User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 648 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. Sep 4, 2013
    8
    110% The whole Game, Didn't review the Demo

    I've bought this game on the Xbox360 and immediately thought the PC version was needed, the game has an amazing story backed up with a variety of game-play elements though the soundtrack gets a bit old and the fixed camera gets in the way... On PC; The good and the Bad. The Good Resolutions going as high as possible, in this case, 4k
    110% The whole Game, Didn't review the Demo

    I've bought this game on the Xbox360 and immediately thought the PC version was needed, the game has an amazing story backed up with a variety of game-play elements though the soundtrack gets a bit old and the fixed camera gets in the way...

    On PC; The good and the Bad.
    The Good
    Resolutions going as high as possible, in this case, 4k downscale; will explain...
    Optimization in this game is amazing, Vsync is vital since I got over 100 FPS average
    Graphically Amazing, with high resolution and Frame-rate this game pleases the eye quite a bit.
    Now, The BAD
    720p, No AA Cutscenes, Not all cutscenes are this bad, Like Batman Arkham Asylum, you'll be reminded how this game looked like on a console.
    Keyboard Controls are horrible, Luckily, If you are a Smart PC gamer, you'll have a controller for games like these
    Anti-Aliasing is FXAA only, I use 4k Downscale as a method of a better Anti-Aliasing since FXAA is Crap.
    No Metal Gear stuff, Useless, but I did like the headband, it was replaced with expanded vampire wargames...

    The Verdict: Still holds up, Mods will come to fix some issues, they are already trying to get better AA modes via Nvidia Inpector or Sweetfx
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  2. Sep 1, 2013
    9
    The port is pretty good, the graphics are okay from a technical standpoint (you get higher quality shadows, ssao, the framerate is completely smooth). The artstyle is superb. I turned off the ingame antialiasing and used sweetfx (smaa and lumasharpen). Could not get driver antialiasing to work, the screen would appear completely black.

    The game controls well enough with the mouse and
    The port is pretty good, the graphics are okay from a technical standpoint (you get higher quality shadows, ssao, the framerate is completely smooth). The artstyle is superb. I turned off the ingame antialiasing and used sweetfx (smaa and lumasharpen). Could not get driver antialiasing to work, the screen would appear completely black.

    The game controls well enough with the mouse and keyboard if you modify the default bindings. I use wasd plus mouse left (attack), mouse right (area attack), middle mouse (secondary weapon), 1 and 2 for triggering the magic, f and h for collecting the orbs, alt for dodge, space for jump.

    The game features plenty of content (about 20 hours) with an interesting story, diverse environments with rewards for exploration, challenging gameplay, platforming and puzzle sections and an experience system (unlock new skills).

    Note: The game features a fixed camera. This doesn't bother me buy it may be a problem for some.
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  3. Aug 30, 2013
    8
    I never write any reviews but DAMN I MUST defend this game. What are you talking about? Am I playing some other game? It's ten times better than any of God of War games. Better boss fights, better script, better everything. One of the best hack'n'slash games out there. It has really nice graphics too. Don't know why people are whining so much. For me it's not only about texture resolutionI never write any reviews but DAMN I MUST defend this game. What are you talking about? Am I playing some other game? It's ten times better than any of God of War games. Better boss fights, better script, better everything. One of the best hack'n'slash games out there. It has really nice graphics too. Don't know why people are whining so much. For me it's not only about texture resolution but also about the overall design and presentation. It's not perfect of course but it absolutely deserves 8. Expand
  4. Aug 30, 2013
    9
    Castlevania...lots of memories with 2D game..never though its gonna be
    awesom in TPS..i never care about this game on consols or even its coming for PC
    ..but here we goes..tried it and loved it..graphics on PC r good..not best but sooo much better then consols..so much..i play it with sweetfx tool to maximize the graphics ..game is great dont listen to haters ..most of them Darksiders
    Castlevania...lots of memories with 2D game..never though its gonna be
    awesom in TPS..i never care about this game on consols or even its coming for PC
    ..but here we goes..tried it and loved it..graphics on PC r good..not best but sooo much
    better then consols..so much..i play it with sweetfx tool to maximize the graphics ..game is great
    dont listen to haters ..most of them Darksiders and GOW fans..ppl says this game copy paste
    darksiders...i say darksiders most boaring game ever..Castlevania is fantastic world and gameplay
    just buy it and play it then injoy it as i did
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  5. Sep 1, 2013
    10
    Amazing port of one of the most underrated games. Most people think it's just a God of War clone, and for the first 2 chapters, it is. But once you get past the first 2 chapters, this game really opens up and becomes amazing.

