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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: The Great Reviewer on May 30, 2013, 03:47:52 AM
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Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars.
He was about to close the trilogy Blue Nintendo, and with understandable suspicion, everyone expected a fiasco from Konami, and knowing that they would repeat the worn formula MetroVania. But as they always tend to follow the illogic once again surprised us, and gave us the best game available to date: Aria of Sorrow.
In this game embody Soma Cruz, a kind of 2D Cornell, and we must defeat the master of evil, which surprisingly (and thankfully) no longer Dracula. From this time, announce Iga, all portable titles count with Count's absence grateful (although in the future they would manage to make it to include under dubious circumstances). Castlevania last counted in a 2D game designer services Ayami Kojima for their characters, and the design was almost at the height of his best work: SotN. In the future, it would pass to a more Rondo (although Ayami back in 2007 for PSP Dracula X Chronicles, Castlevania always proving that in all return).
The graphics may not be impressive as HoD, but the levels are very varied, excellent and have the best atmosphere that had a title in the series in its history.
The sound is very good and the music again wildcard by Yamane, is as expected.
The gameplay is the height of Maria RoB so fluid and dynamic, and the system of collection of souls is totally addictive.
The story is very good and has (in one of its end) the most exciting time that the series (which never was characterized by this) we knew how to give.
The characters, regardless of their design, are typical. The presentation and packaging are as always was with all games in the series (good and bad): excellent.
And best of all, beyond catching graphics, the best climate issues has been heard, good characters and an ending epic and exciting, it's fun. Rarely was a game as addictive as Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and that's why, as happens with other consoles (PC Engine, Nintendo 64, X68000, PSX, and Nintendo DS in the future), we have here a game series is the best of your console.
Obviously recommend this game with all my senses, and I wish Konami products always give us this level, proving that when they want to think and work as they should be doing.
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Castlevania Adventure: 1 star out of 4 stars
Fulfilling the obligation to transfer all title eighties NES to Game Boy, Konami did what each company did in those days: A black and white version almost unplayable even compared to its lackluster original game pales almost to disappear.
With the exception of music, the ridiculously titled Castlevania Adventure offered only good music and in other respects was almost nil. Ignoring the familiar and hated the sound chip prehistoric Game Boy, subjects fail to build a respectful atmosphere, and they work even better when played away from the monochromatic and flat screen laptop ocher primitive.
The graphics, sound effects and gameplay were not even at the height of the forgotten consolita, and therefore the fun was almost nil, since we are dealing here with the most difficult title in the saga and the most difficult he had ever both a laptop. Endless fields of precipices, pinches who persecute us, monsters random with multiple attacks, an energy bar that is over nothing and a single attack possible, locate this game with Dragon's Lair NES in category "Play hard to be bad fact be the main character and a total useless ".
Therefore, I do not recommend this game for anything, unless you have to choose between this and Castlevania Legends, which is the only thing salvageable Sonia appearance.
As a curiosity, look at how a cross in the ratings.
A then forget this game and all its consequences, that Castlevania had no decent portable versions until well into the new millennium.
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Castlevania: 3 stars out of 5 stars
Castlevania was a classic. How to deny it? Impossible to forget those long nights where we tried to decipher childhood full plays for a particular section or for a boss.
However, the fact that it is a classic does not make it a great game. It marked the beginning of one of the finest and most important sagas in the history of video games, is true. But being the best in the realm of mediocrity does not guarantee anything.
The graphs (in terms of aesthetics) were shocking for its time, but technically not dazzled. Moreover, to be detailed several flaws and bugs.
The music had a lot of melody to what used, and eventually worked, but only served to start dialing a trend that the saga would obey to the utmost to reach its greatest exponent in Curse of Darkness PlayStation 2: no nothing to do with the levels. With a mix of cumbia and who knows what, the soundtrack managed to get among the chosen gold around gamer, but at the time to see if he was well composed, the answer is no. And the final answer to why this rare blend, only takes the unknown and unknown James Banana, author of the same. If by chance someone finds it would be good if you ask.
The sound, accompanying music, rare, and accompanying graphics, is full of defects. Some of them, like the bottle to explode, are laughable.
The gameplay follows the same path that human history is nil. Only a coup, only forward or backward, and the fact going backwards every time we hit, steering make this game one of the worst in the history of the NES, and why not video games. Inexplicably, over the years improve many things in the series, but not this. Another flaw that the saga would take as his own style and also his days remain until sixth generation.
Rate the characters is practically impossible, since there is only one hero and is very poor. And if you have to take into account the villains, the rating would drop even more. Beginning with the lack of logic that would never leave the headlines, faced with the Twins Mummy, Frankenstein (and his monkey), the Medusa (which is a kind of giant head), Death (who dies) and Dracula (which turns into a giant monster, detail that over the years would become more and more exaggerated).
In short, there is no denying that this game has been fun in their day, even if for the wrong reasons. But ... is it a classic? ... other. Is it a good game? ... no. Is it advisable? ... it was in his days, while today it is undoubtedly better to keep the memory of the blissful ignorance of childhood to relive to realize worthless.
The game was later ported to several platforms, each of these versions (PC, Commodore 64, Arcade, Amiga, Master System) more horrific than the last, standing in its ugliness the Commodore 64. Special mention Master System version, which although a little better sound made the game unplayable than it was, having to get dozens of small keys to advance at intervals incredibly short, deforming the levels to the point of they were unrecognizable. This latest version added a level to the game, which fulfilled the same role that years later would meet the levels added to the Sega Saturn version of Symphony of the Night: only served to make fun of it.
Long live Castlevania, and his series of inconsistencies and flaws!.
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Castlevania II: Simon's Quest: 2,5 stars out of 5 stars
For some reason, Konami decided to change from white to black for the sequel of their most popular. Without apparent reason or explanation, Castlevania went from being a platform game unplayable to a kind of RPG indecipherable. No graphical improvements, with the same gameplay unclean, again with a single character and with exactly the same set of sound in the first game, the company began to demonstrate that accompany laziness through decades of Castlevania titles and never leave.
At least there was one thing that would chart on here yet saga was not present: the total lack of creativity.
Without making use of plagiarism later would not hesitate a second to use when releasing a new title, this time Konami, incredibly, had a good idea: A 2D RPG, mixed with action, which no one had done so times. And it is this that gives good final score of the game. This, and nothing else.
Yes, I'd be lying if I said I caught the atmosphere, but the problem is that the old and primitive NES was not able to process such a long game with graphics like this I had, that despite being flat and repetitive were terribly heavy size.
The result of not measuring how to make a game that resulted in all levels are basically the same, and that in order to make the game even longer, the fact long story involved a series of problems, prominent among them the torture of trying decipher the riddles.
Ridiculous Examples abound: spend two hours throwing water on each block to try to find a piece of paper, spend another four hours crouching five seconds in each sector to see if anything happened, or crossing the same lake forty times each time using a different garment to see if the destination we took the boat changed.
All this made it to the end of the game was a utopian task that until there was a guide years later thanks to the blessed Internet (in Japan was at the time, but not here at the end of the world).
There is one more thing that gives good score the game: music. For the first time a soundtrack worth listening separately, and incredibly one that was perfectly suited to the levels. As a counterpoint, the issues are very similar to each other and very few (as levels).
It would have been a great experience if I had known the game when it came out, and now my words would not be the same. Unfortunately first met Castlevania: Dracula's Shadow, a wonderful Castlevania II clone PC infinitely improving all the shortcomings of the game and adds a host of new sensations in every way possible.
As a result, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest I felt flat, short and impossible to finish without a walkthrough. And while I know that this is a partial position, I can not do anything to change it, because I can not erase from my memory the unforgettable memories of Dracula's Shadow. Therefore, I do not recommend this game at all. Instead of playing Castlevania II, go and get Dracula's Shadow, the game shows the idea did Konami but well executed by someone more capable.
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Castlevania: Legends: 0,5 stars out of 5 stars
To end all power with Castlevania trilogy of the worst console in history, could not get anything but the worst Castlevania history.
This attempt to play together and all defects power it once had a game in the series and even some outside too.
With much effort, Konami managed to worsen the graphics and sound that already characterized the previous two Game Boy titles, despite having had several years of development.
Not to mention the gameplay, which holds the title of worst ever, along with the character slower and weaker attack.
In the previous title was the four initial levels, even incoherent to the saga, playable. Here the handling is so horrendous that it is impossible to play this game without Game Genie.
For the first time we can handle someone other than the boring and absurdly glorified Simon Belmont. A good attempt by Konami to bring a female to his series, which unlike what was your goal, failed to take girls to the club of fans of the series, but managed to start some kind of public attract undesirable in this game (you know who I'm talking about), public years later begin to influence decisions regarding the games.
The story is better in some ways and worse in all others. Goes wrong, and when (if we get to the door that leads to Dracula) seems to improve a bit (see Alucard, still fat and bald) utterly ruined when we say at the end that our heroine is pregnant.
To mention something positive (if not) the music is very good. Although in this particular game sound sources are worse than ever (maybe because they left more space to process graphics very poor or the few, repetitive and short levels). Buenos tracks would sound good (some of them) only when Michmede years later would sequence for their games with decent sound.
This is the last game in the series that could reach recommended, and should only be those who want to play all titles in the series, provided they have a Game Genie, a lot of coffee, friends entertain us a bit as we endure the levels, and an emulator to record split states and torture in at least several sessions at the rate of, say, a weekly level. More than that would be too much suffering.
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Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse: 3,5 stars out of 5 stars
Ending initial trilogy Nintendo, and marking another fact that Konami repeated through the years (if possible get three titles for each console popular), came to us all those years ago Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse.
Again inconsistencies were present, because the story of this game takes place just after the second and before the first title.
Sprite Repeating sets of the two previous titles, with the same fx-set for the third time, repeating some tracks from the soundtrack, with a shorter history and always the same gameplay, this title only outperformed its predecessor in laziness.
The graphics were forgivable when the NES was new, but by now Konami ought to have improved somewhat. The music uses the same sound sources, but at least the music library adds new Castlevania great themes, starting simentar bases so far is the only strong point of the series besides aesthetics: the music of their soundtracks.
Supposedly we are again Simon Belmont, although in Castlevania II died and although Dracula revived only every 100 years and that Simon is 35 and facing a third time. On our way to the old toad face we will find some characters (Melissa style of Dracula's Shadow) who will join us in our adventure. A good idea, but would fail to execute well Konami even when in the year 2006 with impunity stole Dracula's Shadow (with its pair Charlotte-Jonathan, equivalent to Michmede up in gameplay and system).
And that's where the story, or lack of it, with a couple of caveats by character not worth mentioning (eg fat and bald Alucard who wants to kill his father, a circus gypsy climb the walls or woman until the hood is removed seems an effeminate man).
The characters are handled all equal and the only difference is the graphic by pressing select. At least attacks each, and special skill Grant, differ somewhat from the rest of the range of possible movements opaque.
As in Castlevania II, there are several end. And like in Castlevania II are all foreseeable boring short and equal.
So yes, the title was mildly amusing, but also very difficult, which took much of the fun.
I recommend this game?? Only children from ten to twelve years, and only compared to its counterpart of Game Boy, Castlevania Legends or its successor Super Nintendo, Super Castlevania IV. Otherwise, no.
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Castlevania Chronicles X68000: 4 stars out of 5 stars
Continuing its tradition of taking the best titles for consoles that nobody has, once Konami took a long, long time, a platform for an old Castlevania: the X68000.
And as always, the result was again a great game that we could play until they decided portearlo a console that everyone has. In this case, the choice was gray Sony.
They say those who played the first title (also available here) which was very good. And the truth is that if it was like this, must be right, because for the years when it came out, here renegábamos with horrible management titles NES, Super NES and, above all, Game Boy.
That is, until there's just pulled Konami PSX worldwide trash, and good games were exclusive to Japan (except for Castlevania: Bloodlines).
Basically it is the same title as always, with the same character, the same gameplay just improved, no history, and with better graphics and sound. But there is one essential difference: it is fun and has climate. For PSX version are included, in addition to the original mode, four modes, all from the same game but with better graphics. And far from lazy, this time the guys at Konami decided to work a little, offering one of the richest level sets of linear Castlevania history.
This, coupled with a killer soundtrack (perhaps one of the best works in the game), Castlevania Chronicles make a title X68000 Playstation highly recommended, not only for those who have never played the original, but also for those who want to relive it with new sensations.
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Castlevania: Circle of the Moon: 2,5 stars out of 5 stars
After the lackluster NES trilogy, the trilogy very poor and disappointing GB duo Super NES, Konami had the easy task of making something better for GBA. Still not known around here the wonders that the saga could Bloodlines except since Castlevania X68000 RoB and had not yet arrived. The ground was ready for with all the desire to dazzle Castlevania. A first Castlevania give us something good on a Nintendo console. We all wanted that. The question is: what did?. Let's see ...
The graphics are just better than the NES, and even at times appear colored Game Boy sprites (and sometimes they are really).
The sound is better than eight years ago, but that as not enough, right?.
The gameplay is as bad as the Game Boy titles, relatively speaking, because you have to run thumb cramp because otherwise the character is slow as Sonia Belmont from Castlevania Legends.
Virtually no history, and although it is infinitely better than the plots of previous titles, came after SotN, and it is inexcusable that is as short and shallow. Carmilla reflections could save her, and the trite theme "friend possessed by an evil force" would have no potential to be tempered because SotN had happened the same and much better.
There is some wealth in a character (Carmilla), but very little variety.
As the only positive point was that music (perhaps the point where less faith had) was very good. One of the best soundtracks to date Sotaro from Toshima, unknown out of some distant cave, which then would not return to work. Either way, the music is good again separately except for some levels, and the best song (Proof of Blood) would not reach its potential until years after the magnificent Michmede remixara it. And also worth mentioning that (although very good) most of the songs are recycled old titles.
Despite the few strengths and many flaws, this would have been a recommended game if not for a small little problem: the difficulty. And it is too high at times, especially in the Coliseum, ruining the fun you could have offered this game and changing it broken buttons.
In short: not a good Castlevania come to a Nintendo console until years later.
So, answering the initial question ... did it?
No.
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Castlevania: Curse of Darkness: 2 stars out of 5 stars
A memorable soundtrack. Nothing more. That could sum up the poor review of forgettable and Curse of Darkness. Maybe add beautiful backgrounds to short, because you can not deny that the game has them. But nothing more. It's like believing that gathering only nice words we can build a good literary composition. Until I can figure out the process since the thought of making this game until it came to the final product. Don Igarashi called his best composer, Michiru Yamane, and asked what music best, better than ever. Then he called his graphic artists and asked them to draw funds most beautiful they have ever drawn. And then all that stuff rejuntó led him to his programmers and told them "Well, now I want to make a game that I have nothing to do with Legacy of Darkness and that seems a lot, no matter how much or what, Devil May Cry. And I want it fast. " The result was as expected: a game that he has achieved the difficult goal of gathering all the mistakes that he once had a game, and also create new ones. That is, playing crap that has nothing.
In the land of the blind the one-eyed is a beggar. In a console where all the games tend to have similar levels all, Curse of Darkness managed to stand by its monotony. And this game is as basic square and there.
You can sum up the experience of this product ahistorical, lacking climate, soul, on the following observation: it's so cute to see him play as play.
Legacy of Darkness was an addictive game that you could not stand, when played by two players, a long time seen him play for another. We always said "Well, give me some, my turn."
Curse of Darkness, that neither the original once had title without repeating any word of another game, replaced that phrase with "Well, I got tired, you Jugá a while, I'm already bored."
If enough funds to see to see what the game has to offer, because they are used textures unimaginative levels where there is zero interaction with the stage and all we can do is kill enemies with a short and uninspired range copied movements to other games, or worse still, to escape the beasts that "adorn" levels to try to score the percentage of map, which was already tired in 2D but in 3D does not have the slightest sense.
