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
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  1. 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!
  2. 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
  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. 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
  5. Deionarra
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    I think I am playing a different game than the mainstream "game journalists". I loved LOS and this sequel is every bit as good. The combat mechanics are improved quite a bit and the new skill mastery system is great. Visually this game is an artistic masterpiece (PC version) and it oozes atmosphere. This is simply a great character action game with strong gameplay mechanics and some of theI think I am playing a different game than the mainstream "game journalists". I loved LOS and this sequel is every bit as good. The combat mechanics are improved quite a bit and the new skill mastery system is great. Visually this game is an artistic masterpiece (PC version) and it oozes atmosphere. This is simply a great character action game with strong gameplay mechanics and some of the most atmospheric art/design found in any game. I have lost what little faith I had in game "journalists". They seem unable to appreciate anything that isn't the latest brown, rehash from their ad-buying, corporate overlords at EA, Ubi and Activision. There's absolutely nothing mediocre about LOS2.… Expand
  6. Percussius
    Feb 27, 2014
    9
    I feel like a lot of the reviews that are being published for this game are too harsh or miss the point entirely of what Mercury Steam was trying to do. This game has by far the darkest tone out of the LOS trilogy and is a fitting close to what stands as a great trilogy of action games. Adding to that is the fact that these are in the Castlevania universe, which until LOS, had never had aI feel like a lot of the reviews that are being published for this game are too harsh or miss the point entirely of what Mercury Steam was trying to do. This game has by far the darkest tone out of the LOS trilogy and is a fitting close to what stands as a great trilogy of action games. Adding to that is the fact that these are in the Castlevania universe, which until LOS, had never had a proper 3D treatment. Great graphics, great music, great combat, what's not to love? I have a couple gripes with the camera not being fixed anymore (I enjoy the GOW style fixed camera to give scope to the impressively designed environments) but overall this game is made for fans of the first LOS. Highly recommended.… Expand
  7. chuckkevinz
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    Besides the stealth parts and some of the narration being too heavily focused on explaining the plot instead of advancing it, this is an amazing game. would highly recommend not giving a crap about all those negative critics.
  8. alphaburst
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    I would like to express my disapointment with all the "professional" reviews that gave this game such a low score, in my personal opinion Castlevania Lord of Shadow 2 lives up to all the promises that Mercurysteam mentioned months ago. The game itself is a grand conclusion to the Dracula storyline.

    Gameplay wise you may find a few areas where it doesn't shine as brightly, for example    I would like to express my disapointment with all the "professional" reviews that gave this game such a low score, in my personal opinion Castlevania Lord of Shadow 2 lives up to all the promises that Mercurysteam mentioned months ago. The game itself is a grand conclusion to the Dracula storyline.

    Gameplay wise you may find a few areas where it doesn't shine as brightly, for example the stealth parts , which are few and the only thing that you need is a little bit of patience, consider them the "puzzles" of the game.

