Castlevania Symphony of the Night Review by WaveGarden Arts

[bigsmoke53]

When I got my PlayStatation, this was the first game I got, classic!

[robadue57]

@bigsmoke53

Such an awesome first game to have! Was kind of the perfect title to bridge the gap from the 16 bit era to the 32 bit generation as well. With it being 2D with a hint of 3D and of course the amazing CD quality score didn't hurt either, haha. I bought this game early on too though I don't remember if it was 'hyped' at all at the time or not. Remember some of my friends playing it in school too which was cool. You're so right, an absolute classic! Thanks for posting!

[bigsmoke53]

@robadue57 Yessir, and I like how you pointed Granfaloon boss battle. My most memorable boss battle was in the upside down castle in the exact same room you fight the Granfaloon in. I can't exactly remember his name, but hes like this sort of giant wolf or coyote looking creature. That guy took me like 30 minutes to beat. And I don't remember this game being hyped, but the N64 3D version was very hyped at the time I got this game.

[robadue57]

@bigsmoke53

Know just the boss you are talking about! Had an ancient Egyptian look to it, didn't it? Always sort of thought it was modeled after the Egyptian deity Anubis, who is a caretaker of the dead (very fitting! haha) and is represented by the Jackal. That was an epic battle for sure as he was so crazy tall. Have to like boss fights that are bigger than the whole screen, haha. You're absolutely right, I remember reading game magazines and seeing ads for Castlevania 64 left & right. Peace

[274joe]

@bigsmoke53 galamoth?

[HatoburekaSutajio]

Thanks for the review! About how long is this game?

[robadue57]

@HatoburekaSutajio

You're welcome! How long is the game? Hmm, as far as how long it takes to beat, I'm not really sure. I'm a bit of a completionist myself and spent the extra time finding everything and leveling stuff up. So I don't have an accurate sense for how long it takes to beat. Maybe some of the other posters here could chime in with an answer for that! I would say that it kept me entertained for quite awhile. A skilled player could fly through it though I imagine! Good post, thanks!

[RatboyRaticus]

@HatoburekaSutajio if you know the castle by heart then it will take you an hour to beat it

[HatoburekaSutajio]

@RatboyRaticus

Having now played the game, I can say that that's IF you're completely obsessed and/or not getting 100% map completion. I was asking how long it would occupy my time the first time around playing, since I was considering getting the game, not how long it would take if I ingested 20 pounds of sugar, and get off to Bloody Tears.

Daily.

Seriously, if it's even remotely possible to beat in under an hour, I can't imagine it'll be any fun played that way.

[HatoburekaSutajio]

@RatboyRaticus

I know better and actually play my favorite single-player games considerably less than any other, so I don't wear them out. And each time I do pick them up again, it feels new and different, so I can thoroughly appreciate them all over again.

I have no problem with self-imposed challenges like time-limits, but they should never bleed into the general game. Otherwise, they obscure what it really is. Like a game that might take under a couple weeks and maybe a walkthrough.

[fwwaller]

I'm pretty sure someone said this already, but the beginning of this game is actually the ending of rondo of blood, not bloodlines

[robadue57]

@fwwaller

Good call, when I made this review I hadn't played Rondo of Blood yet and was thrown by the subtitle in the game that said Castlevania Bloodlines. Having since played all 3 games (Rondo, Bloodlines, SOTN) I can see the truth as they say, haha. Still has to be 1 of my favorite openings for a game as its kind of like a James Bond movie where you get all that intensity/action before the opening credits. Thanks for posting! I still haven't beat Bloodlines yet, wonder how it really ends??

[zakkattakk89]

I can think of one fault with SOTN. It is far to easy. That is all.

[robadue57]

@zakkattakk89

Haha, that is a point well made! As looking at it now, a difficulty setting would increase this game's replay value to even the next level of awesomeness. On my first play through back in the day I didn't really struggle with any spots so can totally see where you are coming from. Have you played through it with Richter? Thanks for posting! Good insight!

[zakkattakk89]

@robadue57 Yes twice , much more challenging but the loss of the RPG elements kills the fun quite allot. If you want a real challenge try beating the game with the luck code enabled (gives lower defense and strength stats), no armor, rings, head items, shields or boots. Also you must stick to weak weapons (I use the Alucart sword as it is no more powerful than your fists). The real icing on the cake is you must not, under any circumstances, use a soul steal. I have beaten it twice like this.