    Truly amazing set pieces and vistas are within this game, along with some amazing music and a wicked story that doesn't shy from taboo subjects. Perhaps the
    Amazing port of one of the most underrated games. Most people think it's just a God of War clone, and for the first 2 chapters, it is. But once you get past the first 2 chapters, this game really opens up and becomes amazing.

    Truly amazing set pieces and vistas are within this game, along with some amazing music and a wicked story that doesn't shy from taboo subjects.

    Perhaps the best thing about the PC version is the game runs at 60fps as opposed to the 15fps (or that it seemed like) on the 360 version.

    I play this with a 360 gamepad hooked up to my PC (as I do with most of my PC games) so I hear mouse/keyboard support is pretty rough, but honestly, that's none of my concern.
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  6. Sep 1, 2013
    7
    OK let me point this out FIRST of all...most of the idiots on here have no idea what they're talking about. People complaining about bad graphics? PLEASE...this game has pretty good graphics with steady FPS...they must have a ancient computer. Now the flaws of this game ARE inherent in that the graphics do appear to be slightly worse in cut scenes but game play wise is pretty much the sameOK let me point this out FIRST of all...most of the idiots on here have no idea what they're talking about. People complaining about bad graphics? PLEASE...this game has pretty good graphics with steady FPS...they must have a ancient computer. Now the flaws of this game ARE inherent in that the graphics do appear to be slightly worse in cut scenes but game play wise is pretty much the same as the console. The game does bear flaws that could've been improved such as the silly energy absorbing should have been automatic and its true the controls could have been done better but they are workable. Overall this game is decent, the fixed camera is there for a reason but is also one of the inherent flaws of the game and can annoy your experience. I do like this game but it does not deserve a empty score or a perfect one. All things considered, it is a mediocre game with a frustrating camera, decent kb/m controls for a port, and slightly reduced graphics which are STILL pretty high end.

    ALSO please..people...stop creating accounts just to bag on a game with a 0 score or pour praise on it with a 10 I had to bother writing this to point out all the crazy people doing this
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  7. Aug 31, 2013
    10
    I love this game so far. I'll update this, following finishing it.

    In response to pcgamer 83's review: the graphics are completely fine. The textures are of a high resolution (far higher than they could be on a current-gen console). With regards to the controls: I use a gamepad (either an Xbox gamepad or one from logitech). If you are any sort of "serious" pc gamer, you'll have a
    I love this game so far. I'll update this, following finishing it.

    In response to pcgamer 83's review: the graphics are completely fine. The textures are of a high resolution (far higher than they could be on a current-gen console).

    With regards to the controls: I use a gamepad (either an Xbox gamepad or one from logitech). If you are any sort of "serious" pc gamer, you'll have a spare gamepad (I know that it's a pain, but some games simply play a lot better). The controls are *excellent* with a gamepad. They are perfectly fine (but require some memorization), if you use a keyboard.

    Regarding the game being "the worst port" he's ever seen: Give me a break. The game hasn't crashed *once*, for me. It supports 3D vision (which shows dedication on the part of the developer). It runs at a *contstant* 60 fps (really 120 fps) on my machine--this shows optimization was a priority.

    It is *sometimes* annoying that the camera is fixed, but the positioning is thoughtful (and, frankly, this is an extremely minor issue for me).

    The game has deep gameplay, a thoughtful and mature storyline, good pacing, excellent visuals (they really are *exceptional* for a PC port, and they are *fantastic* if one considers that the game was originally released 3 years ago on consoles).