    I would like to thank Mercurysteam for creating such a beautiful game, and to all the other readers, please give LoS2 a chance, it won't disapoint you at all.    … Expand
  9. RecoveryRx
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    Yet another example of the huge difference between the real quality of a game and paid professional reviewers. This is why I never go by critics and always go by the average users compiled opinions and ratings. This game is amazing - if you liked the first you will love it.
  10. kickieboy
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    The gameplay, the story, the visuals, its the complete package. the metacritic score from critics will never justify this game. you need to go out there and get a copy for yourself. listen to the gamers not the paid critics this game is one glorious hell of a masterpiece. Even better than the first
  11. Marcusghost
    Mar 3, 2014
    9
    I´m just in the first hours of the game, but the critic score don´t have any sense. The combat system is an improvement from the first one, the camera isn´t fixed anymore. The stealth sections isn´t bad either.
    If you love the first Lord of Shadow, you´re gonna love this one too.
  12. Averagegamer69
    Jul 10, 2014
    8
    Just finished my 30 hour playthrough on ps3. Really enjoyed this game. Not as much as los1 but still a fantastic but slightly broken experience. My biggest complaint would be the combo/block break. After performing a synchronised block you begin your combo string of counter attacks and there is nothing to stop your combo being interrupted by another attacking monster. This greatly reducesJust finished my 30 hour playthrough on ps3. Really enjoyed this game. Not as much as los1 but still a fantastic but slightly broken experience. My biggest complaint would be the combo/block break. After performing a synchronised block you begin your combo string of counter attacks and there is nothing to stop your combo being interrupted by another attacking monster. This greatly reduces the enjoyment of the fantastic synchronised block experience that this game offers. You can see that a lot of love and care has gone into this game. Beautiful designs. I found the open world to be rather uninspiring. I much preferred the linearity of los1 with its beautiful and lush environs. anyway highly recommended and i am confused as to why this got 4 of 10 from edge mag.… Expand
  13. Pico619
    Mar 16, 2014
    9
    I was a fan of the first one. You do fight the camera a bit (it is easier to keep it fixed) but the graphical improvement is amazing. This is my new favorite hack n slash. It beats out God of war 3 by far. How it is getting mediocre reviews blows my mind. There is way more to upgrade and the reward for beating enemies using skill is just DOPE! Even taking out regular minions is a lot ofI was a fan of the first one. You do fight the camera a bit (it is easier to keep it fixed) but the graphical improvement is amazing. This is my new favorite hack n slash. It beats out God of war 3 by far. How it is getting mediocre reviews blows my mind. There is way more to upgrade and the reward for beating enemies using skill is just DOPE! Even taking out regular minions is a lot of fun! Maybe it was the setting that subconsciously turned people off. I can only tell u that you must own this game. Since the reviews are mediocre it will be on sale soon, so pick it up. It is long. I assumed I would beat it in two days non stop gaming! NOPE. You will thank me for my honesty. I hope the dlc isn't a disappointment like the extremely difficult first game. Enric Alvarez.....next time keep the camera fixed. (Creator of the game) 9-10 A REAL MANS GAME...NO NONSENSE BLOODY ACTION....PUT THE KIDS TO BED AND DRINK SOME BLOOD!!!… Expand
  14. Railgun01
    Mar 6, 2014
    9
    Injusticia, esa es la palabra que mas me ha venido a la mente durante las 23 horas que me ha durado este INCREIBLE Castlevania Lords of Shadows 2. Y es que lo que ha pasado con las notas de este videojuego es algo que escapa a toda lógica y te hace pensar hasta que punto los críticos están comprados o lo objetivos que pueden llegar a ser. Como bien dijo Enric Alvarez (director del juego)Injusticia, esa es la palabra que mas me ha venido a la mente durante las 23 horas que me ha durado este INCREIBLE Castlevania Lords of Shadows 2. Y es que lo que ha pasado con las notas de este videojuego es algo que escapa a toda lógica y te hace pensar hasta que punto los críticos están comprados o lo objetivos que pueden llegar a ser. Como bien dijo Enric Alvarez (director del juego) en la entrevista que le hicieron en Eurogamer..."El que ponga un 4 a este juego (como la revista Edge) o está ciego o es idiota".

    En primer lugar el juego deja de lado el desarrollo por niveles inconexos dando lugar a un Metroidvania en 3D como lo pueda ser Batman Arkham Asylum, Darksiders I y II, Shadowman, Soul Reaver, etc. Es decir, el mapeado ahora es libre, pero tendremos las oportunas "barreras" para no poder explorarlo todo desde un principio, si no que tendremos que ir consiguiendo nuevas habilidades y "gadgets" para ir pudiendo avanzar por el mapa. Curiosamente esto es algo que se ha criticado al juego, alegando que ya no tiene nada de Castlevania cuando es el Castlevania con mayor componente de Metroidvania desde el legendario Symphony of the Night.
    Además el mapeado es bastante grande teniendo en cuenta que hay "pasado" y "presente" y son 2 mapas totalmente diferentes (incluso son diferentes enemigos), los 2 MUY bien interconectados.

