Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (PS2) Fall 2005

[Masterkyo]

I wonder anyone heard about this game release later this year!!

Checkout your PLAY Magazine Februrary issue if you wanted to know more about new Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (PS2). I can't wait to see it the store :)

[CrimGhost]

Is it going to be 2D? I really hope they make this into a 2D/3D game like with Conta:SS and Neo-Contra.

[opportunity777]

Awesome :)

[CouRageouS]

Is it going to be like LOI? LOI was great.

[Chris in Cali]

I like cheese!

[nikkai]

I really hope it isn't going to be like LOI.... there are plenty of 3D adventure games...

Castlevania at its heart is a 2D game at its best. Keep it next gen 2D! =)

[Masterkyo]

New castlevania graphic is much better compare to LOI. ALso, is not 2D but i still like it ;)

[tdphillips]

Good. We all need more Castlevania.

[lurknomore]

3d Castlevania is not something that I'll continue to be excited about...tell me when the next GBA or DS Castlevania will be, and I'll show you an excited Castlevania fan.

[lurknomore]

And oh yeah, what's with the crappy Castlevania name? Hopefully they'll add more excitement to it with a yet-to-be-announced title change.

[willardhaven]

Yeah, I've enjoyed Castlevania for many years, but I really hate the 3d incarnations, including LOI.

[PawnTakesKing]

I was one of the few who loved LOI, but you're right. Castlevania is MEANT for 2D. The 2D incarnations are my favorites.

Still, I'll be picking this one up, after it drops to $20 or so.

[Strell]

PLAY mag?

I need to see when mine will come in. I've had notoriously bad luck with issues coming in on time - it was so bad at some point that I'd get one mag, miss the next, and the pattern continued for 6-7 months.

Good magazine though, especially when it shows up.

As for this new Castlevania, I wonder if this is the "news" that IGN was reporting Konami had on their website, even though it said to check back on the 27th.

[Backlash]

I enjoyed LOI, but the 2D games are much much better. LOI was too easy and almost more of an adventure game than an action game.

Here's to hoping that one of the older Castlevanias is an unlockable in the next one!

[dracula]

i will get it when it is cheap, and only then it will be to add to my castlevania mega collection(every castlevania game ever made for any system)

[mkelehan]

I'll believe it when I see scans. The last few CV console outings didn't do great, and we've got a great looking DS CV on the way.

[geotech]

I'm surprised they are making another one on PS2, LOI started dropping in price pretty fast. I have it, barely played it (with working and San Andreas). I'll get to it evetually. : ) Anyway I'd like to see some scans of the article too please. I've loved castlevania since the NES days and am a big fan. If you guys want a site that has good info on castlevania check out the castlevania dungeon. It's great that we'll be getting another Castlevania, but I'd rather have a collection that INCLUDES the turnbo cd one (Rondo of Blood or something? the one that preludes Symphony of the night).

[-Never4ever-]

I liked LOI, a bit too short and a bit too easy, but it was a start. I think they can still pull off something sweet and hopefully COD will be it.

[CrimGhost]

Whats with the name? Curse of Darkness? I was expecting a musical themed name. Like STRINGS OF DOOM!

[lurknomore]

Whats with the name? Curse of Darkness? I was expecting a musical themed name. Like STRINGS OF DOOM!

Yeah, the name needs to be changed.

[Pancake Rabbit]

I WANT MY 2d CASTLEVANIA!!

[tdphillips]

2D without a doubt, is better. But I enjoyed C64, not like SotN or the GBA games, but it was fun. A 2D PS2 Castlevania would be cool!

[Sartori]

Useless.

[Starky27]

Here's a little more info:

http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=4221

[Kain Vincent]

Nice, a new castlevania to look forward to. It looks to be an interesting one.

[Weedy649]

I dont see whats wrong with it being 3d. Castlevania continues to get 2d goodness on gba and ds so why not have a 3d version on the home console?

[gsr]

tried LOI..hated it

too many doors, too much running around, bad camera angles when you try to jump

[BustaUppa]

EB did that totally badass promotion for LOI where they included a soundtrack CD with the game... it'll be sweet if they do that again for this new one.