[robadue57]

@zakkattakk89

Seriously impressed with your skills! And have to completely agree about the loss of the RPG elements for the Richter play through. As that is what set apart this game to begin with and if you rip away that, it loses a lot of its anima. Clutch too with the Alucart run, haha. Love that idea! Hands down you are the most legit SOTN player I know with all those runs, you rock!! Most excellent comment, is this the game you've played through the most or do you have another favorite?

[zakkattakk89]

@robadue57 I love many games, but this is my no.1 must have finished it 15 times or more. I hate it though because I can never get back the feeling of playing it for the first time. All the exploring and different enemies and weapons, it was so much better when i didn't know where every bloody item in the game is. I played the GBA and DS games and they are brilliant too but just don't match SOTN for me anyway. Here's a salute to 2D gaming and keeping it alive...

[robadue57]

@zakkattakk89

I second that salute! Well said! The first play through is really unique and I wish they would make more games like SOTN. As the mechanics in it are just so perfect... Other alternative is having like some memory eraser so you could keep playing it over and over like the first time, haha. Its like that for a lot of movies for me, where that first screening holds so much more weight. Like in 'Memento' or 'The Game' or 'Seven' to name a few. Good stuff, thanks for posting!

[zakkattakk89]

@robadue57 I would love another Castlevania starring Alucard. I think the 3ds has a great potential for a 2d Castlevania with 3d weapon effects, enemies and some nice parallax scrolling with 3d effects. But I have a feeling they will make a 3d Castlevania next which will annoy me. Also nice taste in movies! Memento is one of my favorites and Seven also. I haven't seen The Game, but I will definitely be watching it as anything by David Fincher, or anything with Michael Douglas is worth a watch.

[robadue57]

@zakkattakk89

Great idea with the 3DS Castlevania, that would be awesome! I have only played the series up through the GBA since I don't have a DS. But man, the main reason I would like to get a DS in the future is specifically for the Castlevania titles & Dragon Quest games. Have a feeling you'll like 'The Game' try not to recommend movies 2 much since everyone has their own taste, though I feel pretty confident you'll get something out of it, if you like David Fincher especially! Good stuff.

[omgalreadyinuse]

Bwah-sehs

[gilgamesh310]

What do you think of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow?

[robadue57]

@gilgamesh310

Would love to play it. Sadly I don't have a current gen console so that sort of kills that for me (at least immediately). At some point though I'm going to have to save up some coin and get it as it looks really cool. Have you played it yet? If so, what is your take? I watched some gameplay videos and the graphics look very impressive. Other people I've talked to have had rave reviews for it, while some have been a little more mixed on it in their responses. Thanks for posting!

[gilgamesh310]

@robadue57 Ive only been able to play it as far as the end of the second chapter because I get what's called an 'unhandled error' which stops the game from playing. I may get a replacement copy and see what good it will come of it. It's a fairly good game, judging from what I played of it but the camera is atrocious.

[robadue57]

@gilgamesh310

Unhandled error, dang that stinks, wonder what happened there? Good that they are getting you another copy though as that is not cool. Take any 2D game series into the 3D realm and what they do with the camera always makes me nervous... As it can totally destroy a game that is otherwise flawless. Does it leave you for dead and rotate the wrong direction, obscuring enemies and where to go next? Sounds like your experience overall has been lukewarm there at best.

[gilgamesh310]

@robadue57 There have been a couple of occasions where my character would be off screen because the camera would zoom well above his head which is completely ridiculous. It didn't happen that often so far but I have only played a bit of it. I never played Symphony of the Night. It came out at a time when 2d games weren't cool so I didn't bother to get it. I may download it on xbox live soon though.

[robadue57]

@gilgamesh310

Are you a fan of 2D games in general? If so, and like a good action platformer with RPG elements then I think it might be one to strongly consider. Wish they would put out a collection of the DS games on the wii or something. That would probably get me to step up and buy a current gen console, haha.

[gilgamesh310]

@robadue57 Not particularly but I have enjoyed a few in the past. I loved the Abe games on the PS 1. I enjoyed Castlevania Bloodlines on the Megadrive as well. It was a long time ago though. I probably would like SotN though. Regardless, you delivered an excellent review.

