Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2003
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
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  1. TotalGames.net
    71
    Whilst Castlevania is by no means a poor game, it's a world away from the franchise it's supposed to be representing and instead will be seen as yet another above average "Devil May Cry" clone. Oh, how the mighty have fallen...
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  2. GamerFeed
    70
    Hardcore Castlevania fans may be disappointed with Lament because of its emphasis on action and Konami's decision to break up the castle into levels instead of keeping it whole.
  3. netjak
    70
    A game that has “only above average” written all over it.
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  5. IncGamers
    70
    It lacks depth, and could not be considered a truly involving challenge. Nor does Castlevania have the instant appeal and playability of other titles.
  6. Eurogamer
    70
    Although we're very impressed with the superb quality of the things which the game does well, the multitude of things it doesn't even attempt do smack of a missed opportunity.
  7. GameCritics
    65
    It represents somewhat of a mixed bag, a mass of good and bad ideas that vie for dominance as the experience alternates between genuine fun and genuine tedium.
  8. Playboy
    63
    The huge levels and tough foes are a welcome challenge, but clumsy camera angles and controls can be a nightmare. [Dec 2003, p.44]
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  9. games(TM)
    60
    The biggest complaint is the size of the game - despite the 3D stylings making everything seem bigger, the game is just too darn small to last that long for any but the most inexperienced Castlevania player. [Jan 2004, p.110]
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  10. G4 TV
    60
    Has excellent mechanics and ideas, but they don't come together into the cohesive, enjoyable whole that we've come to expect from the series. Drive a stake through this one's heart and keep your garlic handy for the next one.
  11. PALGN
    55
    If you want to walk around a large repetitive castle, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence will do the job for you.
  12. NTSC-uk
    50
    Seeing Konami’s premier Horror franchise rendered in such bland brushstrokes leaves a sour taste in the mouth, which is intensified by the fact that the game engine and combat mechanics are so well-tuned.
  13. Gamer.tv
    50
    This game plods, frustrates and bores in equal measure - stick a stake in it.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best PS2 Game of 2003
20
#20 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
29
#29 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 125 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 125
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 125
  3. Negative: 4 out of 125
  1. LopsterPopster
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    Probably my favorite game of all time. Maybe it's just the nostalgic value, but I am still madly in love with this game. I've memorized allProbably my favorite game of all time. Maybe it's just the nostalgic value, but I am still madly in love with this game. I've memorized all the cutscenes and can recite them by heart (and have been for years). The character development is wonderful, the storyline is great (I loved the fact it showed how the Belmont clan began), the soundtrack is SPECTACULAR, and the gameplay was incredibly addicting. I love playing as both Leon and Joachim, but the Pumpkin was incredibly silly and fun. It was the first attempt at a 3D Castlvania game since Castlevania 64 (another great one) and Konami did not fail to deliver a great game. The Forgotten One is the most grotesque and most difficult boss in the game, but the black orb received after beating it is quite worth it in my opinion. It's an amazing game that I reccommend to everyone.… Full Review »
  2. Ghito
    Nov 4, 2012
    7
    well,what can i say about this one,first: too easy,you can beat the game in a week,second:too repetitive,yeah,you will spend HOURS goingwell,what can i say about this one,first: too easy,you can beat the game in a week,second:too repetitive,yeah,you will spend HOURS going trough corridors that are empty.......but its entertaining......… Full Review »
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    I remember having SO much fun unlocking every secret item, weapon and character, and then trying to beat the game with the secret character.I remember having SO much fun unlocking every secret item, weapon and character, and then trying to beat the game with the secret character. Good times.… Full Review »
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