Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2003
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
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  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 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 incrediblyProbably 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.… Expand
  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 going trough corridors that are empty.......but its entertaining......
  3. anthonyp
    Jan 5, 2007
    9
    scared off by that everquest in champions of norrath's subtitle don't be. this is no massively mulitplayer online rpg. it is however one massive multiplayer online(or offline!) rpg.
  4. MikeA.
    Oct 22, 2003
    4
    It looks just like a Devil May Cry Remake. THe camera is crap, and game play is button mashing. Not as good as I thought it was going to be.. a bit disappointed.
  5. LINKINPARKISAJOKE
    Apr 4, 2004
    8
    This is a decent game. Uberly better then the N64 3D Castlevanias. Its almost perfect, but I marked it down for the following reasons: 1. The hallways and rooms do feel a bit repetitive and it seems Konami did this to make it seem like you exploring a castle thats bigger then what it really is. Sounds good, but after a awhile with the same rooms that look no different from the last 100, This is a decent game. Uberly better then the N64 3D Castlevanias. Its almost perfect, but I marked it down for the following reasons: 1. The hallways and rooms do feel a bit repetitive and it seems Konami did this to make it seem like you exploring a castle thats bigger then what it really is. Sounds good, but after a awhile with the same rooms that look no different from the last 100, its just blah. 2. You know what this one is, were all still waiting for that Symphony of the Night 3D Version. This game proves that they can take the original formula of the first Castlevanias, and transform the experience into a new dimension. It will be a day to remember, when they do this witih Symphony of the Night. Great game.… Expand
  6. FarrellV.
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    In somewhat like DMC but extremely short but if you go 4 100% you will get the best out of it.
  7. DustinW.
    Nov 7, 2003
    9
    This is one of the best games that has come out recently. It has fairly good graphics, and a good story. It also has the same feel as all the other castlevania games we have come to love.
  8. JKitchens
    Oct 30, 2003
    9
    Improves on what DMC started and refines what was so great about Symphony of the Night. Touch nuts!
  9. Miltank
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    JI Fan needs to shut-up. This game is the best by far and the best Castlevania out there today. Leon and Joachim AND Mathias and Walter are hot. So Thank you Konami for the pleasure of having eye candy as we play this great game.
  10. NedF.
    Oct 22, 2003
    9
    Good old castlevania...NOT. More like devil may cry. Still a good game.
  11. ZENA.
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    This game is phat ass hell monsters are crazy and Leon Bellmont the shit with that whip POW POW WHOOSH!!!
  12. DavidP.
    Oct 27, 2003
    8
    The game is fun i love all the castle vania games. I wanted it to have more game play becasuse its sort but this game at lest is better then the N64 castlevania and i also wished they tried to fix what ever problems the castlevania for dream cast had to not come out but iam happy they pulled it off on PS2 so good work Konami.
  13. J.O.
    Oct 28, 2003
    10
    I've followed Castlevania since its debut. I must say, several critics have been unfairly harsh in rating this game below a 9. I rate this game a perfect 10 because it gives the player exactly what all Castlevania fans want and then some. The creativity and gameplay alone are reasons to play this game over and over again. The graphics are rich and textured. Don't listen to me or I've followed Castlevania since its debut. I must say, several critics have been unfairly harsh in rating this game below a 9. I rate this game a perfect 10 because it gives the player exactly what all Castlevania fans want and then some. The creativity and gameplay alone are reasons to play this game over and over again. The graphics are rich and textured. Don't listen to me or the critics, if you like Castlevania, you will love this game.… Expand
  14. JIFAN
    Nov 13, 2003
    5
    Something wrong with this game, it's like the monsters ( even items) you destoried previously, will come alive again and again and again....... this is a stupid design, I mean, who would like to waste time beating the same thing hundred times?
  15. JuanC.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    Castlevania is still one of the most defining games around.
