EDIT: Err oops. Misread the thread title. Points still stand though!
It's a great game that corrected many things, and showcased a vast improvement in IGA's formula.
- Outside areas to explore, as well as a whole castle
- Returned the feel of Castlevania difficulty
- Streamlined and picked up the pace with combat
- Corrected "millions of swords" syndrome
- Found a middle ground between weapons and the tactical soul system, merging into one with the MP bar
- Amplified the importance of elemental types and strategy, somewhat downplayed the role of leveling up
- Got rid of the ill fit and crappy anime art
- "Emerald Forest" "An Empty Tome" "Ebony Wings" "Sapphire Elegy" "A Clashing of Waves" "Rhapsody of the Forsaken" "Dissonant Courage" and "Sorrow's Distortion" just to name a few
- Shanoa, strong female lead, great design, cool powers
Etc, etc, etc.