Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2005
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
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  1. Play Magazine
    90
    The tools of the demon-hunting trade define Curse. [Nov p.84]
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  2. GamePro
    80
    Yet as innovative and inviting as the Forgemaster system and customization facets are, Curse is slightly hexed by a repetitive play scheme: enter room, kill enemies, exit room, repeat.
  3. VGPub
    80
    While Curse of Darkness may arguably be better than "Lament of Innocence," it still isn’t as good as the side-scrolling entries. There’s just something about the translation into the 3D environments that makes Castlevania lose its charm.
  5. Gaming Horizon
    79
    Fans of the series will be both pleased and slightly disappointed at the same time with the second Castlevania game to hit the third dimension, but to the casual gamer, it will be nothing more than an average action title.
  6. IGN
    78
    Its nicely implemented Innocent Devil scheme and its varied, and useful, assortment of weapons are great, but its environments are lackluster.
  7. GameZone
    78
    Its bland, lifeless environments (corridors) detract from the experience, causing a few moments of boredom. Get past that and you’ll have a good time. You won’t be blown away, but you’re likely to be surprised.
  8. Game Informer
    75
    Castlevania fans will definitely be pleased with the direction this series is going in. It's a shame that it feels so dated. [Nov 2005, p.151]
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  9. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    75
    Curse is thus leagues better than its PS2 predecessor, but it still doesn't reach the legendary status of its 2D forerunners, mainly because of a lack of Metroid-style open-ended level progression.
  10. Next Level Gaming
    75
    Basically you have to sit through a lot of meaningless running around and little fights in order to get to the good stuff once you've gotten past the first castle.
  11. Just RPG
    75
    Suffers from some problems, including minor camera trouble and some dated graphics. Still, these aren't major enough problems for me to not recommend the game.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
29
#29 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 93
  3. Negative: 8 out of 93
  1. EvilForgemaster
    Oct 19, 2013
    9
    I find it a great game,especially considered its 3D(and its obvious that Castlevania always had a problem going on with the 3D).Sometimes theI find it a great game,especially considered its 3D(and its obvious that Castlevania always had a problem going on with the 3D).Sometimes the camera might be a bit laggy,and the controls a bit awkward,but in general I find this game a great experience.First of all,the music is top-notch.And what else to expect for a CV game.The story is pretty good as well.But the gameplay is what matters,and I find it damn addictive.Devil forging,item forging,lots of exploration,fluid combat,memorable bosses and environments and some plot twists to keep you thrilled.I dont know why some people bash this game,but I find it great and a must play for any Castlevania fan.… Full Review »
  2. RaphaelGuri
    Jul 31, 2013
    10
    Incrivel.

    POSITIVOS Otimas opcoes de criacao de armas, armaduras, itens; Sistema de evolucao de 'familiars' bem desenvolvido; Grande    Incrivel.

    POSITIVOS
    Otimas opcoes de criacao de armas, armaduras, itens;
    Sistema de evolucao de 'familiars' bem desenvolvido;
    Grande variedade de inimigos;
    Otimas e fluentes animaçoes dos personagens;
    Grande variedade de combos e estilos de uso de armas diferentes;
    Chefes desafiadores e bem elaborados;
    Otimas animacoes em CGI.
    Trama diferente que sai da mesmices da serie;
    Duraçao do jogo no tempo certo.

    NEGATIVOS
    Falta de detalhes no cenario;
    Cenarios podem se tornar repetitivos;

    Jogo sensacional. No final so fica uma pergunta: "Onde esta a versao remake ou hd para PS3 ou XBox360????"    … Full Review »
  3. vitorgaioso
    Sep 12, 2023
    9
    O melhor Castlevania na minha opinião. Sistema de armas, armaduras e 'pets' sensacional.
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