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Chief Editor - Steve Greenfield
Editor - Kris West
Full Colour (for iOS and Android)
Games Critic - Ross D. Brown
Games Critic - Neil Hetherington
Please enjoy this magazine, because we do it Games Critic - Matt Leslie
Games Critic - Matt Young
all for you! If you’d like to get in touch please Games Critic - Joe Pring
email us at contact@gameonmag.com.
The Editor
Graphic Design - Steve Dawson
Graphic Design - Kris West
G
ameOn Networking Ltd was founded in 1997 with the aim of providing “lag free” gaming
solutions for dedicated online gamers. Online connectivity in the late 90s was such that realtime
gaming was beyond the reach of the average gamer, and so GameOn began hosting LAN parties
throughout the UK. To date, GameOn has hosted almost 100 LAN parties.
In August 2008, GameOn began producing GameOn Magazine, an online PDF magazine covering all
aspects of gaming including reviews, previews, news and articles. The dedicated magazine staff also
provided coverage at high profile gaming events such as E3 and gamescom.
In February 2012, GameOn Magazine launched in ebook form on the Amazon Kindle marketplace in both
the UK and US and has since developed from strength to strength. With the same quality coverage as
always and dedicated writing and research staff the magazine has gained a loyal following and secured
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Later in 2012, GameOn launched the colour version of the magazine via the Magzter store which
is avilable on Android, iOS and Windows.
E
stablished in Osaka, Japan in 1969 by Kagemasa Kozuki, Konami is one of the video game industry’s
biggest success stories. From its beginnings as a jukebox hire and repair shop, Kozuki-san - who
is now Chairman of the Board of Konami Corporation - entered the field of entertainment and
amusement arcade machines four years later.
32
18
34
16
levania
f Cast
story o
AHi
Character Biographies
Discovering Castlevania 64
A History of Castlevania
Ross gives us a brief run down of how Castlevania originally rose to fame
and, more importantly, how it has stayed such a successful franchise.
By Ross D. Brown
C
astlevania is something of so long when many, previously
an institution. It’s hard to The plot of most successful series, have faded into
believe that the first game Castlevania games typically obscurity in that time is Konami’s
was released in 1986, which revolves around the Belmont ability to constantly reinvent the
makes it a mere three years family of vampire killers, who are series over the years.
younger than me. Castlevania destined to combat the vampire
has very much been there as I’ve lord Dracula. Every century or Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
grown up, and given the sheer so, this powerful nemesis will (1988) immediately departed
number of franchise entries be resurrected and it will fall to from the linear level-by-level
it would be a small miracle if a descendant of the Belmont structure of its predecessor.
anyone who has picked up a family, the player, to defeat the While still a 2D platformer at
game controller in the last 27 dark lord once again. heart, it incorporated several
years hasn’t at least heard of,
if not played, the Castlevania
series.
"The series continued in
the style of a traditional
Several long-running Konami
series had their debut in the mid-
2D action-platformer
to-late 80s, most notably Contra
and Metal Gear. While both of
for several years"
these series have a multitude Looking back at that first linear elements more common to RPG
of game releases and have 2D platformer on the old games in its design. There was the
benefited from positive critical Nintendo Entertainment System bare-bones of a levelling system,
reception, the Castlevania series and comparing its mechanics the ability to select missions in
has more titles under its banner, to the modern gameplay is like varying order, villages with shops
and has covered more platforms comparing chalk and cheese. The and NPCs, a day/night cycle and
over the years. reason Castlevania has survived even featured multiple endings.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 8 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
A History of Castlevania
The series continued in the to 3D, which not only changed individual stages and provided
style of a traditional 2D action- the feel of the platforming but the opportunity to engage in
platformer for several years, also allowed for a substantial some in-level exploration.