Again cut every second, the best PS2 RPG style, with the difference that this RPG game has nothing. In fact, it may be simpler. And as in any other action game console areas are cut every five seconds, here it goes, even when we are supposedly in a forest or a mountain (and we are actually in a square equal to the usual with a background texture that varies by level heading).
Again, no story, which was spared a decade ago but which is now impossible to ignore. It had been in the previous game in PS2, but the end was corrected. Here even that. And that if you have nerves of steel to get to the end, because after mediocre initial seven levels (where for example for the first time we go to a clock tower with no gears, no cliffs, no floors up and down! ... all so flat!) have to endure the lousy three levels where neither end good music there and then that "play" four monsters at all.
It was not enough towers fifty two equal floors where you must kill-kill-kill to infinity. They had to do so the last levels, and therefore the last hours that lasts this aberration, which incidentally are not many, are made as pleasant as lying on a iron maiden.
And the best example of the inconsistency, incoherence, lack of respect, and all that Konami knows always offer us, we started the game on the abandoned castle, and after overcoming a dozen levels, we arrive at Castle Dracula again, now is different and is in good condition. Maybe Hector went around the world and in the course of his travels the castle was redesigned and rebuilt. And last but not least, is the worst castle history. Only one area, all the typical entrance-hall-tower-so we're used to. Room-corridor-room-corridor, and repeated ad infinitum about seventy times, giving weight after the boring and unnecessarily difficult final boss, which is a kind of metrosexual Dracula dyed red. But do not think that everything ends, because there are three bosses before the end tasteless. At least this time there was not so crazy, despicable thing that was present in the Lament.
The only positive thing in the game that you can get to mention forging passes and innocent devils evolution, the most original of the two PlayStation 2 titles, which in any case is an understatement.
I think it goes without saying that under no circumstances recommend CoD where there is fun. Before that, get the OST separately and listen to him, and with that plus a couple of screenshots downloaded from the internet and have seen all that Konami had to offer after years of waiting for a new title.
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Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow: 4 stars out of 5 stars
Never Konami started well on a console that would take more than one title, with the exception of Playstation. It was time to start on the right foot, especially on a Nintendo console, which is always characterized by their frolics children without drama or seriousness.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Game Boy Advance, Aria of Sorrow, in history, such as level design, music and gameplay, aspects that are all improved.
I wonder what this game would have been if he had spent more time and effort.
What went well copied from the prequel, but unfortunately they forgot that history and should have good villains. And is that the "bad" of this title are the worst of the whole saga. The story is practically nonexistent compared to Aria. And the characters, but I like more style designed RoB (anime) are few, no choice and we left feeling that something is missing.
On top, you see that they had to call to Michiru Yamane trouble to compose something decent to them after the mess that made them Masahiko Kimura. Here Konami should have learned that although they love to both staff change all the time, not always good. Luckily the good of Michiru works better than ever when trouble, and offers two tracks that are the best in the history of video games, plus a welcome remix of "cumbia" Haunted Castle Arcade, that although it has nothing to do with the level at which we are presented, sounds great and is taken over.
Thankfully, leave all the bad stuff (poor you feel better) to the beginning of the game (including the use of the stylus forced it was not necessary in the least), and then give way to those who happen to be the best levels of entire history of the series, and why not in general industry. I will not reveal what those levels, but both are blue and have the two best songs.
Rounding, this game, the seventh of eight MetroVanias (counting the two titles Black Sony), fails to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, but despite its flaws, which are quite important, he walks quite close, and is Very fun, addictive, and recommended climate, at least in the second half, which is what leaves us feeling of having enjoyed a high quality product.
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Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance: 3 stars out of 5 stars
After Circle of the Moon pass unnoticed through our hands, we all thought that the genius of Iga and company had exhausted Symphony of the Night. Along with his creativity. And as for the genius, we were not mistaken. But in terms of creativity, only half were successful.
After testing with a ridiculous system of cards that just kept the stupid fashion imposed by Yu-Gi-Oh! and his entourage of clones, Castlevania returned to his roots. In more ways than one. Using the system SotN weapons and equipment, and a story that continues the Castlevania II (or prefieriría say Dracula's Shadow), we finally have the feeling of being in a good Castlevania.
Incredibly, HoD showed us that Nintendo is able to offer a portable console with good graphics. Trying to emulate a consolita SotN as GBA, Konami task was pretty monumental. And unlike what everyone (including them) believed, the result was missed: the graphic level of Harmony of Dissonance is excel-len-te. Same as level design, mapping, texture, processing speed and optimization. Impeccable. A pinturita.
But someone had to pay. And in this case was sound. We are in this game with the worst sound in the series, even worse than the horror trilogy Game Boy. Common sense would have said that a typical soundtrack (epic, dramatic, strong) Castlevania people had come despite PCI inaudible sources. But following his poor judgment, Iga decided to honor the title (or perhaps after the horror of the composer thought the title) and move to a progressive wave tracks where only a connoisseur of music could find meaning. Even I, who pride myself on my knowledge of music, it took me over a year to digest the topics and understand what they wanted to do. Nor do I think of a typical player who suddenly goes from baroque sound always this. I do not want to be misunderstood, the music is good and creates a perfect climate and unique. It's just ... there's something that will not.
Working both in graphics and puffing so much with music, they forgot to take care of the story, so to complete tell, is this: kidnap Lydie, come to the rescue of Death takes her away again, go to another castle and rescued. And the smoked opium Iga and his boys to achieve the soundtrack took effect in history, and then there will be a castle with two layers, where we have three different maps to complete, through rooms once per layer, with three different colors and the worst mess ever in a game map. And the explanation of this, in history Death is given to Nathan, our character, after becoming a dinosaur skeleton class and lose the battle (...).
On the other hand, for the third time we have to endure the friend owned, which added to the formula MetroVania makes the game an experience full of Déjà Vu's.
All point to a bad grade, but despite the chaos (perhaps intentional?) Which is the title, I have to say I enjoyed playing it, and, even with just, I recommend it.
It will not be the best of the series, not even the best of GBA ... But amid many bad titles and copies out, it is always good to give a chance to a game that, although rare motifs, is something different and fresh, at least in part.
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Haunted Castle: 3 stars out of 5 stars
Haunted Castle is the kind of title you are forgiven many mistakes because they take into account several points, namely: was one of the first titles, beats all the titles of 4, 8 and 16 bits that have come to America to Bloodlines exception, and let the best Arcade soundtrack in history.
The graphics, among which stand out the funds, they are very good, even for the time. The sound effects are very bad, even for the time also. The gameplay is the same horrible NES barely improved, and the story is almost nil. We are something like a Belmont, is perhaps Simon, somewhat overweight and dressed as He-Man, who must rescue his girlfriend (the first girl in history Castlevania), who was abducted during the marriage (that scene is very funny) by Count Dracula that looks like something out of a movie from the '40s.
Crossing (thank God) outdoor levels, passing through places like a cemetery that seems taken from The Night of the Living Dead, a forest and a cave, until the castle, which has the best design of it in years. There are some good moments during the game, you can not deny it. But there is also a huge problem: the difficulty. It is impossible to reach beyond the fourth level. For this reason the fun is affected, and we could not know the levels until years later, thanks to the blessing of the emulators could play this game with cheats and so see the part that no one saw without cheating and therefore was made vain: levels 5 and 6 and the end of the game.
The peak point of the game is, without any doubt, the music of the first level, Cross Your Heart, which together with the cumbia that appears later be remixed for Nintendo DS titles two decades in the future, when the existence of portable decent and stop being a dream.
In short, a game Haunted Castle is recommended, at least to play around and as a curiosity, and a history of the series, as it was the only Castlevania arcade (except the horrible and unplayable "VS Castlevania").
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Castlevania: Lament of Innocence: 3,5 stars out of 5 stars
Once Konami did a good 3D game. Since several years of that, and with the missing formula tried to do the same for Playstation 2. But as remembered a couple of things, like interactive levels, good weather somewhere secluded and a good puzzle, they forgot to dozens of them. And the result was none other than a game just good. Neither more nor less. Well, nothing more.
Among the things I remembered, was the music. And copying what was done by a stranger to the poor black Nintendo console, Michiru Yamane did what he does best: what they ask. And his work resulted in a soundtrack that will achieve what is wanted, good climate constructs. But the best parts happen in the scenes and in the final level, so you can say that this soundtrack is halfway between N64 and Curse of Darkness. Not bad, but not defined.
Levels typically alternate between PS2 levels "is supposed to be such a thing" and N64 copied. The first group are pretty bad, and the second are very good, if we forget that they are copying something that was far superior, being the best example autoplagio level 3 Legacy of Darkness, Villa.
The characters try to build a story, and while not bad, are left half way with her. For the first time there was an alternative way where massacred our enemies, but rather not take place until years later we played the Sisters Mode in PoR. Not to mention that the characters to unlock in N64 will easily win here we have poor Joachim.
And back to the inconsistencies that never fail, Joachim supposedly Alucard, who for some reason with swords flying around. The same character PSX majestic, and the same character in the NES and Game Boy was fat and bald, here's a flying ghost. Konami stuff ...
The fun is not absent, but the game quickly turns from fun to boring, is that the areas are cut every second, and levels are generally aware of each other and within the same, terribly repetitive.
As a good thing to mention, meaning that Iga, head of the series at that time, was not yet in love with Devil May Cry, game than Lament of Innocence in all aspects but much less than Legacy of Darkness. This means that the title would come, instead of trying to copy only unsuccessfully Iga would of plagiarism plagiarism. And not just DMC, but God of War, a game that was already beginning to copy the game that concerns us. It would then wannabe was heavy in our beloved saga.
In short, yes. LoI is recommended. Not much, but to know what gave the series in the sixth generation of consoles is better to know this game than the flat and mediocre DMC clone called Curse of Darkness.
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Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
When Konami announced that a Castlevania would be one of the launch titles for the new 64-bit console that would for the first time in 3D, very few will have faith. The deadline for Nintendo got, as with SotN, that play out incomplete. Luckily, Konami decided to finish it anyway and take it back to show what was the final idea, already finished, and incidentally to charge a little more, something they never forget.
It is difficult to describe an incomplete game, so it's best to take the final and only take into account for this review the best of the previous one: the Carrie dress in homage to the beloved Maria Renard.
In many ways, the best example being the management, it went from one game to another from bad to excellent. The same is true of graphics.
But rarely had a 3D game playability as fluid as Carrie or Cornell.
The soundtrack is for the first time an album that does not help much to hear out of the game, but after all the goal is to create a climate soundtrack, and never a Castlevania achieved this by as to the perfeccción. The case completely opposite to what would happen years later with Curse of Darkness.
The graphics are very good, even today, and the level design is es-pec-ta-cu-lar!. Never cut, are crowded totally addictive puzzle are as varied and absorb the player as if in them.
Certainly there are textures and some ideas stolen from a game (Ocarina of Time perhaps ...), and they could have improved some things like transparencies processing, but for every moment of relative laziness rewarding moments are dozens.
The range of characters and the story is the best so far, only compared to SotN, and there are also several emotional moments, and for the first time there is a story of Castlevania certain amount of humor, descontracturar widely welcomed for the rigid structure that seems mandatory in dark aesthetic games and do a little to one side so seriously unnecessary.
As reflected in the scores that adorn this review, it was never a Castlevania as even, and therefore fun and hover final note perfectly.
I wish Konami had not lost the formula that was to make a good 3D game, and so we had avoided the disappointments that were to come.
Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness, by itself, is the best game of the poor catalog of N64, which does not mean much.
And the best 3D action game to date. And that really is saying something.
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Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
It seemed impossible that a game could gather a great story, epic and exciting with touches of humor (as we have here), a soundtrack of the best addition to historical songs create an excellent climate (as we also have here), rich characters and as varied (which includes four beautiful girls like Charlotte, Mary, Stella and Loretta), the best villain ever seen (as Brauner), the best gameplay available in 2D until then (when used at Charlotte), levels well varied, beautiful and immersive and also cut through SotN and AoS unused (at least partially) the already worn formula MetroVania.
But Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin was commissioned to prove otherwise.
There is little to say about this game more than the above, while there is a lot. The graphics are amazing for a DS and the best I have seen on a laptop so far. The soundtrack leaves us speechless, the weather is at times unrivaled, handling is the best I had, with a richness and range of powers and hablidades that seems endless, and the game system applies the familiar formula but maps Luck adds a refreshing breeze refreshing, taking us out of the castle every so through portraits.
As if this were not enough, between quests, spells, secret areas, powers and modes and secondary characters, we find the longest Castlevania history, since we get to play about sixty hours if we want to see everything what the game has to offer.
There is no better summary than a short and subtle, especially when so much stress and so little (if anything at all) to criticize. And is that because only negatives we can mention some sprite recycling a sentence badly acted or lack of a little more depth in the story (which is not not have, because it is the longest and haunting that occurred in the series , comparable to SotN by their magnitudes.)
Yes, it is true that being longer and having intermediate areas between the castle and the exteriors have been the game with a perfect score, but this is explained in the story flawlessly and we must also remember that it is a Nintendo DS, not a PSP.
And now it seems that Konami has taken the way of good games, and unfortunately do not seem to intend to make a sequel to the unique 3D solid (Legacy) they did, you can not help but wonder and wait forward to the day they decide to take, for a seventh generation console, the final Castlevania, the perfect game: a 2D mass maps, quests, dozens of characters, tracks, stories and alternate endings, hundreds of musicians, dozens of levels, and full weeks of play. A kind of Infinite Undiscovery but with Castlevania and 2D. Can you imagine the possibilities?.
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Castlevania: Rondo of Blood: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
Year 1993. The Castlevania series was stagnant in mediocrity, and no one expected that we got a great title that was part of the Olympus of the game. And indeed, it did. At least not here, not at least until the PSP in 2007 received it with open arms.
The console was chosen by Konami PC Engine unknown, unprecedented in our continent.
The game: Rondo of Blood. The holy grail of the series. The lost treasure that everyone wants to own.
With this game, the people responsible for the saga that perdonáramos achieved everything we had done before.
In him we Richter Belmont, but not to panic, that their horrible management will soon be replaced by the excellent and beautiful fluid management doceañera Maria Renard, Richter who must rescue along with three other young again, which constitute part of the story better built before. It is noteworthy that Konami realized historical inconsistencies and linear until then, and therefore decided to build a parallel timeline a little more consistent. With the passage of time would take care of themselves return to destroy it, but at the time the story had no sequels or prequels, thus no flaws or anything taken down. And it was pretty good, with anime cutscenes and everything!
The graphics, in addition to being technically excellent for a console of that time, they have a stunning atmosphere and are as varied between levels. We also have alternative paths, we can retrace our steps, repeat levels, completion percentage of the game, and many other things which at that time brought not a breeze, but a hurricane of fresh air to the almost suffocated saga.
It stands out especially Maria, that unlike the rough and tough characters who until then had included the series, is beautiful, graceful, agile and fast. It also highlights the music, who built the best atmosphere of the entire catalog of the series at that time.
The fun, the hand of the gameplay, is optimal. It remains so today after learning the "wonders" of later generations of consoles.
Concluding: Rondo of Blood is one of the pillars, not only of Castlevania but of the history of video games, with a high creativity that the series would only show when "inspired" in Metroid to build Symphony of the Night, sequel this glorious, classic title.
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Super Castlevania IV: 1,5 stars out of 5 stars
I could not deny that as a child I enjoyed playing Super Castlevania IV, one of my first games Nintendo gray and lilac. But when it is small are ignored and overlooked many things, and now my job is not to tell my experience but to tell the truth, and it is none other than the following: Super Castlevania IV is a bad game, absurdly glorified by fans they do not understand anything.
Technically may have shown a lot of what he could a Super NES, both with his music and sound effects as their graphics. But when assessing impartially, the game completely lacks the atmosphere that a Castlevania deserves levels all look the same and the music is (except for a couple of songs) symphonic sound without meaning.