  16. JerradH.
    Oct 23, 2003
    8
    You know, its kind of unfair to call this a Devil May Cry clone, since DMC borrowed from the Castlevania series in various ways (even the N64 games). You can't call the source material's version a clone when another game borrowed from it in the first place. Kind of like calling the bullet time effect in The Matrix a rip-off of the bullet time effect in Max Payne. :p At any rate, You know, its kind of unfair to call this a Devil May Cry clone, since DMC borrowed from the Castlevania series in various ways (even the N64 games). You can't call the source material's version a clone when another game borrowed from it in the first place. Kind of like calling the bullet time effect in The Matrix a rip-off of the bullet time effect in Max Payne. :p At any rate, its a very fun and solid game, if not a bit on the short side (seems to be happening a lot these days).… Expand
  17. HectorH.
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    It's Castlevania 'nuff said.
  18. CurtisM.
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    This game is still good to me...even though it is similar to devil may cry, its still in my blood to be a castlevania fan.
  19. 3Dguru
    Oct 27, 2003
    9
    Its a very good in 3d depth environment. I never seen any PS2 title as super solid smooth as CASTLEvania before. Hot gaming by the japan developer. consider as must buy title for who loved to play combat game.
  20. MathewG.
    Oct 29, 2003
    9
    It would get a 10 but its looks a great rip-off of devil may cry.
  21. FernandoC.
    Jan 26, 2004
    8
    Buen juego, no es aburrido... es dificil en algunas partes, facil en otras... lastima que la camara no pueda moverse a discresion del jugador como principe de persia por ejemplo. Buen juego.
  22. LINKINPARK
    Mar 12, 2004
    10
    It's just the best game ever.
  23. JaysonC.
    Jun 18, 2004
    9
    This game rocked. It was a little short though and it seemed that it was a skelatal version of what some Castlevania games are, but it was an awsome game.
  24. DarkH.
    May 12, 2005
    10
    Excellent Music, Excellent Characters, Excellent Castle, Excellent Whip, Excellent Castlevania.
  25. BillB.
    Nov 17, 2003
    9
    This game is best castlevania ever.
  26. NinjaMafia
    Nov 17, 2003
    9
    Wow, what can I say but, wow. I thouight it could never be done, but here it is, a 3D Castlevania that is actually good. Let me just clear a few things up for some people here okay? First off, yes I am taking points away from this game for screwing up the Castlevania timeline to the extreme. If you are a Castlevania Fan you would know that uhhh... forget her name, Sonya or something, was Wow, what can I say but, wow. I thouight it could never be done, but here it is, a 3D Castlevania that is actually good. Let me just clear a few things up for some people here okay? First off, yes I am taking points away from this game for screwing up the Castlevania timeline to the extreme. If you are a Castlevania Fan you would know that uhhh... forget her name, Sonya or something, was the first Belmont to hunt down Dracula. She then actually married a vampire and had children.. If you notice, the Belmonts start to get weaker as the games start to get farther away from the original, that is because their vampiric blood is starting to become diluted. Okay now on to the review. LOI lets you control Leon Belmont, after Dracula because Dracula captured his Fiance. Not the most original story ever, but hey it gets teh job done. The sound in this game is top notch, everything from the music to the effect you get when whacking a skeleton with your whip is astounding. However, I kind of do have mixed feelings onm the voice acting. It wasn't horrible but it just wasn't that great either. The graphics in this game are okay, nothing spectacular or anything, just enough to get the job done. This game really shines when you get into the gaeplay. The gameplay is really awesome, something I haven't seen done in an action game in months, you can actually pull off combos with some ease. The gameplay will ultimately have people calling this game a DMC rip-off,but I think they just don't understand very well. DMC borrowed half of its elements from Castlevania to begin with. If there was no DMC do you think this game would have turned out any differently? No becasueall DMC was was a 3D Castlevania. So if Castlevania becomes 3D it shouldn't really be compared to something that was based of its 2D form. Are you tired of hearing me rant about how I hate comparisions with everything to DMC? Good, because I'm done now. This game also packs a few different difficulties. That is a really good thing because, to often today, games are getting lazy and give you one dificult that is too easy. LOI gives you as crazy mode that really tests your skill. Overall, Castlevania LOI is one of the best transitions from 2D to 3D I have ever seen. I'm not sure if I could ever rate this game a ten but it comes really close to becoming one. If they only kept in the leveling aspect that made SotN so great than maybe this game could be nominated for game of the year. They should have also done someting with the secondary items to make them a bit more useful. Also, I would have liked to see alot more weapons that you could have. Overall, this game really isn't dampered much by those aspects that it is missing, so if you loved any other Castlevania (except for that god awful 64 one) then you will most likely love LOI… Expand
  27. EduardoR.
    Nov 24, 2003
    9
    This is an excellent game, great game play, cool music, I love it.
