Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 623 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 434 out of 623
  2. Mixed: 104 out of 623
  3. Negative: 85 out of 623
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. Jessie117
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Such an incredible game. Great story, amazing graphics, a very dark environment, and some pretty good music. The combat is far better than the first LoS and the upgrading is pretty neat as well. There are quite some cool bosses, although some can get a little frustrating. Probably, my most favorite thing about the game is its exploration, it's like a 3d Metroidvania. The environment isSuch an incredible game. Great story, amazing graphics, a very dark environment, and some pretty good music. The combat is far better than the first LoS and the upgrading is pretty neat as well. There are quite some cool bosses, although some can get a little frustrating. Probably, my most favorite thing about the game is its exploration, it's like a 3d Metroidvania. The environment is just beautiful, very well detailed. I really don't understand why this game got so low of scores, just because of the stealth. It isn't even that bad and they are pretty short, the professional critics just made them seem so game breaking even though they are not. Although, they might not be the greatest things, I did enjoy running around as rats for the heck of it lol. The only thing I could see why people would hate this game is if they just hate hack n slash games or are just classic Castlevania/SoTN fanatics who just don't like change.… Expand
  2. tysonatthemovie
    Feb 26, 2014
    0
    The users rating this as "positive" are obviously not fans of the ORIGINAL Castlevania series, because this trash has nothing to do with that beloved Dracula hunting (mostly 2D) franchise. Stealth, endless interruption in the form of hints, **** music, drivel story line with B/S fan lip service, and many other annoyances doom this game. Do not buy if you do not want to feel like you wastedThe users rating this as "positive" are obviously not fans of the ORIGINAL Castlevania series, because this trash has nothing to do with that beloved Dracula hunting (mostly 2D) franchise. Stealth, endless interruption in the form of hints, **** music, drivel story line with B/S fan lip service, and many other annoyances doom this game. Do not buy if you do not want to feel like you wasted your money. Greedy heads of present day Konami simply slapped a popular name while attempting to make this game a mix and match of popular and contemporary Action/Adventure games. May Castlevania R.I.P. and MercurySteam burn in hell.… Expand
  3. Kimomarudotcom
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    The best and most ambitious action-adventure that I've played in a long time. Snappy controls, engaging boss fights, an exciting story, and fantastic performances by the voice over cast come together to make this one of my favourite games of 2014 thus far.

    If I have maybe one small complaint, it's that the plot and gameplay seem to have share quite a bit in common with 2013's DMC:    The best and most ambitious action-adventure that I've played in a long time. Snappy controls, engaging boss fights, an exciting story, and fantastic performances by the voice over cast come together to make this one of my favourite games of 2014 thus far.

