Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a profoundly generous action-adventure game. Filled with content, gifts for fans of the series, but for video game lovers as well. It's full of nods to other games and movies, rich with a large variety of gameplays and lush environments... blessed with an overall Castlevania feel, which is a consistent mark of respect for its forebears. Kudos to Mercury Steam. Despite some rare issues with some gameplay tunings, we can only hope for them to meet the success they deserve as we'd welcome a follow-up!

Mercurysteam had been developing the title before Konami proposed that Lords of Shadow would be the new Castlevania game. It really shows that this is very much their vision of Castlevania without fealty to fan expectations or demands, and I think it absolutely paid off given that the goal was to revitalize and modernize an aging brand.

A re-imagining on an epic scale, and a strong contender for action game of the year. [Issue#231, p.74]

If Castlevania wasn't on your radar before, you need to get it on there now. In truth, it does little to innovate a genre dominated by games like God Of War 3 and Bayonetta, but it executes all its ideas with surgical precision, wrapping them up in a presentation so polished - yet so tastefully understated - it could easily have been crafted by Kojima himself; all the more credit to Dave Cox and Mercury Steam.

Castlevania as a modern, linear adventure game. It's a little different, but the formula works. Also, this game is massive-expect to log at least 18-20 hours before you reach the end.

3D settings have always been kryptonite for the Castlevania series. As well as nearly every 2D entry in the franchise has been received, the attempts at 3D have almost always been panned. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow breaks this curse completely by excelling in nearly every way a game can be measured. The excellent voice acting, the suitably grand score, the gorgeously crafted vistas, the compelling plot; everything just clicks when it comes to this game.

A beautifully crafted game that more than lives up to the expectations that arise with any Castlevania release. This is an epic, stylish and enormously entertaining adventure that deserves to be played by anybody with a passing interest in the genre or the series. Applause is in order.

While the fixed-camera isn't always your friend and the platforming relies too much on trial-and-error death, this is still one hell of a tight package. Give Castlevania: Lords of Shadow a chance to sink its fangs into you and you'll be surprised about how exquisite and long lasting its embrace can be. [December 2010 p74]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

Although the basic gameplay borrows heavily from other franchises it is still done with such style and panache it is hard to find faults.

While the game has a smattering of problems such as poor camera angles and too restrictive level linearity, this reboot of the Castlevania franchise has an enthralling narrative, amazing boss battles and tons of replay value.

Simply put, this is one of the best titles of the year, and marks not only a proper return of the Castlevania series for consoles, but a starting point that future games would do well to follow.

Aside from a couple of infuriatingly obtuse puzzles and perhaps the game's overall difficulty level, there isn't much to complain about here. [Dec 2010, p.72]

Lords of Shadow defies the boundaries of what Castlevania should be, but it works. The game pulls you in medieval times, but the gameplay, presentation and story are without a doubt as modern as you can get. The ghost of old Castlevania flows through the game, while being fresh enough to make it feel like the start of a new franchise. Both fans and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy here.

With a combat system that cleverly overcomes button mashing, wonderful design work and a story that spans far longer than your average video game, Lords of Shadow is exactly what the Castlevania franchise needed to find popularity with a new generation of gamers - and us oldies too.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow reinvigorates the franchise by borrowing from other games, adding its own wonderful magic system, and ratcheting up the epic factor to ludicrous degrees. It's huge in scope, length, and depth, and it's polished with obvious love and passion.

This new Castlevania is taking a completely new path than the previous parts. The story is different because this time it goes about the earth and the heavens. The gameplay is very good and that also counts for the graphics. The soundtrack is as usual great. This game is a reboot of the franchise and it's a great one!

Castlevania takes a few hours to get rolling, but once it sinks its fangs in you'll be absorbed. Don't let the deluge of fall releases or the 3D Castlevania stigma keep you from this amazing quest.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow represents an excellent reboot of the saga, with a huge diversity in the gameplay, scenarios, enemies and situations. With nice graphics and immersive soundtrack, fans from the Konami's franchise will be pleased with this long hack'n slash adventure. A must have.

When it's all said and done, Castlevania is one that will go down as one of the better Castlevania games.

If you're looking for another traditional Castlevania game, Lords of Shadow could lead you on the wrong path. MercurySteam adopted a different style, bringing together the best ideas of many other popular games. The result is a juicy cocktail of modern gameplay and technical wonders.

The few complaints I've aimed at Castlevania: Lords of Shadow can't withstand its engaging combat and unapologetic march through danger.

This game succeeds amazingly in telling a story. It's not perfect, but a great addition to the already incomparable Castlevania franchise.

It may dissapoint those who expected a 3D Metroidvania, but it's one of the best action games of this year.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadows is a fantastically-crafted game. In some ways, it seems like Castlevania in name only because it is stitched together with many existing gameplay mechanics, but it sticks close enough to the action-packed cloth the series is woven from to seem worthy of the name.

Lords of Shadow is a huge leap forward for the Castlevania franchise. This game refines the characteristic IP gameplay with an occidental flavor, awesome production values and raging and furious combats.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is konami's first successful attempt to bring the legendary series into the third dimension. A great atmosphere meets gameplay in the mold of God of War. Only a few faults like a confusing camera and an uneven upgrade system hamper the fun. Lords of Shadow is a great restart for the vampire saga and has sleeper hit written all over it.

