Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

[KempStar]

Im quite suprised actually that there isnt already a thread on this GBA game. Are there any castlevania fans out there? surely there must be

The GBA outings have so far been a mixed bag. Circle of the Moon, whilst a solid game, felt like a definite step back for the series. White night concerto was a disaster- all the rpg elements found in the previous two games had been removed, and the level design was sloppy and lacklustre.

Castlevania is undoubtedly one of my favourite series of games, in particular symphony of the night, cv4 and simons quest. Most people tend to agree that the sublime SOTN is the pinnacle of the series (apart from pc engine owners who like to say Rondo of Blood is, just because its on a less mainstream console). So now, the verdict.....

So far, it is absolutely magnificent. For all intents and purposes it is symphony of the night 2. I dont want to say any more at the moment, as im itching to get back to play the game. Full ntsc-uk review to follow shortly

thoughts anyone?

[a_c_saunders]

I quite liked the two GBA outings but I havent played any earlier ones to compare it with. I really like the look of this one though with the kirbyish possession of enemies souls. Any news of a US release date yet?

[yashiro]

Any news of a US release date yet?

It's out for uk gba already.

As for the game it's pretty good but I felt it was a little short.

[snowman]

I may have to this up now.Been looking for a good gba game...

[a_c_saunders]

It's out for uk gba already.

Oh right! Hehe thought the thread was about the JAP release

[replicant]

I love Castlevania as well. Definately one of the strongest franchises out there, and its amazing that it still manages to entertain us after all these years.

I thought it was a tad strange as well that no one seemed interested in the GBA release. Maybe people are waiting for the Playstation 2 version coming out later on this year which looks interesting despite it being heavily influenced by Devil May Cry.

[Sidez]

I thought it was a tad strange as well that no one seemed interested in the GBA release.

I think it's more to do with the previous two being a tad ****e. AoS is supposed to be better than both but seriously, Metroidvania should have finished with SOTN.

[MonkeyWrench]

Bought it on release but have only played it briefly as I realised I've got unfinished business with Circle of the Moon, so I've gone back to that for the time being. What I did play seemed a nice progression for the GBA series (well at least graphically, the animation is much nicer), can't wait to get back to it. There's a nice Castlevania feature in Games TM this month too.

[TheShend]

If it's on par or as good as Dracula X - i'll have to seriously consider it!

[KempStar]

Heres the release information-

US 5/5
JP 6/5
UK 7/5

very odd

The soundtrack is excellent considering the limitations of the host format, not quite up there with SOTN though.

[Papercut]

I'm really looking forward to this, didn't realise the uk version was already out.

I agree with the comments above that SOTN was the best of the series so far, but I really enjoyed the last two GBA Castlevanias too.

Strong recommendation from KempStar that this game is SOTN 2... I'll have to see what the fuss is all about.

Am I right in remembering that this new Castlevania game was originally going to be for the PS2, but it was decided a 2D game wouldn't sell enough on that system?

[bowser123]

Have all 3 GBA games and love em all to bits.
Must admit I hardly played Moon and Dissonance when I 1st got em, only since I got my SP (and was able to see em) that I have been through them and completed them. Sorrow is very good, probably the best GBA version yet and up there with SNES Castlevania IMO.