I think he means HoD. I do agree there is a certain elegance about the game the others don't have. It must be the little details, the memorable character, and impression it left on everyone.
No I deffinately meant Symphony. Sorry guys but it is overhyped.
Theres no better looking castlevania for sure, graphically but I feel the second castle was just an excuse to artificially extend the gameplay and like I say, most of the items are outclassed when you get them.
I don't dislike the game It's good for a playthrough every once in a while, most rooms do have a quirk of their own but a lot of other castlevanias do too... the ghost man and his dog in 4 for example, or the lilith and succubus in the bathtub of Aria.
I think the gameplay could be improved with a difficulty ramp up and a better placement of weapons so you get them in a useful sequence.
Sorry Malus, it's a PAL copy of Sotn btw, im a UK gamer.