occasionally making tweaks to increase in depth for the combat
the basic structure but following mechanics. Like Castlevania II, Reception to this revamp on the
a recognisable formula, and a day/night cycle is featured N64 was rather a mixed bag. The
garnered mostly positive critical and this affects many aspects game received largely positive
opinion during this time. The of the game, including enemy critical attention, with reviewers
next major change in direction composition and NPC behaviour. praising the bold new direction
came just before the turn of the However, the game does revert and transition to 3D. Fan reaction
millenium, when Castlevania was to a more linear structure, was, however, mixed. While most
released on the Nintendo 64. with no player choice in level series fans shared the critics’
order and no ability to replay opinion that the modernisation
In a radical change of direction, previous stages. Despite a linear of the franchise had been mostly
this Castlevania was the first in progression, the transition to successful, a significant and
the series to make the transition 3D did increase the scope of the vocal minority criticised the
game’s departure from its roots,
as well as citing poor graphics,
camera problems and issues
with the targeting system as a
disappointment.
the Lords of Shadow, is entirely with 3D visuals). However, the to build on the success of the first
disconnected from previous emphasis on combat remains a game by further developing the
series lore. This allowed the central part of this adventure, in successful gameplay mechanics
series to break away from the which the descendants of Lords with an updated game engine,
world set by the older games, of Shadow’s Gabriel Belmont and by moving away from linear
and enabled a fresh story arc set out to destroy the vampire, progression to an open world.
to break through - with a few Dracula.
unexpected twists and turns With the original Castlevania
along the way. Konami is now set to build on franchise attracting fans for over
the success of Lords of Shadow 20 years, the fact that the series
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow with the new, upcoming game. has been successfully rebooted
- Mirror of Fate brought the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow with such positive reception is
rebooted universe to a handheld 2 is a direct sequel, continuing a fantastic sign for the future.
device, the Nintendo 3DS, for the story of Gabriel Belmont and If things continue on course,
the first time. Once again, the closely linked with the events it’s perfectly possible to expect
game returned to its 2D-side of both Lords of Shadow and Castlevania will still be with us
scrolling roots (albeit presented Mirror of Fate. The sequel is set another 20 years from now.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 11 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
Character Biographies
Character Biographies
By Joe Pring
I
f ever there was a contender was prone to wild mood swings Gabriel learns from the Lords of
for the most tragic fictional and sinking into dark thoughts, a Shadow themselves, the history
story, Gabriel Belmont would side to him that only Marie – his of the order he belongs to and
undoubtedly be near the top of beloved wife – could draw him how each lord is a dark remnant
that list – even rivalling Anakin out of. Prior to the events of Lords of three holy warriors who
Skywalker’s transition from of Shadow, Marie gave birth to a ascended to heaven only to leave
Jedi to Sith Lord Darth Vader. son, Trevor. However, this birth their corrupted bodies behind.
Abandoned at birth, Gabriel was was kept hidden from Gabriel
discovered by the Brotherhood and, knowing of her husband’s His faith in the order shaken but
of Light, a holy order dedicated to darker side, Marie left the child his quest for revenge still burning,
vanquishing evil and protecting in the care of the Brotherhood. Gabriel eventually defeats all
the innocent. Mentored and three lords and completes
cared for by the order, Gabriel The events of Lords of Shadow the God mask. However, the
proved to be their shining light, follow, and Gabriel sets out to mastermind of Gabriel’s entire
showing unparalleled combat defeat all three lords for the journey is revealed. Satan
prowess and quickly rising to the purpose of obtaining the God himself manipulated one lord
top of their ranks. mask – a powerful artefact that – the Necromancer – into using
the Devil mask on Gabriel,
"Gabriel sets out to forcing him to kill his own wife.
defeat all three lords for In his lust for revenge and to see
his wife again, Gabriel gathers
the purpose of obtaining the three mask parts, ignorant
of the fact that Satan wants his
the God Mask" disciples killed so he can have
the mask for himself.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 12 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
Character Biographies
Ultimately defeating Satan residence in the castle where Unsuccessful in his attempt,
and sending him back to the Carmilla once ruled. As father Dracula buries his offspring in a
underworld, Gabriel uses the and son battle, both slowly come tomb engraved with the name
mask to see his beloved Marie to realise – through use of the Alucard.
one last time, but realises the titular mirror – their lineage, and
mask cannot bring back the as Trevor lies gravely wounded, The bloodline continues however,
dead. Victorious but alone, the Dracula attempts to save his son and Alucard’s son, Simon, learns
holy warrior slumps to his knees by imparting his blood to him. of his heritage. With his newly
in despair, unaware of the even
darker future that lies ahead.