    To determine if you'll love the game (as I do): briefly view the game on youtube and play the demo. If you think you'll like it, you'll probably love it. I am new to the Castlevania series, I'll be considering the sequel, as a result of playing this game.
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  8. Aug 29, 2013
    8
    This game is not a remake if you thought so. This is a port, an Ultimate Edition. The one thing it lacks is a AA option, but you can use Catalyst or Nvidia control panel for this. With Edge detect x24EQ SSAA this game looks good and plays as good. How ppl can give this a 0-3 is a riddle for me. I am hardly half way in and cant wait to play the rest. Lets hope that other games like The lastThis game is not a remake if you thought so. This is a port, an Ultimate Edition. The one thing it lacks is a AA option, but you can use Catalyst or Nvidia control panel for this. With Edge detect x24EQ SSAA this game looks good and plays as good. How ppl can give this a 0-3 is a riddle for me. I am hardly half way in and cant wait to play the rest. Lets hope that other games like The last of us and other big PS3 titles follows suite and gets released to the PC. Expand
  9. Aug 29, 2013
    10
    The best game of this game serie, i can say its one of my favorites adventure games i ever play, the history the gameplay, its its great, i feel this when i play it God of War, Prince of Persia its awesome.
  10. Sep 1, 2013
    10
    Excellent game. The Best game on the PC in this year.You will have some difficulties with management, but for the rest game is excellent.Good games and good port on the personal computer
  11. Aug 29, 2013
    10
    Great game. I don't mind graphics which are decent by the way. And in my opinion gameplay is the most important. Default keyboard bindings are silly but as a self respecting long time PC gamer I can rebind them as this already has happened in a few games in the past. I'm also fine with the fixed camera. It actually gives more tactical control during fights but for some people it might beGreat game. I don't mind graphics which are decent by the way. And in my opinion gameplay is the most important. Default keyboard bindings are silly but as a self respecting long time PC gamer I can rebind them as this already has happened in a few games in the past. I'm also fine with the fixed camera. It actually gives more tactical control during fights but for some people it might be problematic. I loved similar solution in Legacy of Kain. Overall it's a very exciting and well done game. Might not by revolutionary but I love it. Expand
  12. Aug 31, 2013
    10
    This game is just great, a needed addition to pc, now with hi res graphics at 2560x1600 everything looks amazing. I Bought this game some time ago for the Xbox 360 and even though I was enjoying it, i couldn't Stand the jaggies and low res graphics, it's a great game if you like hack and slash games, action and adventure,just great and not often do you see this type of games on pc, moreThis game is just great, a needed addition to pc, now with hi res graphics at 2560x1600 everything looks amazing. I Bought this game some time ago for the Xbox 360 and even though I was enjoying it, i couldn't Stand the jaggies and low res graphics, it's a great game if you like hack and slash games, action and adventure,just great and not often do you see this type of games on pc, more ports like these please! Expand
  13. Aug 31, 2013
    10
    One of the best hack and slash game a have ever play. Five days ago a played last DMC and it was terrible. However Castlevania is perfect game and PC port is really good. Graphic is amazing and fight system is much better then DMC or GoW fight systems. Best part of game is story. This game is master piece.
  14. Aug 29, 2013
    10
    This game is great! I had this for the XBOX 360 and the graphics on the PC version are obviously so much better. This game is worth your time and money.
  15. Aug 28, 2013
    10
    What an amazing game. I'm really glad that the developers did such a great job finding Climax to port this over to the PC audience. The framerate is light years beyond any console can deliver and I'm truly loving this story about redemption and damnation. The voice acting is great and the entire look and feel of the world is familiar yet unique in it's own right.

    My only gripe about
    What an amazing game. I'm really glad that the developers did such a great job finding Climax to port this over to the PC audience. The framerate is light years beyond any console can deliver and I'm truly loving this story about redemption and damnation. The voice acting is great and the entire look and feel of the world is familiar yet unique in it's own right.

    My only gripe about this game? I wish the deadzone between running and walking was greater. There are times I want to bathe in the atmosphere of this world by simply walking through it, but the original developers never added that to the mix. I hope to find a mod solution for this in the future because running through some of these environments is a crime.