[golferyne]

BE-AL-ZE-BUB lol it's a common mistake

[robadue57]

@golferyne

Good call! The onscreen spelling in the game totally threw me, haha. Looked it up and whether its the Greek or Arabic (or other) they all have a pronunciation closer to as you described. Nice spot! My Humanities teacher would be so disappointed in me, haha. Really is a fascinating character and its cool that they put him in a Castlevania game, most fitting! Thanks for your post, peace! ~ Chris

[Mutantvision]

Awesome review!

[robadue57]

@Mutantvision

Thanks!! And I have to say, Mutantvision is a straight up cool username! Liking it! Very much appreciate you checking out my channel and commenting. Rock on!

[alkikurazz]

legendary game! Alucard is Dracula backwards LOL

[robadue57]

@alkikurazz

Agreed, absolutely a legendary game! Really like what it brings to the table, not to mention the nostalgia I have from playing this game as a kid. Can't discount that factor, haha. Thanks for checking out the video and commenting!

[mooth3]

Went for the psn version as it's near on a third of the price of a pal version of the game! After buying a $20 psn card with the intention of spending the other $10 on deadliest warrior (also unavailable in uk), I then found out that the USA psn store adds tax ON TOP of the quoted prices...now I'm left with $9 of USA psn credit, and no idea what to get! Any recommendations?

[robadue57]

@mooth3

Hmm!! Some recommendations... for another PS1 game? I looked at the list and came up with a couple titles to put out there. If you like Japanese RPGs, Suikoden gets my highest recommendation, love that game. If you want another 2D adventure type game (more of a top down view) try Alundra, although fair warning its REALLY hard. Or try another classic title like Metal Gear Solid or Xenogears (RPG). Those are all top quality games in my opinion. Psyched you like SOTN though! Peace! *Chris

[mooth3]

Went ahead and got it a few days ago, gotta say I'm not at all disappointed that I did! Really really enjoying it so far, in my opinion this is infinitely better than the new castlevania on ps3. Real classic

[robadue57]

@mooth3

Nice dude! Was really curious if you liked it or not and I'm psyched that you do! Always kind of nerve racking to recommend a game as I don't want to steer anybody wrong, haha. Recently saw one of the Happy Console Gamer's older videos and he had SOTN listed on his top ten games of all time. Not sure what else would be on my top ten list, but this game certainly would be on mine too! Much appreciate the update, did you go with a download or find an original copy of the game on PS1?

[mooth3]

..pretty awesome. Plus the platform/rpg elements seem perfectly balanced!

I'm really tempted to get a $20 psn card (even though it will cost me about £17) as it's not available on the uk psn which seems pretty dumb.

Personally i thought the editing and length/depth of review were perfect. Keep up the good work

[mooth3]

Great review man, from the comments you seem to deal with criticism pretty well too! I see some people mentioned that you explained to much of the plot/spoiled secrets, but for me personally, it's finding out about how much is in this game from the review that's sold it to me. Never been into the series before (and actually played and disliked the latest castlevania on ps3), but the legendary bosses seen in your review including the early encounters with dracula and death makes this game seem p

[robadue57]

@mooth3

Totally inspiring comment man, thanks!! You were spot on in saying that the platform/RPG elements in this game were really well balanced. That is where this game shines, especially for 2D game fans from the 16bit era (such as myself) will really find a lot to like with this title. From my visit to the UK I hear you on the exchange rate... ouch! But yeah, definitely give this game some consideration as it really is just.... fun! Which is the highest compliment I can give a game! ~ Chris

[Skyle36]

Nice review! I really enjoyed watching. :D

[robadue57]

@Skyle36

Nice! I also checked out your channel and I like the Sonic videos that you have on there! I haven't had a chance to play Sonic 4 yet, but I'm looking forward to trying it at some point. Thanks for taking the time to comment, keep up the good work with your videos too! Peace, Chris

[marcdaniel0321]

That was a really good review. I hope review more games.

[robadue57]

@marcdaniel0321

Would definitely like to, have had a few emails asking when my next one will come out. Do have something in mind that I'd like to review :) Thanks for the positive feedback, have been in the mood for playing more retro(ish) type games lately and jumping back into the 16 bit era!

