right sedated. I still haven't even finished this game. Thats how unengaging it is.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Lumi Kløvstad on April 17, 2012, 04:06:35 AM
Use an action replay to unlock Julius mode right off the bat, and then just stick to that. Julius mode is worth the price of purchase. Enjoy it.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Puwexil on April 17, 2012, 08:47:08 AM
People keep saying Julius mode is great, but I can't really agree. All it does is highlight the general emptiness and sterility of the game's areas, considering that's all that's left to rely on without the fussy minutiae of Soma's myriad sub-systems and RPG equipment rumba. No illusion of player progression to distract you from how mundane it all is, so you're left with a boring Metrovania masquerading as a traditional title, with mismatched controls, mechanics and level design that are the solid core of those games when they're successful. It simply doesn't do well in anything, unless you're the sort whose heart goes aflutter at the prospect of tame fan service.

Maybe if it was just a boss rush, since that's all Dawn is good for anyway.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Archangel on April 17, 2012, 08:48:24 AM
It´s amazing how everyone seems to ignore the fact I´ve already played the game :P But yeah, thanks thanks for caring ^^

I´ve played through the main game again...while wasn´t sure what to think of it the first time, I´ve now come to like it. :D Yeah, some parts may be silly... but who cares, the game is fun! And this game made me use the doppelganger soul pretty effectively, while in AoS I usally tend to ignore it.

To be honest, there´s something about the story I don´t get:

(click to show/hide)


Oh yeah, another thing: I thought it was strange to have an underground hallway in Celias Castle... but then I had an idea! I like to think that they (Celias cult) didn´t build this castle randomly in the middle of nowhere... what if they build it on top of one of the ruins of Castlevania? Remember, everytime the castle collapsed, there were some ruins... so, over the centuries, that what was left of that hallway went underground.... I know, I´, putting too much thought into this... but I like that idea.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: X on April 17, 2012, 02:53:47 PM
Quote
Oh yeah, another thing: I thought it was strange to have an underground hallway in Celias Castle... but then I had an idea! I like to think that they (Celias cult) didn´t build this castle randomly in the middle of nowhere... what if they build it on top of one of the ruins of Castlevania? Remember, everytime the castle collapsed, there were some ruins... so, over the centuries, that what was left of that hallway went underground.... I know, I´, putting too much thought into this... but I like that idea.

This is an interesting concept and I too find it mind teasing. However I don't think DoS takes place in Romania. The game designers could've simply put in that particular area as more for nostalgic/throwback reasons. It's hard to say really. And I don't feel you're wrong on your understanding of AoS's Chaos battle either.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: DoctaMario on April 17, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
People keep saying Julius mode is great, but I can't really agree. All it does is highlight the general emptiness and sterility of the game's areas, considering that's all that's left to rely on without the fussy minutiae of Soma's myriad sub-systems and RPG equipment rumba. No illusion of player progression to distract you from how mundane it all is, so you're left with a boring Metrovania masquerading as a traditional title, with mismatched controls, mechanics and level design that are the solid core of those games when they're successful. It simply doesn't do well in anything, unless you're the sort whose heart goes aflutter at the prospect of tame fan service.

Maybe if it was just a boss rush, since that's all Dawn is good for anyway.

Agreed. I played to near the end of J Mode, but it was fun for about half an hour and then I began slogging thru it just to say I did. Richiter mode in PoR was more fun to me.

With that said, DoS is a game I really liked at first, but then liked less and less each time I played it again. The Sorrow games aren't among my favorites in the series to begin with (atmosphere in them just doesn't feel right to me), but Aria is well designed enough to get a pass. Dawn just seems to drag.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Jbetbrice on April 18, 2012, 08:32:00 AM
Yes ! This is A Metroid-Vania Game , like SoTN , But he is Good !
This don't arrive to SotN Magnificanse , but it's a good Cv game ! Like all On Ds
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: knightmere on April 20, 2012, 12:21:53 AM
BTW Dawn of Sorrow,yes i would give that a go. I haven't finished it but what i played of it so far was very awesome and challenging.More so that Order of Ecclesia. It's ironic just by looking at the games i woulda thought Portrain of Ruin woulda been my favortie,followed by OoE, then DoS. But playing through it's actually quite the opposite thus far. I'd have to play through DoS to know for certain. But then again i can speak on behalf of only the starting rotation for those games and not the unlockables.   Also about Alucard i was under the assumption that a dhamphir is part human/part vampire. So he has traits of both his mother and father. IT almost seems in the game espeically sotn when using things that refer to his human form weapons,moves etc seem rather weak in comparison to humans, but his vampircal side that host moves such as soul steal,bat,wolf seem to give him far more advantages and stronger aswell. WHich may explain why that story of Sonia belmont beating him happened or trevor during cv3. Then again they use the vampire killer so that's almost like an advantage right there.
DoS is actually easy as hell and no where near as difficult as OoE.
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Flame on April 23, 2012, 02:58:11 PM
AoS Julius mode has a superior Julius I would say. he is ridiculously watered down in DoS, with nothing to compensate for it other than Yoko and Alucard. Yoko I never found too useful, and Alucard... eh, he doesnt feel as great as he should. Julius is really the strongest one there. Also, in julius mode, once you get to the later bosses, like Death, it gets ridiculously tough for no reason.

But DoS Julius mode shines over AoS in that it actually has a story and functions as an alternate scenario that takes place AFTER Soma's bad ending. in AoS it was just replacing Soma with Julius and raping everything in your way. Though it was worth it to hear Heart of Fire instead of the Castle Corridor theme. (which was instead moved to the clocktower for some reason...)
Title: Re: Should I give DoS a chance?
Post by: Fofa on April 26, 2012, 03:59:33 AM
AoS Julius mode has a superior Julius I would say. he is ridiculously watered down in DoS, with nothing to compensate for it other than Yoko and Alucard. Yoko I never found too useful, and Alucard... eh, he doesnt feel as great as he should. Julius is really the strongest one there. Also, in julius mode, once you get to the later bosses, like Death, it gets ridiculously tough for no reason.

But DoS Julius mode shines over AoS in that it actually has a story and functions as an alternate scenario that takes place AFTER Soma's bad ending. in AoS it was just replacing Soma with Julius and raping everything in your way. Though it was worth it to hear Heart of Fire instead of the Castle Corridor theme. (which was instead moved to the clocktower for some reason...)

When I read that, I can't help by wonder why they didn't just re-release AoS on the DS instead of DoS (DoS's story was akin to a typical direct-to-video sequel), only with minimal updates (mainly graphics) to AoS and have Julius mode be just like how it was DoS.