Neil has a look back at all the games within the franchise and picks
his top five of all time, listing them in no particular order.
By Neil Hetherington
Symphony of the
Night (PlayStation/ S u p e r Lords of Shadow (Xbox
Xbox Live Arcade) Castlevania IV (SNES) 360/PlayStation 3/PC)
W
idely regarded as A personal entry for myself due The most recent of the
the pinnacle of the to the title being the first game Castlevania games took the
franchise, the game that introduced me to the series. franchise from 2D into 3D and
took elements from Metroid Super Castlevania IV took me on bolstered the game with an all-
with the open plan game stage a wonderful journey through a star cast to voice the characters.
and item searching and moulded rich and enticing world, slaying While this game set the tone of
it with the classic monster monster after monster, I was the Castlevania storyline before
slaying that we’ve grown to love. instantly hooked. the emergence of Dracula, it
Featuring arguably the greatest quickly became a fan favourite
soundtrack of all time, Symphony The whole Mode 7 spinning due to its amazing gameplay.
of the Night won the hearts of room sections blew my mind as This is certainly a game everyone
gamers around the globe and to a kid as it was something I hadn’t should put on their bucket list.
this day, players still attempt to seen before in a game and the
beat the game with speed runs soundtrack is something that Order of Ecclesia
or out of sheer nostalgia for their even to this day, sends shivers (NDS)
beloved franchise. down my spine upon hearing it.
This cracking little title was a
"The most recent of joy to behold, it was like having
While Western gamers enjoyed Super Castlevania IV and Bloodlines, little did they know
that the truly coolest 16-bit Castlevania of all was hiding away on the shelves of Japan.
By Matt Leslie
I
f you polled people on what TurboGrafx-16 version as Rondo
Castlevania game they The real reason of Blood to avoid confusion.
associate with the Super Castlevania: Dracula X on Rondo of Blood is the true 16-
Nintendo the vast majority, if not the Super Nintendo gets a bit successor to the original
all of them, would respond with mixed reaction is because it’s Castlevania trilogy on the NES as
Super Castlevania IV. There’s considered to be a somewhat it takes all the assets from those
little mystery to this: Super butchered port of a game on games, polishes them a little and
Castlevania IV was among the the TurboGrafx-16 released only cranks the dial up to eleven.
first batch of good games for the in Japan. The Japanese title for
console, is jacked up to the brim this game is Akumajou Dracula You see, Super Castlevania IV
with Mode 7 and it even has X: Chi no Rondo, which literally simply spent too much time
“super” in the title. Quite frankly, translates to “Devil’s Castle faffing around. Every other level
there’s not a lot of love for the Dracula X: Rondo of Blood”, and seemingly focuses on utilising
other Super Nintendo entry to this article could probably stop Mode 7 as much as the Super
the series, Castlevania: Dracula right here because a title that Nintendo could handle without
X, but this is sort of a shame. awesome basically speaks for its innards melting, and the
Dracula X still boasts amazing itself. game has one of the most
graphics, sound and atmosphere pointless features ever, allowing
and retains that traditional You can tell Konami meant you to hold a button and flail
Castlevania feel and movement business just by the fact there’s the whip around aimlessly.
from the original trilogy. Even if it an X in the title; in the 90s an Super Castlevania IV loosened
does kind of let itself down with X in a videogame title was up character movement and
patches of irritating level design basically unofficial shorthand for allowed you to attack in eight
and poor enemy placement, it’s “RADICAL”. However, since the directions, sacrificing the tension
still a fantastic addition to the Super Nintendo version was also of a true Castlevania game
Super Nintendo library. radical enough to have an X in the to become a more audience-
title this article will refer to the friendly action game. It’s a good
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 18 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
Lost in Japan: Rondo of Blood
game and everything, but it’s need to approach every single because the game never throws
not as good as Rondo of Blood, situation constantly thinking an obstacle or an enemy at
not that it should take that as an about whether you need to flee you without letting you see its
insult. or fight. It’s difficult to stress movement and attack patterns
how absorbing this element is first. Rondo of Blood gives you
the tools, and more importantly
"You need to know the information, necessary to
Kindle UK
Kindle International
Full Colour
Having never played a classic Castlevania title, Matt explores whether the series stands
up under scrutiny, in a retrospective that’s free from any rose-tinted nostalgia.