Aesthetics can not reach an agreement if you want to follow the usual baroque or impose a new full of mud and moisture, and therefore even when we are in the most outrageously virtuous of palaces seems we are walking on the mud.
The almost certain mandatory by Nintendo to Konami to show the capabilities of the machine, achieved the levels do not make sense as a map, and they are full of gadgets that although soprendentes from the technical point of view, are a total bore ( like being hung from a hook fifteen seconds while the tour room) or illogical (like a chandelier that we step while moving and has ten times the size of Simon). Furthermore, there is nothing artistically in this game worth mentioning.
The character is again Simon Belmont, and partly understand why this game tried to be a kind of remake of the first title for NES. And none of that game was improved, with the sole exception of the gameplay, which is noteworthy that for the first time the whip attacks had diagonals and upward.
No history, nor secondary characters, alternate paths, percentages, powers, or anything like that, and for the first time the soundtrack is mediocre, and that "we have to thank" (as he had to thank the first NES game by Vampire Killer) who introduced us to Bloody Tears, whose topic today versions (like Vampire Killer) should be prowling the four.
And again the mandatory entrance, mandatory zombies, Dracula mandatory, whip and mandatory weapons, and a little creativity to bring us moments "unforgettable" as we fight a barn where a horse's head or a mud cave where we face mud men from every blow is duplicated and become smaller (another example of stupid desmotrar the service of the ability of the console, which, incidentally, does not get as terribly slows the game).
Worth mentioning as something good and which needle in a haystack, that the pre-Dracula is the only time of the game where there is some sunshine and we also have a couple of enemies that would be important in future titles.
Super Castlevania IV was the best example of the mediocrity of that may be able Konami when he wants, and even though the planet millions of ignorant people who do not understand music, aesthetics and art to the contrary, is (taking into account the expectation generated, the name, the console and the release year) one of the worst games that were and will be.
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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
As a continuation of that until then was the best game in the series, came in 1997 the best game and best Playstation game ever before: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
No matter which then fans through the years it turned into a kind of altar. Any words of flattery does justice to this game virtually flawless.
Graphically the game was the best I had seen before, and in an era where everyone chose to make a 3D game for a console awful was not able to process, Konami showed that hidden somewhere he had capacity, and dispatched with the best 2D game that no one had done or would ever do.
The levels are very varied, and despite repeat some sprites of old titles and tiny and isolated failures (such as a square moon or the fact that you can skip most of the story through a bug), you can say that they are beautiful end and built in conjunction with the music (perhaps the best work of Michiru Yamane from Bloodlines), the best Castlevania world history.
For the first time the formula was implemented MetroVania percentage mark consisting of maps, obtain new skills to access previously unreachable areas, and so on. All this plus the best playability and handling of the saga (by far) managed to reach the absolute limits fun.
And when it seemed that the game ended ... Boom! Second castle! For the first time in the series a second challenge different from the first.
The story is excellent, and unlike the tragicomic end of games like V. Kiss, possible different endings here are epic and exciting, and no shortage of those who have shed a tear to see leave their lands Alucard last or Maria, already grown up, say goodbye to those who rescued her five years ago from the clutches of Count Dracula.
There is nothing in this game that has been played out before or after the other game than an RPG, and you can only mention the fun of Legacy of Darkness, the soundtracks of Bloodlines and Portrait and excitement of Aria if you want found within the series peaks of excellence as those seen in SotN.
The only negative point is that for lack of time or for reasons that only they understand, never see a full version of this game.
It was unforgivable that did not include Mary (Richter also was eligible, though not in the least amount) as a playable character in the PSX version when Saturn version, much less powerful console (if not bad), yes they did (plus two extra levels and new music), so, in a way, one can say that this game did not get a perfect version to pack for PSP Rondo-Symphony in 2007 (although in this version lacked the two extra levels, of which one is ridiculous and even seems made in jest but another (Cursed Prison) is excellent, as is his track, so its absence is not explained).
In short, if this game does not have perfect score is by small faults and a huge, would be corrected just ten years later.
Today has been a long time, and we played SotN so many times that we can never know what we would have had all sense of complete and perfect game from the beginning. However, one thing is certain: this game was, is and forever will be one of the pillars of the industry, and one of the most magical experiences that can be experienced by a game.
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Castlevania: Bloodlines: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
It was the early '90s, and with the huge disappointment of Super Castlevania IV in tow and only a mediocre console the Genesis being objective of the next game in the series, again we prepared to expect the usual: a bad game with good music.
But Konami had an ace up his sleeve, perhaps the only one they had left as in the era of linear games without a map, and so came to our hands Castlevania: Bloodlines, the best linear game, the best soundtrack of the age of 16 bits and for the first time in our lands as a Castlevania worthy to be recommended, with many pros and only a few cons.
Castlevania: Bloodlines finally introduced new characters, new levels, good sound, special effects that required the most to the console, epic soundtrack and a fun story would hitherto unparalleled.
We can choose here between two characters: Jonathan Morris, first character outside the Belmont, and Eric Lecarde, first character to not use a whip!. The story almost nonexistent, but between the prologue and the ending lackluster (especially the Prologue) managed to far exceed all stories in the series except for Castlevania II: Simon's Quest.
As mentioned happened in game, so bored we left the castle toward outdoor locations, each more beautiful than the last. Beautifully designed, started in the ruins of the castle, the best entry ever made on a Castlevania, and then turn to the most beautiful places in Europe, each level a new country and a new song dramatically beautiful.
And so, as we travel we hear European historical wonders what would work best Michiru Yamane in your life, amazingly composed in just two weeks. Like a good robot that does what you charge, the resulting soundtrack pressure of having so little time was the best, both in-game and to listen apart.
The sound effects do not clash with the dye baroque epic and bathes the game, and not be spectacular are the best that Sega Genesis has had the pleasure of experiencing.
Fun, on the other hand, is the best that Sega offered throughout their catalog, and is only overshadowed by a title in the history of video games until then, title would not get here until the seventh generation: Rondo of Blood.
So it's a first taste to recommend a Castlevania, despite being made for a very capable console. And it is noteworthy that this title would end up being the prequel to the best history Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, the pair being Bloodlines-Portrait to par and even above-Symphony glories as Rondo, Shadow-Harmony and Aria-Dawn.
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Castlevania: Belmont's Revenge: 1,5 stars out of 5 stars
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge was ill-conceived from its title. Simon Belmont Dracula faces for the fifth time in his life, despite having the huge disadvantage of being killed. And in the true end of the NES Castlevania II Simon dies, so it can not be explained as the pale Count rematch. And taking the fact that he is dead, is not took revenge and in Castlevania III and Castlevania NES? And if Dracula (which comes only once a century) and died, why it's back to kill him?. The only explanation I can think of is that Simon Belmont was the only human being besides Methuselah who lived several centuries, and also had several lives.
But forget these minor issues as history and coherence (...) and move on to what matters: the game. Presentation did not lack, and like almost all the titles of the first consoles (with a few exceptions, such as Gargoyle's Quest II), served to sell clay overlaid, as the box, manual and cassette came prints impeccably beautiful artworks . But going to the game itself, and again ignoring the music, which rarely failed in the series and again offers great new tracks to listen separately and away from a whip, Konami here just got a good thing. Something only be repeated years later when Portrait of Ruin beat Dawn of Sorrow (and to some extent also spent on Super NES): a game for a console outsold its predecessor of the same console.
But that does not mean beat the crap Castlevania Adventure is this a good game. In fact, it is also bad. Graphics somewhat better, at least in part are not the same NES colorless. The same sound horrible. The same gameplay only improved in part because the character is slightly (only slightly) less slow (like a turtle remains) and because his attack comes a millimeter millimeter scope further. Again no story (or rather, again there is a very short, unable to interest anyone and total lack of sense), again there is only one character (for the fifth time the same and this was beginning to bore) and fun again absent.
So, to sum up, we have here the best and most fun Game Boy title (except the first Gargoyle's Quest and Megaman), and a game that is not even mediocre. Draw your own conclusions.
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Castlevania: Vampire's Kiss: 2,5 stars out of 5 stars
In his infinite wisdom, and to show that after a crap always can give us another, Konami was proposed in the mid-'90s move the unforgettable and unique in many ways Rondo of Blood to a console unable to process your graphics, levels and characters . And they are so stupid they had to be doing the second level to realize that was a utopia full portearlo. Then they began to decide what to delete, and how could it be any other way, began getting the best of Rondo: Maria Renard. With this misstep abysmal to start the game with the left foot, and the essence of the jewel of the East left behind. Added to this (which ruined the story), an unexplained change anime aesthetics to American comics, fewer subjects in the soundtrack, and gameplay very poor, all along gave us an extremely flat and soulless.
Short, easy, simple, with only one alternative path, the rarely called Vampire's Kiss (only knows why Konami gave him that name) had only one thing better than Rondo: sound (effects and soundtrack). But despite this, the lack of image filters made music that was not without curtailing climate managed to build something sometime.
And to fill the glass, in the form of a joke, Maria is, but only rescued her never to see it. Annette also, in the same way. They appear to have done this to remind us how stupid they are, saying "Hey, look ... Maria is, but you can not use it".
The fact that a minor character that only appears a few seconds of the game the best it practically says it all about the same.
And one more fact that adds to the ridiculous: the Dracula's throne room ... has cliffs and is made up of columns only, no floor!.
In short, a game you can have fun for a day if they never had the joy of playing Rondo of Blood. Otherwise, comparisons are rampant and make this "gem" in something totally expendable and forgettable.
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Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
A great game with all the letters, but a step back for the franchise in several respects.
To begin this review, I want to clarify that my impression was never before known a game so different from what eventually became. For this reason, probably enjoyed the game much more, because I was surprised. I thought he would play a flat game, different than usual, too difficult, with a terrible soundtrack and a femme fatale protagonist ... (Accompanied by a moron with a shotgun)
Nothing further from the reality.
Music and Sound:
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As it happened years ago with Curse of Darkness, I made the mistake of judging a soundtrack to listen to in haste before playing the game. Definitely, this is not Curse of Darkness and Portrait of Ruin, but it is very close to Symphony of the Night. The themes fit perfectly with the levels at which we are presented, and almost all of them use dominant. Many of them also use the DoD, and have many arrangements and tones that give, especially in the key scenes, you have to have: emotion.
There is a general line followed by the soundtrack, which is always there, waiting to take off, creating a very special atmosphere, but within each subject find a part that reminds us that we are listening to the good of Michiru. And it is very difficult to be angry with her, because although several of the themes good game eximio not reach the level at which it usually does, the issues Monastery and the fight vs. Albus (and perhaps the Giant's Dwelling and Mystery Mansion and some scenes) they do or are near the top, and then forgive mistakes that otherwise would have been more noticeable.
I was surprised at the lack of drums and guitars too metal riffs always found, and also very uninspired remix of Tower of Dolls, maybe it was done not by Yamane unknown but for his coworker. As a counterpoint to this failure, there is a very good remix of Riddle (of the bird, Castlevania III), which itself must be of Michiru Yamane. Unfortunately, this issue can not be enjoyed a lot, as it is in Training Hall, tense level for its difficulty, and consequently suffers the same as PoR Troubled Times, that being in Nest of Evil (bloody coliseums that never fail!) tired ends being connected with the tense atmosphere level. Luckily, then can be heard quiet, once the level is history.
Very subtle the Renaissance tone of some subjects to try to tell us that Castlevania has been reborn with a new spirit.
So yes, this is not Michiru Yamane at its best, but it does what is expected of her ... of a rare and for my taste a little bland ... but despite the ups and downs, and mostly gray, meets.
And I assume that low (and many of the middle gray) correspond to the unknown composer hired for this game (and Yuzo Koshiro think that would be the one ...).
Iga should put aside these personal whims and pass unknown as hiring staff changing, and do the best for your saga: Michiru Yamane work only doing exactly what he did always in Castlevania.
As for the sound, this is the typical Castlevania sound-set, but I want to emphasize that the sounds of the bosses are more unbearable each new game. As if it was sickening that there are bosses, as if it were not enough to the difficulty grows with each game, we also have to endure, for the past several games, their voices and sounds insufferable. High time they stopped a little cart with this.
Gameplay, Difficulty and Fun:
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The gameplay of Castlevania has always been increasing, since those cavemen detestable and Belmont, which reached their greatest moment of disgust in both Super Nintendo games, to Maria (thank God that forever changed the gameplay), and all those who followed him (Alucard, Soma, etc..), and 3D characters (of which more fluid and dynamic is Carrie), up to the maximum peak was Charlotte in Portrait of Ruin (which only Rondo Maria of Blood she can compete). Here, at this point, is where the series has taken a small step back. Just a little, tiny step. And it could be just like Shanoa Charlotte, if only they had cloned the system. But in this quest for innovation that engulfed whole Konami to launch this game, decided (in the midst of many changes) that the attack was alternating two buttons instead of only one. This only hinders and confusing at first, and then you get used to, but you will never enjoy the game as we did with the unforgettable Charlotte Aulin. The glyphs, although they are a good system, also lack essential to compete with the deep and very complete system spells Portrait of Ruin. System are comparable to the souls of Aria / Dawn of Sorrow. And a large negative change from the previous game to this was the fact that the system removed two characters.
Among the positives, note that there is no touch screen functionality, so that the stylus (Congratulations!) is not used at all. A wise decision, as in the two previous games console, especially in Dawn of Sorrow, was on more than one occasion by forcing others (this is a mistake that Nintendo tends to repeat to show what they can do their consoles , and which apparently Konami always falls, just remember the unbearable effects of Super Castlevania IV ...).
In short, the gameplay is very good but not the best there was, and pales when compared to its immediate predecessor.
What I felt really good was that we completely take out the castle. This had begun in Portrait of Ruin, because it was sequel to Bloodlines, which was almost entirely outdoors and locations well away from Romania. Here, with the overworld and totally disconnected levels, have gone to the other end. Some may consider it too much, but after playing Añares always the same typical areas, is a good rebirth for the series. As in PoR, would have been nice to include intermediate areas between one level and another, but might have hindered the dynamics. And for those missed by the usual formula, after 16 levels (and 2 alternatives), they have to go to Castle Dracula. And it may seem repetitive at this point, we must recognize that it is one of the best ever.
Turning to the difficulty, is here a huge criticism of the game. Before we begin, I want to make clear that I traveled and I won the game, and although several parts cost me more than I would like, were spent. But the game stopped short of me tired and leave him, as Circle of the Moon, which was ruined by his difficulty ill. There is a line between the difficulty that tests us and makes us try again and again (if Castlevania III) and that takes away the desire to play (if, to mention another thing, Battletoads). Luck in this game can levelear, but even that became more difficult. There are no minotaurs to kill from afar with spells (PoR) or enemies in a room with twin water allow us to rise rapidly equipped with dash-dash-blow-blow (DoS). The enemies to level up is hard, and sometimes we are stuck. And not always a save point nearby. It was never so dense that you level (or as slow). And though I looked, I found no place to make money quickly (PoR also quickly became the minotaurs drop items). We get very little money around, leave expensive items, and almost all enemies have 4 or 5 stars in their drops, so not very fun trying to collect items and then sell. It as an example to say that selling everything that is collected through the game (which of course will not do) would get about 150,000 G, and every Super potion out 24,000.
Levels are not easy. With care you can go by, but it will not ever miss the time when, despite having a very high level, we find a part where a few blows to send us screen "Game Over". And although the levels are not too big a stumbling block, do contribute to the overall feeling that you can never go quiet enjoying the spectacular scenery or background a great song. Always, no matter what level we have, there will be parts that are going to hit. And some enemies (as was The Creature in PoR) are unbearable (for example, the Double Hammer). They can be as tildadores!
