Overview: Here it is, the Castlevania series’ king of kings. Hailed by many as the best Castelvania ever, and for plenty good reason.
Story: One year after Richter Belmont’s triumph over Count Dracula, he mysteriously vanished without a trace. At around the same time, Dracula’s castle has once again arose from the rubble. Fearing something is very wrong, Alucard heads to the castle to stop his father’s evil ambitions once and for all.
Graphics: Actually, I have the same thing to say about SotN as I did about CV4; for such an early game for its respective systems, this game once more sports graphics that are nothing short of incredible. Alucard’s sprites have a very smooth and fluid animation that isn’t jerky at all.
Sound: The game’s subtitle was so appropriate; the SotN soundtrack is quite literally a symphony of amazing music that is both energetic as well as dark and brooding.
Gameplay: The most different Castlevania game at this point. You play as Alucard in this game (although there is a code that lets you play as Richter Belmont). The system is more like an action/RPG than a straight platformer. Alucard gains various weapons and armors and other tools that he can equip that have various effects. He also gains levels like in an RPG. The side-scrolling action is still in effect, though, and plays a lot like CV2.
Challenge: This game is so easy compared to other games. Again, there are some tough bosses, but they’re nothing like what earlier games have thrown at you.
Final Rating: 10/10 While this game is part of the Playstation Greatest Hits series, most stores still don’t want to let it go for under $30. It is so worth it, though. If you play any Castlevania game, this is the one, right here!
