Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

 DS
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2008
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 172 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 172
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 172
  3. Negative: 12 out of 172
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  1. funkydoodycool
    Mar 18, 2016
    7
    Didn't really work for me. I played through the GBA and DS games, six in total, and enjoyed all three on GBA, and the first two on DS. This one fell flat after five great experiences.

    It's not a terrible game by any stretch - the graphics and animation are beautiful, and the music evokes nostalgia as does that of any Castlevania game. The gameplay is more of the same, so you'll be    Didn't really work for me. I played through the GBA and DS games, six in total, and enjoyed all three on GBA, and the first two on DS. This one fell flat after five great experiences.

    It's not a terrible game by any stretch - the graphics and animation are beautiful, and the music evokes nostalgia as does that of any Castlevania game. The gameplay is more of the same, so you'll be comfortable here.

    However, I found the levels uninspired and linear, and the progression that takes you through a jumble of spots on a map was cheap and didn't help me enjoy myself.

    Not bad, but by no means the greatest handheld Castlevania title.    … Expand
  2. JohnB
    Oct 25, 2008
    6
    I'm a huge fan of the series, especially on the DS. This is more of these same (a good thing!), however, the boss fights are frustratingly hard. The third boss (which you get to within an hour or two) is what's making me sell this game. There is no "retry" or "continue" option, so after walking back to the boss and getting killed 10 times, I decided this was a grind treadmill I I'm a huge fan of the series, especially on the DS. This is more of these same (a good thing!), however, the boss fights are frustratingly hard. The third boss (which you get to within an hour or two) is what's making me sell this game. There is no "retry" or "continue" option, so after walking back to the boss and getting killed 10 times, I decided this was a grind treadmill I was willing to pass on. Forced repetition is not fun. Hopefully the next one will be better.… Expand
  3. chrisB
    Nov 20, 2009
    5
    This game (as well as all the other DS castlevania titles) is a disgrace to the series. Nothing about this catastrophic abomination resembles what has made castlevania a video game icon. "what is it missing?" you may ask. first of all, the music. this music is sickeningly mediocre and pitiful. it cannot hold a finger to the classics. also, the difficulty. When I play a casltevania game, I This game (as well as all the other DS castlevania titles) is a disgrace to the series. Nothing about this catastrophic abomination resembles what has made castlevania a video game icon. "what is it missing?" you may ask. first of all, the music. this music is sickeningly mediocre and pitiful. it cannot hold a finger to the classics. also, the difficulty. When I play a casltevania game, I expect to be fucking challenged. this game is not challenging, it is only repetitive and boring. also, the story line is an illogical mess and has fuck all to do with the original games. in fact, it contradicts previous storylines at multiple parts in the game. What a shining disappointment. once again we are given a game not worthy of its name. this just drives the point home that in all respects castlevania is dead.… Expand
  4. AdamD
    May 21, 2009
    5
    This game(Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia) is one of the most overrated games of this current generation. While the background graphics are quite impressive, the character sprites could of been achieved on the Game Boy Advance. The gameplay is much different from the past DS Castlevania games, and is more similar to the original Castlevania. Instead of being non-linear, Konami chose OoE to This game(Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia) is one of the most overrated games of this current generation. While the background graphics are quite impressive, the character sprites could of been achieved on the Game Boy Advance. The gameplay is much different from the past DS Castlevania games, and is more similar to the original Castlevania. Instead of being non-linear, Konami chose OoE to be more of a move left to right and kill everything in your path. The games difficulty is very steep. Though you have a health bar, in most area's, especially towards the end of the game, you can drain your health in a matter of moments. I often find myself just running past the enemy's, instead of enjoying fighting them. The boss fights are often brutal and repetitive. The only real difficulty is that two hits and your nearly dead. You have to memorize the boss's pattern, which is more tedious than fun. One thing that the Castlevania series is known for is the music, and sadly, OoE doesn't like up to the standards set by Portrait of Ruin. Overall, the games more repetitive than fun and should be avoided.… Expand
  5. JasonS
    Dec 29, 2008
    6
    Great graphics and when it's actually playable it's fun, but I spent most of the game looking for money to buy potions because they are practically useless. The game is simply too hard. Sure, challenge is good, but there was not a single boss fight that did not take atleast 5 attempts to beat. You spend every level (which pales vastly in comparison to the complete castle) Great graphics and when it's actually playable it's fun, but I spent most of the game looking for money to buy potions because they are practically useless. The game is simply too hard. Sure, challenge is good, but there was not a single boss fight that did not take atleast 5 attempts to beat. You spend every level (which pales vastly in comparison to the complete castle) praying that there aren't any more enemies to fight because you are just going to die and have to start at the beginning. This was acceptable 17 years ago, now it is boring and tiring. Pick up Dawn of Sorrow. It is by far the best on the DS.… Expand
  6. AJCk19
    Jul 28, 2023
    5
    I find it great that you get bonus content for connecting it with Castlevania Judgment. However, I think Blood Stain Ritual is a better up to date version of it.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best DS Game of 2008
5
#5 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
3
#3 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. GamePro
    80
    Take gorgeous graphics, intense action, and interesting gameplay concepts, marry it to the legendary Castlevania franchise and release it on the DS. [Nov 2008, p.100]
  2. Nintendo Power
    80
    Order of Ecclesia may not have a wealth of newness to contribute, but the Castlevania formula still works like a charm, and the game's traditionally strong boss and level designs hold up well in the smaller, more focused areas. [Dec 2008, p.92]
  3. IGN
    90
    Stronger than Portrait of Ruin, Circle of the Moon, and Harmony of Dissonance? Is this reviewer's opinion, yes. The best on DS, or top in the series? I just don't think so.
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