A "LMX" Review
Before this game, we had been the receivers of two brilliant Castlevania DS games. Both were brilliant for their own reasons; however when this particular installment was revealed a large amount of interest was directed towards it. Not just because the main protagonist is a female, but because the game just looked really damn good for a DS game. And so we waited, savoring each trailer and wondering where this new game would take us. We saw many environments and what looked like a new weapon system. Some parts turned out great, others turned out lazy, but this game is something that DS owners should cherish. It is brilliant despite its flaws.
To begin we must observe the past, both Dawn of Sorrows and Portrait of Ruin are spectacular games. What exactly could this new one be doing that makes it so much better? The answer is it combines what made both games interesting and unbelievably fun. And plus, like the previous installments, maintains its Metroid styled layout and RPG elements. So really, combining two great games with new features on top of old gems really allows only one result: brilliance. And Order of Ecclesia is nothing short of being brilliant, while still having minor flaws this is to be expected of any game really. The fact that it is now out on shelves means gamers should have a copy of it by now if they are self-respecting hardcore DS gamers.
One of the earlier bosses, and without correctly using those magnets above it, it’ll kick your ass.
Beginning with the story, now as many well-weathered Castlevania veterans will know the games often are dealing with matters concerning or centering on Count Dracula. This game is no different; however it does not deal with him already being around. In terms of a vague timeline, it is set after the events of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (which is sometime in the mid 1800s). The Belmont clan has vanished and there are many groups who are heavily involved in researching methods to avoid another Dracula revival. To cut some back-story short we are introduced to the young woman named Shanoa, who was chosen Barlowe, leader of the Order of Ecclesia, to be a vessel for a triad of magical glyphs of based off Dracula’s magic, Dominus. But alas, before the ritual has been performed the glyphs are stolen by Shanoa’s colleague known as Albus; however what unfolds will change your perception of each characters motive. And when you reach the ending, you will be satisfied by what the story has offered to you, especially inside the ending itself.
Maneater’s tentacle rape failed. Luckily for Shanoa.
As far as the Castlevania games go, I found Ecclesia to possess a surprisingly interesting storyline. That isn’t to say they aren’t all interesting, just that they usually don’t have that much variety. I will not spoil the games plot but you will find yourself second guessing yourselves as you meet more characters that the game decides to throw at you, especially from the central village, Wygol Village, which you will be visiting a lot if you plan on beating the game 100%. Shanoa deals with her fair share of hardships in this game as after you have lost the Dominus to Albus her memories are taken away as well, presumably by Albus. Barlowe will give you instructions and throughout your quests you will encounter Albus. Interestingly and suspiciously he will give you a few pieces of Dominus. Is this part of his plan to revive Dracula or is it him trying to save you? Is Barlowe the good mentor or does he have alternate motives? Who stole Shanoa’s memories? What the hell is happening? You will be asking yourselves these questions a lot. But having said this, the more observant gamers among us will probably decipher the clues and figure out what exactly has been happening. And those others who do not, well they will be in for a surprise. However the game isn’t simply selling itself on story alone, as interesting as it is, it gets its kudos in other areas of the game.
Visually this game is pretty, and breath-taking. Whether it is the brilliantly chosen art style or the amazing depth on the stage detail you will be amazed at how this game brings the 2D adventure to its very prettiest stage.
Starting first of all with the art design, this is not to suggest that the anime style of the previous two games was awful, it has to be said that this much more gothic style of art is much more suited for a Castlevania game. The anime art was impressive, but was somewhat out of place in what is ultimately a very gothic sort of game. So when you see the style chosen for this game it’ll just fit in a lot better. And with the improved art design comes much better character design. It was teased to in the trailer, but when you see it explode onto your DS screen then you’ll be very happy with what you see. Sorry to those who were hoping to see the anime art return, but it has been ditched in favour of this much better style. Hopefully you will not allow this to change your perception of the game, but if you are in fact that shallow then you should probably not get the game. Because neglecting it the positive feedback for choosing a much more appropriate style is just going to interfere with your enjoyment. Really the characters look a lot better in this style and I wish I would see the likes of Soma, Jonathan and Charlotte in this style, looks stylish and beautiful.
Stage detail is something that previous Castlevania games have taken pride in presenting, but this game takes it to a brand new level thanks to some very different environments. There is something to be said of a stage that features you jumping across floating platforms in the ocean whilst in the background a powerful storm is causing havoc, you can see waves crashing up and down and a rather large ship is swaying back and forth, it is incredible to see. It really is great to see what the team has done with the environments. Sometimes you’ll find yourself pushing through the foggy mountains, other times you’ll be marveling at the busy backgrounds of various areas (like a particular area which basically has its background filled with moving gears). Sometimes you’ll find it easy to get distracted from the game itself. Which is dangerous as I’ll get to later you’ll find the game is kicking your ass enough. As much praise as I have given the environments though it will be a disappointment for you, the gamer, and me, the reviewer, to point out that some areas will suffer from reused tile sets. This gives some areas of the game a very re-used feel and often you will find yourself bored with areas when in fact you should be excited to be somewhere new. One example is the re-coloured tile sets used in the areas of Tymeo Mountains and Tristis Pass, it was quite disappointing to see. However, do not allow this to ruin the experience, as the areas at least have varied enemies inhabiting it, but it was just a bit disappointing to see that happen. It is not the only area it happens either, a few other areas have slightly altered twin areas.
