No you didn't. How has it lost its identity? It's freaking Castlevania, the only identity it has is a mixmatch of creatures from random mythologies, with the only holdovers being Dracula, Death, vampires, werewolves and a couple other creatures (like the inexplicable Medusa heads). Oh yeah, and remixing Bloody Tears all the damn time. And all that stuff Castlevania is known for is a result of fandom appeasement rather than any coherent mythology of the games. Everything else is up to the taste of the gamer makers. And I really can't see anything in this game that says it doesn't feel like Castlevania, other than the fact that this one has ambitious production values.
Gamesradar goes most in depth about the combat. First quote is general combat, second quote is combat specifics that set it apart from other action games.
I hope to God the puzzles aren't hard in this game, I suck at puzzles and I get pissed off when I'm in ass kicking mode, yet find myself horribly stuck on some weird puzzle.
I thought the demo for this was supposed to be available today. I checked the PSN store and no sign of it.
You're right, which is why Castlevania 64 was a total success (sarcasm). Because every game with mythological creatures or a gothic atmosphere is automatically considered a CV-style game (more sarcasm). Never mind the fact an entire genre is partly named after the series (Metroidvania), it's obviously nothing more than aesthetics (enough sarcasm for ya?). It's on the EU store at least, I just started downloading it.
Is that sarcasm I detect, dear Midian? ;D *Is being sarcastic* Oh well, we've established that you are better than I am at this sarcasm malarky.
Gamespot's new review gives it just a 7.5/10... basically calling it ok, but mainly a copy of other games.
Hahaha, very very true mate. I doubt it will be as good as GOW3 as it had the pacing down something crazy. But at least we get a double length adventure out of it. Mind you, after watching GT's Video Review... I'm starting to have a less glowing thought process towards it.
Someone pointed out that GT said the combat is awesome, but puzzles and platforming are a pain... while IGN said the puzzles and platforming are awesome but combat is a pain. Seems both of those attributes are love-it-or-hate-it deals, just gotta hope I end up loving both.
Just played the demo, wasn't as impressed as I hoped I would be. The graphics are nice, the sound is nice, but the combat was pretty simple, although I was only fighting basic enemies and had no magic. The camera also seemed unecessarily shaky at times... and the horse riding mechanic left a lot to be desired. That said, it's a good looking game, I love the theme and character/enemy design, plus the combat might improve with upgrades and there's still all the puzzles/platforming to come. I can see it being a worthwhile purchase even if it's not the amazing Castlevania we were all waiting for.
I know the gameplay gets more nuanced later with the magic/ focus system. The horse part is a little meh, hoping for better stuff with other animals. As far as the sub 8 reviews go, the Gametrailers review was a little low but well explained. The IGN and Gamespot review were terrible in their content justification.
I was looking at how much I've spent on PS3 games yesterday, makes me not want to buy anymore ever. I'm thinking of just renting some from now on.
Downloaded the demo off PSN and thought it was, well, ok. It positively wreaks of God of War (which is no bad thing) but the demo just didn't do a great deal for me... the horse riding bit I found to be rather boring. Interestingly, IGN said in their review that they would recommend it to God if War fans but not Castlevania fans because it doesn't 'feel' like Castlevania which is something I'd have to agree with. Still, its probably the best 3D Castlevania and the visuals are rather pretty.