[ulrich5000]

it's not the last level from Bloodlines, it's from Rondo of Blood, only released in Japan at the time

[robadue57]

@ulrich5000

That is an excellent point! It says "Bloodlines" @ the start in SOTN, & when I had originally played the game, I assumed that it meant Castlevania Bloodlines. Having not played that game @ the time. Since then I picked up a copy of Bloodlines and Richter is totally not 1 of the character(s) you play as in that game. I've played Rondo of Blood (PSP) & now see just what u are referencing. Had always wondered about the origins & why it said bloodlines in the game, good stuff, thanks!!

[amessore12]

im happy with this review and nice surround sound :-)

[robadue57]

@amessore12

Cool, thanks!! Took me awhile to get the audio recorded just right. The voiceover section came out well though in terms of its clarity. It was a big question mark since I recorded it separately from the rest of the footage. Appreciate the comment, thank you!

[PrinceThe8th]

Symphony of the Night really makes it difficult to enjoy following Castlevanias. They set the bar extremely high...

They even put detail when killing enemies. How epic is that ?....The amount of detail to the smallest things is what makes this game so great.

[robadue57]

@PrinceThe8th

Haha, it does set the bar crazy high! And I totally agree that the character animation (like the enemies absolutely!) is fantastic. Have you played any of the most recent games on the DS? I don't have a DS so I haven't gotten to try them yet. There was a cool new one coming out via download for the 360 and PS3 that was multiplayer that I saw a video of that looked intense. Thanks for posting!

[hassmann2000]

ive only played bloodlines on the megadrive.

QUESTION: is this game like metroid fusion where you knew what you had to do because of the mission style (which i loved) or is it like super metroid where you dont know what the fuck u are supposed to do in one huge map (which i hated).

thanks..

[robadue57]

@hassmann2000

Hi Hassmann2000, good question, I've played both fusion & Super Metroid and I would say its closer to Super Metroid. In that it doesn't key on the map where u have to go next. So if u hated the way the story unfolded in Super Metroid with some backtracking then I'd suspect that maybe that would also bug u about SOTN. I will say though that I didn't find getting lost to be a problem in this quest, save for some of the secrets & stuff. Hope that helps man! Maybe try Castlevania IV!

[hassmann2000]

@robadue57 thanks man.

Maybe ill pick this up since you know these games and highly recommend it.

[robadue57]

@hassmann2000

Cool! If you liked Bloodlines (I picked up a copy of that recently myself to play) and are into the atmosphere that Castlevania has to offer I think you'll enjoy it. Would be curious to hear your reaction to it once you snag a copy for yourself. Much appreciate the subscription too, thanks! You mentioned playing fusion, have you checked out Metriod Zero Mission for the GBA? Another title to consider in the future if you are in the market. Peace!

[Isthisthelongestname]

is this the original or the xbla version? I'm thinking of picking it up on live arcade.

[robadue57]

@Isthisthelongestname

This is the original version on the Playstation. I haven't played the xbla version, but from what I've read its a direct port of the PS version. This game gets my highest recommendation for a gaming pick up! Hope you dig it!

Peace,

~ Chris

[nephilim43]

Very entertaing review, love this game i never get bored playing it.

[nephilim43]

Very entertaing review, love this game i never get bored playing it.

[nephilim43]

Really entertaining review :-) love this game ive played it so many times and never get bored.

[robadue57]

@nephilim43

Absolutely agree, there is so much variety in the title that it warrants playing again and again. Which makes it a fantastic value in my mind as I can't say that about a lot of the games in my collection. Appreciate the comment, thanks!

[M1thotyn]

Thanks for spoiling it for people. Maybe should put a spoiler warning. How am I supposed to be shocked when I come across some of these parts of the castle now that I've already seen them?

[robadue57]

@M1thotyn

Certainly didn't mean to spoil it for anyone & it probably does appear like a lot of the game has been revealed @ first glance. But I would really encourage you to still check it out. As there is a ton of stuff & the video has only scratched the surface there. Its a long game & almost everything I included is from early on in the quest. With all the plot elements revealed being right out of the instruction manual.

So please don't be discouraged as there is so much to enjoy in SOTN!

[Sye909]

A large chunk of your review sounds more like a plot summary...