  28. JimmyW.
    Nov 24, 2003
    10
    The game is a lot like devil may cry but the fact that the monsters come back is good because if you complete the game you can just go back and fight for fun and if you complete the game you can play as Joachim the vampire with the five swords swinging around him I think the over all game is very good best castlevania yet.
  29. AJ
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    This game is an orgasm with a controller(including a vibration). It has the handling of devil may cry, the playability of symphony of the night, and it's as pretty as an FF game. Note: Castlevania is known to have the best soundtracks ever... this one is by far the best.
  30. MattM.
    Oct 23, 2003
    9
    It's beautiful.
  31. JayG.
    Oct 27, 2003
    9
    I was doubtful that this game would be any good with it being in 3D. Lament is no Symphony of the Night... but one of the best 3D games I've ever played. The only thing I dislike is that it's a Devil May Cry rip off... but DMC kicks ass and this game is 10 times better than that.
  32. JimJ.
    Oct 28, 2003
    0
    This game is too much like a washed-out version of DMC. Zzzzz....
  33. Blackpredator
    Jan 22, 2004
    8
    It rocks,especially when u unlock joachim, alltogether though it was good.
  34. GuillermoT.
    Nov 28, 2003
    9
    It's what everyone expected.
  35. WillT
    Dec 28, 2009
    8
    A very fun game, this is what a 3D castlevania should be! musics absolutely fantastic but I will say, there is a lot of back tracking, the reason I gave it an 8? theres a lot better games on the PS2 this falls just slightly under
  36. Matseb2611
    May 18, 2011
    8
    Castlevania: Lament of Innocence was the first 3D Castlevania I've played and it takes place at the very beginning of the Castlevania timeline, explaining how the conflict between Dracula and the Belmonts initially started. It for the most part is a very addictive game. It's main charm lies in the action as throughout the game the player learns a lot of combos and also as he completes eachCastlevania: Lament of Innocence was the first 3D Castlevania I've played and it takes place at the very beginning of the Castlevania timeline, explaining how the conflict between Dracula and the Belmonts initially started. It for the most part is a very addictive game. It's main charm lies in the action as throughout the game the player learns a lot of combos and also as he completes each mission, he acquires a new orb. Whenever an orb is paired with one of the five sub-weapons it produces an entirely different secondary attack. With 7 different orbs and 5 different sub-weapons, the player can have up to 40 different auxiliary attacks (the sub-weapon without any orb counts too). The game consists of 6 main stages. The first 5 are available at the start and can be done in any order of preference. Once the main bosses of all 5 have been defeated, the 6th stage will become available. On top of that there are also secret sub-bosses, defeating which gives an elemental upgrade for the whip Leon (the playable character) is using; there is a powerful super boss hidden beneath the castle that would really test the player; and also two unlockable playable characters. Lament of Innocence has a very fun gameplay, a very deep story, a brilliant soundtrack, but a somewhat mediocre level design. Another issue is that the camera view cannot be rotated, which makes the platforming a nightmare some of the time. Nevertheless Lament of Innocence is a solid game. It's not a level up RPG-style game, but more of an action adventure. If you wish for an RPG-style 3D Castlevania, try Curse of Darkness.… Expand
  37. alex007
    Oct 19, 2012
    8
    "Lament of Innocence" marked the debut of the "Castlevania" franchise on the PS2. A console exclusive, it was released in Oct. 2003 to solid reviews. However, this entry (cleary inspired by "Devil May Cry") never reaches the heights of the PS1's "Symphony of the Night". It is a pure action game without the RPG aspects found in that classic side-scroller. "Lament" is a prequel to the"Lament of Innocence" marked the debut of the "Castlevania" franchise on the PS2. A console exclusive, it was released in Oct. 2003 to solid reviews. However, this entry (cleary inspired by "Devil May Cry") never reaches the heights of the PS1's "Symphony of the Night". It is a pure action game without the RPG aspects found in that classic side-scroller. "Lament" is a prequel to the original "Castlevania" and utilizes the 3D style of gameplay. Players control Leon Belmont, the first vampire hunter in the family clan to battle Dracula. The game itself features an involving story, tight controls, fluid animation and stunning graphics. It may not be a masterpiece like "Symphony" but it's smooth combat is a definite highlight. The monster designs, gothic locations and fantastic score are pure "Castlevania". The PS2 games "Devil May Cry" and "God of War" are better showcases of the system, but "Lament of Innocence" is still a gem.… Expand