Fabulous action game with nice riddles and cool fights, but with lacks in camera perspectives.

The fledgling Spanish studio has made Castlevania very much their own and created a beautiful and epic new entry into the series that is capable of engaging both the diehard fans of the series and newcomers alike.

It mightn't be especially original but Lords of Shadow's rock solid core mechanics, creative flourishes and assured sense of pacing all combine to form a game that, despite a few rough edges, is a beautifully atmospheric, undeniably entertaining experience.

Exceptional presentation and an affecting, moody atmosphere help to compensate for some mixed game design. [Issue#197, p.86]

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is one of the best action game of this generation. A mature and deep storytelling and a variegated gameplay figures out a solid structure that blends with a good graphic design. The game offers 15+ hours of unique gameplay and a great replay value. The only issue is a steady camera that results in a lot of problems during combat stages and explorative sections.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a brand new chapter for the saga in both mechanics and atmosphere. It's a competent third person action/adventure with a lot of things to do and great graphic, it's a shame it cannot be considered a masterpiece due to same oddly design choices and some sections made only to improve his length without any real gain.

Its derivative action formula offers a compelling and long lasting experience. Great graphics and a top level design immerse the player in a beautiful dark world, populated with terrific creatures. Despite the lack of innovation, MercurySteam delivers a great action game.

Lords of Shadow is one of the best games I've played all year, but its technical faults hamper the experience.

All in all, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a really good game. Only because the hype and anticipation was so high might the score be considered a cause for concern.

The franchise needed this. It's not remotely original and it occasionally threatens to drown under the weight of its own bluster, but it's also clever, challenging, bewilderingly pretty in places and a ripping good yarn.

Mercury Steam has done a great job and should produce future titles because it has given a direction to this series that was kind off lost.

Great new beginning of the well-known saga draws inspiration from God of War and Shadow of Colossus masterpieces but still remains truthful Castlevania with all ingredients we love. [Issue#197]

No game juxtaposes so many stunning, grand moments as it does with as many smaller quiet touches, such as Gabriel crossing himself at the sides of his fallen comrades. It is a dark, somber game and a promising new beginning for the Castlevania legacy.

Castlevania Lords of Shadow doesn't do too much out of the ordinary, but it's a solid action game nonetheless.

A worthy Castlevania game but not the best in the series. Flawed but still worth at least a rental to complete all the way through.

Castlevania is reborn into a 3D action game that borrows heavily from some of the PS3's greatest hits. However, with so much to experience, thrilling boss battles, and plenty of replay value, it's well worth the investment.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a game that you can't miss! The singleplayer has tons of challenging puzzles and platform elements that will keep you entertained for at least 20 hours.

So even though the wait continues for a 3D Castlevania that truly matches the elegance, complexity and spatial intelligence of the 2D games, this is a polished and enjoyable blast of musty Gothic action in its own right.

Lords of Shadow is an impressive next step for the Castlevania-series. It's drop dead gorgeous, and the awesome combat system will challenge you to no end.

A beautiful and lengthy game with incredibly smart game mechanisms, it's never denied, especially when it bears the Castlevania mark.

It may not be hugely original, or indeed faithful to the franchise but, with a deep combat system and some excellent boss battles, Lords of Shadow claims a place near the top of the action adventure list and is terrific value for money.

Konami and Mercury Steam have finally found out the right formula for 3D Castlevania. This is a rock solid adventure with good puzzles, great action and fabulous music.

The production value, storyline, and other aspects are worthy to stand aside any of the top games of this generation.

Were it not for the questionable pacing, this initial outing would have been a brilliant debut, as the fundamentals are certainly there. If you're determined to experience it for yourself, rest assured that there are some great moments in this new Castlevania--just be prepared to endure some tedium in getting to them.

After Castlevania's lackluster outings on the PS2, question marks stood over whether this would be the console Castlevania's return to form. Lords of Shadow seems to avoid the challenge altogether. While it is, in itself, a solid action adventure, it borrows too much from other games and too little from the series it is meant to ignite.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a successful reboot by MercurySteam. Touting a strong combat system in the vein of God of War, the game features a fairly lengthy quest that is rewarding if you stick with it.

Lords of Shadow is not without a handful of unfortunate imperfections, but that does not invalidate the fact that there is no more painstakingly-crafted action adventure currently available for this generation of consoles. MercurySteam has raised the bar especially in both art design and overall presentation, and should be extremely proud of their creation.

In the end, I'd rather play a more traditional 2D Castlevania game, but there is no denying that this is a beautiful and enjoyable change of pace.

Lords of Darkness is a solid action game that just gets better the farther in you go, loaded with content and high production values despite its barely-passable framerate, but it doesn't do much to earn the Castlevania name.

Altogether, the game spins an interesting tale, and though it might borrow some ideas a little heavily from certain other games, it implements them well.

Entertaining highs and frustrating lows punctuate a Castlevania game that--in an effort to redefine the series--loses its identity.

Although resembling another action game isn't Castlevania's biggest obstacle to overcome, it's the poor design choices like the decision to go with a fixed camera system, the use of lots of quick time events, and an interrupting flow breaking chapter system.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a great amalgamation of the genres and games it combines. It makes sure they all come together effortlessly, but it never really owns the gameplay it borrows. It's a fun game, but not a revolution.