Topic: Castlevania Game mechanics

[Donvermicelli]

So I've been wondering lately, while I know that some of the metroidvanias of the modern time feature multiple weapons none of them really add a significant variation to the way you play. What I would like to know is, would you think a wider arsenal of weapons at your disposal could add to the challenge of gameplay, especially if you add different kinds of ammo for weapons?

Keep weapons in mind such as: a revolver (like in OOE or LOD) but with limited ammo! A crossbow, again with limited ammo.
Instead of limiting the player to one subweapon, enable him to carry multiple, but instead of using hearts give him an amount of holy water for example, or an amount of daggers he can throw.

Threw in a poll to see what the average opinion in the dungeon is.
Vote and comment 

[VladCT]

What, no Dark Priest Mind Rape option?

[Pemburu Vampir]

What, no Dark Priest Mind Rape option?

I prefer a priestess.

[Donvermicelli]

What, no Dark Priest Mind Rape option?

Nah it would be too popular in this poll, I'm trying to get an idea of the general opinion in the dungeon about this part of gameplay.

[Inccubus]

Variety is the spice of life!

[darkwzrd4]

I like variety with weapons.  At least variety of weapon type.  In all the old games, you are stuck with a whip the whole game.  I can be improved 2 times, but it's still a whip.  Despite what some may think, the type of weapon makes a big difference.  For example, single handed swords and two handed swords.  yes, both are swords, but two handed swords are slow and somewhat clumsy.  Single handed swords, while usually having a lower attack power, are faster.  Short swords are even faster but weaker.

What I'm getting at is that we all like a specific weapon type that we play the best with.  I prefer single handed swords.  Some of you may prefer or play best short swords or whips. 

My point is that having variety, enhances the game play experience.

[Donvermicelli]

interesting results... gimme moar!

[knightmere]

Oldschool whip and subweapons is all you need IMO.

[Reinhart77]

while I like alternate weapons to the whip, i don't think that one character should be able to use "any type" of weapon.  each character should have their own different primary weapon, which can be leveled up in its own way.  a weapon of choice should be an important aspect of a character.

[X]

while I like alternate weapons to the whip, i don't think that one character should be able to use "any type" of weapon.  each character should have their own different primary weapon, which can be leveled up in its own way.  a weapon of choice should be an important aspect of a character.

Like John Morris, Eric Lecarde, Carry Fernandez, Cornell, Harry Oldrey and CVIII Alucard. Each one just mentioned have the ability to upgrade their weapons twice and they were all different.

[Chernabogue]

It was done in LoS, though there are only 4 subweapons.

[Inccubus]

That's why in my remake of CV1 I'm giving Simon the whip and a sword. If he carries the damn thing around I expect him to use it. Give more variety to the old gameplay with just one simple addition like that.

I agree most characters shouldn't be able to use all weapons or even be able to use multiple weapons to full proficiency.
Except, of course, when you're dealing with supernatural characters such as Alucard who have the time to learn lots of different weapons. Part of what should make Alucard interesting to play as opposed to the humans IS that he can use a large variety of weapons.

[Charlotte-nyo:3]

I'd say even classic-style Castlevanias could benefit from a couple different weapons as a possibility for the player. It adds additional strategy since some bosses and enemies are going to be easier or harder to deal with given the various hitboxes each weapon has. This is still partially present in the subweapon choices you make, but it's not as important given the subweapons' role as a secondary form of attack.

[Kusanagi]

What Charlotte and Darkwzrd said pretty much sums up my opinion.Each weapon provides a different playstyle and different strategies. I like the option to change weapons, but Im also attached to the good old vampire killer. Giving more options I find just works better.

As for ammo, keep the hearts system. Having different ammo for different weapons (unless it were like the throwing weapons in SOTN) just takes away a bit from their usage. And it just makes it easier to manage, as I prefer the stage/castle alone to provide the challenge over item management contributing to the difficulty (when given one type of ammo, just increase the difficulty and make creative stage design and good enemy placement). It would still be playable with different ammo (I guess), but that just comes down to personal opinion there.

[Donvermicelli]

Didn't expect the votes to be this close