    If I have maybe one small complaint, it's that the plot and gameplay seem to have share quite a bit in common with 2013's DMC: Devil May Cry. In any case, I really like this game and I'm very glad I picked it up. It does feel different from traditional Castlevania games, but if chances were never taken with the series, we would have never gotten the Metroid-Vania format that so many Castlevania fans love.    … Expand
  4. Bori1911
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Surprise everyone! The usual hating on a 3D Castlevania. So my score is more like 9.5 then a 10. LOS2 is a great entry to the Castlevania series. While a LOT of sites would have you believe that Los 2 is a monstrosity it's actually very far from it. Los 2 changes things up a bit from the first Los. It's tone is dark from the get go and takes place in a modern day city and a castle thatSurprise everyone! The usual hating on a 3D Castlevania. So my score is more like 9.5 then a 10. LOS2 is a great entry to the Castlevania series. While a LOT of sites would have you believe that Los 2 is a monstrosity it's actually very far from it. Los 2 changes things up a bit from the first Los. It's tone is dark from the get go and takes place in a modern day city and a castle that captures the aesthetic of the 2D castlevanias of old. The combat system is tighter and more enjoyable then the previous entry. The art direction and musical score looks and sounds great. It's visually impressive although suffers from some texture issues on occasion. Now no game is perfect....there is no such thing. So there are a few things that could have been better. First of the stealth portions during some of the game sometimes takes you out of that feel. Also some enemy designs feel bland. The game also starts off slow after the initial opening stage. Overall the Lords of shadow saga captures the spirit of castlevania the way so many 2D and 3D entries failed to do. After playing this game with a great deal of skepticism I have found that it is a great experience, and you should not let this latest entry pass you buy simply because some big name sites did not find it to there individual liking.… Expand
  5. Richardl
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    I loved every minute of LoS 2 yet it wasn't as great as it's predecessor #2 had all the large scale boss battle and crazy combos that drew me to the series in the first place yet the second one just wasn't as memorable as the first. For starters the graphics could definitely have used work and i could have done without many of the modern day missions, when i was playing modern day itI loved every minute of LoS 2 yet it wasn't as great as it's predecessor #2 had all the large scale boss battle and crazy combos that drew me to the series in the first place yet the second one just wasn't as memorable as the first. For starters the graphics could definitely have used work and i could have done without many of the modern day missions, when i was playing modern day it stopped feeling like castlevanina and started to feel like Arkham city, not thats a bad thing but if i wanted to play batman i would have.… Expand
  6. GenericCritic
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    i have 7 hour of gameplay, and the only thig i see is epicness, i dont know how this game has a poor score review, but this game is enjoyable and fun to play, i was expecting the **** that the critics say anout this game but im not
  7. CarlRedding
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    I really loved the game, the only reason I'm giving it a 9.0 it's the rat portions. All the bosses are cool, and yeah, The ending could've been better. But,still a amazing game!
    Thanks Mercury Steam to bring this masterpiece for fans of the old castlevania.
    Listen to me, if you are a real fan, you will like it. '' I am no longer Gabriel woman! I am the Dragon, Dracul, I am the prince of    I really loved the game, the only reason I'm giving it a 9.0 it's the rat portions. All the bosses are cool, and yeah, The ending could've been better. But,still a amazing game!
    Thanks Mercury Steam to bring this masterpiece for fans of the old castlevania.
    Listen to me, if you are a real fan, you will like it.
    '' I am no longer Gabriel woman! I am the Dragon, Dracul, I am the prince of darkness! I am, and will be forever a thorn in HIS side! That is my vengeance! '' - Dracula    … Expand
  8. Raiden23
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Incredible game, using the Castelvania name in honor.
    The story is really good with Dracula as protagonist and cool characters surrounding him.
    Amazing soundtrack and graphics plus an improved gameplay makes this game a must play.
    Ought to buy to support the developers. Don't know what the "game critics" were mass smoking, don't listen to them.
  9. Isten
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    Having really enjoyed the first LOS for its grand environments, dark story telling and killer action, I picked up LOS2 with solid expectations. I was not let down. The PS3 handles the graphic great, justifying the choice to hold in on "current console" imo.

    If anything, LOS2 is darker and more brutal then LOS1. The action is much more clean, better camera and I love the Void    Having really enjoyed the first LOS for its grand environments, dark story telling and killer action, I picked up LOS2 with solid expectations. I was not let down. The PS3 handles the graphic great, justifying the choice to hold in on "current console" imo.

    If anything, LOS2 is darker and more brutal then LOS1. The action is much more clean, better camera and I love the Void Sword/Mastery System. Reminds me of a Final Fantasy skill tree in a good way. The critics who complain about stealth honestly have no idea what they are doing or are super bias. You spend maybe 10 minutes at a time in stealth for the most part makes perfect sense from Bram Stoker lore (Rat, wolf, mist, bat). Boss battles are visually gratifying and very exciting to play.

    My only minor complaints: some areas are empty where I could be stabbing something. Not enough world/ normal Enemy diversity. The Castle and City are very cool and very deep, but we did see a lot of really cool worlds in LOS1.

    Over all the paid critics have it wrong and sound like they are from a different era in gaming (obsessed with Castlevania GB or NES) or so stab happy that they cannot take a breath an enjoy a couple minutes as a dirty rat. The Fans and gamers have it right. LOS2 9/10 fun (and morbid) game and great sequel to end LOS    … Expand
  10. IAmMrScratch
    Feb 26, 2014
    4
    Despite the reviews given by Metacritic, I disagree. I found the story of Gabriel's journey as Dracula to be a compelling and dramatic story, with excellent cgi moments, as well as powerful foes to be creative with. Now, while I do wish there had been more development on Dracula's part, outside of what we had seen between himself and his family, I did enjoy this game immensely (even if theDespite the reviews given by Metacritic, I disagree. I found the story of Gabriel's journey as Dracula to be a compelling and dramatic story, with excellent cgi moments, as well as powerful foes to be creative with. Now, while I do wish there had been more development on Dracula's part, outside of what we had seen between himself and his family, I did enjoy this game immensely (even if the ending was silently lacking in power of feel). I recommend this game to any gamer who wants to be a hardcore vampire!… Expand
  11. cwilder06
    Feb 26, 2014
    8
    Anyone reading these reviews be wary - a lot of them seem to be fake positive reviews (you can see if you look at how many reviews these individuals have submitted - there are many brand new accounts that have only reviewed this as a 10 - for that to happen within a day of release seems deeply suspect).

