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. SeymourB
    Aug 8, 2009
    10
    This is by far my favorite DS and Castlevania game. My only complaint would be the ridiculous amount of time it takes to level up; you are forced to grind an awful lot to make it past the tougher challenges. And those complaining about the difficulty of the game should just try harder. Truly challenging games are rarities these days, and you're only helping to exacerbate that by This is by far my favorite DS and Castlevania game. My only complaint would be the ridiculous amount of time it takes to level up; you are forced to grind an awful lot to make it past the tougher challenges. And those complaining about the difficulty of the game should just try harder. Truly challenging games are rarities these days, and you're only helping to exacerbate that by complaining to developers. Once I completed the story, beat both secret areas and leveled up to 99, I was able to beat EVERY boss without even getting hit. This game is my idea of a perfect platforming title and the best $30 ever spent.… Expand
  2. duckypwns
    Dec 11, 2011
    9
    This is the most under rated DS Castlevania. It is often labeled as being the "worst" of the three. It's actually the best. It has the interesting glyph system, the best boss battles, the most prominent challenge, the best enemies, the best levels, the best secrets, the best weapon variety, the best music, the best story, the best characters, and the best visuals. If you haven't playedThis is the most under rated DS Castlevania. It is often labeled as being the "worst" of the three. It's actually the best. It has the interesting glyph system, the best boss battles, the most prominent challenge, the best enemies, the best levels, the best secrets, the best weapon variety, the best music, the best story, the best characters, and the best visuals. If you haven't played this one, you have missed out on one of the greatest Castlevania games of all time, even up there with Super Castlevania 4 and Symphony of the Night.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. marspot
    May 7, 2013
    10
    Ecclesia is DS Castlevania grown up. From it's unrelenting difficulty, to it's stray from the typical anime art style of previous installments, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is exactly what the franchise needed to create a fresh new spin for an old audience (and reign in new fans alike).

    Game play The controls are smooth and natural, giving you the option to switch between skill sets    Ecclesia is DS Castlevania grown up. From it's unrelenting difficulty, to it's stray from the typical anime art style of previous installments, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is exactly what the franchise needed to create a fresh new spin for an old audience (and reign in new fans alike).

    Game play The controls are smooth and natural, giving you the option to switch between skill sets on the fly with an array of powerful attacks at your mercy. It gives you the feeling that you really are something of a vampire hunter given special powers.

    The game itself is brutal, but rewarding. If you're looking for an easy ride, sit this one out. You'll find your Shanoa being pummeled over and over again by the same bosses, with you ready to chuck your DS in frustration, but that same challenge is what keeps you playing and makes the game all the more tense.

    Environment /Art Direction The art style is simply beautiful. It's fitting for a vampire-esque adventure, sad townsfolk and looming clouds over dead forests. Forlorn caverns and dark castles, as well as a creepy head-of-the order to boot. The game will suck you in throughout your travels in it's many environments. Gone is Soma's poofy silver hair, as well as Charlotte's cute anime optimism (which both felt amiss in a Castlevania game), replaced by a gloomy, emotionless heroine who tells her enemies to "go to hell". A true vampire hunter, indeed.

    Sound The Castlevanias have always impressed with catchy themes and upbeat rhythms. Although not on the epic scale that accompanied Symphony of the Night, Ecclesia comes with it's own brand of eerie melodies and upbeat adventure tunes.

