Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2002
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. GamePro
    70
    You'll likely beat the game in a matter of hours, and while there are some cool unlockable modes to explore afterwards, the low challenge factor is really kinda disappointing if you're a diehard fan of the series.
  2. Thunderbolt
    70
    Falters where others have persevered, the weak link in the trio that make up the Castlevania GBA series.
  3. N-Insanity
    58
    Konami really put too much effort into "improving" the graphics engine (and ruined it in the process) while ignoring the other, possibly more important aspects of the game.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
7
#7 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
20
#20 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 114
  3. Negative: 4 out of 114
  1. Matseb2611
    May 23, 2011
    7
    Harmony of Dissonance is a good game, but compared to Aria of Sorrow it easily falls down in my opinion. The strongest points perhaps are theHarmony of Dissonance is a good game, but compared to Aria of Sorrow it easily falls down in my opinion. The strongest points perhaps are the really atmospheric feel, a pretty good and intense story, and very easy control of the character. The game also introduces a system of collecting elemental spellbooks, which combined with the usual subweapons (cross, holy water, etc) give an entirely different special attack, depending on what book is equipped, giving a diverse gameplay. Similar system is later used in Castlevania: Lament of Innocence. Also the good ol' flexi-whip from Super Castlevania IV is back. You can hold the attack button and to move the whip in all the directions as opposed to only attacking forwards. The story as I mentioned is fantastic, one of the best in a Castlevania game, because it is mysterious and gets the player gripped. The atmospheric feel of the game certainly adds to that. Now where the game falls down. There are some minor issues, which can be annoying at times but aren't so bad. Those are the low difficulty, a strange glowing aura around the playable character, and also being forced to backtrack through entire stages at some points of the game. However what I disliked the most about Harmony of Dissonance was its soundtrack. Castlevania games usually have fantastic soundtracks, but I felt that this one was a real disappointment. I hardly heard any music in it, it was just a low quality noise, unfortunately. In my opinion slightly better than Circle of the Moon, but is nowhere near as good as Aria of Sorrow.… Full Review »
  2. nitorita
    May 22, 2021
    6
    In a word, Harmony of Dissonance is mundane. It's not bad, but it's not great either. Just don't expect too much.

    Like Symphony of the    In a word, Harmony of Dissonance is mundane. It's not bad, but it's not great either. Just don't expect too much.

    Like Symphony of the Night, this sequel features a dual map system, albeit not as meaningful as the inverse map. You are essentially given more bosses to fight, most of which are not particularly difficult (especially if you abuse potions). Save points are infrequent, which means being forced to play safe so you don't waste time retracing steps. On the plus side, you are provided with a dash ability right from the beginning, which helps quicken the game and offers the player a powerful dodge mechanic.

    The game demands a ridiculous amount of backtracking without providing any indication as to where to go. The insane rarity of the merchant increases the game's overall difficulty, as the game is balanced around you buying potions to survive. The story is practically nonexistent as well, and there are practically no secret rooms to explore, which is disappointing. If you decide to play this game and get stuck, don't hesitate to spoil yourself with a map to get an idea of where to go next, as you will more than likely end up wasting hours revisiting the same areas.

    Overall, not a memorable experience. Go ahead and skip this game as you will not miss out on anything.    … Full Review »
  3. tiberiotavareze
    Jan 9, 2021
    7
    My rate for this game: 7.5


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