    That being said, I want to voice my opinion having just finished the game. In    Anyone reading these reviews be wary - a lot of them seem to be fake positive reviews (you can see if you look at how many reviews these individuals have submitted - there are many brand new accounts that have only reviewed this as a 10 - for that to happen within a day of release seems deeply suspect).

    That being said, I want to voice my opinion having just finished the game. In particular, I want to voice it in the context of a lot of the critical reviews you've likely read.

    Stealth: All the critics have cited this as the games major flaw. Let me be clear, the stealth is mediocre at best. But, it does not account for more than 10% of the game (at most, probably more like 5%). So my broader point is it's just not that big a deal. I agree it wasn't done well, but it's an afterthought in the game, not a core mechanic. People have cited one sequence as particularly awful (it involves a maze) - conversely I found it a novel concept, not super well executed, but still easy enough that it took me ~5 attempts over the course of 15 minutes. Hardly "game breaking" as one reviewer argued.
    Environments: Again, I think 70% of the game takes place in classic Castlevania environs - the ones we all know and love. All the reviews I read are complaining about too much action in sewers and office buildings - I don't think this is more than 15% of the game? At most? And yes, more could have been done with the opportunity to modernize the Castlevania environs but again this is something I read in critical reviews as being awful and it seemed a blip on the radar to me.

    With that being said, the game feels very much feels like a continuation of LoS1. If you liked the first one, this is more of the same. The world is not as open as we were led to believe leading up to release which is a shame but not too big a loss. The actual combat is good, the enemies are creative, the scenery is gorgeous and the story is appropriate for a Castlevania game - that is to say, if you like Castlevania stories, this will work well. I think it is pretty strong relative to nearly every other entry in the series. It's not a perfect game - I'd rank it the exact same as LoS1 - so if you liked that you're probably going to like this.    … Expand
  12. Vevo99
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing, I absolutely loved as well as 1, so if you played the first and liked to play the 2 for sure is epic, not ball to these analyzes of those sites that are bought ^ ^. Gorgeous graphics, incredible bosses, story of breathtaking, makes this is a great game ^ ^ 10
  13. EsauD1
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    I will really like to disagree with all the review sites that are bashing this game, I'm sure they had to rush through it to release their review, but so far I'm 2 hours into the game and I love it, the graphics are amazing, the gameplay is fluid and fun, the atmosphere is gorgeous. This is really a good game love it.
  14. SmellyMattress
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Great game it has definitely improved upon LOS1 beside the fact that it does have some slow stealth parts, it has rewarding skill trees and very high quality boss battles,also lets not forget the gorgeous graphics
  15. Loneranger23
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    We are all entitled to our own opinion but I don't know how this only got a 6.5 score. I played this game for 7 hours yesterday and I can safely say it is a 8.5/10 easily. Do not listen to this critic and go out and buy this game. Everything about it is over the top and for true Castlevania fans this is the game we were all waiting for. From the graphics, to the boss fights (which are someWe are all entitled to our own opinion but I don't know how this only got a 6.5 score. I played this game for 7 hours yesterday and I can safely say it is a 8.5/10 easily. Do not listen to this critic and go out and buy this game. Everything about it is over the top and for true Castlevania fans this is the game we were all waiting for. From the graphics, to the boss fights (which are some of the best I have seen), to the simple game play with awesome combos and upgrades this game has it all. The open world concept is a welcomed addition to this series and makes it fun to search for all the hidden items. This game is Uncharted, Batman, and God of War all mixed into one and what is best of all....you play as Dracula!… Expand
  16. Ggod
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    If you like Castlevania you love it. Even people who aren't Castlevania fans will like it. The combat is solid. The different weapons and skills a very interesting. The setting is beautiful. The story fills in a lot of history for those new to the series.
  17. FD3355
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Having loved the first game I was eagerly anticipation the second, however my expectations became muted when I saw the early exception. Let it be know that I ended up loving the game and am glad I got it despite it's low critical reception. The game play is polished, the story is engaging (and very macabre), and the environment is varied and detailed. There has been much talk of the ratHaving loved the first game I was eagerly anticipation the second, however my expectations became muted when I saw the early exception. Let it be know that I ended up loving the game and am glad I got it despite it's low critical reception. The game play is polished, the story is engaging (and very macabre), and the environment is varied and detailed. There has been much talk of the rat stealth sections yet they are really just small interspersed segments, hardly worth the fuss they are receiving. I would recommend this to any castlevania fan, and really and action game fan in general.… Expand
  18. Ryuji
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Don't let be fooled by the stupid so-called "video game media". Lords of shadow was one of the best title of "last gen" and Lords of shadow 2 is an awesome sequel. Mercurysteam sure took their sweet time releasing their baby, but it was well worth the wait. Their is a passion in that game that is non-existent in most productions these days. When rushed yearly sequels become our dailyDon't let be fooled by the stupid so-called "video game media". Lords of shadow was one of the best title of "last gen" and Lords of shadow 2 is an awesome sequel. Mercurysteam sure took their sweet time releasing their baby, but it was well worth the wait. Their is a passion in that game that is non-existent in most productions these days. When rushed yearly sequels become our daily braid. To have a non-buggy game with no f***** day one patch is a breath of fresh air. Everything from the graphics to the gameplay has been polished to high quality level. Playing has Dracula feels badass as it should and the already great combat mechanics has been fine-tuned to make it even more awesome. The art direction and execution is so impressive for a time I thought I was playing on my ps4. Do yourself a favor and discover one of the best series of last gen.… Expand
  19. Truthhurts
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    The first 2 hours are a bit of a handholdy and linear affair, also its very light on the story for the first few hours of the game, but once the game gets rolling its easily on par with LoS1 if not better, the acting is great the boss fights are amazing and the combat feels more fluid than LoS1, the story starts to pick up later on and fans of castlevania will like the take on alucard,The first 2 hours are a bit of a handholdy and linear affair, also its very light on the story for the first few hours of the game, but once the game gets rolling its easily on par with LoS1 if not better, the acting is great the boss fights are amazing and the combat feels more fluid than LoS1, the story starts to pick up later on and fans of castlevania will like the take on alucard, simon, and trevor belmont