    Story Here is where Ecclesia shines. The characters are so deep (again, something the recent DS installments didn't provide), you begin to play purely for the sympathy of Shanoa's trials and to discover what strength she could possibly have left. Be prepared for an emotional ride as you push through this game.    … Expand
  5. CJH.
    Oct 23, 2008
    10
    I think this game is clearly better than both other DS Castlevania games. That being said, allow me to say why. The 2 button combat system allows for players to customize their character. Along with the 2 button combat system, you also have the special ability to supercharge each button by pressing up. Combined with special glyphs that make use of the R button, I really don't think I think this game is clearly better than both other DS Castlevania games. That being said, allow me to say why. The 2 button combat system allows for players to customize their character. Along with the 2 button combat system, you also have the special ability to supercharge each button by pressing up. Combined with special glyphs that make use of the R button, I really don't think every player will play the same way. It is true that the opening levels are linear, but it does open up. I believe this linear setup makes the storyline a bit more believable and the fact that the main character has no relation to the belmonts is a breath of fresh air. For people that will say negatives, I already see the arguments coming. The first part of the game is linear (boohoo) the magic meter recharging is too slow (waaah) there is no belmont (awww) Personally, I do not think this game could get any better given the graphic constraints on the ds. In my opinion, the finest DS Castlevania game to date.… Expand
  6. TonyG.
    Oct 24, 2008
    10
    A breath of fresh air for castlevania. at 1st, I had doubts, but I admit this game is classic! music 10, graphics 10, gameplay 10.. a nice new pace from previous games. 1 gripe, boss battles are ridiculously hard ! besides that, game is neck and neck with symphony of the night.
  7. RyanS.
    Oct 25, 2008
    10
    If you don't mind a tough challenge, pick this game up. This is possibly the best action/platformer game on the DS, and one of the best i've EVER played. The enemies react so much more to you than in most games in which enemies are mostly automated. Also, soon after the beginning of the game, you will notice that enemies may not take hardly any damage from certain weapons; this If you don't mind a tough challenge, pick this game up. This is possibly the best action/platformer game on the DS, and one of the best i've EVER played. The enemies react so much more to you than in most games in which enemies are mostly automated. Also, soon after the beginning of the game, you will notice that enemies may not take hardly any damage from certain weapons; this is where the genius takes place. Enemies are often paired up so that you cannot just clear a room with one weapon. In most of the old Castlevanias (and other games in general) you would just equip your best weapon and proceed through the game until you got a more powerful weapon. In OE (Order of Ecclesia) this is not so. You must switch weapons to defeat enemies. So, you may be fighting one enemy and hurting him a lot while dodging another enemy for whom you need a different weapon. It creates so much more strategy and requires a lot more skill. You have 3 sets of Two weapons. You can switch between these 3 sets on the fly. Also, each set can have a different subweapon (this is dependent upon which two weapons you have equipped). These to me are the most important aspects because the gameplay is so drastically different from most other action games. The animations, music, and everything else is on par or better than anything else in the Castlevania series.… Expand
  8. SteveM.
    Oct 29, 2008
    10
    This game is excellent. Really, right up there with Symphony and Dawn of Sorrow. A word to the weak: the game is hard. Despite what you may have heard, the bosses are not unfair, and it is not a grind-fest. You simply need patience and a memory worth 30 seconds to assess their patterns and take them down, which is rewarding, to defeat such difficult bosses. Really, game reviewers are This game is excellent. Really, right up there with Symphony and Dawn of Sorrow. A word to the weak: the game is hard. Despite what you may have heard, the bosses are not unfair, and it is not a grind-fest. You simply need patience and a memory worth 30 seconds to assess their patterns and take them down, which is rewarding, to defeat such difficult bosses. Really, game reviewers are wrong to fault a game for being difficult when it is not a product of bad design. I'm so sick of challenge being interpreted as archaic design. This game is a really polished gem.… Expand
  9. jasonc
    Apr 2, 2009
    10
