Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night

A Return to Classic Castlevania Roots

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night is a 2.5D action-adventure game developed by MercurySteam and published by Konami. It is the second installment in the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow series and a reimagining of the classic 1997 game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

The game was released on September 25, 2013, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. A Microsoft Windows version was released on March 26, 2014.

Gameplay

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night is a 2.5D action-adventure game that combines the classic 2D gameplay of Symphony of the Night with the 3D graphics and combat of the Lords of Shadow series.

Players control Gabriel Belmont, a vampire hunter who is seeking revenge against his former master, Dracula. Gabriel must explore Dracula’s castle and defeat its many enemies while searching for a way to defeat Dracula himself.

The game features a variety of weapons and abilities that Gabriel can use to defeat his enemies. He can also use his vampire powers to transform into a bat or a wolf.

Story

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night takes place centuries after the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. Gabriel Belmont, now a vampire hunter, is seeking revenge against his former master, Dracula.

Gabriel believes that Dracula is responsible for the death of his wife and child. He sets out to Dracula’s castle to defeat him and avenge their deaths.

Along the way, Gabriel encounters a variety of allies and enemies. He also learns more about his own past and the secrets of the Castlevania universe.

Characters

• Gabriel Belmont: The protagonist of the game. A vampire hunter who is seeking revenge against his former master, Dracula.
• Dracula: The main antagonist of the game. A powerful vampire who is the lord of Castlevania.
• Alucard: A vampire who is Dracula’s son. He is a playable character in the game’s "Reverse" mode.
• Maria Renard: A vampire hunter who is a member of the Belmont Clan. She is a playable character in the game’s "Reverse" mode.

Reception

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its visuals, gameplay, and story.

The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or AMD Radeon HD 3870
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 10 GB available space

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K @ 3.3 GHz or AMD Phenom II X4 965
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti or AMD Radeon HD 6950
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 10 GB available space

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When was Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night released?
A: September 25, 2013

Q: What platforms is Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night available on?
A: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows

Q: Who developed Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night?
A: MercurySteam

Q: Who published Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night?
A: Konami

Q: What is the story of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night?
A: Gabriel Belmont, a vampire hunter, seeks revenge against his former master, Dracula, who is responsible for the death of his wife and child.

Q: Who is the main character of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night?
A: Gabriel Belmont

Q: Who is the main antagonist of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night?
A: Dracula

Q: What is the setting of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Symphony of the Night?
A: Dracula’s castle

References:

• on Wikipedia
• on IGN

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Reverie

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Reverie is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion for the action-adventure game Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. It was released on March 15, 2011, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Reverie serves as a prequel to the main game and follows Gabriel Belmont as he investigates a mysterious castle filled with creatures of the night. The expansion features new areas, enemies, bosses, and abilities. Players can also utilize the Combat Cross, a versatile weapon that can transform into a sword, axe, and spear.

Reverie concludes the story arc of Gabriel Belmont with a final battle against a powerful vampire lord. It provides additional depth and backstory to the events of Lords of Shadow and offers a satisfying closure to the protagonist’s journey.

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair is a downloadable Xbox 360 title released in 2010. It is a side-scrolling platformer in the Metroidvania genre, with six playable characters and a focus on co-operative multiplayer.

The story follows a group of vampire hunters as they explore Dracula’s castle, attempting to defeat the Count before he can unleash chaos upon the world. Players can choose from a variety of characters, each with their own unique abilities. The game features a variety of enemies and bosses, as well as a complex level design that encourages exploration and experimentation.

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its challenging gameplay, varied characters, and co-operative multiplayer. It is considered one of the best entries in the Castlevania franchise.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a beloved action role-playing game released in 1997. It follows the story of Alucard, the dhampir son of Dracula, as he infiltrates his father’s castle to defeat him once more. The game is known for its sprawling castle environment, intricate level design, and innovative gameplay mechanics that seamlessly blend platforming and combat. Symphony of the Night introduces new features such as character leveling, equipment customization, and inverted castle exploration, which have become staples of the Metroidvania subgenre. The game’s soundtrack is highly praised for its atmospheric and memorable tunes. Widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has inspired countless other games and remains a fan favorite to this day.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is a side-scrolling action-adventure video game developed by Konami for the Nintendo DS. Released in 2008, it is part of the long-running Castlevania series and serves as a prequel to the 1989 game Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse.

The game follows Shanoa, a member of the Order of Ecclesia, who sets out to prevent the return of Dracula. With the ability to absorb and use the souls of monsters she encounters, Shanoa gains new abilities and must overcome various obstacles to restore balance to the world.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia features a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to summon and control three different familiars to assist them in combat. The game also introduces a glyph system that enables Shanoa to cast powerful spells and customize her abilities. With its challenging gameplay, detailed pixel art, and engaging story, Order of Ecclesia has been praised as one of the strongest entries in the Castlevania series.