    The dreaded stealth sections are not nearly as bad as the reviewers make it out to be, with some extremely basic logic can get you through most of them in a few minutes, something the mainstream reviewers seem to be sorely lacking (one of them claimed to take 4 hours to beat one of the stealth missions /facepalm....no its not that bad )

    I honestly found the stealth sections required to break up some of the monotony of the combat, overall this is a really good sequal and hope mercury continues to make CV games, they are one of the few devs that can make competent reboots, a world of garbage like DMC reboot and FF13-29 lightning just doesnt die edition thats a very good quality to have    … Expand
  20. Ramiro1992
    Feb 26, 2014
    4
    Another mediocre rip off of God of war series, I love the old Castlevania games, but this game is a complete disaster, another below average 3D action adventure, poor creativity, repetitive. and it's not a true castlevania game, if you buy this trash you are wasting money.
  21. odizzle999
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    This is a great entry to the Castlevania series. I loved the 1st one and mirror of fate. my only whine is the lack of multiple playable characters. would be fun to play through or do boss rush with Victor or Alucard. this games leaves me wanting a higher replay value more secret areas, bosses, and characters. I hope there is going to be lots of DLC later down the road.
  22. fjefe34
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    Excellent game ,beyond mediocrity.Fine fighting style,graphics and interesting storyline.It's a must!Just rent it and then if you liked it,buy it and beat it for the second-third time etc.If not,okay everyone has his opinios and tastes,no one cant encroach that!
  23. N1ghtwing
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    The hate for this game is astounding. Most everyone has gotten mad at the fact that there is stealth sections and the modern day setting. The stealth sections are quiet good, if approached as a puzzle. And the modern day setting is a somewhat new setting for Castlevania. You still have Gothic setting due to the fact of Gabriel's flash backs. The original Lords of Shadow was an amazingThe hate for this game is astounding. Most everyone has gotten mad at the fact that there is stealth sections and the modern day setting. The stealth sections are quiet good, if approached as a puzzle. And the modern day setting is a somewhat new setting for Castlevania. You still have Gothic setting due to the fact of Gabriel's flash backs. The original Lords of Shadow was an amazing Gothic setting that would of been near impossible to improve upon. The combat is even better than the original, much tighter and refined with an experience system that adds in a lot of variety. The exploration in the first Castlevania was one of its weakest points, this has been addressed and is now one of Lords of Shadow 2's best characteristics. Lords of Shadow 2 lets you be Dracula the way no other game ever has and should be commended for that. Blood is everything.… Expand
  24. Noct
    Feb 25, 2014
    8
    This game definitely does not deserve the negativity it is receiving via the critics, for the combat and graphics are stellar. Though, this game does suffer from its stealth scenes. I find myself getting a headache over the agony endured trying to navigate through them when all I want to do is fight something. Besides that, this game is top-notch and worth your time.
  25. Au6
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    the worthy sequel to one of the best game of the PS3/360 generation.
    A grand adventure, epic battles, a still atmosphere at the top with beautiful symphonic music.