[robadue57]

@Sye909

Fair point! There is a solid amount of story involved in my look @ the game. As that is one of the cool things about this game versus earlier installments in the series. As it has more of a RPG flavor to it w/ a deeper plot & wider mix of elements involved, vs being strongly in the Action camp alone.

Hopefully the inclusion of the story elements helps those who aren't familiar with the Castlevania series @ all. But you're right it probably feels redundant to some. Thanks for posting!

[BingoBird4]

You didn't mention the part where you die and you have to stare at the game over screen for 50 hours.

[robadue57]

@BingoBird4

Haha, sounds like some house rules worth adopting for the next play through for ironman players! That would certainly motivate one not to let the medusa heads knock you into the spikes or one of the many other diabolical ways you can die in the game. Thanks for posting!

[leon4545]

Really good review

[robadue57]

@leon4545

Thanks! I was inspired to make this game review after seeing the videos on David The Final Highlander's channel, so check out his stuff to if you want to see some other cool reviews. I've been so impressed by all the work done on youtube and now anytime I consider buying a new game I check for reviews on youtube to get the fans reactions to it. Appreciate the post!

[Drummertist]

They need to remake this game in HD and downloadable for Wii, PS3, and 360.

[robadue57]

@Drummertist

Agreed! That would be a must buy! Lets make it happen Konami!

[ProkoLokor]

@robadue57 Isn't that already at XBLA?

[robadue57]

@ProkoLokor

You're absolutely right! I checked the release date for Xbox live and they''ve had it for download since March 2007. I don't know if that release is in HD or not though, as I don't have a 360 myself. The list I'm looking at shows it for only 800 Microsoft Points if anyone is considering picking it up. Thanks for posting about it being on xbla ProkoLokor as I'm sure a lot of people were curious about that!

Peace,

~ Chris

[robadue57]

@ib109

If you are a fan of the series and can pick up a copy at a good price than I would certainly look into adding it to your collection! Especially if you enjoy the newer Castlevania games for the GBA and DS as it is most akin to them versus the original series for the NES.

[omarS54]

One of the best reviews I have ever seen, by far. I actually started a whole new playthrough just after watching this video, my 7th one so far.

Great job, keep it up.

[robadue57]

@omarS54

Seventh play through? That is outstanding! Props to you for that! Even after beating the game recently I wouldn't mind another round of it either, haha. Symphony of the Night has crazy good replay value. Thanks for the positive feedback, I'm sure with your skills you'll be able to beat the game in record time!

[Vyxeria]

Alucard = Dracula

alucard may actually be dracula!

have you ever wondered why the name is spelt the way it is?

[robadue57]

@Vyxeria

Does make one speculate a great many things! He's definitely my favorite character to play as in the entire Castlevania series across any platform.

[sestren2503]

I have this game and I've got the full clear and I dont know what "epic surprise" hes referring to. Of course its been years since I played it. Mind refreshing my memory?

[gamecollect101]

@robadue57, The only thing I've seen so far is for the PC called KONAMI COLLECTOR'S SERIES I believe, that includes Castlevania 1, 2 and 3 on one disc. Pretty Cool, might pick this up down the line just to have it.

[robadue57]

@AFuck1ngNinja

Thanks dude!

[lynchaxxonn]

really really solid review of a really really solid game. I'm mastering it properly right now i think i missed some stuff a couple years back on 1st/2nd playthrough you nailed all the major points. this game is such a classic. the voice-acting grew on me personally :) user reviewers are usually completely inept so nice to hear a competent reviewer for once.

[robadue57]

@lynchaxxonn

Haha, you know, you're absolutely right. The voice acting though humorous at times only adds to the charm of this game. "What is a man" haha. I mean its so brilliant! I really did struggle to come up with any negative aspects of SOTN because the game is just that good, that complete. Thanks for the positive feedback too!

[gamecollect101]

LOL, I've always mentioned the same about having all classic Castlevania on a blue-ray disc, even if it's just in volumes: Castlevania, Haunted Castle, Castlevania II, and Castlevania III on one disc 1. Super Castlevania IV, Bloodlines, Castlevania 64, and Legacy or Darkness on the next..etc,etc. Let's not forget the original GB versions: Adventure, Belmonts Revenge, Legends. LOL

[robadue57]

@gamecollect101

They absolutely have to put together a game collection like that. I'd snap up a copy of it in a second!! Such a storied franchise and given that the games are scattered across so many different platforms its unlikely that many people have had a chance to play all of them. I know I haven't, but would like to!

