Reviews

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness

By Corey

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness is the second installment of the Castlevania series on the Nintendo 64. There were mixed reviews of the first game, Castlevania (C64). Some people said it was a great game and it was exactly they expected. Others said it was a disgrace to the Castlevania name. This brings us to Legacy of Darkness (LoD from now on). Will it improve on the original, or just be the exact same game as the first? Let's find out.

Introduction

LoD is basically the game Konami wanted C64 to be. This game features the two characters dropped at the last second from C64, Cornell and Henry, as well as the two old characters, Reinhardt and Carrie. New levels have been added to the game, as well as old ones. The new levels are very well designed. I had a lot of fun playing them, especially with added puzzles and difficulty. Most of the older levels have been redone, so even though you are playing the same level (if you played C64), it will feel much different. The story isn't that involved, but some plot twists and details keep it interesting.

Graphics: 8

LoD's graphics aren't bad for a first generation game. Unfortunately, this is a third generation game. LoD uses the game graphics engine has the first game did. To me this isn't a problem since I liked the original's graphics, but for those looking for an improvement from the first game, it just doesn't happen. The graphics do set the mood very well for this type of game however, with the darker look.

Game Play: 8

This is a mixed bag. In the beginning of the game, you'll find yourself struggling with the camera and missing all kinds of jumps, leading to quick deaths. Unfortunately, I think this drives players away quickly. If you play for a while, you will eventually get used to the control scheme and camera. Therefore you will have little problem.

Again, if you played the original, this game play hasn't changed very much at all. You have your standard weapon that can be upgraded twice. Then you have a secondary weapon, that is good for short range attacks, that can't be upgraded. Then you can pick up special weapons. You can only carry one at a time. Unlike the first game, these can be upgraded twice.

Sound: 9

The music in this game is outstanding. This game's music is probably one of the better music scores one the N64. It sets the dark mood extremely well, and music is hardly ever repeated. Other sound in the game is very well done (cracking of whip, enemies dying, etc), but if you played the original you will hear that these sounds were recycled. That is the reason the sound only gets a 9 and not a 10.

Lasting Value: 7

Once you beat the game as Cornell, you will unlock Henry. Depending on how well you do with him, you may unlock Reinhardt and Carrie. Playing as these characters brings up a new story line, as well as a different path. You will most likely find yourself beating the game as all four. Once you do that though, there is nothing left to do. Most likely, the desire to go through the game again will be lost. Overall, the four characters bring enough game time though.

Bottom Line

Not much really to say here. If you liked the first game, you will like this one more. The new characters and levels added with the old bring a great game to the table. However, if you were disgusted by the first game, this is not for you. Too much of the same is back to allow you to change your mind. If you are unsure, you can always rent it first.

Final Score: 8 out of 10 (this is not an average)