Topic: Should I give DoS a chance?

[Archangel]

Hi everyone!

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

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

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

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

Thank you in advance.

[Vrakanox]

Well the story sucks in comparison, I mean it really turns AoS story into saturday morning anime tropes. But it's still a great game, very fun to play, it also has Julius mode where you can play as Julius, Alucard, and Yoko. It's worth it to play IMO.

[DarkPrinceAlucard]

Story is lame.

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

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

So yes, you should give it a chance.

[X]

You won't get anything new out of DoS' story. No new character development or the like. But over all, the game is decent and a good play through for any first timer. Be warned though, the soul system has been added onto. In other words you have to make weapons using the souls you collect and this drags the game on in a way that ruins the flow. In fact the only way to get every weapon and soul is to play through the game at least twice. It will be tedious so steel yourself.

[knightmere]

Its definitely worth playing just don't expect much out of the crappy storyline. The gameplay is good and some of the bosses are really fun to fight.  As mentioned however the excessive need to grind souls holds the game back a little and forces multiple playthroughs just to get all the final versions of weapons.  Its not up to the same level as AoS, but is better then PoR.

[Claimh Solais]

The gameplay is pretty sweet. Of course, I only played it on an emulator and got stuck at Zephyr because of the stupid ass Magic Seal which I can't complete with my mouse.

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

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

I still think a big mofo like Menace was cool as the last boss.

[Archangel]

Thanks for the replies. You´ve convinced me; I´ll give it a try I guess I´ll just have to concentrate on the gameplay, which so far never managed to disapoint me.

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

This sounds suspiciously like Curse of Darkness´ forging system. oO

[Claimh Solais]

Adding onto the expanded soul system, they also made it to where it isn't useless getting multiple copies of the same soul. Getting multiples strengthens the soul.

[darkwzrd4]

Thanks for the replies. You´ve convinced me; I´ll give it a try I guess I´ll just have to concentrate on the gameplay, which so far never managed to disapoint me.

This sounds suspiciously like Curse of Darkness´ forging system. oO

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

I say to stay away from the game.  It's just a waste of time and is inferior to AoS.  DoS should have never been made as it is.  It was just an excuse to use Soma and the soul system again.

[Gecko]

So, is it worth for me? Or should I continue to ignore DoS?

You should buy it, and play the hell out of it. Soma's gameplay is drastically improved, Julius mode is Incredible, and the levels are fun.

[shelverton.]

DoS is still the best Metroidvania since SotN in my opinion. I don't remember much of the story because it's not why I play videogames. I can never understand how people judge an entire game based on if they like the story or not, which people do A LOT. I think the story in DoS is not better nor worse than in any other CV, AoS included.

[VladCT]

Word of advice: Do NOT play this game on an emulator!
Seriously, the more complicated magic seals that are already annoying enough with a stylus become almost hellish with a mouse. That, or I may have bad motor skills.
Oh, and while we're on the topic of DoS, has anyone managed to hack and fix the blood color? The orange blood is starting to become an eyesore.

[Chernabogue]

Give it a chance. It is still a fun game to play, even if the story is inferior to AoS.

[Pemburu Vampir]

Oh, and while we're on the topic of DoS, has anyone managed to hack and fix the blood color? The orange blood is starting to become an eyesore.

That and the resized Alucard sprites are annoying too.

[Sumac]

Story - is one of the worst and unCastlevaniash in the series. Comparing to that LOS feels like a proper CV.

Graphics are beatiful and gameplay is very solid.

Locations are bland, bosses - not bad, but nothing special.
Music is bland.