[BustaUppa]

I dont see whats wrong with it being 3d. Castlevania continues to get 2d goodness on gba and ds so why not have a 3d version on the home console?Exactly. The way some people complain, you'd think they weren't making 2D castlevanias. When in reality, this DS game will be the fourth 2D CastleVania game released since 2001.

Granted I would love to see the PS2's power maxed out on a 2D game, but right now they are just playing different consoles to their strengths, which makes total sense from a developer's standpoint.

[howlinmad]

Please please please....for all that is sacred....Konami, release a 2d Castlevania using the available space, the processing power of today's systems for smooth graphics and music. Stop with the 3d madness already!

/rant off

[mkelehan]

This is perfect. We get a 2D CV and a 3D CV in the same year. Sure, I enjoy the 2D ones more, but the 3D ones are fun as well, and I get both, so how can I complain?

[javeryh]

A 2D Castlevania with a Viewtiful Joe/Alien Hominid style would kick ass.

[howlinmad]

I dont see whats wrong with it being 3d. Castlevania continues to get 2d goodness on gba and ds so why not have a 3d version on the home console?Exactly. The way some people complain, you'd think they weren't making 2D castlevanias. When in reality, this DS game will be the fourth 2D CastleVania game released since 2001.

Granted I would love to see the PS2's power maxed out on a 2D game, but right now they are just playing different consoles to their strengths, which makes total sense from a developer's standpoint.

Castlevania is a series that belongs 2d....period. How many times is this going to be proven? Every 3d Castlevania has fallen short of what the series was/should be. Somethings just do not translate to 3d well, either because the design hasn't been put forth yet, or it simply is best presented side scrolling.
SoTN did this very well on a console that was, for all general purposes, designed for that gen's 3d gaming.

added:
And no, it does not make sense. People mostly bought LoI (IMHO anyway from what I've gathered from talking to other fans of the series), because it looked like it was going to actually do alot right. While this game was a step in the right direction, it yet again proved that the depth could not be done for this series in 3d.
I would love to see this *curse* lifted, and Castlevania have it's day in 3d, but I fear I will be waiting for a long time.

[onikage]

I enjoyed LOI, but the 2D games are much much better. LOI was too easy and almost more of an adventure game than an action game.


Did you try playing through the game on "Crazy" difficulty?

[BustaUppa]

And no, it does not make sense. People mostly bought LoI (IMHO anyway from what I've gathered from talking to other fans of the series), because it looked like it was going to actually do alot right. While this game was a step in the right direction, it yet again proved that the depth could not be done for this series in 3d.
I would love to see this *curse* lifted, and Castlevania have it's day in 3d, but I fear I will be waiting for a long time.I too would love to see a 3D CastleVania that kicks every bit as much ass as SOTN. And by your own admission, LoI was "a step in the right direction." SOTN was the culmination of years and years of 2D CastleVanias... admittedly this next 3D game may not change the minds of many people (it'll probably be the same gameplay engine as LoI I'm thinking), but for all we know it may be bringing us one step closer to the ultimate badass 3D CastleVania game of all time!

Keep in mind that I do believe a 2D casltevania on PS2 would be the BEST from a gamer's perspective... all I'm saying is that I am not AGAINST making 3D games at this time. As others have pointed out, we are currently getting both 2D and 3D so all is right with the world.

[howlinmad]

And no, it does not make sense. People mostly bought LoI (IMHO anyway from what I've gathered from talking to other fans of the series), because it looked like it was going to actually do alot right. While this game was a step in the right direction, it yet again proved that the depth could not be done for this series in 3d.
I would love to see this *curse* lifted, and Castlevania have it's day in 3d, but I fear I will be waiting for a long time.I too would love to see a 3D CastleVania that kicks every bit as much ass as SOTN. And by your own admission, LoI was "a step in the right direction." SOTN was the culmination of years and years of 2D CastleVanias... admittedly this next 3D game may not change the minds of many people (it'll probably be the same gameplay engine as LoI I'm thinking), but for all we know it may be bringing us one step closer to the ultimate badass 3D CastleVania game of all time!