Not to mention the bosses of each level ... They taste giving the freaks / nerds who want to be many arenas, narcotics bosses and enemies morons. And more than ever. If that was not enough with the binding of each game arena, here are two!. I wonder why they did not really two levels instead of wasting space, time and effort in these two stupid? Yes, I recognize that the Training Hall is novel: you have to dodge, not to kill. But it was not necessary. Nor was the repetidísima idea is presented in Large Cavern. Areas full of enemies who must kill to proceed, which squared game beat-em-up, which will delight the sick and raise responsible for as many curses and insults in normal players.
And if the arenas were others, and I have no words for the bosses. In itself, I always thought that idiotic bosses are completely dispensable in games. But Castlevania always exceeded. Before they had at least 16 bars of energy, and the fight could last a minute at most. Now, while they beat us, not 16 but 4 or 5 times, we must remove between 4000 and 10000 HP, so the fight can last up to 10 minutes. And considering that every boss should try 3-10 times, is really time that is lost with them.
And most unnerving of all there is the difficulty: the tendency, also increasing with each new game, bosses make their appearance two screens measuring high and we sixfold in size, with some visual effects and sound, a voice monstrous and stupid, and every time you make an attack or say something stupid we are stuck with exageradísimas voices. If you Brauner was annoying with his "Blood Art Technique", not to mention some gems that we see here. Luckily, they also die dramatically, so that somehow we hate them while we fight against them, is satisfied to see, for example, burst the tongs under an elevator full of petty cash. Although under the elevator would have put instead of the crab, the calibration dress street punk who fights like a street fighter Bronx eighties (the giant of Giant's Dwelling).
I recognize that many are very well done, as the giant horse knight dress. But it is still outrageously ridiculous and totally unnecessary.
What is new (and hopefully this does become increasingly common) is the way you have to kill more than one boss (as absorb the Vampire glyph cave, and the first head of the castle).
And I have another plus despite all my criticism of bosses: Iga, for once in his life, he fell to the taradez, Dracula and thankfully not no monster becomes exaggerated and ridiculous. He is simply the Count Dracula, and never becomes a dinosaur (may sound stupid, but we have seen every Dracula through the years ...). And the way it has to be overcome, as well as being inherent in the story, is very good (also excellent way to beat the Barlowe). Is this the definitive Dracula, the best we've had in the series. And this is not saying much, in fact, I was glad the time that Dracula was not present at the games. But it is a small step for the series.
A must MetroVania today, focus on the complexity of their areas, the quests, the mysteries, and set aside these things "head" for nerds. Unfortunately in this regard Order of Ecclesia gave not one but twenty paces negative compared with Portrait of Ruin. Despite having quests much better, the fault is in a difficulty too wild, after all (and with much patience and after many frustrating moments), can be tamed, but it ends up not enjoy the wonderful surroundings leave in which we stood, often ruining the fun potential.
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(continues)
Charts and Scenarios:
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Another aspect of the game that we are facing what one would expect from a Castlevania game. Here there was a significant improvement with respect to Portrait of Ruin from the technical aspect, but often have to leave things out if you are only going to serve to disrupt the game. And is that some funds are (taking into account that is a Nintendo DS and a PSP) technically amazing ... But as the game slows down in the end you end up wishing you were not there. And worst of this aspect is that not only happens with super-produced 3D backgrounds, but sometimes also with effects on bosses, or just heavily loaded areas of enemies.
Leaving aside the technical section boring and turning to art, we must recognize that the scenarios are very beautiful, and full of unforgettable parties that make us feel totally immersed in the charming atmosphere of the game world. This had already happened in many previous games in the series, and there is nothing in them to stand out from its competitors brothers, but it is worth noting the uniformity, as although no complete area stands by itself, the game follows a line and a level never fails, so that we do not ever find during our game against the typical unpleasant level (such as "the refrigerator" Dawn of Sorrow) and dense (as "circus levels" of Portrait of Ruin with maps filled with nooks narcotics).
Best of all the game in the graphic art department goes through the village, reminiscent of Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest NES. And in general, the designs are impeccable and very practical.
As expected (and as with the sounds), lots of recycled sprites from other games, and other modified. The new enemies not contribute too much to the bestiary of Castlevania, although some as Tin Man, and Spectrum 64 who are creative, and others like Werebat at least give it a clever twist to rivals and beaten (in this case, a Succubus) . And there are others that make us think "what were they thinking?" (Eg Draculina ...).
The most noticeable aspect of sprites is that Shanoa is modified Charlotte sprite set. The typical law of least effort from Konami, is spent producing both ridiculous bosses instead of working a little better the main character. And it is not that bad Shanoa, as if retouched Charlotte can not be bad. But it shows that sometimes does not feel like working.
History, People and Presentation:
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Let us begin with the presentation: the typical Castlevania box, with its typical artworks, and the typical trailer with the typical theme Michiru Yamane. Nothing fancy, but it's the first thing that makes us want to have the game, followed by the progress of the soundtrack. The strange thing was that this time forward it much better rather than book it.
The characters are great. The design is not as beautiful as that of Portrait of Ruin, as it was a misstep aesthetics leave encouraged to pass this. But everyone has a story, totally justified, 100% consistent with those of others, all of which contribute directly to our game, and we interact directly in the lives of each of the villagers by the quests, which are the best part of the game and the ones you will love it.
The artworks are somewhat strange at first, but fit perfectly into the historical period in which the story is set. Shanoa, obviously not even close to what it was Charlotte, meets anyway, and thanks to her shy, reserved and subtle, we end up taking you love, and everything that happens really matter. Albus, who begins as a typical villain, luckily not "friend possessed by the power of Dracula". The most exciting aspect of the game is because of him, and the best moments in the history of it as well. A very noble personality and emotional, and the perfect gear for Shanoa, they complement one giving birth to the plot of a Castlevania that can compete with the best so far: the Lament of Innocence. And Albus has the honor of being (along with the quests and story) the only aspect of this game that beats Portrait of Ruin in the comparison (to be compared to Jonathan Morris, obviously). Barlowe may fall into a cliche, but evil characters such Rosenkreuz style of Cyber Team in Akihabara are always welcome. Of course, pales compared to Brauner of Portrait of Ruin, since that reasons had much more accessible to our emotions (save their daughters vampiric possession before it was too late). Within the dialogue during the course of the game, find less humorous and more reflections in PoR, but there are moments of levity, nods to other games in the series, and funny things like hitting cats indoors. The depth of the quests is indescribable, and each of them has a logical argument. Everything happens so subtly, we're playing and doing quests and everything is part of a larger plot, constituted such detail, with such care, that really can not be any criticism of the story. The inclusion of Dracula, even, was not forced as usual, and is explained in detail. The Dominus Glyphs are the backbone on which turns the script, and everything is so well thought out, that there is no scene that left-hook or represents a "plot hole". Until the death of each of the characters who are dying during the game (to Dracula) is consistent with the above.
And of course I can not fail to mention the highlight of the game, that puts it in the Olympus of the videogames elusive: Mystery Mansion play with their great song background, then come with Albus, listen to Shanoa parting words, fight listening him perhaps the best boss theme in the history of the franchise, then know his motives, understand, and say goodbye forever ... Barlowe finally revenge against a totally creative and emotive (going to rescue those who had been forgotten), and culminating with the best entrance to the castle that there was a Castlevania.
Really ... no words to describe what it feels like to experience this segment of Order of Ecclesia. The rest of the game (except the end) is not up to this part from any point of view. But it should not be, and it would have been impossible for him to be.
Replayability and Extras:
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As is usual, it takes many hours to complete the share, meet all the quests, get the end of the game (which is only one here), and many more if we get each glyph, item, weapon, etc.. But that's all part of the first playthrough. When we finished the game, and the excitement of the beautiful ending (that many people will bring more tears) lasts us yet, we are presented, while the data is saved, the classic Castlevania unlockables each. Is everything that falls mature: Boss Rush Mode, Hard Mode, Online Mode, and obviously Albus Mode. And here's one of the biggest criticisms of Order of Ecclesia. Boss Rush mode was always a stupid useless gamer just glad to-head, and online gambling is so unnecessary that neither worth mentioning. Hard Mode is to add more fuel to the fire, and too hard is the normal mode. Now, with the wonderful background has Albus, with its history of tragedy and emotions ... Include? Dialogue was hard to make your way make sense? ... In Dawn of Sorrow played with various characters and had a history (bland indeed, but finally history, and the end was very good). In Portrait of Ruin Sisters we enjoyed Mode, totally innovative gameplay (the only wise use of stylus on a Castlevania) and inherent emotional ending to the story of Charlotte and Jonathan, and if that had been too little, we could play with Axe Armor and delicious Maria Renard from Rondo of Blood (accompanied pig blue). Here, not only the only extra mode is Albus mode and that did not put the slightest history, but there is no villagers in the village, we do not know what it is, because if it was not well could obviate Ecclesia Wygol Village , which only serves to save-point and hearts-filler. But still not reach the lowest point of the game. We started with Albus, do numbers, and think, "Well, are 15 levels ... Ecclesia is not, and must end in the fight against Shanoa, with a little work prequel dialogue ... ". Blunder!
Turns out we comfortable with our weapons, for this world that we know so well (with gameplay very good by the way) ... shooting everything that we wanted ... enjoying the fact explode in two seconds those leaders who hate so much ... etc. ... when at one point we got to the supposed final fight, only to find Konami laziness not only makes us fight a clone, but did not even bother to put Doppleganger (as it did in Lament of Innocence). So then comes the fight against Barlowe, who no longer has the slightest sense, then Dracula's castle. And here ends the walk pleasant and worsening trouble begins. If it was hard the game with Shanoa, nothing prepared us for what lies ahead. Beating Death and the boss of the shadows is a daunting task, and win the fight horse and Dracula is most utopian who has had a video game. It is almost impossible to beat. Almost as impossible as Dragon's Lair Singe NES. So our short gameplay is frustrated by sick difficulty preventing us from continuing.
And to top it all to unlock after that is still burning embers. We must finish Hard Mode with Max Level 1 (yes, sure ... maybe someone in the world does that) to unlock ... yes, another Hard Mode, this time Max Level 255 (what the hell, what is going to be delayed to levelear to 255?).
And the icing on the cake: no boss medals, and to complete the collection you have to beat all the bosses in one playthrough without being touched even once (yes. .. most likely ... would like to know what he smoked Iga as she thought of all this ...).
The mess of the extras in this game is the worst I have done in a Castlevania, except for the lack of Maria as a playable character in Dracula X SNES, and the existence of Super Castlevania IV, which in itself already is an aberration.
Final Comments:
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We are facing another Portrait of Ruin, whether in music, settings, characters and gameplay. But it does have one of the best games in the series and the second best portable game history. The game's plot is excellent, endearing characters, and the game system (overworld, quests) is a tornado of icy air to a franchise that needed renewal and change. The best of the game are the quests, and for this special section in (and described as the climax) that despite the many flaws that Order of Ecclesia had ended up worshiping and consider it one of the best games there. Because despite occasional failure in music, technical defect, the typical lazy Konami, here exposed to the maximum in Albus Mode, and various other things, we feel we are Shanoa, we're in that magical world and We are fighting evil trying to regain our feelings and make sense of our lives. The saga has taken a good path, perhaps too excessive to want to renew both and so suddenly. But if the next game picks up where he left between PoR and OOE and preserves the beauty of this, then maybe, just maybe, we can hope that one day another Castlevania game to compete with the holy grail of the series.
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Castlevania: Order of Shadows: 0,5 stars out of 5 stars
The maximum embarrassment.
It is very difficult to talk about a game when what you have in front of you almost can not be called such. I would like to know what went through the minds of Konami boys when they decided to stamp the sacred name Castlevania in a product. Cell phones used to play Tetris, Puzzle, Quadra Pop .. But they will never serve as many want portable console. And Castlevania needs enough to run ... Obviously, a phone not up to scratch.
But this game is so bad, that neither is playable emulated.
Music and Sound:
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It shows the league that composers of the soundtrack, if so you can call them, are amateurs. They have no idea how to build a theme, or successions of chords ... or anything. By chance, among the five subjects listen through our very short gameplay, there is one that is good. Must be some baroque stolen from a classical composer, it's hard to believe it comes from the same creative and artistic minds delighted us through the four previous levels. Fortunately, the game is so flawed (and his "platform") that we must choose between sound and music, so if you suffer incoherent topics will not have to endure the ridiculous sound effects that seem taken from an electronic game hand held was pre-Atari 2600.
Gameplay, Difficulty and Fun:
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Why detailing something that can be explained simply? Fun is null. The only difficulty is how difficult it is to play by pressing the buttons on something that was not made to play. And the gameplay is very poor, as in all mobile games in history. Not much more to say except some gems as it is almost impossible to jump and paste.
Charts and Scenarios:
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In fact, the graphics are not bad seen in screenshot (are ruined when playing). And it is intended to get us out of the castle, but Iga and took note of this and simply Portrait of Ruin and Order of Ecclesia. We do not need this mini-trash. The enemies are not so badly ripped from other Castlevania, and if they were designed from scratch, not good but worth mentioning the effort. Already knowing how incapable they are all those who were behind this project, this section deserve a pat on the back for trying.
History, People and Presentation:
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Of course, being a mobile game no packaging, box or anything of the sort. The artworks are the worst I have had not just one but a game Castlevania. They are not even anatomically correct. They were made by a fan, definitely. Or for a small child. They serve not as humorous material as fail or cartoons. The characters seem created trouble in five minutes, and the story is almost zero and at any time we care what will happen to unknown Soleiyu Belmont, his two sisters horrendous and ridiculous order shadows.
Replayability and Extras:
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Another area in which no sense to say something. There are no extras at cellular games, and after playing it once no longer want or that we appoint.
Final Comments:
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Another sample of the commercial spirit of Konami, that if you give us a PoR want a CoD or OOE, but when they want we can pull this kind of crap. What you need to do is download it, or buy it, or lower it or talk about it anywhere. So it may be that we can get and never leave one cell Castlevania, and to focus on doing less filling and more little games real games for the series.
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Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles: 2 stars out of 5 stars
When 1993 beat 2007.
As another example of when things get Konami prefer alternatives to new games, came to us this poor package that only thing that matters are the extras, but not the main game. It's been 15 years, despite technological advances, the same company that one day put our hands on a classic gold today was not able to, I say equal it, but even that deserves to carry the same name. In fact, they could not be more extreme comparisons between a great game and one soulless in every way. Rondo of Blood is better than Dracula X Chronicles from ALL view, technical and artistic.
Music and Sound:
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One of the worst aspects of Dracula X Chronicles. Not only are they horribly remixed the original versions, but not even learned to use the rich sound sources PSP to give a good touch to the classics, even from the technical aspect. He could not Dracula X Super Nintendo, and was now even farther PSP to match these great songs full of atmosphere and quality music we hear more than a decade ago in PC-Engine. In addition, the new issues that were made for this version totally lacking in inspiration, even by Michiru Yamane compounds, which is not too keen that the project and only worked for a good check.
Hopefully this ignorant deaf grupejo never have to work in the industry, except for who remixed Posion Mind, as it has some nice touches, so maybe this guy is still time to learn.
As for point one could say that fortunately eliminated aberration "I Am The Wind" at the end of Symphony of the Night, but we would not be talking about the horrifying sound of the game that gives its name to the cartridge but a bonus. To top the lack of professionalism, the sounds of the characters and enemies are lousy, which highlights the fact that Maria transformed a tender and sweet doceañera a stupid girl of about seven years (and it does not sound as if more than that). And above, is badly acted. But it will come back to the subject of the proceedings.