    I recommend it to all fans of the series and all lovers masterpiece of gaming.

    thank you Mercury steam
  26. themostunclean
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    Much like the first, amazing game, this one has some split opinions. I had a tremendous amount of enjoyment with this game. The negative reviews from "professional" critics are unfortunately a trend with games that are released on current gen hardware only when next gen consoles are out on the market. I know for a fact that sites and magazines associated with retail outlets are encouragedMuch like the first, amazing game, this one has some split opinions. I had a tremendous amount of enjoyment with this game. The negative reviews from "professional" critics are unfortunately a trend with games that are released on current gen hardware only when next gen consoles are out on the market. I know for a fact that sites and magazines associated with retail outlets are encouraged to give these types of games mediocre reviews to encourage console sales. If you read or watch reviews done by real gamers on various blogs and YouTube, you'll see that they all loved LOS2. Combat is fluid, dynamic and satisfying, the art direction is top notch (although I will concede the factory settings are a bit drab) and the story is a notch above most of the drek from the likes of CoD and Assassins Creed. The stealth is kind of shoehorned in and unnecessary but thankfully it's a very small part of the game. Wholeheartedly recommend.… Expand
  27. selenoid
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    My score is actually 8.6. Combat system is not much improvement from the first game, and there not much differences in locations like in 1st LOS. On other side there are much more boss battles and atmosphere is better. And game picks up phase about 3/5 game it becomes much more fun.
  28. MaxPayneFan123
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    It's simple,big sites-famous ones are being motivated and supported by big profitable companies that want their games to come first in everything.Who cares,we the gamers cant be controlled.True fans and veterans gamers like me and lots of you out-there know the requirements of a masterpiece.LOS 2 is an interesting dark,gloomy and mysterious game.It has ultra adequate to excellentIt's simple,big sites-famous ones are being motivated and supported by big profitable companies that want their games to come first in everything.Who cares,we the gamers cant be controlled.True fans and veterans gamers like me and lots of you out-there know the requirements of a masterpiece.LOS 2 is an interesting dark,gloomy and mysterious game.It has ultra adequate to excellent graphics,a combination of vitality and purity in such atmospheric places and environments.Also,the combat issue is so excessive fun and so unique ,being for me one of the best new hack n slash games.Characters are absorbing ,avidly detailed with well structured texts.Story is tensious and full of surprizes.I already said so much.Play it for yourself and then we talk.Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  29. rainslash
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    I tired of these **** sites like IGN.Such morons,gayest reviews ever.F@# them all,i am just in the half of the game and i am absolutery amazed by it's graphics ,story and combat.Best combat style of the ps3/xbox360 generation.God of War is nothing in front of it.It has some **** skeleton since the first game jesus.Instead Castlevania has over 700 creatures and enemies since their firstI tired of these **** sites like IGN.Such morons,gayest reviews ever.F@# them all,i am just in the half of the game and i am absolutery amazed by it's graphics ,story and combat.Best combat style of the ps3/xbox360 generation.God of War is nothing in front of it.It has some **** skeleton since the first game jesus.Instead Castlevania has over 700 creatures and enemies since their first game and also los,los2 have a large amount of enemies.So much variety in everything.I like this fact ,because it makes the game more interesting and more fun.So long motherf@#@ing "critics"… Expand
  30. dominusXXs
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    F@#$ng masterpiece.Literally,i think this game must be one of the best hack n slash games ever.Great story,graphics,fighting and atmosphere.What else you want ???
  31. Detcelfer
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    I come from the classic Castlevania games on the Nintendo and SNES. So when Dave Cox mentioned in an interview that the first LoS was being produced and pitched to the Super Castlevania fans, I was immediately intrigued and delighted. What became of my curiosity superseded all expectations and filled it with utter awe of the majesty of LoS.

    Castlevania LoS 2 follows in the wake of    I come from the classic Castlevania games on the Nintendo and SNES. So when Dave Cox mentioned in an interview that the first LoS was being produced and pitched to the Super Castlevania fans, I was immediately intrigued and delighted. What became of my curiosity superseded all expectations and filled it with utter awe of the majesty of LoS.

    Castlevania LoS 2 follows in the wake of the 3DS midway interjection of Castlevania Mirror of Fate. While Mirror of Fate was an excellent adventure and I heartily recommend it for it's current price of $15, it's importance in the grand scheme of things is negligible. Still, if you're a fan as I am, then you must go out and buy it. You won't be disappointed, especially as it's game design harkens back to the Symphony of the Night crowd.

    LoS 2 wastes no time in informing you that this is a different animal from the previous iterations. It's a blending of all the designs, quarks and all of the previous Castlevanias. To some this might turn people off who are dedicated to only a single play style of Castlevania. For others, such as myself, this is farewell gift in the form of a celebration of the spirit of Castlevania.