    Técnicamente uno de los mayores cambios es que la cámara ahora es totalmente libre (uno de los puntos criticados del 1º juego) y te deja apreciar los APABULLANTES escenarios creador con un mimo y detalle que quitan el hipo, donde, además de no tener tiempos de carga, TODAS las escenas cinemáticas están generadas en tiempo real, se acabaron los vídeos de mala calidad, se acabaron los 30 fps en las escenas, esto en mi opinión es un grandisimo punto a favor y que dice bastante del estudio, ya que podían haber optado por la vía rápida como el resto de estudios y hacerlos pre-renderizados.
    Los modelados poligonales, texturas (algunas mejores y otras peores) y animaciones han mejorado mucho respecto al 1º juego y desde luego que rayan a muy buen nivel (siempre hay que tener en cuenta que el juego ha salido en la obsoleta generación de consolas así que tampoco se le puede exigir remodelados en PC), los efectos de luces y sombras son bastante buenos aunque me habría gustado algo mas de resolución en las sombras.

    Jugablemente en los combates sigue el mismo esquema que en el 1, tendremos la espada del Vacío para curarnos y las Garras del Cáos para dañar, y de arma principal el látigo pero esta vez "de sangre", tenemos los mismos movimientos y cómbos que en el 1, esto en mi opinión si podría ser un punto algo negativo pues podrían haber creado mas cómbos, pero tampoco tenía queja del 1º, así que la única queja que podría tener es de "poco avance" en la mecánica.

    La banda sonora es INCREIBLE y una de las mejores bandas sonoras que ha dado el mundo del videojuego, y pensar que he llegado a leer que la banda sonora del juego es una mierda.... en fin... Óscar Araujo (repetidor en la saga) se ha salido por los 4 costados, con algunos temas ÉPICOS.
    El doblaje ingles también es brutísimo, la voz de Dracula (lógicamente repetidora) suena de verdad "atormentada" e "iracunda", nada que ver con el registro de "heroe" del anterior juego. En general la historia me ha encantado (con GRAN giro argumental incluido) y sobre todo la forma de contarla, pues en el juego esta basado en un pasado "onírico" y en el presente. Lógicamente de esto apenas hablaré por que no quiero destripar nada. Como puntos negativos en este aspecto le pondría dos. Uno sería el final que ha sido bastante simple y abierto. Y el otro que el juego debería de tener una especie de "resumen" de lo que paso en Castlevania Mirror of Fate pues tiene MUCHO que ver con este juego y lo tienes que seguir mas por contexto que por que te expliquen que ha pasado, lo explican pero muy rápido y sin demasiados detalles, y el problema es que el juego no ha salido en PC.... (aún).

    En definitiva, para mi el MEJOR CASTLEVANIA que he jugado nunca, ya podían hacerme un remake de SOTN pero hecho así y con este sistema de lucha, NO DEJES ENGAÑARTE por las notas... por que este juego no es ni de 7, (mucho menos de 4)... yo le casco un 9 como una casa.    … Expand
  15. mechamelgibson
    Mar 1, 2014
    10
    Fantástica forma de seguir la saga,tiene quizas menos profundidad de historia,pero vale la pena y con creces.Ojalá que las demás sagas de Konami se pongan al día como esta.
  16. Skeetlejuice
    Mar 1, 2014
    9
    Don't understand the hate that this game is getting. This game is anything but a me too clone of other games. Whether or not you dislike some of the design choices or themes you have to respect that they have tried to do different things with the game. I am around halfway through judging on the trophies, and i really don't understand how this is reviewing so poorly. Real people that shellDon't understand the hate that this game is getting. This game is anything but a me too clone of other games. Whether or not you dislike some of the design choices or themes you have to respect that they have tried to do different things with the game. I am around halfway through judging on the trophies, and i really don't understand how this is reviewing so poorly. Real people that shell out hard urned money to buy games are giving this game good scores in the user comments for a reason.

