Castlevania- Symphony of the Night

  You start this game where "Castlevania Bloodlines" leaves off. You are Richter Belmont, the legendary vampire hunter. The game begins with you, trying to defeat "Dracula" at the final stage of the previous Castlevania game.

I'm going to be purposely vague on the storyline in this review. I don't want to give out too much of the plot. I will say however that after you beat Dracula as Richter, you play the remainder of the game as "Alucard". Alucard is the offspring of an un-natural union between Count Dracula, and a human woman. Four years after Ricter defeats Dracula, he mysteriously disappears. Maria Renard (Richter's sister in law) has entered Castlevania and began her search for him (Castlevainia mysteriously appears once every century). Alucard, who has awoke from a supposed eternal slumber (which was supposed to purge the world form his accursed bloodline), is out to rid his homeland of the evil which is now at work. It is here, in Castlevania where Maria, and Alucard meet, and here where the remainder of the game takes place.

The first thing I'd like to say is that this is positively the best 2D platform game I have ever played!! That is saying alot!! I am very impressed with this game. The design of this game, is how 2D games should've been designed all along. Actually, after playing this, I can't understand why more games haven't had some of the features this game has in place. The overall design of this game is awesome! Let me explain:

There is a hugh amount of weapons and items available throughout. These can be found at various places, and switched throughout the game at will. Some things are stronger, some quicker. Some are used once, some can be equipped and re-used.  Most bosses and enemies will require the proper weapon selection to defeat them. What works well for one, will not work well for all. Finding, and using the proper weapon is crucial to your success. This adds a replay, and playability factor that far surpasses any other 2D platform game you have ever played.

In addition to the numerous weapons and items scattered throughout, there is a Library that you can go to to purchase other items. That is if you have a library card, which is also available for purchase. If you do, you can just teleport there and buy the items you need. One more example of the stunning game design Konami has come up with.

If this isn't enough to convince you, how about the ability to transform into different forms. You must acquire these powers, but once you do you can reach various points in the castle that were previously un-
available. For instance, the "Soul of the Bat" enables you to fly to un-known heights. The "Form of Mist" enables you to pass through the tightest of places. The "Leap Stone" enables you to jump much higher, and the "Soul of the Wolf" enables you to run faster, and jump higher. Each of these can be powered up too, to give the form, or soul more power than it previously had.

Castlevania is a hugh castle. You go through room after room, finding items, and trying to pass various places. Many places must be re-visited once the proper form, soul, or item is acquired. If you don't have the item, you will not be able to pass. Re-visiting areas is easy, with the properly placed warp rooms. You can always warp back close to areas that you have already visited.

On top of what was already mentioned, you also have Special weapons, Familiar Spirit guides, and build your character in an RPG like fashion. I'm not kidding you, this is one well thought out, and well designed video game!!!

One sad note is that there is not a save anywhere feature. Bummer!!!!! Still, this is one of the better games as save points are frequent, and easy to find. The also replenish your character, so they are quite a welcome sight to see.

The graphics are pretty damn good, but I have seen better on 32 bit systems. They all look cool, and fit the mood perfectly. Some of the bosses are totally awesome, and with 140 different enemies, I don't think you can really fault the look of this game!

Like I said before, the Castle is hugh. This is really a long game. matter of fact, once you finish the first castle, you have to go through it again but this time it is inverted. Be warned though, the inverted castle is tough!!! Personally, I didn't make it too far in there.
 

In conclusion I'd like to say: This is what 2D gaming should be about. To me, Castlevania SOTN is better then 99% of the 3D games out there. From it's excellent level design, to it's loads of selectable weapons and items. This is truly a classic. If more 2D games came along like this, I think I'd quit 3D altogether. Simply Awesome!!!!!
 
 

RATINGS
GRAPHICS 95%
SOUND 98%
GAMEPLAY 98%
ORIGINALITY 98%
REPLAY VALUE 94%
OVERALL 97%