  38. KillaRiku
    Apr 6, 2016
    5
    It got closer to a real castlevania than the n64 game, but it still has many flaws. For example the camera angles are just a pain, especially when it comes to platforming, and don't get me started about the bad jumping mechanics. Even the fighting sucks, because of the camera angles. The camera angles literally destroy the whole game. If it would have a freecam, I would give it 9/10 pointsIt got closer to a real castlevania than the n64 game, but it still has many flaws. For example the camera angles are just a pain, especially when it comes to platforming, and don't get me started about the bad jumping mechanics. Even the fighting sucks, because of the camera angles. The camera angles literally destroy the whole game. If it would have a freecam, I would give it 9/10 points because the game itself is actually not that bad but the camera angles ruined it. Play Symphony of the Night instead.… Expand
  39. BillyGoaT
    Jun 26, 2013
    9
    The game is well built, and has great presentation. The hit boxes are nice and killing groups of skeletons with your whip is extremely fun. It has superb graphics along with decent camera angels. The story is decent for a castlevania game. Some of the drawbacks are: its very short, it can feel a little repetitive at moments, and there's a lot of running around. Over all its a good game,The game is well built, and has great presentation. The hit boxes are nice and killing groups of skeletons with your whip is extremely fun. It has superb graphics along with decent camera angels. The story is decent for a castlevania game. Some of the drawbacks are: its very short, it can feel a little repetitive at moments, and there's a lot of running around. Over all its a good game, and the best 3D castlevania game to date.… Expand
  40. popop
    Oct 21, 2014
    10
    had lots of fun although the game is quite outdated still well planned nice. the story the graphics and the adventure excitingg
    however many story lapses but stil gr8 action
  41. frederik1478
    Feb 21, 2022
    6
    A game I really want to love more than I did. I love the exile of the story I love the music I wish The gameplay was better than it is the Combat is okay and I have to use a map to find out where was supposed to go all the time. But I can feel the dismal by people we want to make a good and amazing game but seriously I just think they didn't have time skills to do it. And I can feel thatA game I really want to love more than I did. I love the exile of the story I love the music I wish The gameplay was better than it is the Combat is okay and I have to use a map to find out where was supposed to go all the time. But I can feel the dismal by people we want to make a good and amazing game but seriously I just think they didn't have time skills to do it. And I can feel that this game was made by people who really tried hard and didn't work out but I can acquire how much do they put in?… Expand
  42. Alex_Pilgrim008
    May 10, 2023
    8
    This is a good Castlevania game. It's like a Devil May Cry version of Symphony of the Night. It's not very long (10 to 12 hours), but is always fun. The graphics are solid, the framerate is smooth and the animation is fluid. If you liked Konami's Metal Gear 2 and Zone of the Enders, you'll have a good time with this one. I would rate it with an 8.5 out of 10.
  43. AlexvaderII
    Sep 16, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lament of Innocence es un gran juego, es uno de mis favoritos de PS2! En el año de su lanzamiento tenia buenas graficas, la ambientación es perfecta e igualmente la banda sonora. Enemigos variados, jefes finales desafiantes y sub-jefes. Cuenta con su modo Crazy el cual es uno de los modos mas difíciles que se pueda encontrar en un video juego. En el juego podremos pasar horas y horas explorando intentando descifrar los acertijos y secretos ya que son muchos.

    El juego tiene variantes en su combate ya que mientras exploremos vamos a encontrar diferentes látigos para enfrentar a nuestros enemigos y al derrotar a los jefes obtendremos los "ORBES" que mejoraran las armas secundarias para tener combates mas variados. Adicionalmente tiene muchos combos que podemos usar y el perfect guard.