    I brought this game recently, the actual gameplay is brilliant, not massively different from past castlevania games but then this would not be castlevania if they changed the way it plays out too much. the game bosses are difficult...and i love it!!, a boss is called a boss because hes the big daddy at the end of the level, he's the one the other enemies look up to. this is what we I brought this game recently, the actual gameplay is brilliant, not massively different from past castlevania games but then this would not be castlevania if they changed the way it plays out too much. the game bosses are difficult...and i love it!!, a boss is called a boss because hes the big daddy at the end of the level, he's the one the other enemies look up to. this is what we loved about old school 2d scrollers, theres nothing more memorable that kick ass bosses. ok nobody likes being stumped by bosses, but there is always a way, a tactic to beat every boss, when you get it you are pleased and look forward to the next big boss!... aside from GTA:CW this is the next best DS game available, classic 2d scrolling with a few good new features and memorable kick arse bosses you wont forget in a hurry. you gotta love it.… Expand
  10. HansC
    Aug 6, 2009
    9
    This was my first Castlevania game ever. I think the gameplay was really amazing. I enjoyed the boss fights -- I like it when you need to really think up strategies and practice them a bit before being able to beat a boss. The only thing I didn't like about this game was the story. Imo it's weak, and the pacing is not very well done. To be frank: storywise, I think the second This was my first Castlevania game ever. I think the gameplay was really amazing. I enjoyed the boss fights -- I like it when you need to really think up strategies and practice them a bit before being able to beat a boss. The only thing I didn't like about this game was the story. Imo it's weak, and the pacing is not very well done. To be frank: storywise, I think the second part of the game sucks. Then again, I don't think story is that important in this kind of game. I'm really looking forward to playing the other Castlevania games on the DS. I got a hold of Dawn of Sorrow and am searching for Portrait of Ruin. Order of Ecclesia really got me hooked.… Expand
  11. BrianS
    Dec 27, 2008
    10
    This is the best Castlevania game since Symphony of the Night, hands down. The characters are fresh (there aren't any Belmonts in it!), the gameplay is at an all-time high. If you're complaining about the difficulty, it's because you're bad at video games, not because the game is too hard. I'm at a fairly average skill level and I beat it in a couple nights. This is the best Castlevania game since Symphony of the Night, hands down. The characters are fresh (there aren't any Belmonts in it!), the gameplay is at an all-time high. If you're complaining about the difficulty, it's because you're bad at video games, not because the game is too hard. I'm at a fairly average skill level and I beat it in a couple nights. It's harder than most recent Castlevania games, and you will die many, many times on your way through it, but the difficulty never reaches the point where you just quit playing. On top of that, there's plenty of depth to keep you coming back for more. The highlight is the boss battles. This game has some of the coolest I've seen in a while. Wouldn't it be a disappointment if that really gnarly looking boss was the pushover so many people seem to be complaining about him not being? I think so. I dug this game.… Expand
  12. Milan
    Oct 11, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is often overlooked because of its higher difficulty level. However, I would argue that this is actually one of the game's strong points. Unlike other metroidvanias such as SotN and PoR, OoE gives a challenge actually that stays consistent throughout the game, meaning that the player will never become bored with lack of combat immersion. Contrary to many other games with RPG elements, Castlevania doesn't force you to level grind in order to defeat the more difficult enemies and bosses. Instead, all you need is a little bit of patience and pattern recognition, and you'll be running through levels without taking any damage in no time. OoE also boasts a wonderful style of art, leaning toward the traditional, more Gothic and dark theme that the original Castlevanias employed over the anime style that was featured in Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin. The enemies look sharp and crisp and Shanoa herself is very well animated. The backdrops throughout the game are also detailed and varied whilst remaining mysterious-looking and Gothic, and the new levels outside of Dracula's castle also give more variety. No longer will you be confined to the same old castle - you can now fight in locales ranging from foggy forests to cloud-piercing mountains. This new gameplay feature of locations outside of the castle may be seen by some as linear but, in reality, OoE still features the same old metroidvania gameplay of going back to old levels with new abilities to find secrets and new items; it's just that you are no longer limited to one big castle when doing this. Speaking of which, there are several secret items and glyphs to go back and retrieve at later points in the game.

