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Count Dra-cool

Castlevania has been my personal favorite action franchise since Simon's Quest, mostly because I managed to avoid all the games after Simon's Quest. Still, the endless praise lobbed on the last Castlevania game and the sequel, Aria of Sorrow, convinced me to give it a shot. It's more like Diablo than Simon's Quest - the RPG elements are more stat- and ability-oriented. Despite the lack of dialogue and towns there is a rudimentary plot to give a reason for the player's rampage through Dracula's castle (again).

Castlevania's gameplay is rather simple at the surface. Run around, kill things, pick up the items they drop and go kill some more. In addition, there are experience levels to gain and abilities to unlock. The player character can learn monster abilities like axe throwing or gliding. Some of these are necessary to advance in the game and it is guaranteed that the character will learn them. Others are randomly learned, with a small percentage chance to learn with each kill of a specific enemy.

I can already feel the attraction between them

Uh wow. Hope you used protection.

The vast assortment of items and abilities really keeps Castlevania fresh. Friends tell me that the original Circle of the Moon was 'an instant classic' and suggest that Aria of Sorrow doesn't stray far from the formula. This being my first experience with a Castlevania since Simon's Quest (not counting the abysmal Castlevania 64), I can't help but be impressed by the clean, sophisticated gameplay. Actually, let me take back my Diablo comments, as in retrospect Aria of Sorrow has as much in common with the original Metroid. The side-scrolling and relatively non-linear play resemble the classic NES title in equal proportion to the ability unlocking, item hunting and experience hogging of Diablo.

Stats go up automatically every level and improve the player's attack and defense values, which are the two stats that truly matter. There are also hitpoints and magic points, which of course increase with every level. The effect of hitpoints is obvious, but magic points are what allow the player to use his abilities. Magic points regenerate slowly or with the help of hearts, which are dropped from destroyed candles, chandeliers and torches. Those same objects can also drop gold coins, which may be used to eventually purchase equipment. Most items can be found on monsters (which drop them very, very rarely) or guarded by boss monsters and/or creatures more powerful than typically found in that area of the map.

All in all, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow provides and incredibly compelling and addictive experience. This is without even considering the limitations imposed by its platform. It is definitely one of those games that will have me playing it through to the end even though I bought it only with the intent of having some entertainment for the trips to and from E3.