Keep in mind that I do believe a 2D casltevania on PS2 would be the BEST from a gamer's perspective... all I'm saying is that I am not AGAINST making 3D games at this time. As others have pointed out, we are currently getting both 2D and 3D so all is right with the world.


A step in the right direction does not mean it will continue in that direction, and LoI was a small step, but a step none the less.
The general observation apparently it seems to be, the 2d platform is just for the portable market. That is not the best out look for those hoping for a good Castlevania that they don't have to strain their eyes to enjoy, or have an extra device hooked to my console to enjoy it on a larger screen. Personally, I think the sucess of the handheld Castlevanias are more geared towards the fact of, hell, I'll take what I can get. Not to say they aren't great, they are. But come on, I would even settle for a compliation on the TV consoles, not GBA emulation on the Game Cube, the game AND music quality that Castlevania is known for.

If something completely new for 2d is too much to ask, there is still plenty out there. Dracula X (not the insult released on the SNES), since we are in retro mode these days, how about Haunted Castle in one of those remarketed packages? They remade Castlevania 1, that was great! Now how about Simon's Quest?

This discussion seems to come up plenty on various forums, the exact same one. It would seem there is something to it, would it not?

"SOTN was the culmination of years and years of 2D CastleVanias" may be true, but come on. They took one of the 3D ones and re*vamped* \:D/ it. There is so much that could be done still using 3d, keeping the side scrolling feel. Somone mentioned VJ, if they did that right, but with more of the Castlevania art style and mood, people still get their 3d bragging rights, the fans of the series get their gameplay, mood, and feel....I'd settle for that.

I however just don't see the sprites being replaced sucessfully for polygons and it feel the same. I for one, would love to be shown wrong.

I'm not saying your points aren't valid, they are well thought out, but without taking too much time on it, personally, I think you are willing to settle for what is out there....IMHO of course.

[Kaijufan]

I WANT MY 2d CASTLEVANIA!!
There is a 2d Castlevania game coming out for the DS.

[Masterkyo]

I wish Konami release Castlevania Mega Collection (All 2D castlevania) for PS2 like capcom does with Megaman collection but i don't think is EXIT or Pre-Order Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (PS2) and get free Castlevania Bonus Disc includes all 2D Castlevania games :)

[lurknomore]

There are some games that aren't improvements when they go 3d, and Castlevania and Contra are two good examples.

[tdphillips]

There are some games that aren't improvements when they go 3d, and Castlevania and Contra are two good examples.

And both are from Konami. Hmmm....

[BustaUppa]

And both are from Konami. Hmmm....Give Konami some credit, though. They tried 3D contra and it was poorly received. So for PS2 they went ahead and made Shattered Soldier, a 2D game. The n64 Castlevanias were poorly received, after this they made 2D games for the GBA. And now they are developing ANOTHER 2D game (on a system that is capable of 3D graphics, for that matter). Clamor for a next-gen 2D game all you want, that's fine... but outright Konami-bashing over this would be just a tad ungrateful, don't you think? There are plenty of other companies out there that would have just abandoned 2D altogether.

[tdphillips]

And both are from Konami. Hmmm....Give Konami some credit, though. They tried 3D contra and it was poorly received. So for PS2 they went ahead and made Shattered Soldier, a 2D game. The n64 Castlevanias were poorly received, after this they made 2D games for the GBA. And now they are developing ANOTHER 2D game (on a system that is capable of 3D graphics, for that matter). Clamor for a next-gen 2D game all you want, that's fine... but outright Konami-bashing over this would be just a tad ungrateful, don't you think? There are plenty of other companies out there that would have just abandoned 2D altogether.

I'm not bashing Konami, just making an observation. IMO, one of the best developers around, even if you only consider Castlevania and Contra.