    Graphics are very good for a ps3/360 gen game. Art direction is very good as well, sure some of the modern day elements are a bit drab, but don't let reviewers fool you it's not as if this is dragon age 2 with recycled tilesets ad nauseum, they have a very interesting city with gothic elements here. The flashback castle elements are really great if you were looking for the style of the original game.

    The music is very good, could score a big budget movie and receive praise. It is not remixes of old nes and symphony of the night tracks, boo fricken hoo. I frankly think this is better it suits the game more and the themes.

    Gameplay, is tight with many skills to upgrade and moves to master, the game forces you to mix up your strategies in combat even at default difficulty. The camera is free this time, and the gameworld is linked up so you can backtrack and explores despite a mostly linear progression. Contrary to erroneous comments via some reviewers there is a fast travel option accross the city/castle through map rooms, which are really cool and well done. There is gameplay plus after completing the main game, many unclockables and combat challenges to find. The so called horrible stealth, is a bit simplistic but it is in no means bad or hard, i had very little difficulty getting past the challenges that have occurred and it is more of a sprinkling than constant tedium. They don't add a whole lot, but i do understand them trying to play up the nature of this side of the character. The reviewers that hated it so much must be sh i t at games, and annoyed they couldn't rush through the game at 63% completion to post their hatoraide review. I honestly don't see what the problem is, at no point does this game pretend it's metal gear, and at no point are the sections going to keep someone from enjoying the game. Would it be better without it maybe, but don't keep that from finishing the game. Also one last note and it applies to stealth, i turned off the hints system at the start of the game, and i have not had any issues figuring things out, as it still tells you the crucial things with it turned off. on that note if you hate qte's you can turn that off too, but i actually like it in the lords of shadows games so i leave it on.

    Story, I am finding it very interesting having really enjoyed the first game. It is interesting to see the story play out and how things are in draculas mind, it is kind of a mind bender the memories and the castle, i am really interested to see how it ends. I find it interesting at how some people build up some games stories to b s levels and then compare games like this that is doing it's own thing to them. it's now like any of those so called masterpiece stories for games hold up to movies or books, they just don't, it's more like masterpiece for a game. lords 2 has a good story it's just drawn out over 20 hour game, but it really keeps you motivated to play along with the solid combat mechanics.

    I've gone on quite a bit here, but bottom line, and i will update my final comments upon completion if need be, is that it is a game more in the 8 - 9 range what end of it depends on your tastes and whether you have finished the other games in the series. are there some oddities? yes, but there is also a really enjoyable game here with no game breaking bugs, a free camera in an 3rd person gothic action game, great score, solid voice acting, an interesting story in a diverse dual realmed campaign with great graphics and art direction. it's a bit of a black sheep of a game but it is one brimming with merit, and it is anything but soulless despite the protagonist being dracula. If you wanted old 2d style metroidvania but if you wanted an evolution this is it flaws and all. Only wish it was on ps4 as well but i am happy to have this on the shelf with the first, and I cannot wait to enjoy the art book when that arrives next week. 9 / 10. Not disapointed in the least.    … Expand
  17. Webon
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    One of the best games I have ever played. In a day and age where the market is satured to the brim with endless FPS clones, and mediocre game - LOS2 - simply shines among the rest. Do not go by the so-called professional reviews since they are just paid, biased, or just plain stupid. The art is simply amazing, as well as the majestic architecture of the game, is simply astounding. ThisOne of the best games I have ever played. In a day and age where the market is satured to the brim with endless FPS clones, and mediocre game - LOS2 - simply shines among the rest. Do not go by the so-called professional reviews since they are just paid, biased, or just plain stupid. The art is simply amazing, as well as the majestic architecture of the game, is simply astounding. This game has it all - drama, the best EPIC OST, and killer gameplay.
    The combat system is deep and very rewarding, if you played LOS - you are right at home, if not - pick up the LOS collectiong which contains Mirror of Fate, LOS + ALL DLC content - simply a bargain.
    This game kicks ass in all levels, it is about 17 hours PLUS NG+ which allows you to carry over your items. The new DLC coming will have Alucard playable - this is simply heaven. A must BUY.    … Expand
  18. Deependra
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    GENIUS !!

