Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (Review)

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Author: Roniel P. Flores

Date Created: May 10, 2011

Notes: UPDATED: MAY 23, 2011

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Game Title: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Game Developer: Konami

Game Released: October 21,2008 (US)

Game Website: http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_ds3/

Game Type: Action Adventure

Game Platform: Nintendo DS

Game Rating

a. Gameplay - 5/5

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is a 2D side scrolling action game similar of the two previous Castlevania games of Nintendo DS. Introducing the new Glpyph system which allows you to use weapons, magics, skills, and status changes in just one function. The game is slightly fast and you can do lots of things like glyph combo's and strategies. Enemy AI is good and better including the bosses which you will have a good time with. For the stages, it's not only one big dracula's castle, but for the first part you are able to explore places like a monastery, forest, village, channel, island, lighthouse, mountains, and caves. The last part will be the castle until the game ends and of course the game do have NPC's and side quests for more adventures and fun.

b. Graphics - 5/5

Brilliant architecture design and uses a lot of 3D rendering backgrounds. The effects are awesome like the glyphs, mists, water waves, bloods, flames and lights. Stages are well mixed up with the effects like in the Kalidus channel were there are water waves, dark clouds, and the shaky cargo ship in the background. The Dracula's Castle is awesome like the library area where there are lots of books scattered over the place. Other castle portions as well like the Underground Labyrinth and Barracks have awesome designs. Character and enemy motions and designs are improved as well.

c. Sound - 4/5

The sounds are well arranged. There are lots of sound effects for Shanoa like when you do attacking, casting a spell, or being hit by an enemy. Voice acting are also included in the characters like Shanoa, Albus, the villagers, and some enemies. Bosses also growls everytime when they are slayed or sometimes when the battle has started. The sound effects of the stages are well recorded like the wind and water are examples. Background music are impressive as well of its orchestra sound mixed with modern beat.

d. Story 4/5

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia takes the story of Shanoa, a chosen member of the Ecclesia with her magical glyphs to fight evil, and to stop the return of Count Dracula. The story is unique to any Castlevania games because there are no Belmonts involved to fight. The first part of the game is to retrieve the stolen Dominus glyphs, and the second part of the game is to explore Dracula's castle. Mixed with action, adventure and drama, the game focuses on different people that links in the event.

e. User Interface 4/5

For a great game like Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, I would prefer buttons and controls like the standard controller size. But since its on the Nintendo DS, it's still forgiving if you'll get used to it. The controls is still similar with the previous castlevania games and to other non-castlevania games as well. The Nintendo DS takes advantage again for some menu's to be displayed on the other screen to cut off menu selection by pressing start button. I would prefer DSi XL to experience its best.

f. Replayability 5/5

Beat the game to obtain secret modes like Albus Mode, Boss Rush Mode, Hard Mode, and be able to play music at Sound Mode. There is this item called Magical Ticket were anywhere in the game once used, it will teleports you back to the village. This is one advantage for not taking all the way back and killing again the enemies. For the stages before Dracula's castle, there are 2 to 4 entrance or exit way to choose. So if you still have incomplete glyphs you can go back anywhere in the game as easy as that.

Gameplay Screenshots:

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Gameplay Video Links:

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Gameplay Tips:

A tip to this game is to complete the quests of the villagers because they offer unique items like healing items, armours, and accessories. Also to acquire high level glyphs to add damage points.