    En cuanto a la historia es básicamente un reinicio de la saga, los personajes tienen mucha personalidad y a pesar de no ser muy original no tiene el desenlace que podríamos esperar en otros juegos, me gusto bastante este aspecto. En resumen el juego es a día de hoy uno de mis favoritos y un gran Castlevania.    … Expand
  44. XV_
    Oct 11, 2018
    6
    Is not that Lament of Innocence is such an awful game or anything but is just plain mediocre, the combat is clumsy, the platforming is clumsy, the boss fights aren't even fun, they broke the little to less rhythm of the game and transform it to a waiting game. As for the story, I think is an interesting one but is also very lazy written that almost every part of it feels like a cliche,Is not that Lament of Innocence is such an awful game or anything but is just plain mediocre, the combat is clumsy, the platforming is clumsy, the boss fights aren't even fun, they broke the little to less rhythm of the game and transform it to a waiting game. As for the story, I think is an interesting one but is also very lazy written that almost every part of it feels like a cliche, that being said, I really liked one of the last dialogues. In the end, is a playable and sometimes fun experience that will long 7 hours or so and you will forget it by the next Tuesday.… Expand
  45. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  46. GeoKaiser
    Jan 20, 2020
    9
    An excellent 3d castlevania game with a lot action.It's a bit repetitive but it keeps you busy for a long time.
    Graphics 8
    Sound 8
    Controls 9
    Gameplay 9
    Lifespan 9
  47. HIloJo
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    3D Castlevania?... LOL!

    (P.S. no but fr it's a great game, please play it.)
  48. JiggyJog
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    Fantastic game, 1000% worth your time. My favorite Castlevania game TBH. But Curse of Darkness is also amazingly good.
  49. Joob
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    Fantastic game worth every single penny. Has the best 3D CV atmosphere, great combat, fantastic bosses, and the music is amazing. 10/10.
  50. Hudli
    Jan 16, 2021
    10
    Easily the best 3D Castlevania, surpasses Curse of Darkness and FAR surpasses Lords of Shadow, please play it to see Castlevania in 3D done right.
  51. JuddlyDo
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    Phenomenal game worth your time. Please play it to be amazed by Castlevania atmosphere xD
  52. ylnylmn
    Sep 24, 2021
    8
    It was short but good. The story was good, I personally loved the voiceovers. Graphics and atmosphere are good. The music is great. Boss fights are good but easy.Level design is somewhat repetitive. And since there are no teleport rooms, backtracking takes a little longer. I didn't like the skill unlocking thing. The variety of items is low, but the variety of orb and whip is nice. I wishIt was short but good. The story was good, I personally loved the voiceovers. Graphics and atmosphere are good. The music is great. Boss fights are good but easy.Level design is somewhat repetitive. And since there are no teleport rooms, backtracking takes a little longer. I didn't like the skill unlocking thing. The variety of items is low, but the variety of orb and whip is nice. I wish there was a better level design, for example, the metroidvania feature was not good. It was a bit linear that I wanted a more complex Some puzzles were nice. in general, it was a good game, I enjoyed it, I was not bored. Especially the last part of the game was very good.… Expand
  53. zed7
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Castlevania: Lament of Innocence exceeds in it’s goal to lay the groundwork for all other Castlevania games’ stories, as well as being a very enjoyable experience. Although short, a determined player can easily get 20-30 hours out of this game if they aim to get true 100% across multiple saves. With a bit more base game content, or perhaps a level system akin to Castlevania: Symphony ofCastlevania: Lament of Innocence exceeds in it’s goal to lay the groundwork for all other Castlevania games’ stories, as well as being a very enjoyable experience. Although short, a determined player can easily get 20-30 hours out of this game if they aim to get true 100% across multiple saves. With a bit more base game content, or perhaps a level system akin to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, this game would easily be a contender for the best Castlevania game in the series. If you like 3D exploration Metroidvania style, this is the perfect game for you.… Expand
  54. darkraixlll
    Sep 24, 2022
    9
    the atmosphere of the first castlevania chronologically Speaking simply is wow
  55. 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. Good times.

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. GamingTrend
    88
    This game has something that very few games manage to capture; it is just pure fun. Balancing the challenge of the game with a good mix of enemies, bosses, and storyline, it simply works.
    Read full review
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Proof that a Castlevania game can be done in 3D while retaining the essence of the series with great music and gameplay, and a stylized look. There's still room for improvement, but it's a great new beginning. [Nov 2003, p.140]
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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