    Keep releasing top quality ports like this one and I'm sure to invest in Lords Of Shadow 2 on PC as my day 1 purchase choice.

    ...Climax on Metal Gear porting and we'll be friends forever
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  16. Aug 27, 2013
    10
    Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (in my opinion) is one of the best games released in the past ten years. Some may criticize, that it isn't an oldschool Castlevania. Well, it isnt. But it simply is not intended as a classical Castlevania. It is meant as a kind of reboot: A whole new game with a whole new story. That is exactly, what ist so great in this game: Fantastic storytelling, aCastlevania: Lords of Shadow (in my opinion) is one of the best games released in the past ten years. Some may criticize, that it isn't an oldschool Castlevania. Well, it isnt. But it simply is not intended as a classical Castlevania. It is meant as a kind of reboot: A whole new game with a whole new story. That is exactly, what ist so great in this game: Fantastic storytelling, a overwhelming soundtrack, great environment- and monsterdesign. If you want to experience a 20-hour-long well-told story and to immerse into a great fantasy-world, then this game is exactly the right one for you! Expand
  17. Aug 27, 2013
    10
    I played this game when it first came out on consoles. And after many years, this still is a great and fun action-adventure game. It ain't a copycat of "God Of War" nor an old school Castlevania, but a game full of action and magic with a deep combat system that plays perfectly on a keyboard-and-mouse.
    The story of the game is on a whole new level, with great voice acting, charismatic
    I played this game when it first came out on consoles. And after many years, this still is a great and fun action-adventure game. It ain't a copycat of "God Of War" nor an old school Castlevania, but a game full of action and magic with a deep combat system that plays perfectly on a keyboard-and-mouse.
    The story of the game is on a whole new level, with great voice acting, charismatic characters and a quest worthy of Van Helsing.
    A must buy, especially since it's very cheap!
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  18. Aug 27, 2013
    10
    Light years beyond the console versions in performance and graphics. Perhaps the most polished console-to-PC title ever. No issues whatsoever and runs smooth as silk. Konami PC development team really did a fantastic job with this.

    running at 2560x1600 with all settings and AA maxed. Truly looks more like a nextgen game on PC... flat out beautiful. Even the controls feel more fluid
    Light years beyond the console versions in performance and graphics. Perhaps the most polished console-to-PC title ever. No issues whatsoever and runs smooth as silk. Konami PC development team really did a fantastic job with this.

    running at 2560x1600 with all settings and AA maxed.

    Truly looks more like a nextgen game on PC... flat out beautiful. Even the controls feel more fluid and responsive. Guess this game really shows PC is the way it's meant to be played all along.

    The game is just phenomenal, story, characters, gameplay action. Apparently Konami has never heard of DLC.... just the standalone game by itself is very lengthy, and just keeps getting better as it plays out. Likely the best Castlevania game in the series.

    Can't beat it for $30... especially when they pretty much gave $200 worth of game in this package.
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  19. Aug 28, 2013
    3
    I'm disgusted by the port for the pc version of Castlevania. I think this game should have deserved more. It's a shame to have this game released after almost three years in such bad conditions. Cutscenes are in very low resolution and they are ridiculous, in game visuals are among the most dishonorable of modern pc video games. Plus, the game lacks in depth and entertainment, it is 'outI'm disgusted by the port for the pc version of Castlevania. I think this game should have deserved more. It's a shame to have this game released after almost three years in such bad conditions. Cutscenes are in very low resolution and they are ridiculous, in game visuals are among the most dishonorable of modern pc video games. Plus, the game lacks in depth and entertainment, it is 'out of time', having being released too late and belonging to another video gaming era. I am going to sell it right now, just wasted my money on it. Expand
  20. Aug 28, 2013
    0
    Konami has completely missed the point with this Castlevania: LoS for PC. The game experience is disastrous from the beginning to the end. Fixed cam is not acceptable in a 2013 video game, especially on modern PCs which are way stronger than consoles. I really can't understand why they postponed the game to mid 2013, because it has no improvement over the original Castlevania apart fromKonami has completely missed the point with this Castlevania: LoS for PC. The game experience is disastrous from the beginning to the end. Fixed cam is not acceptable in a 2013 video game, especially on modern PCs which are way stronger than consoles. I really can't understand why they postponed the game to mid 2013, because it has no improvement over the original Castlevania apart from 1080p visuals, but they remain awful to see because characters are badly made, environments are pixelous and not well shaped, low res textures are a non-sense considering the time to port the game on PC! I don't realize why pc users have to be punished like this. I would declare worst pc game of the year so far. Avoid it like the plague. Expand
  21. Sep 4, 2013
    9
    I don't really know why are all those users talking about this game being bad, it´s the best 3D Castlevania until now.
    + The story is solid and leave you asking for more.
    + Xbox 360 gamepad works OK + Graphics are better than Xbox360 + The game runs smooth, ZERO LAG and i'm using just an nVidia GTX460 1GB. - It really could have better graphics, cause for PC standards are lame.
    I don't really know why are all those users talking about this game being bad, it´s the best 3D Castlevania until now.
    + The story is solid and leave you asking for more.
    + Xbox 360 gamepad works OK
    + Graphics are better than Xbox360
    + The game runs smooth, ZERO LAG and i'm using just an nVidia GTX460 1GB.

