Topic: I knew it! Castlevania: Lords of Shadow!(SPOILERS HERE, PLZ USE THE SPOILER TAG)

[CastleDan]

So, any word on this new information were supposed to get before E3? I can't get on Dave's twitter right now so I can't check to see if he's said anything about it.

Psh..I've messaged that account twice now asking about that and he hasn't responded. I assume he had a change of heart on releasing something before...because he said a week ago we should be getting something THIS week..since the week is pretty much done and we got nothing, nor any word.. It's safe to say, not gonna happen.

[CastleDan]

Sorry guys :/

 Sorry dood, I am just an underling and the PR guys decide ---David Cox..

looks like we might have to wait till E3 :/

[Dremn]

Aw man. 29 days to go then.

[CastlevaniaX]

I hate PR 

Yousef

[Kingshango]

Patience is a virtue.

 

AND I DONT HAVE IT!!!! 

[RichterB]

OK, so I'm playing the 2009 3D Bionic Commando (PS3), and I realized two things. 1.) It's nowhere near as bad as reviewers said, 2.) Theoretically, this might be a preview of Lords of Shadow...

The reason I make the latter point is because this was an 80s Japanese series handled by a European developer with a long-time fan as producer. Moreover, I'm understanding what Cox has said about the old Castlevania music popping up in spots, as Bionic Commando has *brief* interludes or sequences where classic BC music is pumped in and remixed with violins or brass. So, with Castlevania LoS, it'll likely be similar in that the old music will be nostalgic teases rather than the main driving action music. Moving on, Cox has said that the LoS game will be level-based, but also more vast. I see that formula with Bionic Commando. The play-area in levels is quite large (almost sandbox-like), but it guides you in the right direction overall. (Some areas more successfully and excitingly than others. Early on, it feels too open, IMO). Also, you can revisit stages you've beaten in the menu.

Now, aesthetically, Bionic Commando (2009) took some hits because it didn't look *exactly* like the old game. But I am getting used to the tweaks, and think it has enough homages and visual cues (green main outfit, bionic arm, color-coded soldiers, paratroopers, communication linkups, and weapon swaps) to get the spirit of the series. I think it might be a similar mental process with LoS when playing it. I mean, the idea of a 'destroyed city' as one of the main venues in Bionic Commando seemed a bit out of place at first, but now I see how it works so well with the play mechanic. Hopefully, LoS' risks will pay off in the same way.

Now, once you get used to it, Bionic Commando has probably done swinging in 3D better than anything I've ever seen/played (it's challenging and rewarding, not on-rails and thus offering a lot of player-driven thought). I think that LoS has a tall order to match the thrill of swinging over gaps...but then, that's not LoS main mechanic. I have to say, despite being rough around the edges, at about three chapters in, Bionic Commando (2009) is extremely ambitious and rather revolutionary. It's one of the first games I can say is definitely "next-gen." Part of that is that it riskily marches to its own drum...I hope LoS carves out enough of its own unique feeling that is distinctly Castlevania as Bionic Commando has done.

(And as a final note, I've reminded myself that traditionally, every Castlevania game came up with its own visual aesthetic. Castlevania IV was not the same as Castlevania: Bloodlines, but they were both great Castlevanias. Different hardware always brings changes to the series; but those changes have been most successful when they keep the gameplay "rhythm" and overall unique mood of the Castlevania universe).

EDIT: Holy smokes! I just got to an area called the "Fissure," and it's a deep cave with waterfalls like Castlevania IV's Stage 3. I mean, it basically captures that experience in 3D, which is amazing. Looks beautiful, and you can swing from all the stalactites! This Bionic Commando game is getting better and better. I hope LoS has a cave of this size, complex layout, and interactivity.

[CastlevaniaX]

New scans

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4172/56952073.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/6592/82655695.jpg

Is that Zobek ? and is Co-op mode confirmed ?

Yousef

[shelverton.]

New scans

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4172/56952073.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/6592/82655695.jpg

Is that Zobek ? and is Co-op mode confirmed ?

Yousef

It certainly looks co-op:ish in that one particular screen.... or maybe Zobek will be controlled by the computer in certain areas?

[Munchy]

Zobek looks like a muthafucking badass.

And yeah, Cox said he will help you from time to time.

[Wallachia]

Nice! I love that vamp creature! Very Francis Ford Coppola's DRACULA.. " Look what your God has done to me.."

[Kingshango]

Please let Zobek be a playable character at some point in the game, he looks badass.

Also, Zombies! I knew they would make a appearance.

[DingusBelmondo]

Gabe is deff about to stake. Hell. Yeah.

[crisis]

Grany screenshots fail to impress

E3 gameplay video eagerly awaiting for, everything else is meh

[e105beta]

Zombies, a non-Uruk vampire, and awesome Zobek.
I'm impressed.

[DingusBelmondo]

Notice! The Bird skull on Gabes armor is missing from Zobeks. Also, when gabe holds up the pendant at the beginning of the new trailer to question the villager it looks just like the bird skull staircase from that one picture. Hmmmmmmmmmm
BIRD.
SKULL.