Review: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

It's been a good long time since I've got my hands on a Castlevania, although it's not really THAT long. The last one I played was the remake of the PSX on the GBA. As I started this game, I expected more and more of the whip-using fighter from some branch of the Balmont family, but lo and behold! Not only do we have a fighter named Jonathan, but a female who for once, isn't the damsel but a powerful, attractive spellcaster known as Charlotte (replacing one trope for another....Not too shocking.). Now, this Metroid-based game improves upon the RPG-like concept of stat-building and exploration. Alongside another story to kill the undead and demonic forces of Dracula and the new vampire Baruner, these two work together to kick some dark butt.

Spells and weapons galore dot the rooms and monsters as the two characters make their way through Dracula's castle under rent, as the daughters of the big bad Baruner attempt to stop you at every turn as you enter pictures; the will of the artist and the world created inside, alongside the realization of a 1940's perspective. Graphics maintain their Japanese flair and fluency, while using dialog which suits the ambiance of the game well.

Another interesting concept is the (seemingly) more difficult, and more interesting chance deviate through multiple paths in the storyline. That's new ground for Castlevania, and rare for the GBA/DS titles, if it exists at all. After attaining a certain spell for Charlotte, you can choose to "purify" some of the lesser vampires into humans, breaking the cycle of destruction and making the overall game seem less bleak. The effect is, to say the least, satisfying.

All in all, a innovative game for the Castlevania series with some new touches, as well as some old favorites (A certain traitorous "Shinigami" among them.), and a fine addition to the co-op genre which everyone will enjoy.

Judgement: 7/10


The Browncoats' Thoughts.

1) I want to RP more. Not just at conventions either.
2) Brainstorming is fun.
3) I am so going to get those anime club forms soon.
4) I'm capable of being my own person, and it's awesome.
5) Pink and Blue are cute colors on a girl. No matter what Miriam (My co-creator) says.