    - It really could have better graphics, cause for PC standards are lame.

    In conclusion it's a must have, although it have a downside on graphic side, overall performance is good so don't cry over spilled milk and play it to the end.

    I really hope it doesn't get the same bad rep given to Lament of Innocence on PS2, if you want a good game with solid Combo system, don't miss it.

    If you just understand the game's mechanic, then you need a smash button game, try Dinasty Warrior.
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  22. Sep 8, 2013
    9
    What people need to understand about this game is that its a port of a two years old game which means a lot of technical peculiarities from the original platforms had to be retained in the PC version. You can't simply add a free camera to a title which was originally designed on consoles. Porting a game doesn't mean writing the game from scratch just adjusting it for the target platformWhat people need to understand about this game is that its a port of a two years old game which means a lot of technical peculiarities from the original platforms had to be retained in the PC version. You can't simply add a free camera to a title which was originally designed on consoles. Porting a game doesn't mean writing the game from scratch just adjusting it for the target platform (adding better textures, small fixes etc.)

    As far as the game is concerned I have to say that in my opinion this is one of the best and most polished console ports I've seen. The graphics are really well redone in order to provide better and sharper textures which will at some points leave room for doubts that this game is a console port. Cinematics are directly reused but that's a) understandable for a console port and b) really not a big problem since the 720p quality doesn't degrade too much on 1080p displays. Sound design and music are hard to explain in this game. You have to hear the sheer epicness of some of the themes to believe it.

    One thing that really shines with this title are the puzzles. They might not be everybody's favorite but solving them in my opinion provides a bit of diversity compared to simply bashing the enemies all over again. Also some of the boos fighting mechanics are very well done the last boss was really well done. Game's lengths is also commendable at least 20+ hours of playtime for an average player.
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  23. Sep 7, 2013
    9
    Is the game unoriginal? Yes, it definitely borrows from other great games (God of War, Shadow of the Colossus). Is it like any other Castlevania? Absolutely not. So why am I giving this game a 9? Because it is absolutely fun to play. The soundtrack is one of the best ones you will hear for the video game industry, and it really immerses you into the story that unfolds before you eyes. SirIs the game unoriginal? Yes, it definitely borrows from other great games (God of War, Shadow of the Colossus). Is it like any other Castlevania? Absolutely not. So why am I giving this game a 9? Because it is absolutely fun to play. The soundtrack is one of the best ones you will hear for the video game industry, and it really immerses you into the story that unfolds before you eyes. Sir Patrick Stewart is your narrator as you guide your hero through many levels. The game is linear, but the areas look gorgeous on the master race pc.