    Dracula is no daisy. If you felt that the LoS was a dark story, brace for something that might truly horrify you. Without spoiling some of the events as many others have already - you'll be forced to do things that will give you pause. There is a divide amongst gamers if showing the darkness within Dracula is necessary, especially as you the gamer are forced to partake in this experience by manually unleashing his evil upon others. I found the entire experience grounded the character, it set the stage for everything else to follow. If you're looking to just button mash your way through a game, look elsewhere. The story demands your attention and will yield little time to repose. The argument that having the gamer commit these atrocities is all-together absurd when one considers that video games have you killing others on a regular basis. Luckily, Mercury and it's writers understand that you need foundations for characters, perspective of the motivation behind these characters, and a source that moves these characters along their quest. The journey in LoS 2 does not disappoint with plenty twists with deviant and interesting characters along this amazing backdrop of artistry.

    The next highly debated discussion is in the stealth aspects of the game. The overall amount of time spent in the stealth gameplay is limited and makes for a brief excursion of the usual gut slashing, face pounding action you'll have everywhere else. While some seem to find it an annoyance, I thought it provided pacing and more importantly shows yet another side of how the Lord of Darkness, Dracula, would sneak his way around as a predator.

    The leveling experience this time around is fleshed out and vaguely reminds one's self of the Elder Scrolls system. That is, the more you use a skill, the more you can unlock. This encourages the player to mix up their style and prevents from linear tactics. The light and dark aspects of skills are back under the use of the Void Sword (absorbs health) and the Gauntlets (interrupts blocking enemies). This rock, paper, scissors approach felt more built off of their Mirror of Fate lessons and in turn, we have a much richer game as a result.

    The navigation, hud, menu systems are all wonderfully designed with full illustrations wrapping around much of the menus. It does a terrific job just bringing the player into this world and for a menu system to accomplish that, is impressive. The beautiful illustrations of each skill and how it functions make a return from the previous LoS as well.

    Araujo followed the highly cinematic first release with the more contemporary and horror-centric score for the sequel Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate, but the composer returned to the original's grandiose, action-oriented classical arrangements when scoring the latest installment. While it's hard to top the majesty of the first Lords of Shadow, on which Araujo worked with the 120-piece Bratislava Symphony Orchestra and a full choir, LOS2 boasts an even mightier, more traditionally cinematic score than either of its predecessors.

    Many of the motifs Araujo established in the first installment are carried over and built upon for the sequel (most memorably the tragic, piano-based “Dracula's Theme”), but you can tell immediately with the brooding, rumbling opening track “The Throne Room” and the percussive, synth-enhanced "Brotherhood Assault" that the sonic canvas has been widened even further to fit more unique textures.

