Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Graphics: Because this is a GBA game, I would have been satisfied with ho-hum graphics, but this game looks incredible. The motions are fluid, and you won't be going blind from watching poorly-used sprites vibrate back and forth endlessly even when your character is standing still (Did someone say "Final Fantasy VIII?"). No complaints here.

Controls: This was the area of gameplay I was most worried about, as it is often a problem with games for hand-held consoles. But "Aria of Sorrow" comes through in fine style, with one of the smoothest, most intuitive control schemes I've ever used. Actually, therein lies the game's only problem: The game plays so well, once you play it, you can't go back and play previous Castlevania installments because the controls pale in comparison. But obviously this is nothing to complain about. This game does a wonderful job of preserving the traditional Castlevania-style two-button interface: one button for jumping, one for attacking. It's ingeniously simplistic.

Sound: Many of the other reviewers have criticized the game's music as being boring and forgettable. While this game's music may not be up to par with, say, "Symphony of the Night," it is still worth listening to, and is MUCH better than the excuse for music found on "Harmony of Dissonance." The sound effects are also good; some enemies will scream when killed.

Story: Alright, so the story is not that great, but honestly: does any Castlevania game have a good story? If you want story, go buy an RPG. Personally, I don't want to hear a lot of talking in a platformer. This game's story does the job just fine, and offers multiple endings as does any good Castlevania game.

Gameplay: This is where the game really breaks ahead of the competition. This is the most fun I've had playing a video game in a long time - I found myself skipping meals to slave away at my GBA. For starters, you get to use swords instead of the Belmont family weapon: a whip. THANK GOD! I've always hated the whip. Second, you will unlock a barrage of special moves to use such as the double jump, the slide, the high jump, the flying kick...the list goes on. These moves really add some spice to the game. And now for the kicker: Soul Collecting. This is the absolute coolest thing anyone has ever put in a video game. Here's how it works: Every enemy in the game (112, to be exact) has a soul that contains an ability. Every once in a while when you kill an enemy, you acquire its soul, which can be equipped and used at the cost of magic points. There are different types of souls, and if you collect 100% of the souls, you will get the best item in the game. You can even trade souls with a link cable! If you play through this game without collecting souls, you might as well have been playing with you eyes closed.

Replay Value: There is tons of it. When you beat the game (depending on which ending you earned), you unlock lots of extra goodies, including the Boss Rush mode, where you try to beat every boss in the game as fast as possible. You will also earn the ability to play as a Belmont, which means you can use a whip.

Closing Note: I realize that this review assumes that the reader is familiar with the Castlevania series, so if you are not, this section is for you: BUY THIS GAME!


Short but perfect.   June 22, 2003
Anthony Peak (USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is one top notch title that no Castlevania fan should miss. The story is good, the graphics are great, and the combat is the most fun I've had in a Castlevania series to date. When this came out, it was by far the best game I'd played all year. This is one top notch example of old school 2d gaming.

The only thing holding me back from giving this an easy 5 is the length. Some folks seem to think it's the hardest yet, but I found it to be a cakewalk even on the hard level compared to some past titles. An incredibly fun cakewalk, mind you.

I finished this in very little time, and although the ability to start a new game with most your items and souls does add value and keep the game alive and fun, it's life-support. Don't let that stop you from checking out this awesome title.

- Rirath_com


castlecraze   April 14, 2003
4 out of 38 found this review helpful

now i like castlevania games and i am so happy they made a new one ive been wating for a new castlevania game or a new game boy system anyway this game has better graphics a new magic system and it the first game to take place in the future and they
took away the whole belmont thing and put in soma cruz alright this is probaly the best to get the game pre order it becuase most likely there going to be sold out at the stores this is a great game for any castlevania fan or anyone for that matergreat game get it


Arguably the best castlevania game Ever   July 5, 2003
Brian Jacobson (Cedar Falls, Iowa United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Overall: This game is arguably the best Castlevania Game ever. The story is the most engaging castlevania plotline ever. I won't give any of it away, but the set up is that a high school student, Soma Cruz, is teleported to Dracula's Castle during a olor eclipse, armed with only a pocket knife.
(the story really picks up after you beat the second to last boss)

Gameplay: Fantastic! The soul system is even better than the DSS system from CTOM, and the controls are much more varied, making it easier to pull off special abilities. Plus, there is lots of replay value here, too, including a Boss rush mode.
however, you have to make sure you get the best ending! (to do that, lets just say you'll be doing something you never thought you'd be doing in a Castlevania game)

Graphics: The graphics are pretty up to par with HoD, but not as colorful.

Sound: I personally didn't have any problem with HoD's 8-bit Music, But I do Love the MIDI quality music in this game, and the compositions are much better. My favorite tracks in this game are: Clock Tower, Study, and Heart of fire. If you listen closely, you can hear several hints of Castlevania II music in "Heart Of Fire"


Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow   February 4, 2004
Steve (Chicago, IL United States)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I was a little hesitant to buy this game because the only Castlevania I've liked was SOTN. This is about 80% similar to SOTN; it has the double jump, equip options of weapons, armor, and spells, also little other equip features. Some of the monsters are the same, if you played SOTN you'll know about the giant skull and the monsters that jump out of the water, and the flying heads. The music is also great, very much like SOTN, the looks ands feel of the game is also similar. So, if you loved SOTN, you'll have to like this, it's really SOTN, with different monsters and look. The castle is as big as SOTN, it's not a level to level type of game, it's just a continuous adventure.

Graphics: 4/5.
Sound: 3/5.
Music: 4/5.
Difficulty: 2-3/5
Game play: 5/5.
Area size of the castle: 5/5.
Control: 4/5.
Fun: 5/5.
Colors: 4/5.
Frustration: 3/5.
Chances of being bored with the game: 0/5.