Bought this on Monday. Well done for the 3d castlevania doubters.
The only thing I hate is that the camera view is "forced" upon you. As in, you cannot change the camera view/angle. The game does do a pretty good job of keeping the view firmly behind you whenever the area allows it too though.
Story line is ok. Gameplay takes a little bit to get used to it, then it is just another button masher with a "guard" button used every once in a while when you need MPs. Graphics are just like Devil May Cry and I believe this was expected to be the case.
RPG value, well, there really isnt any. You don't level up or anything like that. You just find HP, MP, and Heart Max up potions. You do get to garnish more than one style of whip, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. There are a couple different sets of armor that you can buy based on how much map % you have explored. The accessory slots, there are two, can be filled with a number of relatively interesting items...but nothing crazy fun and special like in Symphony of the Night.
The soundtrack, is of course, outstanding. Many of the pieces from Symphony of the Night are used, but modified/remixed to sound new.
I think the biggest problem is the game seems very short. I've put in about 4 hours now and I'm already, at what appears to be, the final battle. I forgot to check the percentage, but it probably adds up to close to 100%. I'm doubting that a PS2 disk could hold a "double castle" like in Symphony of the Night....this is highly disapointing to me.
Anyhoo, I would just pick it up used or something, I don't suggest buying this for the full $50, because it is a relatively short game...or so it appears. I will edit and update if I find out it is a longer game.
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
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