This snapshot can’t capture the atmosphere of a stormy night on the ocean, but it is amazing.
In terms of enemies, the previous two games have been guilty of reusing sprites. Ultimately this is much lazier than re-using tile sets because the enemies in Castlevania games are much more prominent and important to the experience. Why? Because you will be fighting these enemies, and you don’t want to be fighting the same enemies you’d been fighting in the previous game. Order of Ecclesia does its best to avoid this error, and as a result you’ll find yourself fighting some much more varied enemies compared to the first two games. Hell, even the Zombies return but with changed designs, a very positive sign. And if forced to choose I’d take varied enemies over varied tile sets any day. As important as the varied environments are, I wouldn’t want to fight the same enemies for the third game in a row. Grouped in with enemies, are the more important enemies. Namely the bosses, Order of Ecclesia can proudly look upon its bosses as it has done a very good job with them. They are very well designed and there are some with visually impressive features. At some point in the game (I won’t say when) you’ll fight a fiend known as Blackmore, who essentially fights with his shadow while his physical body moves around. It looks awesome to watch.
Action and adventure are the two main focal points of Ecclesia’s gameplay, and both of these are very well delivered in the game. Adventuring is probably the less impressive of the two gameplay elements though. There are 19 areas in the game, but only about half of these have enough areas to explore and as a result the number of actual levels drops drastically because of this. Probably the biggest of the games let downs is the fact that a few areas are quite simply glorified passages. They are this in the sense that you will just walk through three straight forward screens full of enemies. There is no adventuring to be done and no exploring to be enjoyed. Very disappointing to see, often feeling as though a couple areas have been put in there simply to add some more meat to the game due to the method they chose to lay out the areas. However, the areas that you can explore are somewhat a redeeming the filler levels. But overall the areas will sometimes feel small to some Castlevania veterans. But compared to being trapped inside a castle for the entire game it was a welcome change to me. Some areas you will be coming back to in order to farm useful items off of enemies or just to reach new areas with new abilities. Castlevania veterans will feel much more at home when they reach Dracula’s Castle which is nearly as big as it has been in previous games, and as a result you’ll be spending a good several hours wandering around through it finding bosses and new glyph’s alike.
Cloud Strife, eat your heart out.
The action in the game is probably my favourite part, the combat system feels a lot better with the glyph system. Although Konami were touting the glyph system as being a new, unique system you’ll soon find after a few hours it is just a glorified soul system (similar to the ones used in Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin) but at the same time you won’t find yourself caring because it is a lot more interesting to collect the glyphs. Mostly because some methods are varied, instead of just killing enemies and collecting abilities you’ll also be finding some hidden in out of reach places or even find yourself stealing them off enemies as they try to attack you. The lack of originality soon becomes a thing of the past after you spend a few hours playing around with the glyphs. And on top of this, you can equip multiple sets of glyphs. You can combine swords and rapiers, lances and axes, anything really. Hell, you can even combine light and dark magic for added flexibility. Remember the Doppelganger soul in the previous games? Well you get a different version of that which allows you to have three glyph sets and allow you to swap between them. What does this mean? It means you can have three sets tailored to suit your needs, magic sets to fight baddies who are in need of magical attacks as well as still having your strongest weapon on a standby set for an emergency. It’s a very nice feature to have at your disposable, especially if you abuse it like I did.
One tiny complaint is the lack of physically damaging weapons, all you really have are the typical sword, rapier, knife, sickle, and axe sets. You don’t really get too much variety besides these. Whilst I am aware there were not varied weapon types in the other games, at least you could different looking weapons and that’s my only really complaint with it. It’s a cosmetic feature so it isn’t one that affects my overall enjoyment of the game, but it would have been a nice feature. Especially if you could change how the sword glyph looked when you used it.
In terms of equipment the game offers a lot, you’ll be picking up pieces of equipment from enemies and forging new stuff via the village by collecting different items. Such as Iron Ore and Gold Ore. By the endgame you will be able to choose from some very powerful equipment, and as a result will be in a much more beneficial position compared to someone who simply skims the surface of the game. One major problem with any item in this game is how purely expensive they are, this adds an annoying level of difficulty to the game. When you eventually obtain the ability to buy Potions and Super Potions the price will be substantially higher than you are probably ready for. Heck, the very best potion in the game will set you back 30,000 gold. Granted it fully heals you, but that is still an unbelievable price. Food is often a cheaper alternative but heals you just as well as potions (if you know which food heals how much HP of course) so I’ll recommend you look into researching the health giving qualities of food.
