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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. darkraixlll
    Sep 24, 2022
    9
    the atmosphere of the first castlevania chronologically Speaking simply is wow
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. HIloJo
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    3D Castlevania?... LOL!

    (P.S. no but fr it's a great game, please play it.)
  8. JiggyJog
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    Fantastic game, 1000% worth your time. My favorite Castlevania game TBH. But Curse of Darkness is also amazingly good.
  9. JuddlyDo
    Jan 11, 2021
    10
    Phenomenal game worth your time. Please play it to be amazed by Castlevania atmosphere xD
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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......
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. DarkH.
    May 12, 2005
    10
    Excellent Music, Excellent Characters, Excellent Castle, Excellent Whip, Excellent Castlevania.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. LINKINPARK
    Mar 12, 2004
    10
    It's just the best game ever.
  29. 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.
  30. Blackpredator
    Jan 22, 2004
    8
    It rocks,especially when u unlock joachim, alltogether though it was good.
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »