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Video Games: Castlevania Curse of Darkness
Date: Wednesday, 07 January, 2009 :: 14:29
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Castlevania Curse of Darkness
Brand: Konami
List Price: USD $14.99
Price: USD $49.00
Product Group: videogames
Manufacturer: Konami
Model: P2KONA 083717201359
Release Date: 2005-11-02
Studio: Konami
Features:
- Master the unique new skills of Devil Forgery to develop and enhance Innocent Devils - allies that will help to conquer enemies, evade traps and solve challenging puzzles
- Stronger RPG and adventure game elements featuring character growth based on accumulated experience points
- Arm yourself with axes, swords, spears and a variety of other powerful weapons
- Utilize an advanced combo attack system to destroy the dark creatures of the night
- Explore larger, open enviornments rather than the small, confined areas of the castle
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Editorial Review:
Array
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Reviews:
Average Customer Review: 
Summary: Blame Sony
Date: 2008-10-21 -
Comment: This game could've been so much better... if it were in 2D. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't like for 2D games to appear on it's 3D console.
Actually, the game could've been better in 3D if the development team had and/or invested more time into it. Either the development of this game was rushed or the team just isn't great at 3D programming.
I did have fun playing this game and developing and evolving the I.D.s became very addictive (more so than the weapon/armor creation). Unfortunately, everything else is just kinda... meh.
The graphics are pretty poor and the PS2 is certainly capable of better visuals (Lament of Innocence looked better, in my opinion). The game has this sort of zoomed-in look that's difficult to explain. All of the elements of the enviroments seem to make Hector look a little dwarfed. Textures on walls are muddy and washed out making the indecipherable language you need a particular fairie to translate in certain areas almost completely blend in (same thing goes for some of the chairs you have to locate for an optional side-quest). Enemies don't look all that bad, but Hector looks a bit out of proportion.
Enemy A.I. is a bit sketchy sometimes and it's not incredibly uncommon to see a Lizard Man running around in circles when it should be attacking Hector. The A.I. of the I.D.s seemed to work much better, though sometimes the I.D. would take a "rest" and fail to do anything it wasn't given specific direction to do. This gets annoying when you're being assaulted by several high-level enemies and you need a little help.
Difficulty in the game is fairly moderate. It's not incredibly easy, but it won't make you pull your hair out, either. Bosses, obviously, are the most difficult enemies, but if you spend some time evolving your I.D.s (especially the battle type - Corpsey is the definitive best evolution)they can be overcome with little trouble (I raised a Corpsey before the first fight with Trevor - considered a difficult boss battle - and it wiped the floor with him). The camera, while it can be controlled by the player, is a little out of control and I almost wished for a fixed camera like in Lament of Innocence. Pressing R1 will reset the camera behind Hector, but this didn't seem to help wonky camera positions very much, as enemies are constantly bouncing all over the place. There is a lock-on, but I found this to only be useful for stealing from enemies.
The music was enjoyable and I really liked the beginning of the theme for Cordova Town. Some of the music will remind you of SOTN, but the overall soundtrack doesn't compare to that title. Voice-acting has improved and is less likely to cause a shudder like SOTN or Lament of Innocence (some people like the cheese-ball voice-acting of SOTN, but I feel it removes you from the experience of everything else that is awesome about that game).
Overall, even with it's problems, there is plenty of fun to be had playing this game and, if you can get it cheap, it's worth picking up and playing through.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Summary: A fan of Castlevania, but this one just OK
Date: 2008-02-08 -
Comment: It has been long that we compare every Castlevania to Symthony of the night. This one is 3D view but the graphic is just OK. Forging demond pets are the bulk of the content but to me it seems not much fun there. THe maps are a bit boring since the rooms are quite similar to each other.
After all although I am a big fan of the serie since 1987 but this one is just OK, acceptable but not a milestone for sure.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Summary: Waste of time and $$$
Date: 2007-08-28 - 
Comment: I was expecting much more from this game based on the rep of castlevania. Unfortunately, this game did not even come close to my expectations. The enemies are replicated throughout the game, only they level up as you do. If they weren't hard in level 1, they won't be hard as a level 25 or 30. The replay value of this game is 0 because for the most part the storyline won't change based on certain actions you take.
Summary: Whatever!
Date: 2007-07-16 - 
Comment: Ok, first off, I'm here to defend this game. Yes, it is basically the same formula as LOI, but also extremely different. Everyone keeps complaining that the plot (stolen girl) is repeated, well, yes, but what do you want from a vampire story? If it takes Konami a few tries to get 3D right, then let them. I bought this game the day it was released and I'm still enjoying it. It has great replay value when you find yourself with some downtime. All of you who keep saying that the game is too easy, well, I doubt you have 100% of the map completed. The only problem I have with this game is that you have to have the game guide to finish it properly. Konami made it almost impossible to figure out what to do without it. Yes, the combining system is tedious, but the guide tells you what to do and tells you how to use those hard to find materials. I'm not going to go on with this review forever because the game speaks for itself. It's not easy in the least and it is very reminiscent of SOTN. In conclusion, if you want to give this game justice, then buy the guide or don't play it at all.
Summary: Not and RPG
Date: 2007-06-20 - 
Comment: I liked this game for the most part but think the "rpg" elements, combining and the buying and selling a bit much for a what is basically a good old fashioned hack and slash. The hacking and slashing was great and the bosses were a good challenge but picking up drops and finding weapon upgrades in a secret panel or chest etc. would have been better in my view. Graphics are nice and controls are tight.
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Accessories:
PlayStation: The Official Magazine (1-year)
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Play
Tips & Tricks Magazine
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Similar - People who bought this also bought below
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Castlevania?: Curse of Darkness(tm) Official Strategy Guide (Bradygames)
God of War
God of War 2
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
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