Gameplay, Difficulty and Fun:
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The difficulty in Rondo of Blood was medium / high playing with Richter, and down playing with Maria. Obviously when we could rid the troglodyte we did not want to use it. Nobody wanted to Richter in 1993, and nobody wants it now. But the comparison is necessary. It just happened to be the character Maria better manageable in the history of the franchise to a copy of their original hampered not remotely DOSIL what it was, but as if it were rough and Richter, here is unmanageable. He had always been a mess to play with him, but this time is exceeded. And leaving aside the difficulty and gameplay horrible, we can say that the fun is almost zero, because all the time is impossible to think of as we see the sacrilege of a classic offended by a modern product that does nothing to prove that the more time passes the worse the quality. It appears that there is a mathematical formula that works from 8 bits, where the number of bits is inversely proportional to the quality and variety of its catalog.
Charts and Scenarios:
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It's amazing that none of the aspects to be evaluated in this review can be positive after the great hopes generated by this package, but the graphics are in 2.5 D, a format that will never be used for anything. Vain super-produced, is a total visual chaos just get confused. No missing times when we believe we can step on but we fall because it was background, or background but we think it's actually hit us, or even go so far as to confuse enemies with funds, and vice versa. The technical quality is obvious since we are talking about PSP, but by itself is nothing more than a cold, meaningless data. The characters are all mature version of his beautiful version animesca nineties, and it is noteworthy that the only positive aspect that the graphics had been so ruined by the typical lack of desire to work for Konami: Maria Renard is very beautiful in its 3D version, but instead of seeing the scenes of Rondo reactuadas in its new format, every cutscene lasts between 2 and 4 seconds, and then give way to an irritating artwork and text with background vocals horribly acted. And while we're on the performances, here you have to give credit to Iga and company. Voices from Symphony of the Night and were poorly acted, but here the amateurism is much higher, so the laughs will not wait. In fact, all 3 games are badly bent pack and poorly acted (as shown in the dubbing, suffice to say that Maria Dracula called "the bad man"). Good for KCET!
History, People and Presentation:
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It would not be fair to give credit to this crappy game for a story that was good in his day. Instead, what he did was ruin Dracula X Chronicles as much as possible good story that lay ahead, with a bad game, bad sound, bad gameplay, bad performances and no soul issues. Even the script is different from the original. As for the characters, there is little to say that has not been said already, and the same thing happens with the story: ruined a great group of people turning them into parodies fictitious unintentional. The presentation, to lie, is impeccable as always. The trailer was a little short compared to what we're used to seeing. But a nice unit alone does not make a good game.
And I want to add one more thing about Maria: It is assumed that if 12 years must have already developed body. This in 1,993 people understood it, and was reflected when we met heating in Rondo of Blood. But it is well known that things have changed in this decade and a half, and that ignorance of the people in every way has multiplied a hundred times.
Replayability and Extras:
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The only thing that motivates us to move forward in the game: unlock Symphony of the Night for, after years of waiting, you can play with the beautiful Maria (if not already enjoyed Saturn) and unlock the original game to play ( or relive) the great classic of the franchise: Rondo of Blood, one of the best games in video game history. As a bonus, we also have a remake of Dracula Peke Akumajou.
Final Comments:
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This product has no soul or reason. Instead of this useless effort that just shows incompetence, had taken out a broader package that would include, for example, well translated Rondo, SotN Maria and lost levels here who knows why they decided not to include, and lost Castlevania beta : Resurrection for Dreamcast (which could have ended well, since this console supports it). That itself would have been worth buying a package and treasure. Or one that includes the full version of Legacy of Darkness (which never existed as such since the improved cassette lacked things that were present only in the first version). But we are talking about Konami, and would dream too high to think that they could ever come up with a pack of this quality. Instead, we have to settle for remakes, mobile games, download small for consoles, an arcade style House of the Dead, one pinball pachinko, a clone of Soul Calibur, and amidst so much rubbish, occasionally, give us a taste for classical players and we throw something decent like Order of Ecclesia.
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Crisis says: You could've just made 1 topic with all these reviews put together, you know.
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Problem solved, my friend. You can read and discuss all my reviews on a single topic in the discussion part of Castlevania (24 in total), and the other 6 from other games in the Off Topic.
Abnormal Freak says: Can we get a temp ban for this guy?
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Sorry if I offended you, I am not a bot nor am I promocionándome myself as I have said, I just want to debate with people who know a lot about the series, because that's what I enjoy to be critical, even more than the work itself . The objective and rational discussion.
Flame says: *she* Michiru Yamane is a she.
just had to point that out
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Translator error, my friend. English is not my language, I try to polish but sometimes the translator is simply wrong.
Of course it's a woman, anyone who worships the Castlevania series has to know that.
MontoyaGraphics says: I think you should retire as a game reviewer. Your reviews are pure garbage.
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They do not think the same way in the regional magazine where I've been working for over 15 years now, but you're free to have your opinion if you do not like my reviews. Judging by your name you must speak Spanish, if you want I can post original Spanish versions as they are insurmountable some errors and inconsistencies of translator. I would like to know exactly what parts of my reviews are garbage for you. My best regards.
Rugal says: What the hell is this?
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As I have said on more than one occasion, I am a professional critic and I come to share my work with the community of Castlevania, and to discuss and try to improve myself and clarify any technical questions. I strongly believe that the objectivity of a critic is always useful in a community of fans.
To anyone voting the negative:
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As I said, I would logically discuss certain aspects of meeting rather negative votes that do nothing to address any of the two sides of an opinion.
I wonder what specifically appears to each user, and why some reviews negative vote, stating the reasons.
Negative feedback does not tell me anything and I can not refute or argue about it.
I'm not angry, I just want to exchange views on Castlevania from different points of view and provide the objectivity that sometimes people do not have, and likewise acquire perhaps other points of view to enrich my knowledge.
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Woaw, hold up bro. Did you seriously just give Super Castlevania IV a 2/10?
You're going to have a tough time making friends here...
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Your reviews are still in broken English, so they're very hard to understand. You would be better off leaving them in the original Spanish, so that those Spanish-speakers here could enjoy them, or working with a native English speaker to polish them up so that they can actually be understood in English.
Also, your opinion on Castlevania IV is wrong.
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Super Castlevania IV's actual critical reception. And when I say "actual" I mean by real critics.
Upon Super Castlevania IV's North American release, the game was acclaimed by critics. Nintendo Power gave the game four overall scores of 4.0, 4.0, 4.5 and 4.5 out of 5.[16] Among several items, the magazine cited the game's graphics, music, and action sequences as positives. In 2006, the game was then named by Nintendo Power as the 66th best game made on a Nintendo system. Now it has been ranked 27 according to the last issue.[17] Official Nintendo Magazine placed the game at 56 on their list of the 100 best Nintendo games ever.
And furthermore, if you think that CV4 was weak on music you must be tone deaf. CV4 features some of the most well crafted music that has ever graced a video game. And it won awards for it's score. Perhaps you should take a music class or two if you can't hear the superb composing that went into this game.
And your Castlevania 3 review just made me laugh. To think that you actually played through that whole game thinking you were playing as Simon Belmont. You are embarrassing yourself.
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I think no game has surpassed SCVIV in terms of atmosphere. All the way from the eerie prologue to the serene closing montage. It feels like the whole world around the Castle and its surrounding area disappeared. Like Simon's the only sentient human left. That's how I feel like when I play it.
I don't bite if people criticize SCVIV, but it feels so odd when it's simply such an awesome game.
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SCIV is probably the definitive version of CV1, even better than the original.
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Despite large gaps in difficulty, I can play both SCVIV & Symphony over and over and over and over. It's hard to say which game has better atmosphere. Perhaps Symphony, by just a notch or 2. Peeping Eye in the background of the Marble Gallery. Mouse stuck in between the wooden planks in the Outer Wall. Seagull attending to it's nest at the lookout and flying off. Varying weather conditions. THE LIST GOES ON
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I agree with SotN coming perhaps the closest to SCVIV's atmosphere. But IMO, SCVIV does the "loneliness" better. Also, the soundtrack isn't all over the place like SotN's. SCVIV is like a mute or very laconic gothic movie.
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CV4 had a few of those as well:
-The bats that come out of the Skull-Shaped Cave in the beginnin.
-The growing vines as you proceed through the castle gate fence.
-The treasure chests that would pop coins are you bounced off of them.
-The 'thing under the carpet' in the library that you cannot kill.
-Portrait of Dracula's Mom (sic)
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I just love the things you say A-Yty.
It's true. SCIV was crafted almost like film. It made an artistic statement and left a lasting impression that few games have ever achieved.
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I love SotN to death, and it is arguably my favorite entry in the series. However, I will vote SCVIV as the top of the atmosphere. SOtN comes damn close, and has a greater graphical fidelity, but, SCVIV remains the grittier, dirtier, and all around darker of the two. You get a true sense of desolation in SCVIV.
A large part of this I believe is because of the music. SotN was always more spunky in the music, which don't get me wrong is an excellent top class OST, but in terms of atmosphere building like SCVIV it just doesn't match up. Really though, I do almost feel like this is an apples and oranges comparison since SotN was not trying to be SCVIV. Yamane clearly knows how to slap on the atmosphere if the setting demands it, as we've seen from the Abandoned Mine portion of SotN.
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I won't go into detail into each one of the reviews.
However, there are some things I'd like to point out.
Why (WHY?) so low scores for all the GameBoy Castlevania games?
The fact that they are difficult doesn't mean they are bad.
If you lack the skills to beat them, just don't give it a low score based on that reason.
And Simon's Quest?
There's no reason to this. Simon's Quest is something unique. I agree with Dracula's Shadow, I made a post about that game once, it's brilliant, indeed, but Simon's Quest is also brilliant.
Why a score so poor for Circle of the Moon? And Dracula X for the SNES?
I know they are difficult, but you have to appreciate the quality. Circle of the Moon is a perfect way of mixing ClassicVania and MetroidVania, in my opinion.
And Dracula X for the SNES is very good in its own right. Of course you can't compare it to Rondo, that's logic because one is for PC-Engine, on a CD, and the other one for a 16-bits console, in a cartridge. And of course you can't compare it to SCVIV... which brings me to the final complain about your reviews.
WHY? I mean... WHYY??? you would give 1,5/5 to Super Castlevania IV?
The soundtrack featured some brilliant pieces of music, and though I love Yamane's style, there's no denying the high quality of SCVIV's OST, in terms of composition, arrangements, variety and atmosphere. And let's keep talking about the atmosphere. This game excels on that aspect. Every frame is designed with a heavy gothic and lonely feel, and that's why this game feels unique in the franchise. And the gameplay is just awesome. And talk about being objective... did you see the miracles this game make the SNES perform? Scaling, rotating rooms, interactive and moving backgrounds, 3D effect on the sky...
You may like it or not, but there's no valid point on stating that SCVIV is not brilliant.
A professional critic should know.
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It's obviously a troll, or he's bad at making critics. Not only he gave SCVIV one of the lowest scores, he also gave PoR a better score than LoI AND SCVIV!
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Castlevania: Belmont's Revenge: 1,5 stars out of 5 stars
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge was ill-conceived from its title. Simon Belmont Dracula faces for the fifth time in his life ... [snip] The only explanation I can think of is that Simon Belmont was the only human being besides Methuselah who lived several centuries, and also had several lives.
Eh, wasn't it Christopher Belmont in this game? Not Simon?
So, to sum up, we have here the best and most fun Game Boy title (except the first Gargoyle's Quest and Megaman), and a game that is not even mediocre. Draw your own conclusions.
Cheers. 5/5 it is, then!
Very interesting attempt at comedy, thanks for these, haha!
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Yeah CVA and CVAII are Christopher Belmont, not Simon...
Also
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse: 3,5 stars out of 5 stars
Again inconsistencies were present, because the story of this game takes place just after the second and before the first title.
Sprite Repeating sets of the two previous titles, with the same fx-set for the third time, repeating some tracks from the soundtrack, with a shorter history and always the same gameplay, this title only outperformed its predecessor in laziness.
Uhhhh. What? CVIII is a prequel to the original Castlevania. And being the most advanced in gameplay, graphics, mechanics, and sound how does that make it lazy?
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse: 3,5 stars out of 5 stars
Supposedly we are again Simon Belmont, although in Castlevania II died and although Dracula revived only every 100 years and that Simon is 35 and facing a third time.
Uhhh wrong again, Chummer. For starters, Simon's canonical ending is the one where he survives. And for another thing, we aren't even playing as Simon. Did you even read the game's intro?
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon: 2,5 stars out of 5 stars
After the lackluster NES trilogy
Ok. Fully convinced of trolldom.
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence: 3,5 stars out of 5 stars
This means that the title would come, instead of trying to copy only unsuccessfully Iga would of plagiarism plagiarism. And not just DMC, but God of War, a game
Huh. Lament of Innocence NA release date: October 21, 2003
God of War release date: March 22, 2005.
Soo, a game that came out 2 years before God of War plagiarized God of War, eh?
Castlevania: Bloodlines: 4,5 stars out of 5 stars
and Eric Lecarde, first character to not use a whip!.
Grant, Sypha, and Alucard from Castlevania III say hi!
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Haunted Castle: 3 stars out of 5 stars
Crossing (thank God) outdoor levels, passing through places like a cemetery that seems taken from The Night of the Living Dead, a forest and a cave, until the castle, which has the best design of it in years. There are some good moments during the game, you can not deny it.
Apparently, if the translation is true, Haunted Castle has the best castle design in years! (Ashamed to say, I don't think I made it that far . . . hee hee). But thank god we had to cross outdoor levels first to get there?? Reading these over, some outstanding guff.
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I've been reading with more detail into your posts, and though it's difficult to get through the translation inconsistencies, there are things that I'd like to say.
Previous to that, I'd like to let you know that I would read these reviews in spanish in order to understand them in a better way, and, if it's OK with you, translate them correctly to english.
And now I'm going to answer, with time, game by game, the things that make no sense to me, idiomatic differences apart.
Aria of Sorrow:
was about to close the trilogy Blue Nintendo, and with understandable suspicion, everyone expected a fiasco from Konami
No one expected a fiasco, CotM and HoD were awesome.
the music again wildcard by Yamane, is as expected.
What?...
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Castlevania The Adventure:
A black and white version almost unplayable even compared to its lackluster original game pales almost to disappear.
It's not unplayable. You need good skills in order to beat the GameBoy titles. Nothing more.
fail to build a respectful atmosphere
Totally wrong, GameBoy Castlevania OST's are AWESOME!
locate this game with Dragon's Lair NES in category "Play hard to be bad fact be the main character and a total useless "
Wrong again. Dragon's Lair is way more difficult. I'd like to see you beat the 2 final stages, don't blew it in the final jump of final stage and beat the final boss. I'm not ashamed to say it: I could never do it in the hardest version (the japanese version in easier).
Castlevania had no decent portable versions until well into the new millennium.
:rollseyes:
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Castlevania:
But being the best in the realm of mediocrity does not guarantee anything.
Are you sure you are a Castlevania fan?
With a mix of cumbia and who knows what, the soundtrack managed to get among the chosen gold around gamer, but at the time to see if he was well composed, the answer is no.
I'd say some things about music, but you wouldn't understand them anyway, since it's obvious you never studied musical theory. It's become pretty clear right now, from several things you said.
make this game one of the worst in the history of the NES, and why not video games
...Really?
INSERT "last paragraph full of nonsense" HERE
You definitely don't like Castlevania.
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Simon's Quest:
Ridiculous Examples abound: spend two hours throwing water on each block to try to find a piece of paper, spend another four hours crouching five seconds in each sector to see if anything happened, or crossing the same lake forty times each time using a different garment to see if the destination we took the boat changed.
As a result, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest I felt flat, short and impossible to finish without a walkthrough.
I would have LOL seeing you play this game and having no clue about what to do, hahahaha!!!
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Legends:
A good attempt by Konami to bring a female to his series, which unlike what was your goal, failed to take girls to the club of fans of the series
No they didn't. They didn't fail. They catched me and a lot of girls, and they catched us pretty hard.
Konami managed to worsen the graphics and sound that already characterized the previous two Game Boy titles, despite having had several years of development.
Not to mention the gameplay, which holds the title of worst ever.