    The combat system in OoE is great. Shanoa uses magical weapons called Glyphs, which function just as standard weapons from previous Castlevanias, except with new features such as Unions and mixing magic-based Glyphs with physically-based Glyphs. The combat is fluid and Shanoa is very agile; the controls are prefect whether you are double-jumping, backdashing, or even dodging an enemy's ranged attacks in the air. There are also some minor online features - shop mode and race, but only shop mode will really catch your attention.

    The story in Order of Ecclesia is pretty good, but nothing groundbreaking, but the characters themselves slightly make up for this. The music in OoE is a bit of a disappointment compared to previous music-heavy Castlevanias such as PoR and SotN, with only 1 or 2 exceptional tracks, but the overall quality is still quite good.

    The re-playability of Order of Ecclesia is excellent. Whereas the normal story generally takes about 25 hours to complete, you will spend another 25 simply hunting for all of the secret items, weapons, and glyphs, playing around in Boss Rush and Sound modes, completing the Training Hall and Large Cavern, playing Albus and hard modes and subsequently reaching level 255, and maxing out all attributes familiars.

    All-in-all Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is an excellent game that shouldn't be ignored simply because it is harder than your average game (which, to be frank, isn't hard in the slightest). OoE is a great game for anyone looking for a side-scrolling platformer with RPG elements, and an excellent game for a Castlevania fan in particular.    … Expand
  13. Rockinsquat
    Mar 13, 2013
    10
    Certainement un des meilleurs Castlevania avec SOTN le jeu est sublimes Shanoa est incroyable les animations sont a tomber par terre Les musiques sublimes bref le Perfect pour ce jeu.
  14. systemjimmy
    Apr 3, 2013
    10
    Having played all three DS Castlevania games I must say that I enjoyed this one the most.
    Don't get me wrong, all three Castlevania on DS were awesome but order of ecclesia brought something fresh.
  15. ShawnD
    Jun 1, 2019
    10
    I might be a decade late to review this, but this game is a lot of fun. The weapon system is rather unique so you can come up with your own ideas for how to play the game.
  16. Vermillion32
    May 30, 2018
    10
    Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia its a must play for castlevania fans.

    Although the game is very hard, specially for newcomers, it offers a great sense of satisfaction (bosses are really hard, but once you get the hang of the game, you will beat them in no time, even with Comfodere), enemies are strong and their resistances are very pronounced like in Portrait of Ruin so you have to be    Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia its a must play for castlevania fans.

    Although the game is very hard, specially for newcomers, it offers a great sense of satisfaction (bosses are really hard, but once you get the hang of the game, you will beat them in no time, even with Comfodere), enemies are strong and their resistances are very pronounced like in Portrait of Ruin so you have to be careful on how you use both physical and magical glyphs.

    the controlls are tight and the backdash its the best out of all the ds vanias (once you get the moonwalkers you will feel straight like in symphony), you dont have a "super jump" but you do get a flight glyph, you also get Rapidus Fio wich is just like the speed up spell from Portrait, or the Black Panther soul from Dawn/Aria.

    The music its amazing (like in most castlevanias), Michiru Yamane´s work its always incredible (the main theme, An Empty Tome, its very good and it plays throughout most of dracula´s castle), and the graphics are really good like in the other ds castlevanias, BUT the art style is better! (i also like the character sprites in this one better).

    the story overall its pretty descent, with the belmonts out, other vampire hunters had to stop dracula (like the morris and lecarde from bloodlines and portrait), i think the difficulty its higher because of this (wich would make sence since Ecclesia did not have the whip or the holy items).

    Overall the game its a rewarding experience, for experienced players*, its unforgiving and health items are few and expensive, enemies will drop items but the drop rates for good items are very low, Glyphs on the other hand arent that hard to get. Bosses will kill you in seconds if you dont fight them carefully and you level up very slowly, but the game its not a non-stop boss rush, savepoints are well placed (after stage hazards and before bosses) the village has a fountain of infinite hearts and a save point, you get the "Magical Ticket" so you can get to the village in no time, unless you are fighting a boss (in wich case you cant use the item). and once you finish each mission the villagers give you, you get an use/equip item or money! you also get a hard mode (max level 50 and max level 1!!!!) wich buffs all enemies and adds some more and changes their behaviour.
    i really enjoyed every single hour i spent in this game!!    … Expand
  17. stigmatwilight
    Feb 12, 2021
    10
    This is the best Castlevania game ever!

    The game takes a more linear approach, which allows for a better paced story and a higher focus on combat. The story and characters are pretty amazing for a Castlevania game, which are well known for being not exactly story-heavy. The emotionless Shanoa is a compelling protagonist, Albus is one of my favorite characters EVER, and even the    This is the best Castlevania game ever!

    The game takes a more linear approach, which allows for a better paced story and a higher focus on combat. The story and characters are pretty amazing for a Castlevania game, which are well known for being not exactly story-heavy. The emotionless Shanoa is a compelling protagonist, Albus is one of my favorite characters EVER, and even the sidequest villagers have fairly fleshed out personalities. These sidequests also allow an insight into how Shanoa's emotionless state effects how she interacts with others. I won't spoil much, but the ending is just beautiful and bittersweet.

    The map is split into around 20 different smaller maps, rather than being one large interconnected castle. I think this actually helps the game rather than hinders it, as it's kind of easier to digest, and easy to put down and pick back up again. This also allows for the player to explore new and exciting outdoor locations like forests, oceans, and mountains, which haven't seen much love in the "metroidvania" games. It really creates the sense of going on a journey across the Transylvanian countryside! The castle itself- once you actually make it there- is pretty decently sized, anyway.