By Matt Young
N
ostalgia. It carries a lot me off balance - roughly around
of weight in the games people have numerous happy the time that the opening
industry; a game can memories of playing it in the boss Dracula disappeared
often ensure a huge chunk of past, they refer to it as a ‘classic’ in a barrage of explosions (I
sales because it’s supported and use it to describe other thought vampires sucked blood
by a franchise that you played games. Castlevania IS nostalgia. not petrol?)- was how hokey
to death back when you could But guess what? Until writing the whole thing was: the god
barely wrap your tiny hands this article I HAD NEVER PLAYED awful voice-acting; the badly
around the huge, angular chunks A CASTLEVANIA GAME. So what written script (‘What is a man? A
of plastic they called controllers.
I want to know is - without that miserable little pile of secrets!’);
warm fuzzy feeling - do the old- the cringeworthy, gothic-infused,
Nostalgia gets you right in the school, side-scrolling action power metal soundtrack... It was
heart because it harkens back adventures still hold up? almost hateful. Yet for some
to an age when your spare time reason I wasn’t offended by the
was a blank slate, relationships For my academic study into whole thing. Truth is, despite
weren’t an issue as the opposite vampire slaying badassery, I attempting a nostalgia free
sex were gross and you played decided to try out Symphony of playthrough of a beloved game,
that one beloved game to death the Night - my in-depth research I found myself experiencing...
over and over because you (Yahoo Answers) uncovered that nostalgia. The hokeyness was
could only afford one title a most considered this the best of forgivable because it reminded
year (or you owned a Nintendo the early games. So through the me of the cheesy games of the
64 and that was all you got, combined power of my PSP and 90s I’d grown up with: Resident
whether you had the money or the Playstation Store I was taken Evil, Metroid and Konami’s own
not). Those times were good. back in time to 1997. Press Start. stalwart franchise, Metal Gear
Having been around since 1986 Solid. The game was cheese
Castlevania is clearly something Upon booting up the game one personified. But that was ok.
of a nostalgic franchise: many of the first things that caught
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 22 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
Non-stalgia: Symphony of the Night
Hard. My playthrough of the move left behind afterimages to suddenly be flowed through in
game was hard with a capital suggest speed, I wasn’t fooled. a bloody, vicious dance of grace.
HAAAAAARRRRRD. The opening The stages were dull, art design Exploration was a blast as well -
few areas posed little threat but was lacking and my character there’s no set path through the
only a few minutes in and I was model was simple, plain, ugly. At titular Castle of Castlevania so
dying. Frequently. Symphony least the monster designs were there was a satisfying sense of
of the Night, like many games cool, which was good, because it progression as I unlocked abilities
of the good old days, was was they that I was smacking in (bat, smoke etc) that allowed me
unforgiving; a few smacks and I the face. through previously impassable
was down and upon biting the areas, slowly unveiling more and
dust I was banished back to my I waded through it though, more and more of that damn
last save game (and if, as was determined to discover the map until I accidentally stumble
often the case, I hadn’t saved gem that has so many in awe into a boss fight that turned me to
for a while at specified points, of the series. As my character organic mulch sending me back
due to my modern gamer’s over- strengthened, boosting his stats in time...because I’d forgotten to
reliance on forgiving autosave and upgrading his equippable save.
mechanics, well... that was just weapons, I eventually found it.
tough). I didn’t mind though, I like For me, the thing that sold old- Aesthetically it hasn’t dated well
a challenge. Playing areas over school Castlevania as a legit but for me gameplay is what
and over again did, however, give gaming experience was that it counts and I can safely say that
me time to reflect on the game’s had the molten, beating heart my non-stalgic look back on
many retrospective downfalls. of an RPG and carried with it the this game has instilled in me
My character, Alucard, moved best feeling when dealing with a reverent respect for a game
slowly, like a man slogging RPGs: progression, the feeling of series that I’ll be exploring in
through water (or blood, to stick becoming one bad ass-mother. more detail for (I’m sure) years
with the theme), he ran slow and Areas that tore me to pieces to come.