[gamecollect101]

Every Castlevania fan NEEDS to experience SCIV from start to finish, congrats on picking that up. Ironically Lords of Shadow (PS3) is being made with Super Castlevania IV in mind, Konami is looking to bring back the classic legendary 2D feeling, but in 3D style. Check out the director interview with Lords of Shadow here on youtube, speaks volumes on just how memorable SCIV really was.

[gamecollect101]

Rondo of Blood (gameplay) and the overall feeling of Super Castlevania IV are the ones that stand out in my mind. Though I have a very deep profound attachement to the NES originals. Symphony for me is the perfect blend, a marriage of sorts of the best castlevania games including Simon's Quest, known for it's rpg elements and hated because of it too. Simon's Quest is a very underrated super classic and introduced many firsts to the series.

[robadue57]

@gamecollect101

Well put, I haven't played Castlevania IV yet, although I did win an auction for it on ebay a few weeks back so I'll be remedying that in the not-too-distant future! Really curious to see what the new 3D one that they are putting out on the PS3 I believe shapes up. Wonder if they'll ever put out a compilation disc of all the Castlevania games on one disc!! I would buy that in a heartbeat!

[gamecollect101]

Castlevania, I can never get enough of Castlevania, especially all the classic masterpieces in which symphony falls in (modern classic), I've picked up several versions (online download, Konami Classics Vol.1 for 360, Dracula X Chronicles for PSP) but I still needed one of the originals (BADLY) in all it's pixelated glory, so I bought the PSX version off Ebay because the game is that bad-ass. Awesome vid.

[robadue57]

@gamecollect101

Like your enthusiasm for the Castlevania series! I could see myself playing through 'Castlevania SOTN' a few more times over the years as I too enjoy it that much. It has everything that I look for in a 2D side scroller. Are there any other titles that rank up there with it for you in your collection? Thanks for commenting!

[gRaYTaiCho]

Awesome game. Brilliant review.

[robadue57]

Very much appreciate the comment, thank you! Had a lot of fun putting this video together!

[TheLazyFrodo]

Great review dude....This game for me is tied for #1 greatest of all time with Final Fantasy Tactics....

Both are games I've played and could continue to play dozens of times.

[robadue57]

It really does have crazy good replay value! Which is a rare find for a game. I have to give a lot of that credit to the excellent level design and fantastic controls. Because there are rarely moments in the game where it proves to be frustrating or a section that you have to "tough out" to get to a good part in the game. Its so well balanced. Thanks for posting!

[no3011]

good review. i played this games years age (maybe 8) and now illd love to get it back on my old ps1 ^^

[robadue57]

@no3011

It really has held up well over the years, feel like its the games with the best gameplay/controls that stand the test of time. Absolutely worth tracking down again for your PS1!! Thanks for checking out my video! Cheers!

[psChrystine]

good review but there were hints of spoilers that i was disappointed with since i was planning on buying the game :(

[robadue57]

@psChrystine

Ah, the good news is though that this video only just begins to scratch the surface of all this game has to offer and uncover. So I hope it doesn't discourage you from playing through this excellent game!

[psChrystine]

@robadue57 not at all. I have to admit, to have a thorough review of a game, spoilers would be unavoidable.

[jmm1233]

Good review of this classic game

[robadue57]

@jmm1233

Glad you liked it! Have received some really positive feedback from people on it so I'm going to try and make another one. Thanks for checking this video out!

[ZACH123931]

I just bought this game on my ps3 and I can't put the controller down haha :)

[robadue57]

Haha, I'm right there with you. I could totally play through it again right now! Wish they would put out a collection of all the Castlevania's on one disc for the PS2/PS3 as I'd love to play through the rest of them. Do you have a favorite boss fight or special weapon?

[xsonicx08]

Great review man! I've never played the game before, but I'm thinking about picking up the Dracula X Chronicals soon. Also, what's the GBA game you showed? I can't get a good look at the sticker.

[robadue57]

@xsonicx08

Thanks! Yeah, I bought the Dracula X Chronicles recently off amazon for $11 I think it was, new even. So definitely look into that. The GBA Castlevania was Aria of Sorrows. Though I have also played Circle of the Moon which is cool too. Think in one of your videos you might have mentioned having a DS. Have you played any of the Castlevania's for that? I never have, but they look sweet. Appreciate the comment!