    The gameplay itself is pretty fun and addicting. Never before have i felt so compelled to hunt down every last item and spell, and the combat is a thing of beauty. Shanoa is quick, responsive, and has a really versatile output, which she needs considering the increased difficulty of this entry in the series. Shanoa has a ton of Glyph spells available for her arsenal, that she can combine into "Glyph Unions". Her damage output is high, but her defenses are lackluster, making her a speedy, powerful glass cannon. I LOVE HER. The new boss fights are challenging in a fun and engaging way. Grinding for better stats and attacks isn't what will help you- learning the best strategy will. It requires a bit more thought than just button mashing and I love it. I struggled with this game's difficulty at times, but I was never frustrated at all! (And that's coming from someone who's pretty impatient lol). There are also two optional challenge areas (one focused on combat, and one on platforming) and an unlockable extra character with a very unique play-style, as he uses mostly ranged attacks.

    The OST is wonderful and there are some atmospheric tunes (Edge of the Sky, Wandering the Crystal Blue, Jaws of a Scorched Earth, Cantus Motteten, etc), some total bangers (Sorrow's Distortion, Lament to the Master, An Empty Tome, Chamber of Ruin, Dissonant Courage, etc) and the sprites and animation are very pretty.

    Definitely give this hidden gem a playthrough. It changed a lot of things about the Castlevania formula, which made for an incredible, unique experience.    … Expand
  18. Watermelon789
    Jul 28, 2011
    8
    Before you throw your DS to the floor, play Order of Ecclesia in my case I found the plat forming with the action, challenging. Ridiculous boss battles beat the crap out of you, frustrating levels mixed with exploration.
  19. Caestus
    Mar 11, 2013
    8
    Better than dawn of sorrow.
  20. AndyP
    Jan 1, 2009
    10
    This game is a fun add on to the already great castlevania series for the ds. I really enjoy the music (a nice break from all the piano style music) and the gameplay some parts were frustrating but the boss battles were REALLY easy it normally took me my 2nd or 3rd try to beat a boss ( maybe because i took like 2 hours to level up =P) but the boss battles are still a lot of fun and the This game is a fun add on to the already great castlevania series for the ds. I really enjoy the music (a nice break from all the piano style music) and the gameplay some parts were frustrating but the boss battles were REALLY easy it normally took me my 2nd or 3rd try to beat a boss ( maybe because i took like 2 hours to level up =P) but the boss battles are still a lot of fun and the side quests are nice too ( rating is actually 9.7).… Expand
  21. simpletaste
    Apr 5, 2012
    9
    Great game. Punishing difficulty for newcomers equals steep learning curve. Once you overcome that, you'll have a greater appreciation on the game design as well as confidence in your own abilities. Weapon selection is limited compared to past entries, but are all either useful or can be useful depending on individual play styles. The game will force you to switch your tactics andGreat game. Punishing difficulty for newcomers equals steep learning curve. Once you overcome that, you'll have a greater appreciation on the game design as well as confidence in your own abilities. Weapon selection is limited compared to past entries, but are all either useful or can be useful depending on individual play styles. The game will force you to switch your tactics and mindset. People who don't will have a harder time, while people who do or think outside the box will be rewarded. Character design is brilliant, option to toggle in game voice to either English or Japanese is a welcomed addition although the children sound annoying in both languages IMO. Level design is good aside from a few palette swaps. I did enjoy the various nods to previous Castlevania titles. Various monster designs are good with a handful redone from previous titles. Story is comparable to other Castlevania entries on the DS which is lacking in that department. I did like the strong main female protagonist, however, I believe the story presentation could have been improved by adding more pieces of art to overlay the story parts, going more in depth with the characters and Ecclesia as an organization itself.… Expand
  22. Decemuladores
    Nov 20, 2011
    8
    Konami and Castlevania is like Square Enix and Final Fantasy and the new plot of this Castlevania is envelope as if it were the original series. With almost the same formula of the previous but with new touches Order of Ecclsesia represent de best Castlevania in portable console this generation.
  23. Aeon
    Mar 7, 2013
    10
    This my friends is the best Castlevania. This game is the hardest out of the Castlevania (okay lets take out those 8 bit Castlevanias) games and the most unique one using a glyph system, which haven't been used before and will never be used again I guess (too bad), This game has the typical Castlevania atmosphere with some old mixed Castlevania action music and alot new music, giving youThis my friends is the best Castlevania. This game is the hardest out of the Castlevania (okay lets take out those 8 bit Castlevanias) games and the most unique one using a glyph system, which haven't been used before and will never be used again I guess (too bad), This game has the typical Castlevania atmosphere with some old mixed Castlevania action music and alot new music, giving you the Castlevania typical feeling. That's the first step for a good Castlevania game. Another one is being Metroidvania. Mixed with the difficulty, the damn cool bosses and a friggin damn new glyph system. All in all I can say, just play this if you search challenge a, nice story along with nice NDS graphics. Must have for Castlevania fans. Other people shuld play this aswell.… Expand
  24. Plasmaneedle
    Mar 16, 2014
    9
    This alongside Dawn of Sorrow is the best Castlevania game since Symphony of The Night. Its challenging difficulty makes it extra rewarding and its hack n slash gameplay is the best on the DS. And of course there's the great Metroidvania formula that makes the series so popular. Definitely worth your time.
  25. jksteiner1974
    Jan 26, 2014
    9
    This is an excellent game that pulls you in from the start. The glyph system is innovative and easy to use. Why some have called this game difficult is hard to understand. It's certainly not easy, but to call it 'difficult' s a stretch. Many who complain that the game is difficult seem to offer examples that are in the beginning of the game, indicating that they haven't really put anyThis is an excellent game that pulls you in from the start. The glyph system is innovative and easy to use. Why some have called this game difficult is hard to understand. It's certainly not easy, but to call it 'difficult' s a stretch. Many who complain that the game is difficult seem to offer examples that are in the beginning of the game, indicating that they haven't really put any time or effort into it. Grinding is not necessary if one takes the time to actually understand how the glyphs and elementals work (yes you might have to actually study the menu). The music is great, the boss battles are fun, the story is compelling, it's just an all-around great game that provides hours and hours of fun.… Expand
  26. AnonTheMouse
    Feb 26, 2020
    2
    Order of Ecclesia is, I'm sorry, a complete mess of a game. Konami seemingly took everything they knew about the Castlevania formula, and then ignored it completely. Whatever was kept, they made a conscious effort to make worse.