jumped slow and though his dash over and over early on could
Discovering Castlevania 64
By Matt Leslie
D
uring the 80s and the played it, but I’m going to change
90s, Castlevania played It’s no surprise t h a t that and delve into the world of
a vital part in Nintendo’s people would be hyped for Castlevania (on the N64) and
early home console days. The Castlevania on the Nintendo 64, keep a log of my thoughts as the
series offered a dark, highly which is sometimes mistakenly game goes along. Is Castlevania a
atmospheric and essentially referred to as “Castlevania 64” poorly aged mess of a transition
more mature gaming experience as was the fashion at the time, to polygon graphics? Or is it an
to counterbalance Nintendo’s but Konami really were irritating under-appreciated classic from
more wholesome and cartoonish enough to simply give it the exact the early 3D gaming era? Let’s
coin collecting products. same title as the first game. dive in right now and find out.
Castlevania had big hits with the There was a lot of excitement
very first game hitting the NES for the game, not only was it a The First 10 Minutes
in 1986 and later spawning two new Castlevania game on a new
sequels, and Super Castlevania Nintendo console, but it was Almost immediately there’s a
IV first arriving in the initial going to be the first Castlevania bit of culture shock as the title
launch window for the Super game in 3D! What could go screen is introduced by some
Nintendo. Konami spread the wrong? guy playing a violin animated in
series around with releases on the most disgusting 3D polygons
other consoles like Castlevania Well, Castlevania fans are split the N64 is capable of. This was
Bloodlines on the Sega Mega on the issue; many fans consider probably considered impressive
Drive and Castlevania: Dracula X it one of the lowest points of at the time and given a pass, but
on the PC Engine, but fans of the the series, but the game did it has to be said the fifth console
series knew one thing for sure; receive a fairly respectable generation has aged worse than
if you went Nintendo, you would critical reception on arrival and any other because of things like
get Castlevania, and it would be still has its defenders to this day. this. There’s no real way around
awesome. However, all of this is coming it, it looks awful.
from someone who has never
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 24 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
Discovering Castlevania 64
Anyway, I’m going for Normal have no visible entrances to it player. It’s that special kind of
difficulty and the game presents whatsoever. The only reasonable bad that’s a little difficult to
a choice of two characters: explanation for this is Reinhardt explain, but while the camera
Reinhardt and Carrie. I have went straight to the castle, got follows you around reasonably
no idea who either of these spooked and ran away like a little well enough while wandering
characters are so I go with
Reinhardt as he has the "There only seems
funnier name. What follows is
a hilariously clichéd text scroll
to be one sound
which explains that Reinhardt
is the heir to the Belmont clan
effect for walking"
and basically he has to go fight girl into the woods to calm down about, when action kicks off it’s
monsters because he just sort of and this is where the game starts. never where you want it and
does. Alrighty. Either that or the level design is a it’s like the enemies are coming
bit uninspired. out of the screen towards the
The actual game starts with character.
Reinhardt looking manly (or A cutscene triggers and Reinhardt
as manly as a pile of cubes gets into his first fight with a Also, this may be a weird thing to
rendered by the N64 will allow) bunch of generic skeletons, and mention, but there only seems to
in a bit of random wasteland it’s already apparent this game’s be one sound effect for walking
outside the castle that seems to camera isn’t going to be a team which is way too loud and plays
on every step. This might
just be because there’s no
music yet, but if I’m getting
annoyed by something like
that this early it’s probably
going to be a real problem
later.
Another 10
Minutes Later
By Neil Hetherington
G
AH, this is un-fucking-real, coupled with random fireballs or being chased by Death around
I know old console games laserbeams you were literally in the screen. Not only do you
were harder than what we a world of hurt. have to deal with this but you
gamers have to encounter now also have to face Dracula’s final
but Dracula is a top class Charlie Slogra - Super form if you survive fireball hell
Uniform November Tango with Castlevania IV (SNES) in the previous phase. I’m sure
several master’s degrees from the developers sat around the
the University of Bastard. Take one part Ridley (Metroid) table and asked what kind of
I can safely say that I have and six parts random jumpy encounter would the players
died more times to this boss bullshit. Mix in a bowl thoroughly, really hate, then implemented it!
than I have died in every other bake at 180 degrees Celsius and
Castlevania game to date. He the result is this boss which I Dracula - Dracula X
is a complete and utter horse’s had numerous rage inducing (SNES)
phallus. moments with.