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is a side-scrolling action platformer video game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS. The game is the third installment in the Castlevania series for the Nintendo DS, and the seventh in the Castlevania series overall.

The game takes place in 1944, and follows the adventures of Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin as they infiltrate Dracula’s castle in order to stop his resurrection. The game features a variety of characters, including some from previous Castlevania games, and introduces new gameplay mechanics such as the "Portrait System" which allows players to summon monsters to aid them in battle.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

"Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow" is a Metroidvania-style platformer game developed by Konami for the Nintendo DS. Released in 2005, it is the third installment in the Nintendo DS Castlevania series and the seventh installment in the Castlevania series overall.

The game follows Soma Cruz, a teenage boy who finds himself trapped in Dracula’s castle with no memory of how he got there. As he explores the castle, Soma discovers that he possesses the ability to absorb the souls of defeated monsters and gain their powers. With the help of his companions, Yoko Belnades and Julius Belmont, Soma must uncover the secrets of the castle and confront the vampire king.

"Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow" is known for its challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and innovative Soul System that allows players to customize Soma’s abilities. It also features a wide variety of characters, enemies, and bosses, each with unique abilities and attack patterns. The game received critical acclaim for its gameplay, graphics, and sound design, solidifying its place as one of the best Castlevania games ever made.

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

A direct sequel to Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse from 1989. Curse of Darkness is a 2D action-platformer that follows the story of Hector, a former vampire and Dracula’s best friend. After Dracula’s defeat, Hector attempts to start a new life but is drawn back into the world of darkness when his beloved is kidnapped. Accompanied by his loyal servant Isaac, Hector must travel through Dracula’s castle to rescue his love and confront his former master. The game features a unique "Inverse" system, which allows Hector to absorb enemy souls to gain access to various abilities and powers.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003. The game follows the story of Soma Cruz, a high school student who is drawn into Dracula’s Castle and discovers that he has the ability to absorb the souls of monsters and transform into them.

Soma must navigate the castle’s labyrinthine corridors and confront its numerous enemies, using his soul-absorbing abilities to gain new powers and abilities. As he progresses, Soma uncovers the secrets of his own past and the true nature of Dracula’s resurrection.

Aria of Sorrow features a diverse cast of characters, challenging boss battles, and a blend of traditional Castlevania elements with new gameplay mechanics. It is considered one of the best entries in the Castlevania series and is known for its innovative soul-absorbing system and memorable cast.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon is a handheld action-adventure game developed by Konami for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in 2001 and in North America and Europe in 2002.

The game follows Nathan Graves, a young demon hunter who infiltrates Dracula’s castle to prevent a dark ritual. Nathan possesses a special card system that allows him to summon spirits and perform magical attacks.

Circle of the Moon features classic Castlevania elements such as whip combat, castle exploration, and boss battles. It also introduces new features, including a dual-screen system that allows players to view the map and the game world simultaneously.

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance is a Castlevania platformer released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance. It follows the story of Juste Belmont, the great-grandson of Simon Belmont, and his quest to rescue his childhood friend, Lydie Erlanger, who has been possessed by Dracula.

The game introduces several innovations to the Castlevania series, including the "Boss Rush" mode and the "Dual Crush" feature that allows Juste to use two weapons simultaneously. It also features a unique storyline and setting that diverge from the main Castlevania timeline.

Despite being a portable title, Harmony of Dissonance offers challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and a memorable soundtrack, earning critical acclaim and becoming a beloved entry in the Castlevania franchise.

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is a compilation video game developed by Konami and released for the PlayStation Portable. It features two classic Castlevania games:

• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: A critically acclaimed action-adventure RPG released in 1997 for the PlayStation. Players control Alucard, a half-vampire who must fight his father, Dracula, to save the world.
• Rondo of Blood: A side-scrolling action game released in 1993 for the PC Engine. Players control Richter Belmont, a vampire hunter on a quest to defeat Dracula and rescue his fiancée.

Both games have been updated with improved graphics and sound for the PlayStation Portable version. The compilation also includes a "Boss Rush" mode, where players can fight against any of the game’s bosses, and a "Gallery" mode, which features artwork and other bonus content.

Castlevania: Bloodlines

Released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis, Castlevania: Bloodlines is a classic Metroidvania-style platformer. The game follows the descendants of the famous Belmont clan, Eric Lecarde and John Morris, as they battle against the forces of darkness led by Elizabeth Bartley, a descendant of Dracula.

