Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Castlevania - Innocence Lamented, 3D Debated

Posted by simoniker on from the banstead-and-epsom-downs dept.

Thanks to GameSpot for their review of Castlevania:Lament Of Innocence for PlayStation 2, released today in the U.S., as they pronounce this "new 3D installment" to be "a fun, though fairly short and simple, game that marks a promising new beginning for this beloved series." GameSpy also have an interview with the creator, Konami producer Koji Igarashi, but end up judging the title a "very playable but somewhat dull game", and 1UP try a different tack by nominating the Top 10 Belmonts, discussing the "Belmont family of vampire hunters", before ruling similarly to the other reviews, albeit with a more upbeat edge: "Taken on its own terms, Lament of Innocence is a resounding success, and one of the best 3D action games on PS2." Would you prefer the Castlevania series stuck to 2D, or is 3D the only way to truly evolve it?

2 of 34 comments (clear)

  1. 2d isn't dead yet by handsomepete · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Or at least it shouldn't be. Maybe everyone just wants to run around in a 3d environment doing combos judged on style. If that's the case and I'm in the minority, I'm fine with that. When I loaded up Super Mario Sunshine for the first time and got to the game choosing screen (with Mario on a 2d field and jumping up to hit a block with your game choice), I found that that's the game I wanted to play - the good looking 2d side scroller where I jump up and hit blocks. Maybe get an invincibility star or something once in a while.

    The old formulas aren't all played out. Switching to 3d will not necessarily make things fresh and exciting and instantly subject the game to critical acclaim. That's why the GBA Castlevania games, even when releasing a new one every year, still get good reviews - they're good games in a 2d environment that are fun and allow some freedom and exploration. It's still all about gameplay and looking good, not the ability to move in 10 different directions.

  2. 2D is preferred but 3D is worth a try by sknja · · Score: 5, Interesting

    As a big Castlevania fan, I had always hoped for a ps2 version. It would be nice to have something like Contra - Shattered Soldiers, a 2D side scroll with 3D like characters and environments.

    When I heard it was going to be 3D I too had my doubts (and still will until I pick it up this morning). But I am willing to give it a try. Considering Konami producer Koji Igarash had his hand in it.

    I think it will live up to one of the best 3D action games on the ps2, but it will be a bit tougher to live up to the Castlevania name, especially with the new GBA versions. Hell it already has Japanese voices which is a good first step in my book. Then again I think all Japanese originated games should have the original Japanese audio.

    ato ni ji can gurai lament o kaemasu!