With his trident that can shoot Okay, I’m sure the devs were
Blackmore - Order of fireballs, jumps with flame trails taking the piss when they were
Ecclesia (NDS) and even his beak of death, this tuning this encounter. He has
boss was a thorn in my side for an incredibly high health pool,
This guy was a pain in the ass, many, many attempts. meaning you have to hit him in
having hard-to-predict attack a numerical total that matches a
patterns and damage values Dracula/Deathcombo small country’s population and
higher than a freight train. - Portrait of Ruin (NDS) then to top it all off, he transforms
You had to have exceptional into a demon where his attacks
execution with your moves and Holy shitballs this fight was are almost impossible to dodge.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 28 • GameOn Magazine
Miscellaneous
A LAN party is an event where you can bring down your PC or console for a weekend
and just link up with other like-minded gamers and play games with them.
Neil rambles about his time with the Castlevania franchise, starting out from the humble
beginnings to recent times. This is what happens to old people, they ramble about the past.
By Neil Hetherington
T
he first time I encountered punishing pixel perfect jumps,
a Belmont was in Super how infuriating it was fairly clunky controls (compared
Castlevania IV on the during the levels where you had to what I had previously played)
Super Nintendo. It was one of to swing Simon Belmont between and a harsh difficulty curve.
the first games for my shiny new safe platforms while the entire However, this did not deter me
SNES, and one that sent me on fucking room span round. from continuing my adventures.
a journey through this rich and
wonderful franchise. After I had completed this What nearly did put me off is
adventure I felt prompted to Simon’s Quest; just what on
I still get chills down my spine delve deeper into the history of earth went on with this game?
whenever I hear that eerie music Castlevania and sought out a A non-linear path for the player
during the start of the game; NES with a copy of the first game to take, NPCs who could bullshit
a harrowing build-up before to play through. I knew at this you with lies and put you on a
the amazing stage music kicks moment I was hooked on this path of death, harder and more
in, then the adrenaline starts series, a series that to this day frequent enemy encounters
pumping as you can’t help but still fills me with glee when a at night. Gah, this just was not
tap your foot and bob your head new title emerges. for me; I preferred the linear,
to the track while whipping those twat everything in sight style
nasties into shape. During my time with the NES gameplay of the two games I
version of the franchise, I felt a had already played.
Super Castlevania IV was a launch little frustrated but that was my
title for the SNES so naturally the own doing. Going into the game I have to admit that since Super
game had to use the features of having played a more fluid and Castlevania IV, and the NES
the system. It was one of the first up-to-date title, I tricked myself encounters, it was a number
games available for the console into thinking that this early of years before I sampled the
to use the mystical Mode 7 blast with a Belmont would be delights of another Dracula-
capabilities. I cannot express similar, only to be greeted with slaying romp-a-thon, due to
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 30 • GameOn Magazine
Articles
The Ramblings of a Castlevania Fan
working, studying and starting of Blood, Aria of Sorrow and grease in anticipation, then when
down the path of becoming many more titles sated my blood I managed to get my hands on
a member of the glorious lust for some whippy stabby the completed game I literally
PC gaming master race. This action. became a recluse in my own
changed when Symphony of the home.
Night hit the Xbox Live Arcade When Lords of Shadow came
and I delved back into my love around I very nearly creamed My soul and free time were being
affair with this series. myself with excitement, though consumed by this tremendous
I was slightly apprehensive with game, hanging on every word
Controlling Alucard instead of the series’ direction shifting from Begbie (Trainspotting) and
a Belmont was a fun twist for from traditional 2D gameplay to Captain Jean Luc Picard of the
myself; instead of using whips, 3D. These apprehensions quickly U.S.S Enterprise as they marched
this non-linear RPG-esque title packed their bags and fucked forward slaying demon after
had you wielding a vast array off after I managed to get some demon in order to conquer the
of weapons, magical power-ups hands-on time during gamescom lords of shadow themselves. Now
and even fireballs and shit! This of 2010. The smoothness of I sit here, waiting patiently for
spurred me into visiting various the combat coupled with the the release of Lords of Shadow 2,
Castlevania games that I had fantastic storyline and acting knowing that the game will blow
missed in my hiatus from the talent behind the characters just my bollocks off with ease and I’ll
series: Order of Ecclesia, Rondo made me salivate pure bacon enjoy every damn moment of it.