So, so wrong. The graphics are one of the best the GameBoy has seen, the soundtrack is great and the gameplay...
...you suck at playing videogames.
It is impossible to play this game without Game Genie.
...
This is the last game in the series that could reach recommended, and should only be those who want to play all titles in the series, provided they have a Game Genie, a lot of coffee, friends entertain us a bit as we endure the levels, and an emulator to record split states and torture in at least several sessions at the rate of, say, a weekly level. More than that would be too much suffering.
THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS!... great reviewer, hahahaha!!!
I'm tired, tomorrow I'll answer some more...
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Despite large gaps in difficulty, I can play both SCVIV & Symphony over and over and over and over. It's hard to say which game has better atmosphere. Perhaps Symphony, by just a notch or 2. Peeping Eye in the background of the Marble Gallery. Mouse stuck in between the wooden planks in the Outer Wall. Seagull attending to it's nest at the lookout and flying off. Varying weather conditions. THE LIST GOES ON
I think CV4 does the best job capturing the more traditional and bleak Universal Monsters/Hammer Horror feel while Symphony is the best game in the Bram Stoker's Dracula/Interview with the Vampire style elegant overly decorated Gothic feel.
The both do their job well, but they were aiming at completely different things. (Although personally I prefer the classic style, each has it's merits.)
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge was ill-conceived from its title. Simon Belmont Dracula faces for the fifth time in his life ... [snip] The only explanation I can think of is that Simon Belmont was the only human being besides Methuselah who lived several centuries, and also had several lives.
Well, obviously he picked up a bunch of extra lives while he was hanging out with Captain N. Don't you know anything about the timeline? :P
make this game one of the worst in the history of the NES,
You obviously know nothing about NES games. As much as I love the system, it had some real stinkers. None of the CVs should even make the top 100 worst NES games list.
May I suggest you change your name to the Mediocre At Best Reviewer?
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@uzo: Yes, I gave him 1.5 out of 10 stars to Super Castlevania 4, no 2 out of 10. In score from 1 to 10 would be a 3 equivalent. I'm not here to make friends, I have many friends in real life, thank you very much. I'm here to offer my objectivity and knowledge of the industry, while gaining knowledge myself and other people's views of Castlevania fan. But always views based on pure objectivity. Not in the passion. It requires a lot critical eye and serenity to see that beyond the technical deployment of Castlevania 4, the game leaves much to be desired.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@PFG9000: I do what I can with the tools I have at hand, sorry, English is not my language. I do not think proper post reviews in Spanish in an international community. English is the universal language par excellence and not let my national pride up to my head.
There are no wrong opinions, they are based on subjectivity, and my "opinion", as you say, of Castlevania 4 is not an opinion, it's a professional review that has been published in a regional magazine for years.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@MontoyaGraphics: I am a critic specializing in digital entertainment, with a university degree. Do not know what you mean by "real critics". And did not study music, but do not need it, I studied critic and that's what I do, objective reviews. Nintendo always going to advertise their products, and in this case, their games consoles. Nothing new. A critical objective an overview without interest involved, and that's what counts.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@A-Yty: Maybe for Castlevania fans it is, but for an objective point of view leaves much to be desired in almost every way possible.
I do not understand why so much trouble in the community, if most of my reviews give positive ratings of Castlevania. Maybe I should get my latest reviews, with high scores, such as Mirror of Fate, which is 5/5.
@Flame: No, it is not. Castlevania for NES game is not as good, but better than Castlevania 4. You must understand that these games have aged a lot and the weather has not been kind to them.
@crises: Symphony of the Night is not exactly the best atmosphere, actually. Maybe for you it is, but there are many better examples within the series for this, as they say.
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@ Odile Kuronuma: Nothing trolo nor bad in reviews. Read my reviews and you'll understand my reasons.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@ The Silverlord: I did a little research. And it is true, was a mistake on my part. I thought all 3 games and 2 Nintendo Game Boy was the hero Simon Belmont.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
And you did not understand my reasoning. It's the best Game Boy game except for those two games, but Game Boy has no game good. To see if you read carefully!
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@ Phoenix7786: Not so the timeline that was provided in the magazine.
Simon himself dies in the end of the second game, maybe you did not get to that end.
I'm sorry you feel that way. Not trolling, NES trilogy was poor. In his time maybe not, but time has been cruel to their games and have aged a lot, and it shows.
Castlevania has always been influenced by God of War and other games, like Metroid. Maybe you're a big fan and can not see it. Try to think with reason and passion block and see. You must be objective.
Eric Lecarde, first main character not to use whip. The others were filling.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@ Pfil: First of all, a little education. I have 38 years and I come to speak with respect.
It has nothing to do with one's ability as a player with the fact that objectivity for my reviews.
Game Boy games are bad. There is no other rational explanation. Personal taste is another story.
Simon Quest is mediocre at best. Never brilliant. Read my review in detail and analyzes dispassionately, objectively what I say.
Circle of the Moon is a terrible console has many errors, and Vampire's Kiss, which is the name by the way actually, your mistake there, Dracula X is the PSP, incidentally, Vampire's Kiss is a port very, very poor of a game for a console than top, but people get carried away by his passion for SNES, for Castlevania. It's the same with other famous franchises and their fans.
And again Castlevania 4, thank you very much, no I do not want a music lesson, I have seen other discussions and do not care. Oscar Araujo much to criticize, for example, and is an artist who has contributed to the best of the series.
As for the "SNES miracles", that does not make a good game, it's just a demonstration of the power of the machine, which today do not bother anyone.
Thank you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
Best educational next times.
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@ The Silverlord: Really, really Haunted Castle has one of the best designed castles in the franchise.
Glad to find a positive comment and a user who liked my review.
Thank you very much.
@ chainsawmidget: I know the timeline, approached me in the magazine, thank you very much.
No suggestion erónea, my friend.
More than 15 years working in a regional magazine and my column is called "The Great Reviewer", and the name was created by the people of the magazine. Must be my analytical skills and my pure objectivity is not left blinded by the feelings and personal tastes. What a critic should be.
And I have 38 years, I've played all kinds of NES games.
Tanques you very much for your answer, anyway.
Best regards.
@ Pfil: Again bad education. Little girl, I do not need personal translator, if I want people who speak English there's where I live, and that is when I do my networking page. Not now.
Aria of Sorrow: Everyone expected a fiasco. Maybe not in your world of fans, but the press Specialized yes, at least for the most part. That's where objectivity analysis.
What: Yamane is a wildcard. Konami used, calls when needed, pays little and then leave it. That was the statement, and perhaps the translator said it wrong.
Adventure: Again talking about the lack of personal ability. I could say the same about your lack of objectivity.
Nobody beats Dragon's Lair. I've seen great players fail. Dozens of them.
Castlevania:'m a fan of Castlevania. But do not let my bigotry get in the way of an analysis based on pure objectivity and academic knowledge.
And again, again, poor education. I do not need music lessons to see the disaster accompanying soundtrack this game.
The final insult. "You suck at playing video games," she says.
I'm tired of this, until the coronilla, do not respond by today, or I will lose my temper, coño!
Best regards.
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@ All: I'm surprised the poor reception given to me. I have come to respect and treated well at all. I have been cordial, helpful, friendly, and have received many votes negative in my reviews, just for being objective. It's a shame. Anyway, thanks for your honest answers. No one is to blame.
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Let's try doing this in a way you'll understand.
Again bad education. Little girl, I do not need personal translator, if I want people who speak English there's where I live, and that is when I do my networking page. Not now.
Realmente, al escribir mensajes está leyendo lo que en este sentido.
Es muy difícil de pronunciar lo que usted está pensando en la actualidad.
That's how many of your posts come across to us. However, since you insist on using English, let's go back to it.
It's obvious from your reviews that you have no idea what you're talking about half the time. You blatantly get the story, major details, and even the main characters names wrong. Further more, you seem to take the stance that anything old automatically sucks. I'm sure if you were to review a classic black and white movie, you'd probably dock it points for not having CG effects and color. You seem to review things based on what they aren't rather than what they are.
You also seem to hide behind your "professional status" and your over use of the word "objective."
What a critic should be.
A critic should be informative, entertaining, accurate, and (here's an important one) should actually speak the language they're reviewing in. You manage to do none of the above.
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Oh right, stupid me. That would be 3. As 1/5 is 2/10 already, 1.5 there by would be 3.
Technicalities aside, I'm not not really sure if this is a troll thread or not after reading your replies. If we want to throw our 'official epenises' around, I could rebuttle with myself being a professional game developer and my objective examination of Super Castlevania IV is a hell of a lot different than yours.
Super Castlevania IV is a game you learn from each time you play it, as a player or a designer. Every time you play it you notice something new. A graphic detail, a special effect, a layer in the music, a design element, a trick; something that was somehow overlooked in all your last playthroughs. So many things were new and unique between levels, only appearing in one segment instead of getting reused to death through the entire adventure. This kept things fresh, and the whole experience a wild unpredictable ride from end to end.
This is the mark of a true classic. If any game deserves an overall gold star as a stand out example of the entire medium, let alone just series or era, this is certainly one of them. Super Castlevania IV is a masterpiece on all levels.
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@The Great Reviewer
Well, at least you're not condescending.
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Sumac's little brother.
Or Skycaptain Steampunk 2.0
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I honestly hate video game journalist with a passion, because most of them don't even bother to sit down and actually 'understand' the game, they just rush through it, trying to find as many flaws as they can, doing the same old shit over and over again. Me personally, if I was a journalist, I would tell my boss to piss off until I was able to fully fathom the game, then give my full 100% honest review.
VG Journalism only destroys the value application of gaming (imo), it is THEIR opinion, not the people's or the very gamer themselves. I've played a lot of games over the years, that have gotten low scores, but you know what? I have fallen in love with these said games (Zone of the Enders, SaGa Frontier are some examples) In my perspective, they only want to either mislead or ass kiss a gaming company, imo.
No review is 100% fair imo.
But to each their own.
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ummm you see I miss about a month and something like this happens I miss out on the good stuff -_-'
I honestly hate video game journalist with a passion, because most of them don't even bother to sit down and actually 'understand' the game, they just rush through it, trying to find as many flaws as they can, doing the same old shit over and over again. Me personally, if I was a journalist, I would tell my boss to piss off until I was able to fully fathom the game, then give my full 100% honest review.
VG Journalism only destroys the value application of gaming (imo), it is THEIR opinion, not the people's or the very gamer themselves. I've played a lot of games over the years, that have gotten low scores, but you know what? I have fallen in love with these said games (Zone of the Enders, SaGa Frontier are some examples) In my perspective, they only want to either mislead or ass kiss a gaming company, imo.
No review is 100% fair imo.
But to each their own.
If it's like ign and mainstream stuff then yeah I understand but shows like Classic Game Room not only give me some information but it also makes me laugh mind you this is inecomcompany not undertow. Mark is awesome.
Also Z.O.E is awesome :)
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@A-Yty: Maybe for Castlevania fans it is, but for an objective point of view leaves much to be desired in almost every way possible.
I'm not thrashing the opinion. SCVIV just feels like the least likely to deserve nergative criticism for much anything. I find it difficult to find anyone who dislikes the game. Even if they don't love it, they think it's at least ok.
I really don't think its fanboyism. SCVIV is often mentioned in many lists of games considered Nintendo's finest and it was critically acclaimed the time it came out.
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Sumac's little brother.
Or Skycaptain Steampunk 2.0
No no no no.......you've got it all wrong, he is from Spain, so he is the cousin of Cox who entered here and he's trying to troll us to the death.
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Cox is Spanish?
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Castlevania has always been influenced by God of War
No; Castlevania Lament of Innocence was released BEFORE God of War. I even posted the release dates.
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I know LoI was influenced by DMC.
Cox is Spanish?
I think he is not. Well, Nemesis mentioned cousin so it could be possible.
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@ Pfil: First of all, a little education. I have 38 years and I come to speak with respect.
I was polite. I even offered myself to translate some of your reviews.
If you took it the wrong way, sorry.
It was you who said you needed Game Genie to beat some games, and it was you who got lost for hours in Simon's Quest without knowing what to do.
I'm just being objective :P
Game Boy games are bad. There is no other rational explanation. Personal taste is another story.
So... ALL GameBoy games are bad. ALL OF THEM?
Reeaally? :rollseyes:
Simon Quest is mediocre at best. Never brilliant. Read my review in detail and analyzes dispassionately, objectively what I say.
OK, whatever.
Circle of the Moon is a terrible console has many errors, and Vampire's Kiss, which is the name by the way actually, your mistake there, Dracula X is the PSP, incidentally, Vampire's Kiss is a port very, very poor of a game for a console than top, but people get carried away by his passion for SNES, for Castlevania. It's the same with other famous franchises and their fans.
No, you are wrong again. Vampire Kiss was the european name, I believe. In the US, it was Dracula X for SNES.
And you admitted you don't like Circle of the Moon because it kicked your ass.
It also kicked mine... but I love that game!
You are not being very "objective".
Again bad education. Little girl, I do not need personal translator, if I want people who speak English there's where I live, and that is when I do my networking page. Not now.
Adventure: Again talking about the lack of personal ability. I could say the same about your lack of objectivity.
Nobody beats Dragon's Lair. I've seen great players fail. Dozens of them.
I've said it before, pure objectivity, if there is such a thing, is stupid.
Art must be taken with our souls and hearts, and games are, mainly, a form of art.
I am a fan of Castlevania. But do not let my bigotry get in the way of an analysis based on pure objectivity and academic knowledge.
And again, again, poor education. I do not need music lessons to see the disaster accompanying soundtrack this game.
You like to repeat that you are a professional critic with university degree and throw that at our faces.
I'm a professional drawer, then, 8 years of studying as a teenager, degree included. I've studied a lot about paintings and I know about aesthetic, because I reinforced the artistic overview with a marketing degree, that taught me about aesthetic from a business standpoint.
I also studied piano for several years, so I know about musical theory and I can appreciate a lot of things you could be missing with just your professional critic degree.
And I speak english (and spanish and japanese). So I guess I could teach you a few things.
I don't like being arrogant, but you pushed it.
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I can appreciate a lot of things you could be missing with just your professional critic degree.
You don't get a degree in being a critic, they don't exist. If he actually claimed that (I didn't check back to verify) he's just trying to be funny.
Typically if you want to apply a degree to being a critic you take a degree in whatever the art is. It shows you have some base university education in the subject at least. However I am always one to argue against using degrees to single out professionals, as natural talent and self honed skills have the potential to trump someone with a degree. In this case, even if he has education in this field, his skills certainly do not reflect it.
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You don't get a degree in being a critic, they don't exist. If he actually claimed that (I didn't check back to verify) he's just trying to be funny.
Typically if you want to apply a degree to being a critic you take a degree in whatever the art is. It shows you have some base university education in the subject at least. However I am always one to argue against using degrees to single out professionals, as natural talent and self honed skills have the potential to trump someone with a degree. In this case, even if he has education in this field, his skills certainly do not reflect it.
Yes, I agree with you. I wasn't trying to be arrogant, but I guess it came across like that. I apologize for that.
I just named my studies and degrees because he kept repeating his, and it got on my nerves, honestly.
When all's said and done, the only thing needed to fully appreciate a Castlevania game is to be a true Castlevania fan, which, from what I've gathered so far, he is not.
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Anyway, I will continue to point The Great Reviewer mistakes.
@ All: I'm surprised the poor reception given to me. I have come to respect and treated well at all. I have been cordial, helpful, friendly, and have received many votes negative in my reviews, just for being objective. It's a shame. Anyway, thanks for your honest answers. No one is to blame.
* Castlevania NES Trilogy: you got it all wrong. The timeline, the character names, the canonical endings... everything.
Also, criticizing NES games because graphics today look "old" is stupid.
* CotM: You obviously didn't know how to make your character powerful.