    LOS 2 is probably one of the best game available in the market. the game along with story is very serious. got combats + skills makes the game complete. though it is difficult to complete game at"Prince of Darkness" difficulty...you have to be perfect in blocking and escaping from monsters when you are playing game at "Prince of Darkness" difficulty. other wise the game is    GENIUS !!

    LOS 2 is probably one of the best game available in the market.
    the game along with story is very serious. got combats + skills makes the game complete. though it is difficult to complete game at"Prince of Darkness" difficulty...you have to be perfect in blocking and escaping from monsters when you are playing game at "Prince of Darkness" difficulty. other wise the game is perfect. cool challenges though you have to find out all the stones to unlock challenges.
    if you are planing to buy off any game. i will highly recommend you guys to get this games
    will give it 9 / 10. *thumbs up*    … Expand
  19. EllisD
    Apr 14, 2014
    8
    first and fore most I am a gamer not a critic, I have always enjoyed most of the Castlevania titles, while this game is not perfect it definitely is not sub par, I haven't finished it yet, but I have played through enough to know that this is a title worth playing, the voice acting is superb, the mechanics are tight, the story is more than fair (as some critics would suggest otherwise)first and fore most I am a gamer not a critic, I have always enjoyed most of the Castlevania titles, while this game is not perfect it definitely is not sub par, I haven't finished it yet, but I have played through enough to know that this is a title worth playing, the voice acting is superb, the mechanics are tight, the story is more than fair (as some critics would suggest otherwise) with SOTN throw backs, the stealth portions could be cut & would make for a better game, other than that I recommend this newest installment of Castlevania to any fan of the series, it is definitely a solid 8.5, I would have rated as such if I had the option, hope this helps & as always enjoy yourself… Expand
  20. Alex_Dzindzik
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    Quando esse jogo saiu tive um alto preconceito contra ele, e para onde a historia tomou rumo, e por se passar nos dias atuais. Com a promoção resolvi comprar e ver, e, realmente mudou a forma como eu o via. É simplesmente fantastico a trilha sonora, a dublagem, os gráficos mesmo não tendo paisagens de natureza, somente castelos e fábricas é fantastico, tudo muito bonito. A trilha sonoraQuando esse jogo saiu tive um alto preconceito contra ele, e para onde a historia tomou rumo, e por se passar nos dias atuais. Com a promoção resolvi comprar e ver, e, realmente mudou a forma como eu o via. É simplesmente fantastico a trilha sonora, a dublagem, os gráficos mesmo não tendo paisagens de natureza, somente castelos e fábricas é fantastico, tudo muito bonito. A trilha sonora não é tão variavel mas é muito marcante e bem feita. A historia consegue te prender o que o faz jogar mais e mais. Não é um jogo tão facil mesmo colocando no médio mas isso pode ser porque eu sou ruim, teve alguns momentos frustrantes mas isso que se faz um bom jogo nada de moleza. Eu recomendo sim esse jogo inclusive com a dlc que tem para entender melhor a historia. Pode pegar sem medo.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. xentry
    Feb 27, 2014
    9
    Fantastic game. the reviews are so unfortunate because I felt like this one out-shined the original by leaps and bounds. Much more engrossing story and characters you actually start to care about. Dracula is such a deep character now and you actually feel for him and his situation as the game progresses. Gameplay could be more fluid but its a fantastic fight system regardless. ExcellentFantastic game. the reviews are so unfortunate because I felt like this one out-shined the original by leaps and bounds. Much more engrossing story and characters you actually start to care about. Dracula is such a deep character now and you actually feel for him and his situation as the game progresses. Gameplay could be more fluid but its a fantastic fight system regardless. Excellent sense of upgrades as well that only work to improve the experience… Expand
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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

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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
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  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.
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  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.
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