Ross managed to ask Dave Cox, Producer of the LoS Series some questions
about upcoming game, Castlevania: Lords of Shadows 2.
By Ross D. Brown
The following is our 2010 review of this game. So, all that you for his love of mountains and
of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. may have learned or know of the high places of the World.
Castlevania is best left at the title As well as being a member
F
or the first time in 25 years screen, and this world should be of the Brotherhood, he’s on a
of Castlevania, the franchise entered with a completely empty personal quest against the Lords
is wiping the slate clean and mind. Gabriel Belmont is about of Shadow to resurrect his slain
heading down a path which is to take you upon an epic, epic sweetheart, Marie.
unfamiliar for the series. Touted journey.
as a reboot, Castlevania: Lords of Castle-Bayonetta-May-Cry-Of
Shadow is a 3D action adventure Gabriel is a member of the War, sets you on a very linear
title, opting for more of a hack- Brotherhood of Light, a holy path of typical go here, fight this
and-slash style of gameplay order tasked with keeping the and find that relic to complete the
rather than the 2D platformer order between good and evil; level, with very little deviation to
we’ve all become accustomed to protecting the world against explore. This means item hunting
over the years. lycanthropes, trolls, vampires will be very minimal indeed.
As you advance
through the game you
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Edition 35 • GameOn Magazine
Reviews
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
B
efore even beginning to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 demo, however, took place in
recount this hands-on (LoS2) follows in the footsteps events prior to this; during a
experience of Castlevania: of 2010’s successful Castlevania prologue in which his castle is
Lords of Shadow 2, it’s only fair reboot, placing the character under siege by the Brotherhood
to begin with a spoiler warning. in the handsome shoes of of Light.
As a direct sequel to Lords of protagonist Gabriel Belmont,
Shadow, its associated DLC who now goes by the rather The demo immediately thrust
and its 3DS companion Lords recognisable alias of ‘Dracula’.the vampire into combat against
of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, the Following on from the previous a large number of foes, which
story is so utterly interlinked that DLCs, and as revealed in Mirror provided the perfect opportunity
the first sentence of the next of Fate, Gabriel is a lot more to get to grips with the game’s
paragraph could prejudice the vampiric than in the previous robust combat system. The
story you’ll find in that game. If game. fighting is largely combo-based,
you think you are going to play and heavily reliant on switching
either of those titles before you LoS2 will predominantly take between the various weapons in
consider Lords of Shadow 2, place in a modern day setting, the player arsenal.
then perhaps you want to come following Dracula rising from a
back to this preview once you centuries-long period of sleep, The default weapon is the
are done. Don’t say you weren’t as he fights to prevent the Shadow Whip: a medium speed
warned. imminent return of Satan. The attack with a bit of range to
it. This weapon proved to be
"The demo immediately effective against the majority of
After a long climb, and despitethe climb, I was eager to get my compliment that can be given to
the best efforts of the Golden hands on him and teach him a any game based on a preview;
Paladin and his explosive bow lesson. when the demonstration
attacks, the goal was finally ended there was genuinely
within reach. At the summit, the
The Paladin landed with his disappointment, and the
pursuer decided it was time to swords in hand, ready for battle. desperate desire to continue
end the game of cat and mouse The dark protagonist readied his playing. If the demo played is
and face the vampire directly. own weapons and prepared for indicative of the final product,
the final, epic, showdown… and then Castlevania: Lords of
On a personal note, it has to that is where the demo ended. Shadow 2 promises to be a
be admitted that after being brilliantly realised game, and a
hounded and frustrated by this There may have been swearing. high point in the history of the
opponent for the duration of This is perhaps the biggest Castlevania franchise.