An earlier post of mine mentioned that I actually enjoyed C64. I'm not meaning to bash 3D Castlevanias, they're just not as good as the recent 2D offerings. I think a PS2 2D Castlevania would be cool, but I don't mind 3D, it's where the market is going. I hope they can release a great 3D Castlevania.

[lurknomore]

And both are from Konami. Hmmm....Give Konami some credit, though. They tried 3D contra and it was poorly received. So for PS2 they went ahead and made Shattered Soldier, a 2D game. The n64 Castlevanias were poorly received, after this they made 2D games for the GBA. And now they are developing ANOTHER 2D game (on a system that is capable of 3D graphics, for that matter). Clamor for a next-gen 2D game all you want, that's fine... but outright Konami-bashing over this would be just a tad ungrateful, don't you think? There are plenty of other companies out there that would have just abandoned 2D altogether.

Clamor, clamor.

I, too, am not bashing Konami. I agree that even their relative duds in 3d Castlevanias and Contras were still better than much of the video game fodder that is still out there. (I also don't know why people were so disappointed in C64. It was decent.) Our point is that the greatness of these two series is in 2d, and it will forever be in 2d.

[BustaUppa]

I'm not bashing Konami, just making an observation. IMO, one of the best developers around, even if you only consider Castlevania and Contra.

An earlier post of mine mentioned that I actually enjoyed C64. I'm not meaning to bash 3D Castlevanias, they're just not as good as the recent 2D offerings. I think a PS2 2D Castlevania would be cool, but I don't mind 3D, it's where the market is going. I hope they can release a great 3D Castlevania.
Ok well I agree with that completely. "not as good as the recent 2D offerings"... that about sums it up. SOTN is simply untouchable.... but 3D has potential... who knows, maybe someday Konami will make the 3D game that does for CastleVania what Metal Gear Solid did for the Metal Gear series. Until that day I am glad to see them forging ahead in both the 2D and 3D arenas.

[FatBoyInside]

Wow, I just love PLAY magazine. Aside from the nice exclusive on Castlevania : CoD, there are fold-out posters of KOS-MOS and NINA. So yummy...

This newest Castlevania is based on the Innocence engine, but enhanced further using some touch-ups from other games like Nanobreaker and Silent Hill. Also, expect linear gameplay and connectivity similar to Symphony of the Night architecture with more external levels outside the castle walls. The biggest innovation is the introduction of "Innocent Devils" that you can utilize/summon...possessing special abilities and can be further upgraded.

[Masterkyo]

Here's little bit information about new Castlevania game goddess!

IGA's at it again, revealing he has more planned for this year than just Nano Breaker...


Revealed in legitimate looking scans of the February issue of Play magazine hosted on the fan-site Castlevania Dungeon is the next game in the long running horror/action series, titled Castlevania: Curse of Darkness. Rumors have been circulating over a big, Castlevania-related announcement taking place on Konami's Gamer's Day on January 27, and these scans all but confirm it.

Quoted from the story description of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness:

"Three years have passed since Trevor Beomont and his companions vanquished Dracula. But the magic power of the curse Dracula unleashed upon his death began infecting all of Europe. Pestilence, mob violence and heresy became rampant, and people continued to fall deeper into darkness...

Amidst all of this, Hector - a Devil Forgemaster who had once refined his skills under Dracula - has fled in pursuit of a peaceful life as a human. He never imagined that his old friend Isaac, the other Devil Forgemaster, would suddenly appear and implicate his wife in a deadly conspiracy. As vengeance for his beloved wife, Hector pursues Isaac back to his former home, now completely morphed by Dracula's magic..."

In Play's interview with Koji "IGA" Igarashi, he reveals that Castlevania: Curse of Darkness's gameplay is going to focus on "Innocent Devils" which function similar to familiars in Symphony of the Night, and monster souls in Aria of Sorrow. They will apparently aid Hector and become more powerful when you defeat monsters. The game will apparently have more of an action/RPG bent, but there will still be adventure elements, with "Innocent Devils" playing a key part in clearing obstacles. He also revealed that the Belmont family is still involved in the game, even though the title character is not a Belmont. IGA went on to say that he's not done with 2D Castlevania games, but that he wants to make a better 3D action game first.

