Topic: The Great Reviewer: All Castlevania Reviews (please read and debate)

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

(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:
---------------------------------

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[The Great Reviewer]

[The Great Reviewer]

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.

[uzo]

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...

[PFG9000]

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.

[Belmontoya]

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. 

[A-Yty]

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.