    Gone are the sprawling, interconnected worlds of previous entries for an overworld map. Need to get quickly to a previous area? Fast travel to the warp point    Order of Ecclesia is, I'm sorry, a complete mess of a game. Konami seemingly took everything they knew about the Castlevania formula, and then ignored it completely. Whatever was kept, they made a conscious effort to make worse.

    Gone are the sprawling, interconnected worlds of previous entries for an overworld map. Need to get quickly to a previous area? Fast travel to the warp point closest to the area exit, then go through several intermediate rooms to said exit, select your destination on the overworld map, walk to another teleporter, find the closest warp point to where you need to go (and hope a convenient warp point exists in the first place), then walk some more. Oh, and heaven help you if you don't remember exactly where you need to backtrack, because area maps are only visible in that area.

    Rather than simply picking up things by touching them, and opening containers by hitting them, as every other game in the series does, you must now stop and press up on the control pad. Which, in the case of collecting "glyphs", which take the place of weapons, spells, and subweapons, requires you to stand still whilst unable to defend yourself for several seconds. Not to worry, though, as you won't be collecting glyphs often. Unlike in previous titles, where every enemy had something to collect from it, most enemies now drop nothing, and even those that do seem to have much lower rates than in previous series entries.

    Another thing enemies give less of is experience. Leveling up is a slow, tedious chore, especially in the early game. Bad news, since this game demands that you grind. Yes, you might be able to learn to get through some of the tricky sequences by skill, but mastering the game to the degree that you don't need grinding would take even longer - it's just not worth anybody's time. This can make even getting to the second boss a significant hurdle, as leveling takes forever, and you have to go through a completely unnecessary number of straight linear screens full of enemies (what I like to call "Corridors of Pain") to get to the next real map. You're going to end up avoiding most of the enemies on these screens, too, because fighting them at a low level with early equipment is just too much of a health tax for what precious little you'll have.

    ...and as an aside, it's not a good sign when the level design feels closer to Castlevania II than any other entry in the series.