    LoS 2 is an achievement at revitalizing the series and it's a shame that all we have left to look forward to is the possible DLC that has been mentioned by Mercury. If you're a fan of the GoW or DMC series and you're looking for a richer story, then this is a must buy!    … Expand
  32. RiggidyRoy
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    I enjoyed this game and don't understand the hate. You may not like the stealth aspect which is not all that big deal maybe 5-10 percent of the game. Why lower the score to below 8 I don't understand it. I used to believe in score system but this game - like it's predecessor - makes me laugh at the whole point system because I would have missed a great fun game series if I listened toI enjoyed this game and don't understand the hate. You may not like the stealth aspect which is not all that big deal maybe 5-10 percent of the game. Why lower the score to below 8 I don't understand it. I used to believe in score system but this game - like it's predecessor - makes me laugh at the whole point system because I would have missed a great fun game series if I listened to other people.… Expand
  33. PowerHouse_PR
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    The game is awesome, i have LoS 1 and the complete saga of the game finally delivers. The combat is familiar and the Bosses are outstanding. The story tells how gabriel ends his journey as the LoS. There is a lot to be told and the game is excellent on that regard plus the great combat. Castlevania lovers will love since is such a beautiful and magnificent story to be told.
    The controller    The game is awesome, i have LoS 1 and the complete saga of the game finally delivers. The combat is familiar and the Bosses are outstanding. The story tells how gabriel ends his journey as the LoS. There is a lot to be told and the game is excellent on that regard plus the great combat. Castlevania lovers will love since is such a beautiful and magnificent story to be told.
    The controller is very similar to the first game so you will remember right away. Beautiful cut scenes, good narrative, great combat, familiar controllers, action sequences and epic soundtrack are among the things you will find in LoS 2.
    Do not listen to game critics which for some reason are bashing action games lately by not understanding the core of the game. You will not be disappointed with LoS 2. Buy it, its a awesome experience which i do not regret.    … Expand
  34. iradoworldgames
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    hell... LOS 2 is a epic game with gameplay and great graphics and mostly a fantastic soundtrack. professional review does not make sense. Play ... and make their own conclusions.
  35. e105beta
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    Excellent game. The atmosphere is wonderful, the graphics are gorgeous, and the combat controls extraordinarily well, giving you lots of options to play around with.
  36. Aedrone12
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    Mercury Steam really hit is big this time with this sequel. Although the Castlevania games have been a favorite for many, this one should really blow them away. The voice acting and combat is superb as was the story line. Even though the landscaping for the game wasn't as good as the demo had shown, the rest of the game still had it's pizzazz. Good Job.
  37. kwaleed232
    Feb 25, 2014
    6
    please stop accepting mediocrity
    the game may be great in some parts the but the overall experience is no more than passable
    the game has some great score and art direction but the stealth sections and the bland city levels are just unacceptable
  38. junbug_01
    Feb 25, 2014
    8
    Excellent game! Just a few things to say here. Please, people. Please play this game. The developers are one of the few devs that actually listen to the fans. They heard all the moans we had about the first one, and fixed all of them. Sure the stealth parts are a bit boring, but they only happen a few times and only for like 2 minutes each. The story is wonderful, the characters are wellExcellent game! Just a few things to say here. Please, people. Please play this game. The developers are one of the few devs that actually listen to the fans. They heard all the moans we had about the first one, and fixed all of them. Sure the stealth parts are a bit boring, but they only happen a few times and only for like 2 minutes each. The story is wonderful, the characters are well written, the graphics and visuals are amazingly done, the combat is so impressive and fun, and above all...THERE IS A CHANCE TO REMOVE THAT GOD AWFUL QTE. Yes, people. This is the first game ever that caters to both QTE lovers and QTE haters. This is no longer a God Of War clone hack and slash. This is as Castlevania as 3D Castlevanias can get. It is so good and so fun to play. Sure, it isn't Symphony Of The Night. But with a few tweaks here and there, it could be.… Expand
  39. xaloju
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    Great game and story, way better than the first castlevania. Just play it. Those bad reviews are wrong. If the first LoS liked you, the second is a must.
  40. Akalooti
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    Kindly note the editors review was unfair and awful as usual, but that not surprise me at all they do it with many games like lighting return and beyond two souls, maybe these games didnt pay like some high rated games but i want tell them one thing we dont care i will buy this game cause its fantastic as the first one!
  41. nukacolas
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    Castlevania Los was such a masterpiece in all aspects,but Los 2 is an unforgettlable experience,I am so amazed,please rate this game when you play it and dont listen to these morons called critics.
  42. Skvodan
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    Good Game. Critics don't right. They are ridiculous "professionals. "If you love LOS 1 then you need a playing this game. Good combat, bosses, characters.
  43. foxdie593
    Feb 25, 2014
    8
    The epic finale of Lords of Shadow and perhaps of Castlevania.Good graphics,great combat,special music and fine environments.It's just a great sequel to the previous masterpiece.
  44. finalfantasy101
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    So incredible game.I am so enraged with these pathetic noobs gamers called critics.They re just some mercenaries of the big games like COD series who they always give high scores to them,games that have changed nothing since they came out .Shame on you benighted professional reviewers,hahaha "professional".Dont listen to them,this game is a great conjuction of action and fantasy,anSo incredible game.I am so enraged with these pathetic noobs gamers called critics.They re just some mercenaries of the big games like COD series who they always give high scores to them,games that have changed nothing since they came out .Shame on you benighted professional reviewers,hahaha "professional".Dont listen to them,this game is a great conjuction of action and fantasy,an amalgam of pure dark hack n slash with tremendous bosses and interesting characters.It has a unexpected ending,but it's something different,we must be grateful and not ignorant .… Expand
  45. Kytesra