More information is sure to follow on Konami's Gamer's Day later this week.

[MorbidAngel4Life]

Castlevania Good!

[scdoanintendo]

Pics and info here
http://the-magicbox.com/0501/game050125a.shtml
Lucky Ps2 owners.

[FriskyTanuki]

Cool, can't wait.

[Kaijufan]

Those pics of CoD look pretty nice. I should go pick up LoI pretty soon.

[MarkMan]

Didn't want to make anew thread since this one was already made... I'm getting the final build of this game tomorrow. I'm very excited.

I can't wait to see how this adds to the Castlevania story.

I'll have images/preview up of it tomorrow.

The game is coming out for both the PS2 and Xbox. I'll post noticeable differences.

In the meantime, please check out the official site and trailer:

http://www.konami.com/gs/officialsites/castlevania/

http://www.classicgaming.com/castlevania/Games/cod.html

http://dl.fileplanet.com/dl/dl.asp?classicgaming/castlevania/avi/trailer_curseofdarkness.mov

[GizmoGC]

Lucky! This is coming out for Xbox as well, right?

[MarkMan]

Yes it's coming out for the Xbox as well.

[humidore]

"CV story"??? Was ist das?

If jumping is still a bitch, I'll happily wait the 2 months for the $19.99 price ;)

[BustaUppa]

Aw crap... EB 'n' GameStop went ahead and did another totally badass soundtrack promotion! http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/257571.asp / http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=B210816A

I say "aw crap" because this basically guarantees that I'll be ordering CoD full-price at launch. Yeah, sometimes these promos last for a long time, but I don't want to take my chances. The LoI "sampler" was awesome: over an hour long, with most of the songs from LoI as well as a bunch of SotN tracks and a couple from a GBA game. It kicked ass. And I just checked eBay and not a single copy is being sold!!!! So EB/GS basically have me by the balls here. I had planned on waiting for a price drop, but now I just can't risk it. Damn you, EBstop! Damn you and your seductive premiums!

[wildnuts02]

More CoD details from IGN (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/658/658190p1.html)

Just to recap on the basics quickly, your character, Hector, is a forgemaster, able to spawn Innocent Devils. You're able to have one at a time at your side, aiding you in battle, giving you health, whatever else.

I hope this innocent devil stuff works. Seems pretty weird to me but maybe it'll set it apart from other games like DMC, etc...

[BustaUppa]

It was cool in SotN (familiars), should be interesting how it works in a 3D environment!

[MarkMan]

I've been playing the game for awhile now. It feels a LOT like LoI... it's really good though. The Innocent Devil system is awesome.

I'll post up in depth when I get home later... Music is excellent.

[wildnuts02]

I've been playing the game for awhile now. It feels a LOT like LoI... it's really good though. The Innocent Devil system is awesome.

I'll post up in depth when I get home later... Music is excellent.

Just out of curiosity, how have you been playing it for awhile now?

EDIT: NM, i just saw the CoD Xbox thread.

[bluesyncopate]

Castlevania:LOI seemed more like a fighting game than the adventure I was expecting. I suppose after the disastrous two attempts on the N64 Konami has steered away from adventure-based castlevanias in 3D.

The music is what really pushed LOI it into full Castlevaniadom (is that a word?) The hub-based environment was more a maze than a castle, however, which took a little of the Castle from the Vania. It was still a decent game, though.

I didn't care too much for Harmony of Dissonance on GBA (music wasn't great, too much aimless wandering) but all the other recent Castlevanias, including LOI for the PS2, have been surprisingly good. And I've heard nothing but praise for DoS on the DS. :)

If this series turns into a big monster-brawler set in vaguely gothic environments, I will be disappointed. We already have Devil May Cry. The intriguing environments and adventurous exploration are half the fun.

[Zing]

What is the deal with the Castlevania naming scheme?

Castlevania: <noun> of <noun>

This phenomenon also occurs with every MMORPG expansion.