Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Reviewed by Aegwyn
The Game Boy Advance has finally hit shelves in America, and there
is no better way to start off the summer that with a great new
Castlevania game! Since Symphony of the Night, many fans have
been hoping for another game to be set in the same style, and now
we've got it. Read on to delve into the depths of this game and be
talked into buying it.
Graphics: 10 out of 10
When I first opened up my Game Boy Advance, I was almost to
excited to contain myself. A 32-bit handheld! This will have great
graphics I thought. And guess what? I was right. (as usual) When I
first loaded up this game my jaw literally dropped. The graphics
look like the backgrounds of Symphony of the Night, 3D on some
occasions and the rest of the time just plain BEAUTIFUL, and the
sprites leave something to be desired but still look incredible. You
will be completely blown away by these graphics. The only problem
is thats this game is pretty dark (to set the mood, I suppose) so you
will have to get in a strong, direct light source to see the graphics
at their full potential.
Music and Sound: 10 out of 10
Once the Konami logo finished causing me to drool(still does at
times, actually), I was waiting to see if the title screen would
have the cool singing in the background that SotN had. Lo and behold,
the Castlevania logo appeared and I was allowed the extreme pleasure
to hear Latin-sounding voices singing, loud an clear, through the GBA's
tiny little speaker. Throughout the game, I was also treated to the
classic Castlevania "Ha!s" and whip cracks as I attacked. You even can
hear your feel slapping the ground when you walk/run or land from a
jump. And it doesn't stop there. There are sound effects for just about
everything that happens in this game, and they are simply amazing.
What I was especially happy to hear is that Bloody Tears has made a
reappearance in this game. All hail to one of the best songs ever!!
Game Challenge: 9 out of 10
As you traverse the halls of Castlevania, you will meet up with some
formidable opponents. There are the classics, such as Skeleton Nights,
Catoblepas, Succubi, and the ever-annoying Medusa Heads, and there
are some new additions such as a particularly strong Fallen Angel
named "Lilith." Some of the bosses are pushovers (why Death, why?)
but some can be very tough. The only reason this game doesn't get
a perfect 10 here it because it can be frustrating at times and if
you level up for 10 hours every other area of the game (as I have
been known to do) it can be way too easy.
Game Play-Fun: 10 out of 10
This game is fun. I can't explain it. It just is. If you can put it down
without wearing you batteries well over halfway out, I am amazed
by your will power.
Frustration
This game can get pretty frustrating on the harder bosses and rooms,
but it really isn't to the point of "I want to throw my Game Boy out
the window!!!!"
Replayability: 10 out of 10
Once you beat it, there's a new mode. Once you beat that, there's
another new mode. Once you beat that there's another new mode.
Once you beat that there's...guess what? ANOTHER MODE!!!!! And
probably plenty of secrets we haven't uncovered yet. Hardcore
Castlevania fans will probably want to complete each of the 5
modes on 100% and level 99 also.
Game Value: $60 out of $40
This gem is a steal at only forty dollars. It is worth so much more.
I am so glad the I purchased it...it just brings a tear to my eye how
beautiful this game is... *sniff*
Overall: 10 out of 10
Once you start playing this game, you will want to finish it. Again,
and again, and again. I guarantee it. This is an incredible game, and
easily the best currently out for Game Boy Advance. Buy it if you
get a GBA.