By the way... YOU BROKE YOUR GBA BUTTONS ???!!! :o
* Curse of Darkness: I guess I'm the minority here, but that's one of my favourite games, and from what I've gathered, you got a lot of things wrong again. Like what you said about the castle... the first level and the final level are not the same level rebuilt... but I don't know because it's hard to understand your points.
* Dawn of Sorrow: I kind of agree with some points here...
* HoD: You compared CotM to YuGiOh???
* Haunted Castle: I can't blame you on using cheats for this one. Try the Version K on an emulator if you want to be able to beat it with less difficulty.
But you shouldn't mention it on your review.
* Belmont's Revenge: If you liked GQ and MM for the GB you are contradicting yourself. You said there were no good GB games. Remember? :P
* At least you liked Bloodlines, Chronicles, SotN, Rondo, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, Lament of Innocence and Legacy of Darkness.
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:::BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA:::
And the last three... phew, I made it through every one of them! You should thank me instead of be arguing with my opinions!
* Vampire's Kiss: You mention the lack of Maria as a playable character, the lack of some levels, some tracks in the soundtrack, some alternative routes...
...but you keep forgetting that this game was the SNES counterpart (i.e.: a cartridge for a 16-bits console) of a PC-Engine game (i.e.: a game on a CD for a far more powerful console).
* Order of Shadows: I can't blame you for hating this one, but somewhere among the mediocre cover, it lies a good game that just needs to be remade for a better platform. I don't know if you could see that from your "objective" point of view.
* Dracula X Chronicles:
- The voice acting was bad, indeed. But did you heard SotN's voice acting? And it's legendary.
- "Nobody wanted to Richter in 1993, and nobody wants it now"
WHAT?!
- Maria DID, IN FACT, call Dracula "the bad man" in the japanese original story. It's not a mistake from the translators.
- You complian about the two extra levels from SotN missing in the unlockable version, but in another of your reviews you said that these 2 extra levels' only purpose was to be able to make fun of them because they were ugly (or something to that effect).
Well... that's all.
Adieu, mon ami!
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@ chainsawmidget: extremely old products are generally bad or mediocre, at best. Are rare good old games. The less power the console, the game worse. So I say again and again that no good games on Game Boy.
And sorry you feel that way about me, but you're free to have your opinion.
Thanks for your answer.
@ uzo: Congratulations on being a developer. You really should have a better eye than the average people.
However, I think your position is not a fan of Castlevania 4's letting you see reality objectively.
But thanks for answering.
@ crises: I still do not understand your jokes, if they are jokes.
@ jestercolony: Say hate something in its entirety is something that does not exist. In everything bad is good, and if you think that journalism of games is bad, know that there is good too, nothing is 100%, that's why I almost never give 5 stars out of 5 for my games. Mirror of Fate was one of the few to receive this award recently.
Best regards.
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@ A-Yty: There are many commercial interests at stake in the official lists. Never trust a list that is not impartial, always looking for independent critical lists without personal interests. With pure objective analysis, I can assure you that Castlevania 4 is not among the best of Nintendo in any way.
Yes it is, however, between the fan favorites. I always knew, and these days I'm confirming much more.
Greetings.
@ Dark Nemesis: Mr. Cox is from Britain, and a gentleman, misunderstood by the community of the series, and unjustly attacked many times. His vision of Castlevania resembles what many believe to be for the better. He failed in his first game, but improved, listened to their fans, and achieved the unthinkable with Mirror of Fate. But I want to advance my reviews, I will soon post the reviews already published in my recent games in the series: Judgment, Harmony Despair, Adventure Rebirth, Lords of Shadow and Mirror of Fate.
Greetings.
@ Phoenix7786: Maybe you have not played 3D games in the series. Heavily influenced (in general terms) all for God of War, Devil May Cry and other games in 3D. Play them, and then see.
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@ Pfil: My job is to review games, not a good player. I leave it better for the fans, I must offer an academic analysis.
Yes, all GameBoy games are bad. With a few exceptions, which are not great, but not bad.
The original name is Vampire's Kiss. Dracula X is the name you put in your re-launch to try to sell better, making people believe it was the same game that Rondo of Blodd.
And Circle of the Moon has many flaws. The difficulty is only one. Read the full review and understand.
Well, congratulations. You have a bunch of diplomas. Now try to get a degree on humility. Really. Yesterday you were really very rude.
Calm down a little. Best regards.
@ uzo: The science degree is about entertainment, then you specialize in courses and post-grades in the fields that interest you, and then there are also methods and courses to apply all the knowledge prior to the job of being a critic, while experience the best of them. And eight years of study and career almost 16 in my case is proved.
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@ Pfil: NES graphics Compare the quality standards and the argument is invalid.
To be honest and tell the truth, yes, my consolita was affected by the difficulty of the game and ended sunken buttons. The magazine had the Gentiles to give me another to finish playing the game and complete the review. Famous and funny anecdote within the staff of the magazine.
Curse of darkess, you are in the minority, as they say. That game is bad for critics and fans alike.
I compared Circle of the Moon to Yu-Gi-Oh! by the card system. There is no denying the influence of the current fashion in that game.
I do not remember which version of Haunted Castle used for review at the time, but if I remember was the easiest, as the sought for that purpose. And it got to the end of the game. Nobody can beat that game.
As I said, there are a few exceptions of good games for Game Boy, against thousands of horrible games. TMNT and Wario are other examples. But they are just good. There are excellent.
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@ Pfil: Yes, I like those games you mention. However, high scores are because they are excellent games. My personal taste is sideways.
It would be nice if someone positive vote on the reviews that match your opinions.
Less grumbling, most magnanimous.
They should make the character Maria is, nobody wants to Richter, with his clumsiness. It is impossible to handle a caveman who falls everywhere. These are the errors that stoned the score of a game, among other things.
I complain of missing levels because it is laziness on the part of Konami, and that low points a game if you analyze it objectively. If they were, yes, they are horrible levels.
The voices acted Dracula X Chronicles are worse than Symphony, leave aside bigotry once.
And honestly, I do not think you understand what it says or does not say Maria in Japanese.
Please stop trying to contradict at all costs.
I see nothing positive in Order of Shadows. The game is terrible. Although PS3 do seguriá still horrible in every way possible. Fanboy alarm ringing again, ding ding!
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@The Great Reviewer. You only have 51 posts, but you have twice as much negative respects. I think you should quit before you become an outcast. Seriously you're not getting anywhere with this. I hope you can find a place where your reviews will be appreciated.
Btw can anyone tell me if there's a way to find out who gave you a positive or negative respect? Or is it anonymous? Just out of curiousity.
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@ Phoenix7786: Maybe you have not played 3D games in the series. Heavily influenced (in general terms) all for God of War, Devil May Cry and other games in 3D. Play them, and then see.
Good lord, is this guy serious?
*looks at name and reviews*
Because a "Great Reviewer" you are not.
Don't really feel like replying to all your points but this one just stuck out to me, 1 thing I have noticed is that for a reviewer the one thing that you must do is freaken research on what your reviewing and so far you have made numerous obvious errors that could have easily been avoided with even a bit of research.
The one I am addressing is your statement of the 3.D castlevanias being inspired by God of War despite the fact that the majority of them where out BEFORE god of war.
How the heck can a game be inspired by something that was not even out yet?
What Logic is that?
The only 3.D castlevania games released AFTER God of War where Curse of Darkness and Judgement and curse of darkness featured more of a emphasis on sword and other weapon combat and Judgement was a fighting game.
So even saying those 2 where inspired by it would be a stretch.
Now LOS may be the only exception.
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David Jaffe (The creator of GoW) gave an interview on how his game was influenced by the original Castlevanias. The interview is in a LoS pamphlet thing that was made available right before LoS was released (IGA is also interviewed), but it's all in Japanese. I can post it if anyone feels like translating it.
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@ Dark Nemesis: Mr. Cox is from Britain, and a gentleman, misunderstood by the community of the series, and unjustly attacked many times. His vision of Castlevania resembles what many believe to be for the better. He failed in his first game, but improved, listened to their fans, and achieved the unthinkable with Mirror of Fate. But I want to advance my reviews, I will soon post the reviews already published in my recent games in the series: Judgment, Harmony Despair, Adventure Rebirth, Lords of Shadow and Mirror of Fate.
Greetings.
No, he's not a gentleman, he is a meister troll, trolling the Castlevania fans with lies and if MoF is the best Castlevania, then i'd rather have the series die in peace, before they get disgraced any more.
I nominate Cox for the meister troll award.
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The more I read, of
@ Phoenix7786: Maybe you have not played 3D games in the series. Heavily influenced (in general terms) all for God of War
the more
Family guy Stubborn Donkey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg_8knBHEyw#ws)
comes to mind.
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That clip is hilarious, as it's the exact same 1 I used on Sumac when he kept pushing his condescending opinions on everyone, and absolutely wouldn't accept anyone else's :D
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My job is to review games.
What's the name of your magazine, so we can write to your employers and shower praise on your well-researched and objective approach?
The less power the console, the game worse. So I say again and again that no good games on Game Boy.
I think your position is not a fan of Castlevania 4's letting you see reality objectively.
Trolling, consistent and measured. You've only got to look at the name, the tag, the avatar and read the reviews to see the stark irony at play, haha. Comedy wears out after a while though mate, watch your back!
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@ chainsawmidget: extremely old products are generally bad or mediocre, at best. Are rare good old games. The less power the console, the game worse.
Ah. So you're not being critical or impartial. You're just a graphics whore.
How did you get a job as a professional critic? Did nobody else apply for the job? Did your magazine just go "Hey, we don't have a reviewer! Quick grab the first guy that walks down the street?"
You have no clue what you're talking about, no objective standards, you're not good at games, you don't pay attention to the story, in the short time you've been here, you've came across as rude, arrogant, and completely deluded, and your reviews aren't even entertaining.
Why should ANYONE listen to your opinion?
... Hell, you openly state you don't even HAVE AN OPINION. Your reviews are nothing but "objective statements," which leaves out one of the most important facts when it comes to reviewing games. "Is this game fun?"
There are a bunch of games I could recommend that have poor graphics and mediocre sound, but are fun all hell to actually play. Is that even a concept you can wrap your head around?
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He registered like 2 days ago, made 51 posts, and is already at -140 respect. I wonder if that's a record or something.
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He registered like 2 days ago, made 51 posts, and is already at -140 respect. I wonder if that's a record or something.
I think it beats steampunk's record for fastest accumulation of negative respect, but it's not there yet.
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Mr. Cox is from Britain, and a gentleman, misunderstood by the community of the series, and unjustly attacked many times. His vision of Castlevania resembles what many believe to be for the better. He failed in his first game, but improved, listened to their fans, and achieved the unthinkable with Mirror of Fate.
What dimension did you pop out of? He has proven to lie, or at the very least, change what he was saying at an almost constant rate. But I want to pry about Mirror of Fate. What unthinkable thing was accomplished with Mirror of Fate? Besides being one of the worst selling Castlevania games in franchise history. Everything about the game looks and plays like it's a typical Western holdover title until the "real" title is released. Is that the unthinkable? There is nothing genius or even well done with the game beyond the art. Everything else falls flat or is incredibly underwhelming.
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Castlevania: Belmont's Revenge: 1,5 stars out of 5 stars
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge was ill-conceived from its title. Simon Belmont Dracula faces for the fifth time in his life, despite having the huge disadvantage of being killed.
@ Pfil: NES graphics Compare the quality standards and the argument is invalid.
I compared Circle of the Moon to Yu-Gi-Oh! by the card system. There is no denying the influence of the current fashion in that game.
Well.....
YOU TRIGGERED MY TRAP CARD!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wyn1nH8XZ4#)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.ak.crunchyroll.com%2Fi%2Fspire4%2F03312008%2F0%2Ff%2F4%2F2%2F0f425c3d8432c0_full.jpg&hash=9ea0828eb00861eab54ae173e09b6e5162e32dc7)
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Go back to meristation, kid.
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Besides being one of the worst selling Castlevania games in franchise history. Everything about the game looks and plays like it's a typical Western holdover title until the "real" title is released. Is that the unthinkable? There is nothing genius or even well done with the game beyond the art. Everything else falls flat or is incredibly underwhelming.
Welp, I must be REALLY in the minority that actually kinda liked the game. I don't hate the game, I think of it more or less as "decent." BIG missed opportunity, but passable at best.
I loved the graphical style, and while I'll always love the highly detailed sprites of the previous GBA/DS Vanias, I wouldn't mind if they make the next 3DS Vania using the same 2.5D graphics of MoF. The backgrounds are really pretty at times. However, I'm not a fan of the cutscenes; they come off as lazy and unfinished, and don't mesh well with the graphical style of the game. I stress this is just my opinion, but had IGA been in charge of making MoF, it would have turned out A LOT better than the final product. Him & his team would've included so much more stuff to boost the replayability, added several nods to previous games, unique enemies, etc.
This is my fav track (especially the beginning!), and I wish they would've went with this "style" more throughout the game:
Castlevania Lords of Shadow ~ Mirror of Fate (Soundtrack): The Den (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbmRDJGRIt4#ws)
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Callin' me Foofy? ):
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Ok I've read through this whole thing and I have ask myself if this guy is being serious. I've been on forums and the internet long enough to realize people post stupid things to get attention (trolls) but this guy is hard to figure out. I'm not sure where to start. I think everyone else already spoke my mind in terms of Castlevania. However, one this that bugs me is this guys hate for Game Boy games. Word around town is Pokemon, Link's Awakening, Mario Land 2, etc are pretty good games. So, why all the hate?
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The original name is Vampire's Kiss. Dracula X is the name you put in your re-launch to try to sell better, making people believe it was the same game that Rondo of Blodd.
You keep repeating the same stupid nonsense. Vampire's Kiss is the european name and Dracula X the US name, and they were released together.
Well, congratulations. You have a bunch of diplomas. Now try to get a degree on humility. Really. Yesterday you were really very rude.
Calm down a little. Best regards.
So, am I the arrogant one here?
The voices acted Dracula X Chronicles are worse than Symphony, leave aside bigotry once.
And honestly, I do not think you understand what it says or does not say Maria in Japanese.
Please stop trying to contradict at all costs.
For your information, I DO understand it. Anyone with basic japanese knowledge would understand it when Maria calls Dracula "the bad man".
Nagumo and Shiroi can surely prove it better than me.
But never mind, you remember me of a discussion I had when I was new here regarding PoR vs. LoS.
I won't continue to do this, I'm over it.
Farewell.
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Ok I've read through this whole thing and I have ask myself if this guy is being serious. I've been on forums and the internet long enough to realize people post stupid things to get attention (trolls) but this guy is hard to figure out. I'm not sure where to start. I think everyone else already spoke my mind in terms of Castlevania. However, one this that bugs me is this guys hate for Game Boy games. Word around town is Pokemon, Link's Awakening, Mario Land 2, etc are pretty good games. So, why all the hate?
The first one is really kind of bad.
The other two? Hell, no. Specially the one which stars Sonia (and not because it starts Sonia at all, but because the gameplay was made much better. The story was straight fanfic bullshit, though).
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@ Odile Kuronuma: I see it is customary to ask to withdraw from the online community who differ in thoughts. That is very sad.
And thank you very much, I need to find a place where my reviews are appreciated, because I have that already. It's my journal in Talavera de la Reina.
@ DarkPrinceAlucard: "The Great Reviewer" is the name of the column in the magazine where I publish my work. It was thought by the people of editing.
I do a lot of research for every review I do, not new information for me. I learned by numerous academic studies.
Curse of Darkness is a pale copy of other games in 3D, is in sight of any critical eye.
Lords of Shadow is a mixture of topics in one game who knows not what he wants to be.
Judgment is a great fighting game in its own right, but let these things for the time that I posted my reviews of such games.
@ crises: So ..... God of War was influenced by Castlevania, right? In the world in which I live was exactly the opposite, right drawers. Sure, anyone can claim to read something in Japanese, which no one understands.