[xsonicx08]

I picked up Dawn of Sorrows about six months ago for my DS. I've played maybe five minutes of it and I didn't really understand what's going on. So when I looked online (message board) I found out it was a sequel. So I'm kinda holding it off until I get Aria of Sarrows. I'll probably buy it online soon since I can't find it in stores, but in the meantime I'm play lots of Super Castlevania IV and really interested in SOTN for Xbox Live.

[MaxSpender]

The FinalHighlander recommended your review & obviously that guy knows what he's talking about.

Awesome first review! I've never played this game, but I feel compelled to track it down. In fact, I'm still trying to complete the first Castlevania on the NES, but I can never get passed Death.

[robadue57]

@MaxSpender

Haha, thanks dude! If you are even remotely a fan of Castlevania you have to track down this installment in the series. You won't regret it! (Or if you do, don't quote me, haha). Haven't played the first Castlevania for the NES, but I have played Simon's quest and it is crazy challenging. Feel like its partially the controls are a bit unwieldy for me or something, not sure. Very much appreciate you subscribing, let me know what you think of the game if you get it! Peace.

[robadue57]

@FierceDeity835

Like your thinking, might switch things up a bit first, but I would absolutely like to make another Castlevania game review! Sort of digging the whole retro game thing right now. Have enjoyed dusting off my old game systems and digging through boxes to revisit lost games. Have a few contenders in mind for the next video.

[robadue57]

@FierceDeity835

Much appreciated! Had a lot of fun making this video and all this feedback is making me want to make another one :) Might be going back even further on the retro game scale for source material! Thanks for subscribing to my channel!

[cupy1]

very good review ill have to get this game

[robadue57]

@cupy1

Would highly recommend checking it out, especially if you are a fan of 2D sidescrollers. Its a well balanced game and just really really fun. Thanks for subscribing!

[TheFinalHighlander]

Sorry I was away for a week so only just watched this. What can I say? It was perfect. Great image quality, intelligent writing and engaging voicework. Actually this is the first time I've really wanted to play this game after seeing a video about it. Plus the fact that it has minotaurs automatically makes it awesome as we all know.

Really hope you keep up with the reviews. Only someone who makes them can really appreciate the work that goes in but it's well worth it to see the end product.

[robadue57]

@TheFinalHighlander

Thanks man! Very much appreciate the feedback! Took me quite awhile to put this video together, but I am quite pleased with the end result.

Huge fan of the humor in your videos, its brilliant and the commitment and time you put into the writing and production value really stands on its own merit and is excellent.

Minotaurs = awesome, haha. Agreed! Have a few ideas in mind for another game review that I could make. Do you have a new one in the works?

[TheFinalHighlander]

Yeah I'm actually sitting here editing my Golden Axe 2 review right now. Should be up tomorrow if I work solid on it which I probably will. Then again I've been agonising over the intro alone for the last hour. I hate being a perfectionist. To make matters worse, the sexy lady who lives upstairs was clomping about while I was recording so a lot of it was unusable. I think I'll manage to pull it off though.

The biggest annoyance for me is searching through the footage for the exact moment you...

[TheFinalHighlander]

...need for a particular part of a review. A lot of people just play through the first level with commentary or something but I always want what I'm saying to reflect the action on screen. Ah well back to the video, look forward to your next one.

[robadue57]

@TheFinalHighlander

Your Golden Axe 2 review nearing completion? Psyched to see it! Meant to say the intro to your last video was awesome, absolutely reminded me of a great 80s TV show and it really set the scene well for doing a retro game review. Excellent choice there!

Funny you mention the unusable footage and being a perfectionist as I had to re-record my whole commentary as the first attempt came out lousy and sounded canned. Authenticity and quality seem to go hand in hand.

[robadue57]

@TheFinalHighlander

Discovered that it was a huge challenge to have the onscreen action reflect (and sync up with) the commentary. I got my video clips organized first (un-edited, but in groups), wrote out a script, recorded it, edited that together. Then went piece by piece and brought in the video portion. Shaping it to fit the audio. Some of the footage ended up on the editing room floor as they say, but better to have too much than too few. Did you square away the new intro for your video?