I’ll be taking that glyph, thank you very much.
The game handles well, which is important considering you’ll be fighting very hard enemies in this installment. With the typical Castlevania controls you would expect no less, however with a few new tasty gameplay mechanics there are a few beneficial control features. As previously mentioned you can equip two attacking glyphs, one will be on Shanoa’s left hand and the other on her right hand. Now, you should be able to assume what this means. One is assigned to X and the other assigned to Y. That’s right, double attacks. With the right timing you’ll soon find yourself nailing enemies with successive hits, and this is very important. It works really well with really powerful glyphs, with the right level and stats you can string together four or five multiple hits dealing massive damage to enemies in a short amount of time. This makes it easier to capitalize on boss’s openings. And in this game there is nothing more important than capitalizing on a boss’s weak spot while you can because you’ll required to memorize their patterns.
Another neat feature of the already mentioned glyph system, besides awesome combo options with good button timing, by pressing up on the d-pad and either the X or Y button you will unleash a powerful weapon combo. Double sword will unleash a massive sword attack, double light will unleash a powerful ball of light energy. But this isn’t all, combo different glyphs as well for interesting results, like Vol Umbro and Vol Luminatio will provide a massive blast of light that will deal devastating damage upon any enemies nearby. You will be using this against Dracula if you know what is good for you.
Engrossing soundscapes and catchy, eerie tunes are both important elements in maintaining an atmosphere within a game. Ecclesia brings with it its own memorable tunes and absorbing sounds. Monsters will have your undivided attention and the sounds really sound good pumping out of the DS’ surprisingly good speakers. A few songs are standouts though, for example I really enjoyed the atmosphere created during my time spent in the Kalidus Channel, the catchy music, the sounds of the waves, the thunder, altogether they create a powerful atmosphere that immerse you in the environment. And this is what a game should set out to do with its sound. However, having said this, there aren’t any songs that would probably stand out to a true video game music connoisseur. They get the job done though, and will not cause your ears to bleed. I found the sound to be much stronger than the music. Whether it was absorbing glyphs or just violently killing any monsters you came across, I found the sound presentation to be quite strong. But I’ve always thought this of the Castlevania series, as it has delivered in all three on the DS so far.
Of all the days to forget your umbrella, uh oh...
Last but not least, we move onto the games replayability. So you are wondering just what is there to come back to, well even after you finish the game you can come back and attempt to get 100% on your enemy, glyph, item and equipment guides. There are two bonus areas to explore and conquer (Training Hall and Large Cavern) that will keep you occupied for a while. Particularly Large Cavern which will require you to be very experienced at fighting certain enemies, and be able to keep your cool when you are outnumbered by powerful foes. Training Hall will require you to put your skills to the test by navigating through its chambers, this involves getting through many obstacle filled areas and you won’t be about to use your flying glyph in here either. Both of these are going to keep you coming back. And if that isn’t enough, the game itself is just fun to come back and blaze through again. See if you can’t beat it faster, like a Metroid game, the completion time can be fun to keep down. But if you aren’t really a fan of this, then you will be able to go through Boss Rush mode, enjoy online races, training rooms, and even an Albus mode once you finish it for the first time. Overall, this is a very enjoyable game even if it’s the fourth time you have played through it.
In conclusion, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is another strong installment into the DS series. And furthermore it can be considered a really strong addition to anyone’s DS library. So really there should not be a lot stopping you from running out and buying it. Fighting monsters, collecting glyphs, saving villagers, these are all in a day’s work for our brave protagonist. And it will pose a challenge. You will die. And not only will you die a few times in different areas. You will find yourself dying multiple times in the same area. Especially in boss fights, do not be discouraged if this game kicks your ass because you can kick its ass right back. You just need to outsmart and outplay it. This is my favourite of the Metroidvania series. And on top of that it is probably my favourite Castlevania game to date. I highly recommend this game to anyone who needs to get some serious playtime out of their DS.
Buy it. Play it. Finish it. Love it. Just like I did.
PROS
+It will kick your ass, a lot (Castlevania veterans will love it).
+Stunning environments.
+Art design much better than the anime ones from the previous two games.
+Great bosses.
+Nice soundtrack.
+You will enjoy coming back and kicking its ass.
+Boss rush, to relive your ass being kicked.
CONS
-It will kick your ass, a lot (Casual gamers might be overwhelmed, though this is a positive in my book).
-Glyph system isn’t really original.
-Some levels are short and pointless.
-Some may think there is a lack of weapon variety.
-It had to end.
*LMX*