    You're not missing much. Combat is horrible too. First of all, since Shanoa's ability to use glyphs apparently renders her incapable of holding a real weapon, all of your attacks use a regenerating mana bar. When the mana runs out, you can't fight. There's a "combo" system, but I don't know if you can really call alternating attack buttons to swing while one hand is on cooldown a combo. You could technically mix and match glyphs, but barring some specific combinations, this really isn't useful. Most of the time, you'll just end up using two of whatever it is you wanted to use. Nor are the enemies really updated to make use of this new system. They still behave the same as they did in previous entries, so the best way to fight them is still pretty much the same. All the new combat mechanics add is hassle for the player.

    That's really the core problem with Order of Ecclesia. It adds a lot to the Castlevania formula, but none of it is really an improvement. It all just feels like it's there for the sake of being different, without thought into how it makes the experience more fun. I hesitated about reviewing this game because it's held in such high regard, but the truth is, it doesn't deserve the praise. Everything about Order of Ecclesia is superficial. There's added complexity, but not depth. There's added challenge, but it's tedious rather than satisfying. The world feels bigger and the game longer, but only because there's so much padding.

    Without giving spoilers, the story...well, at it's core, it's formulaic. We've seen this story before in the Castlevania series. Multiple times. They try to dress it up with the bits about Ecclesia and the glyphs, but it's still rehashing tired tropes and well-trodden ground. At least, the parts that aren't a nonsensical mess. Grant you, it's not uncharacteristically bad for a Castlevania plotline, but there's nothing worthy of praise about it either.

    The art design and music are great, but not particularly exceptional for the series. They don't stand out as anything special. Ultimately, I'd say that they just make the game a well-polished turd with a shiny coat of paint.    … Expand
  27. Dracula
    Jan 20, 2010
    4
    I haaaaate this game. Enemies take fovever to defeat, the bosses especially take about a half hour to win assuming you never die, save points are too spaced out, you'll be wanting a health powerup every five seconds. You also have a variety of attacks and a stamina meter unlike some other entries in the series, which is a great leap in the wrong direction. The games were a little I haaaaate this game. Enemies take fovever to defeat, the bosses especially take about a half hour to win assuming you never die, save points are too spaced out, you'll be wanting a health powerup every five seconds. You also have a variety of attacks and a stamina meter unlike some other entries in the series, which is a great leap in the wrong direction. The games were a little easy when you could just wip the daylights out of the bad guys, but this combat lacks that satisfaction, or any satisfaction at all for that matter. The music is also pretty boring, which is weird for a Castlevania game, and the level designs are extremely liniar. I don't have a problem with linear level designs untill I'm actually noticing it. What ever happened to "metroidvania?" One good thing I have to say is that the graphics are nice and the enemy design is very varied. The rest of the game just sucks. You have sooooo much text to read that the cutscenes actually give an accurate impression on how boring the game is. Also, the menus sometimes dont make any sense. In conclusion, take it from a hardcore SMT fan, the challenge in this game is just too unballanced. There is no sense of joy from defeating an enemy after dishing out like 8000 hits on it, or killing a boss that takes like three weeks to kill. It just sucks. It looks like half the other people who found time to share a user review feel the same, and the other half really enjoyed it, so all I can say is procede with caution.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. Don
    Jan 19, 2009
    4
    This game is a series of failures. Legibility is poor, enemies are annoying and poorly balanced or stupefyingly easy. The game complicates acquiring new weapons with the painfully annoying contrivance of having to 'absorb' them. Additionally, they will disappear if you don't collecting them within a few seconds. Nevermind the fact that if there are other enemies around they This game is a series of failures. Legibility is poor, enemies are annoying and poorly balanced or stupefyingly easy. The game complicates acquiring new weapons with the painfully annoying contrivance of having to 'absorb' them. Additionally, they will disappear if you don't collecting them within a few seconds. Nevermind the fact that if there are other enemies around they are impossible to collect since the absorption process takes several seconds and being hit resets this timer often resulting in the loss of the weapon. Bosses are tiresome to confront and vastly more difficult than everything else you have confront up until that point. The over-world map navigation adds nothing whatsoever to the game and is just another tiresome step in this dreary experience. The one and only thing the games has going for itself is production value. It looks and sounds decent.… Expand
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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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