Bloodlines introduces multiple playable characters with distinct abilities. Eric wields a whip, while John uses a morning star. Gameplay takes place through a series of interconnected levels featuring challenging platforming, enemy encounters, and boss battles. The game boasts detailed graphics and an atmospheric soundtrack.

Castlevania: Bloodlines was well-received upon release, praised for its polished presentation, engaging gameplay, and innovative features. It became a cult classic and a staple of the Genesis library. The game’s success cemented its place as a beloved entry in the Castlevania franchise.

Castlevania: The New Generation

Released in 1997 for the Sega Saturn, Castlevania: The New Generation is a 2D action-adventure game. It follows the story of John Morris and Eric Lecarde, two vampire hunters who must travel to Castle Dracula to defeat the evil count.

The game features a mix of classic Castlevania elements with new gameplay innovations. Players can choose to play as either John or Eric, each with their own unique abilities. John specializes in using pistols and whip, while Eric uses a sword and magic.

The New Generation also introduced several new features to the Castlevania series, including the ability to play cooperatively with a friend. Players can also collect and equip new items and weapons to power up their characters.

Castlevania: Super Castlevania IV

Super Castlevania IV, known as Akumajō Dracula in Japan, is an action-platform video game developed and published by Konami for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Released in 1991, the game follows the vampire hunter Simon Belmont as he enters Dracula’s Castle to defeat the titular vampire lord. Castlevania: Super Castlevania IV introduces new features such as whip upgrades, special sub-weapons, and unique enemy encounters.

The game is renowned for its challenging gameplay, atmospheric music, and classic side-scrolling platforming action. It received critical acclaim and is considered one of the best installments in the Castlevania franchise.

Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse

Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse is a gothic horror platform video game released for the Sega Genesis in 1994.

Plot:

The game follows the story of Trevor Belmont, a member of the Belmont clan who is tasked with defeating Dracula once again. Trevor is joined by four allies: Grant DaNasty, an assassin; Sypha Belnades, a sorceress; and Alucard, Dracula’s half-vampire son.

The game features multiple branching paths and endings, with each character having their own unique abilities and storylines. The gameplay is a blend of traditional 2D platforming and action role-playing elements, with players battling hordes of monsters and collecting items to upgrade their characters.

Gameplay:

• Multiple playable characters with unique abilities
• Branching paths and endings depending on character choice
• Side-scrolling platforming and action role-playing elements
• Variety of monsters and bosses to battle
• Item collection and character upgrades

Castlevania: Simon’s Quest

Castlevania: Simon’s Quest is a Metroidvania-style action-adventure game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. It is the second installment in the Castlevania series. The game follows Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter, as he travels on a quest to recover the remains of Dracula and restore peace to Transylvania.

Gameplay involves exploring a large, interconnected map, fighting monsters, and solving puzzles. Players use a variety of weapons and items to defeat enemies, including the Vampire Killer whip, throwing axes, and holy water. Simon’s Quest also features a day-night cycle that affects monster behavior and puzzle solutions.

The game is known for its vast open world, non-linear gameplay, and innovative puzzle-solving elements. It was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its exploration and freedom while others criticized its difficulty and lack of direction. Despite its polarizing reception, Castlevania: Simon’s Quest remains an important milestone in the Castlevania series and the action-adventure genre as a whole.

Castlevania: The Castlevania Adventure

Castlevania: The Castlevania Adventure is a side-scrolling action-adventure game released for the Game Boy in 1989. It is the second game in the Castlevania series and a prequel to the original. The game follows protagonist Christopher Belmont, a vampire hunter and distant ancestor of the Belmont clan, as he ventures into Castlevania to confront his ancestor, Dracula.

The gameplay is similar to the original Castlevania, with Christopher using a whip as his primary weapon. New features to this game include the ability to crawl, jump off of walls, and collect sub-weapons. The game also offers a variety of new enemies and bosses to fight, as well as optional stages that can be accessed by finding hidden pathways.

Despite its release on the Game Boy, Castlevania: The Castlevania Adventure was well-received by critics for its challenging gameplay and engaging story. It remains a popular entry in the Castlevania series and is credited with helping to establish the series’ signature style of action-adventure gameplay.

Castlevania

Castlevania is a gothic horror action-adventure video game franchise created by Konami Digital Entertainment. The series follows Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter who fights against Dracula, the lord of vampires. The games are set in various locations around the world, including Transylvania, England, and Japan. The series has been praised for its dark and atmospheric gameplay, as well as its iconic characters and monsters. Castlevania has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of Konami’s most successful franchises.