    One thing I recommend to truly enjoy this game is to use a controller as the combos will probably give you arthritis by the end of this 20 hour journey. I loved it and can't wait for the 2nd one. Again, the soundtrack and environments are a must listen/see.
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  24. Sep 5, 2013
    9
    A really good game. I like the combos and the game is so fun with a gamepad. Graphics are good not amazing. But from the beginning, the game bound me to it.
  25. Oct 23, 2013
    9
    So happy I decided to get this game. Castlevania LOSUE was awesome! Rich storyline that had me on my seat through the whole game. I wasn't sure what to expect at first since this is the first Castlevania game that I;ve played, It felt like DMC with a medieval twist, but to be honest I was much happier with this game. Pro's Great storyline, LOTS AND LOTS of boss fights, good graphics goodSo happy I decided to get this game. Castlevania LOSUE was awesome! Rich storyline that had me on my seat through the whole game. I wasn't sure what to expect at first since this is the first Castlevania game that I;ve played, It felt like DMC with a medieval twist, but to be honest I was much happier with this game. Pro's Great storyline, LOTS AND LOTS of boss fights, good graphics good puzzles, cons not all the time but sometimes the camera would get VERY frustrating i managed to deal with it...... combos and unlocks are hard to use and remember steep learning curve. Overall I enjoyed the game, the story had me on the edge of my seat wanting more. took me around 40 hours to finish including the DLC. Expand
  26. Sep 14, 2013
    7
    While the graphics are very much improved and its a visually beautiful game the KB & M controls are very awkward and its much better with a controller. Also the cut scenes are well done but a bit grainy for my tastes. The voice acting is top notch and the story is very well written. Its not well optomized though and GPUs get a work out and run pretty hot. The combat is fun and tactical.While the graphics are very much improved and its a visually beautiful game the KB & M controls are very awkward and its much better with a controller. Also the cut scenes are well done but a bit grainy for my tastes. The voice acting is top notch and the story is very well written. Its not well optomized though and GPUs get a work out and run pretty hot. The combat is fun and tactical.

    The biggest negatives I have is the uneven difficulty in sections. Some areas are a cake walk and you feel like a true hero and slayer of bad and evil things, yet other times its nearly impossible to proceed when its an easy section. The second is the fixed camera angle. While tolerable it can be irritating and it MUST be changed in LofS2.

    Regardless its a good game and I look forward to continuing with LofS2 when it comes out this winter.
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  27. Sep 24, 2013
    9
    this game is a 3 years old port from the consoles
    the graphics arent crisis 3 so dont expect that
    the dlc made the game even better. the endboss is extremely challenging and the story is just pure awesomenes it took me 22 hours for my first playtrough, after that you unlock the hardest difficulty and you can start again with all your powers and find even more upgrates and secrets
    this game is a 3 years old port from the consoles
    the graphics arent crisis 3 so dont expect that
    the dlc made the game even better. the endboss is extremely challenging and the story is just pure awesomenes
    it took me 22 hours for my first playtrough, after that you unlock the hardest difficulty and you can start again with all your powers and find even more upgrates and secrets
    !!!beware this game needs a controller. else its unplayable
    and if you downvote this game only because you are a casual who play only facebook games and doesnt own a controller which costs 20$) then gtfo
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  28. Sep 15, 2013
    9
    Great game. Awesome story, visuals, gameplay, and ending. Needless to say, these type of games must not be played on keyboard, but on joystick. So don't get frustrated when you are trying to play it on keyboard. Anyway, this game is a must play.
  29. Sep 29, 2013
    9
    The first 1/3 of the game is throw-away, but the last two-thirds comprise some of the best visual design and gameplay in video game history. Stick with it, it gets better as soon as you hit the Vampire Castle.
  30. Sep 16, 2013
    9
    Great game.I don't get someone who is saying that the graphics are bad.Well maybe it's not here technicaly but this games probably has one of the most detailed enviroments ends thats probably what kept me playing the game.The only flaw for this game are his keyboard controls which leaves the music box as box of frustation in my memory
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Sep 19, 2013
    75
    Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Ultimate Edition covers some traditional action game territory for sure but there are some memorable moments that make it worth a look if combo-based combat and exploration is your thing.
  2. Sep 16, 2013
    70
    Overall, this is a game of acceptable quality, but a little dated in time.
  3. Sep 10, 2013
    70
    The Ultimate Edition of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow breathes new life into the three-year-old game through improved graphics and extra content.