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@ Dark Nemesis: I imagine you know Cox in person? I have spoken with him, interviewed him, I shared drinks in a bar. I know more than the people are criticizing it. That puts me in a position where I can speak confidently about how Mr. Cox. And I'm not allowed to speak ill of him, or mocking way, in my presence. Dave Cox is a gentleman with all the letters.
@ The Silverlord: I never tried to be funny. Only objective. Sorry if my reviews are not well received in the community. Nobody talked about my positive scores. Only focused on the bad scores.
@ chainsawmidget: "Graphics whore" not. There are almost no good games for modern consoles, either.
I have an opinion, but I reserve for chats with friends. In my work, my opinion never comes to the surface. If anything I have, are standards of objectivity. To this end I studied for years and worked as many others.
@ Gunlord: That's because they keep negative vote. But what interests me is the words, not the votes.
@ Foffy: When I posted my review of Mirror of Fate tell you all the things done to perfection in that game. MercurySteam exactemente did what they had in mind. They believed in an idea and brilliantly executed.
@ Maedhros: Any fan is entitled to like Legends even if terrible game.
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-165 and counting! (down)
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I know I shouldn't be poking the troll, but I'm curious at to something here. I'm actually curious about something here.
GR, why exactly do you think giving your opinion on games is bad?
What is it that you think reviewers are actually supposed to do?
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@ crises: So ..... God of War was influenced by Castlevania, right?
It's the truth, whether you choose to accept it or not is irrelevant. They wouldn't have bothered to interview Jaffe if he had nothing to say concerning how the original Castlevania games had an influence on his own ideas [concerning, specifically, God of War].
In the world in which I live was exactly the opposite, right drawers.
Then out of all the idiot people in all the idiot worlds, you, sir, stand alone.
Sure, anyone can claim to read something in Japanese, which no one understands.
And yet you persist with ignorant remarks like this. Unfortunately for you your days here on this forum are numbered, you're not gonna last that much longer here, trust me. At least you offered us some form of juvenile entertainment for a while, before you inevitably fade into obscurity like all the others that have come and gone on this forum over the years. The CVD ain't for everybody.
And my username is "crisis," not "crises," fyi
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And my username is "crisis," not "crises," fyi
He wants more of you. hehehe.
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@ Crisis: My only plan was to introduce the specialized public Castlevania my reviews before opening my own website made for missing at least one year, given the current situation.
So when there www.elgranrese (http://www.elgranrese)ñador.com (for so is the real name of my column, in Spanish), all in the Castlevania community can say "I read it first."
@ chainsawmidget: My personal belief is that a critic should never, ever, give your opinion. It is the job of each critical to establish the best way possible a objective and universal truth, suppressing all kinds of feelings, passions, personal tastes and prejudices. Based solely on reality.
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@ Dark Nemesis: I imagine you know Cox in person? I have spoken with him, interviewed him, I shared drinks in a bar. I know more than the people are criticizing it. That puts me in a position where I can speak confidently about how Mr. Cox. And I'm not allowed to speak ill of him, or mocking way, in my presence. Dave Cox is a gentleman with all the letters.
By the look of the interviews he's giving, i don't see any gentleman, especially, when he's mocking old school fans. He's always like that, you don't like my games? I don't care, because these games are what you are gonna get, like it or not. He's the master of arrogance.
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Alright, I think we've all had enough fun, today.
Now for some administrative rules talk... not for the Great Reviewer, but for everyone else:
-While these reviews are... mmm... questionable... it is the community's job to stay civil. I will refer you to the This Thread (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,1260.0.html), which you guys have forgotten about.
-Also, name-calling doesn't really give you an edge (I'm talking specifically to the people calling someone an 'idiot', which is kind of messed up and arguably counts as a bending/twisting of the "Don't be an ass" rule.
-I suggest you guys follow the old adage "Don't like what you see? Don't click". If you don't like what The Great Reviewer has said, then your 7 pages of arguments against what he said are not going to sway his OPINION on the matter. Better let the sleeping dogs lie and the post sink quietly into the backpages. The Great Reviewer has not insulted anyone, so there is no need for the namecalling and I'm actually somewhat ashamed that some of you resorted to this. I do agree that his reality is... not the same as most of ours, but that's also just my opinion. :P
@The Great Reviewer:
-Creo que no sabes la diferencia entre Opinion y Dato. Decir "No hay buenos juegos en el Gameboy" es una opinion, no un dato. Decir esa frase inmediatamente destruye su credibilidad. Es mas, cualquieras frases que sean completamente 'absolutas' como esa bajan la credibilidad de la persona que las dice, sobre todo cuando la persona las trata de pasar como si fueran datos.
(I believe you don't know the difference between Opinion and Fact. Saying "There aren't any good games on Gameboy" is an opinion, not fact. Uttering this phrase immediately destroys one's crediblity. In fact, any phrases that are completely absolute like that phrase lower the credibility of the person saying them, especially when said person is trying to pass them off as fact).
-Mucha de la comunidad, sobre todo aqui, esta en desacuerdo con tus revisos de juegos, no solo porque los juegos, generalmente, han tenido buenos puntajes de otras revistas (1up, gameinformer, etc.), pero por el enorme numero de errores que tienen. Y decir algo como "nadie comprende Japones", no es verdad, sobre todo porque tenemos gente en este foro de diferentes paises, sabemos lo que dicen bastantes juegos. Shiroi Kuomori tradujo una novela de Castlevania una semana o dos atras. Decir cosas como esta no te estan ayudando.
(Lots of the community, especially here, is in disagreement with your game reviews, not only because the games generally have had good/high scores in other magazines/sites, such as 1up, game informer, etc., but more so because of the large amounts of errors your reviews have. And saying something like "Japanese which nobody understands" is just not true, since we have people in this forum from different countries, so we know what the games say. Shiroi Kuomori translated an entire Castlevania novel a few weeks ago. So saying stuff like this isn't helping you).
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-Also, name-calling doesn't really give you an edge (I'm talking specifically to the people calling someone an 'idiot', which is kind of messed up and arguably counts as a bending/twisting of the "Don't be an ass" rule.
:'(
Sorry, man. I get carried away sometimes. My bad.
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Alright, I think we've all had enough fun, today.
Now for some administrative rules talk... not for the Great Reviewer, but for everyone else:
-While these reviews are... mmm... questionable... it is the community's job to stay civil. I will refer you to the This Thread (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,1260.0.html), which you guys have forgotten about.
-Also, name-calling doesn't really give you an edge (I'm talking specifically to the people calling someone an 'idiot', which is kind of messed up and arguably counts as a bending/twisting of the "Don't be an ass" rule.
-I suggest you guys follow the old adage "Don't like what you see? Don't click". If you don't like what The Great Reviewer has said, then your 7 pages of arguments against what he said are not going to sway his OPINION on the matter. Better let the sleeping dogs lie and the post sink quietly into the backpages. The Great Reviewer has not insulted anyone, so there is no need for the namecalling and I'm actually somewhat ashamed that some of you resorted to this. I do agree that his reality is... not the same as most of ours, but that's also just my opinion. :P
@The Great Reviewer:
-Creo que no sabes la diferencia entre Opinion y Dato. Decir "No hay buenos juegos en el Gameboy" es una opinion, no un dato. Decir esa frase inmediatamente destruye su credibilidad. Es mas, cualquieras frases que sean completamente 'absolutas' como esa bajan la credibilidad de la persona que las dice, sobre todo cuando la persona las trata de pasar como si fueran datos.
(I believe you don't know the difference between Opinion and Fact. Saying "There aren't any good games on Gameboy" is an opinion, not fact. Uttering this phrase immediately destroys one's crediblity. In fact, any phrases that are completely absolute like that phrase lower the credibility of the person saying them, especially when said person is trying to pass them off as fact).
-Mucha de la comunidad, sobre todo aqui, esta en desacuerdo con tus revisos de juegos, no solo porque los juegos, generalmente, han tenido buenos puntajes de otras revistas (1up, gameinformer, etc.), pero por el enorme numero de errores que tienen. Y decir algo como "nadie comprende Japones", no es verdad, sobre todo porque tenemos gente en este foro de diferentes paises, sabemos lo que dicen bastantes juegos. Shiroi Kuomori tradujo una novela de Castlevania una semana o dos atras. Decir cosas como esta no te estan ayudando.
(Lots of the community, especially here, is in disagreement with your game reviews, not only because the games generally have had good/high scores in other magazines/sites, such as 1up, game informer, etc., but more so because of the large amounts of errors your reviews have. And saying something like "Japanese which nobody understands" is just not true, since we have people in this forum from different countries, so we know what the games say. Shiroi Kuomori translated an entire Castlevania novel a few weeks ago. So saying stuff like this isn't helping you).
Ehh. okay. :)
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Mr. Fuentes. Nice to meet you, and thank you very much for writing. I see refers users to a topic about trolls, but I want to clarify that that is not my intention. What I want is to show the community my reviews Castlevania. My opinion is that many games in the series are very poor, while others are great quality products.
My reviews of MercurySteam games have better reception, I hope, since those games seemed the best of the franchise so far to me, objectively.
Yesterday I posted my latest reviews of Igarashi games, and so far I have had no feedback.
I've posted the review of Lords of Shadow now, that I wrote at the time game was new, years ago.
Soon I'll upload the review of Mirror of Fate, which, as I passed, I found the most complete title because it mixes the perfect things of Castlevania Lords of Shadow with 2D of the best of the franchise.
But that later. For now I'll wait for answers about Lords of Shadow. I am interested in serious debate on this high quality game of MercurySteam.
The best regards.
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I'm sorry, and i know a opinion is simply that, a opinion, but the fact that you would give Mirror of fate a perfect score but trash some of the highest regarded Castlevania games (namely Super Castlevania 4) around here of all places is obviously going to annoy some members.
I just do not get how you honestly could have thought that you would not annoy some members around here.
A lot of members hold the Castlevania series in high regard, especially the classics, so when someone comes and downplays them but hold the newer releases to the high heavens it is obviously is going to not set well with those said members.
Just letting you know where all the negativity is coming from, we normally do no treat new members so harshly.
Also the fact that you made numerous errors with your information made you lose credibility which only further added to the fire.
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I think largely what the problem at hand is that we have yet another individual from a Spanish background who seems to be putting entries in the Lords of Shadow branch of games higher than the others, for the most part, and does not seem to have really gotten to know many of the rest of the games in the series that he's played through.
TGR, I will attempt to communicate to you what you've done wrong with your approach here, and I encourage one of our fluent Spanish speakers to translate the gist if possible, so nothing is lost in translation. (regardless of how well you may speak English, there still seems to be miscommunication problems)
Your first mistake was coming into a new community, not really to get to know any of the fanbase that resides here and engage in conversation and debate about the great many topics currently open dealing with Castlevania, but instead only post in order to parade your reviews. This is called Shameless Self Promotion, and it is generally frowned upon. Had you introduced yourself into the community by starting off with casual conversation so we got to know you first, then your posting of your reviews probably would have been viewed a bit more favorably. Instead, you kind of forced them on us and expected us to understand where you were coming from.
It seems that you review only to review; not because you have any great love of the series. To me, it looks like you powered through most of the games you've reviewed simply in order to nitpick and criticize. You've made no effort to research the games you've reviewed, as evident in your many errors in your information about several games (ie. Simon being in CV3 and Adventure/Belmont's Revenge) A good reviewer does not simply play the game to rush through it. They dissect the game and gather information, in order to draw opinions that are both informative and much less biased-looking. I know this because I've done several video reviews of games, not just Castlevania, that I need to draw in my viewers to. I cannot do this with inaccurate facts and half-truths because I didn't do my homework. This also applies to you, and every other reviewer regardless of nationality. If you take the time to make sure you have your facts straight, it lends much more weight to your reviews and a bit more justification for your opinions. (also, be mindful of being critical of games because of their dated graphics compared to now; Castlevania was on-par with several other Nintendo games graphics-wise for its time, as were the Gameboy Castlevanias)
Lastly, what seems to be your biggest flaw is your arrogance. You dismiss what others are saying to you, simply because you do not agree or because you need to save face. I will tell you that most people do not like being condescended to, which you are doing in spades. Getting defensive because someone is being a jerk about what you've expressed is somewhat justifiable in anyone's case. However, the two wrongs mentioned above do not make you right. You are more than welcome to feel that people were too critical of your reviews. However, snapping back at them and being rude and conceited about your supposed "degree in reviewing" and basically making yourself out to be better than everyone else in your opinions and reviews of these games just comes off making you look like an ass. Take what people are saying at face value, perhaps learn how to better approach your delivery of your reviews from here on out based on the reactions here, and become a better reviewer because of it.
TL;DR
I suggest you walk away from this topic and start fresh. I challenge you to play through these games again, and this time not simply to rush through them and beat it as quickly as possible to form your reviews. Really take the time to enjoy things like how the mood of each game is effected by it's music, visual design and gameplay. I didn't like Super Castlevania 4 until I played through it a few times, and really gained a new appreciation for it. I hope you can as well, and find out there's a lot more to these games than what you gave them credit for.
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Um. Not sure if this was brought up already because I wasn't going to read 6 or so pages of obvious criticisms:
The guy is Spanish and LOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVES Mirror Of Fate and I think also Lords of Shadow. He has broken English because of a bad translator. He disses on all the NES and Gameboy games. The only reason he's probably not dissing too hard on SotN is because he got banned or something once already....
This dude is Steampunk Skycaptain with a new account. It reeked of him as soon as I started reading this thread.
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"Castlevania has always been influenced by God of War and other games, like Metroid."
vania has always been influenced by God of War and other games, li
influenced by God of War
God of War
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"Castlevania has always been influenced by God of War and other games, like Metroid."
vania has always been influenced by God of War and other games, li
influenced by God of War
God of War
What? You didn't play the version of God of War that was released in the early 80s?
:P
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Back in the day, it was called Rygar.
>.>
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Rygar.........i have never finish it.......... :'(
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Back in the day, it was called Rygar.
>.>
That ending that f'ing ending AGGHH!!! That freaking ending !!!!! >:( I stood up till 2-3 in the morning for that crap !!!
I never spoil endings espically NES games I've never seen the ending to NJ gaiden except a what like a year ago and man it was so worth it but rygar? man I cannot believe it.
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Thanks for your answers. It has nothing to do with the fact that I'm Spanish. My reviews are objective, and if the Spanish games have had good scores, it is because they are good games, period. Do not seek a more elaborate explanation. I understand the passion for games before, but it is natural to accept the change, and it is natural that with current tools, when new games talent set a new standard of quality. We have a saying here, for the children of MercurySteam: "they have the bar high in September, will not be easy for the team That comes after them" I do not know if it has translated well.
And as for the user to whom I have compared myself by other users, I've been looking for, and for nothing, you're wrong. That whom mentioned, for posts, seems to be a fanboy of the other side of the stream, but not objective.
Do not forget that I have also had good scores to other games in the series, such as Symphony of the Night.
I do not care if the game is made in Spain or in Bangladesh, I will be fair with my grades according to what I see.
Thanks again for your attention. Regards.
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So basically you are saying that you choose not to take a lick of constructive advice given to you, and instead you call us wrong.
You are not fair in your judgement, because your judgement is based on inaccurate facts and a lack of researching the topic of your review. Not to mention the fact you give an non-proportionate amount of love to some games (Order of Ecclesia, Mirror of Fate), and hardly a few paragraphs to others. (Castlevania Adventure, CV X68000) That does not constitute fairness. Fairness would be dissecting each game by the same standards universally...not just the ones you favor.
I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt and hoped you'd be a bit more humble. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the case.
People....
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsindra.brinkster.net%2Fmisc%2Fexpression_meme%2Fironman_all_yours.GIF&hash=05b3780080ddce759d50f249ab8acc6150ea4893)