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    First game was like a brilliant of art direction in video game industry. LoS2 continues this trend of MercurySteam gamedesign. It's one and only videogame with such epicness and beauty.
    While gameplay is pretty the same as first game or some god of war games, music and visual design is what makes this game special.
  46. wesker2012
    Feb 25, 2014
    5
    Ever since the announcement of Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2, I've been pumped and eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated release of this final installment. Being a huge fan of the first Lords of Shadow, I was ecstatic that the MercurySteam team were taking fans' criticisms seriously and implementing a better camera system along with an open world game design. I had a lot of confidenceEver since the announcement of Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2, I've been pumped and eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated release of this final installment. Being a huge fan of the first Lords of Shadow, I was ecstatic that the MercurySteam team were taking fans' criticisms seriously and implementing a better camera system along with an open world game design. I had a lot of confidence in the team and gobbled up each video interview that shared a little more of the game each time. Thats why I'm very disappointed and confused after seeing the final product in action. While I appreciate the awesome artistry of the game's locales, the magnificent soundtrack, and the much desired open world design, I'm completely baffled with some of the team's decisions game design wise. Most of the game feels a huge step backwards than forward in terms of game design. What is with the poorly implemented stealth sections that don't fit this franchise at all?? What is with the present day London setting?? The reason I loved the first game was because I was able to explore medieval settings with a fantasy element and it was in tune with Dracula's character. The modern day setting feels completely out of place. Also, the movement of Dracula seems unpolished and doesn't make him feel like the badass character that he is. The platforming traversal of the game also feels unpolished and clunky. Another annoyance is the constant handholding of what to do next, while other times there is no intuitive indication. The game starts off really slow and boring, and the plot doesn't give you much motivation to slog through this bloated, mess of a game. It's really a disappointment because there are a lot of things the team does right, like the beautiful art design, soundtrack, and combat. Ultimately, the game just lost its soul and what made the first game stand out. This time around it feels like a generic Activision Spiderman game. A game that doesn't really have any distinct memorable gameplay elements of its own. Just a cluster of generic gameplay elements thrown together with a forgettable plot. I think this game could still be enjoyable if you are longing for a game starring Dracula or the gothic artistry, but I think most other gamers will want to pass on this one, unfortunately. Being, a huge LOS fan, I can't even drag myself through this game. Here's hoping the next team that takes up the 3d Castlevania helm will bring a brilliant, well rounded, memorable game that all fans can be proud of!… Expand
  47. drsheldon
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    Dracula is my favorite character from now .Just buy the game and you ll have an incredible experience.
    The characters are so unique and the boss fights were breathtaking .The game's duration is over adequate and is worthy of your money !
  48. alucard666
    Feb 25, 2014
    9
    Hell yeah castlevania!!!.Seeing the things as Dracula is one aspect of the castlevania series we have not seen since their first game(i think).So damn hot graphics and what a hardcore fighting .I liked most the darkness of the game,it makes you feel the vibes of being a dark lord!Had some mistakes,but generally is an excellent game!
  49. celestiality
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    Such a tremendous game .Amazing graphics for a little company like Mercury Steam,such a great story with lots of twists,such a dark and murky environment ideal for the actions of the mighty Dracula.Cool bosses with noticeably details and voracious combat with challenges.I liked this game because they made a sequel different from the other castlevania games and this sometimes is a way toSuch a tremendous game .Amazing graphics for a little company like Mercury Steam,such a great story with lots of twists,such a dark and murky environment ideal for the actions of the mighty Dracula.Cool bosses with noticeably details and voracious combat with challenges.I liked this game because they made a sequel different from the other castlevania games and this sometimes is a way to kill monotony in the series of a game.If you dont like it's just your pathetic taste,go support your COD games like always and let us enjoy these marvels!… Expand
  50. baldy
    Feb 25, 2014
    6
    The first lords of shadow is remembered as a commendable achievement from a relatively small team working to a comparatively tight budget. it's sequel, by contrast, cannot disguise the resources with which it was made. lords of shadow 2 is clunky, ugly and deeply misguided. it's a game that sees the lord of the damned as a vehicle for rat-powered linear stealth, and that takes a futureThe first lords of shadow is remembered as a commendable achievement from a relatively small team working to a comparatively tight budget. it's sequel, by contrast, cannot disguise the resources with which it was made. lords of shadow 2 is clunky, ugly and deeply misguided. it's a game that sees the lord of the damned as a vehicle for rat-powered linear stealth, and that takes a future gothic-london setting and then sets the action in tower blocks and sewers. mercury steam says this will be the final game in the lords of shadow saga, and on the evidence of the cluttered, bloated and forgettable mess repetitive dialogue when fighting, it's just as well." 6.7… Expand
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best PS3 Game of 2014
4
#4 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2014
7
#7 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 55
  3. Negative: 8 out of 55
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Apr 18, 2014
    74
    Konami's newest Castlevania sequel is marred by repetitive gameplay, terrible stealth missions and an uninteresting story that overstays its welcome
    Read full review
  2. Impulsegamer
    Mar 23, 2014
    90
    Castlevania Lords of Shadow is a must play game on the PlayStation 3 that really draws you in from the start to give you a spectacular journey of good versus evil in this beautifully presented sequel.
    Read full review
  3. Level7.nu
    Mar 21, 2014
    50
    Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 mixes elements from popular games without really understanding how the pieces must be assembled. The result is a tedious and sloppy game that most feels like something that the developer Mercury Team wanted to get over with. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 lacks even the ambitious driven from its predecessor. It's not a bad game, but not worth playing.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »