18.3.2013

Mirror of Fate is simply wonderful. A gem of a game, and I cannot let it go without comment.As stated by producer Dave Cox, the game crosses the combat, spectacle and atmosphere of the previous Lords of Shadow title with the exploration (including map-based navigation) and experience points system found in the 'Metroidvania' games. It's clear that this was intended as an olive branch to those fans who missed the Metroidvania elements, and frankly it's hard to see how even the biggest die-hards could find much at fault here. Mirror of Fate offers a decent mixture of combat, platforming, puzzling and exploration. The attacks are simple to execute but varied enough to allow you some creativity,and the battles are challenging enough, as the enemies (designed in beautifully hideous detail) will frequently appear in numbers, putting you in a beleaguered position. There are also plenty of surprises to keep you on your toes: a change in objective, a quick-time event adding to the drama of the spectacular boss fights, or a sudden challenge requiring you to act fast. Mirror of Fate's gameplay mixes it up splendidly, and the charming little vignettes that usually accompany the discovery of a new item or change in the situation add to the experience even further (the way Simon acquires the throwing axe and Alucard dealing with an unexpected ambush are just two such delightful moments).However, the crowning achievement is almost undoubtedly the game environments. Before the game's release, Dave Cox explained that he and his team specifically wanted to make a 2.5D adventure with immersive surroundings, and it would take the hardest of hearts to say they have not pulled this off in style. From the crooked concrete and lamplight of the graveyard to the truly sinister portraits in the vampires' tower and the gilded ceilings of the theatre area, the environments are diverse, gothic and utterly gorgeous. I spent most of the game moving each character at a walking pace so that I could savour the level design and atmosphere all the more. The camera view will also automatically shift sometimes to give you an even better view or the surroundings, but never at an inconvenient moment or in such a way that play becomes awkward. The game graphics are just stunning.And yet the wonders do not cease there. With Mercury Steam's reboot of the Castlevania series, they have redesigned and re-imagined the events and characters of the first games in the series. As such, they have taken some of the most iconic figures of the series (particularly Simon and Trevor Belmont, whose characters were never much developed before now) and given them enough depth and personality to make them relatable and appealing protagonists. The game's story is told in a number of artfully designed cel-shaded cut scenes, rendered in faded colours. Rather than animating the characters to show their mouths and faces moving in time with the excellent voice acting (which if not done properly could have come across as fake and slightly ridiculous), the gestures and expressions are instead semi-symbolic. The overall effect is quite endearing - it makes you feel at once close to the characters and also like there is an unbridgeable distance between you and them - as if you are watching the events from behind a veil, or seeing the interplay of shadows on a wall rather than the characters themselves. I personally was won over by Trevor's tragic gallantry, Simon's gruff manners and fiery temper - stemming quite evidently from bitter memories of his parents' fate - and Alucard's torment over the man he was and the monster he has become. Even Dracula - who in previous CV games was invariably just an antagonist to be overcome - is a more rounded character, and while the events of previous games can easily read like a list of occasions when Dracula got his backside whipped, Mercury Steam have done well to impress upon the player just how powerful and dangerous he really is, and his defeat is something that cannot be taken as a given. Plus, if you are familiar with the events of the previous Lords of Shadow game, you cannot help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him, something which adds extra spice to the already climactic confrontation with the vampire lord (here as well Mercury Steam have sought to do something different from the typical Dracula showdowns, with gratifying results). I also disagree with another reviewer's comment that the plot of the game is predictable. This gives the impression that the events at the end of the game are meant to come as a surprise to the player, but I do no believe this is the case; rather I think Mercury Steam took a non-chronological approach to give a good idea of what is going to happen, and therefore reinforce the story's overriding theme of unchangeable fate by practising what it preaches.Lastly there should be some mention of the game's music. Oscar Araujo, who won much admiration for the soundtrack of the first Lords of Shadow game, has again worked some marvels with Mirror of Fate, and although I would have preferred to hear some of the traditional Castlevania tracks woven into the compositions (a horn ensemble playing a variation of 'Theme of Simon' at points during Simon's chapter would have been delicious), the music is nonetheless by turns creepy, dramatic and movingly sad - exactly what the game needed to round off its gothic atmosphere.Do I have any criticisms? Some people might feel there are too many questions left unanswered at the end, but for me this adds to the mystery and enigma about the story, the tantalising sense of distance mentioned earlier. Otherwise, I wish the game could have lasted longer, but even in that the quality of Mirror of Fate is evident. A lot of care has gone into the making of this game, and the developers' love and enthusiasm for this series really is clear in every single detail. The result is an absolute gem of a game, one of those rare and precious experiences that leaves you sad when it inevitably ends, yet feeling enriched for having known it.If you own a 3DS, buy it. A game this beautifully made deserves to be enjoyed.

12.3.2013

I have played all the Castlevania games on the GBA and DS. I have also played Lords of Shadows on the 360 so I understand that this is not going to be like the other portable games.The visuals are a great improvement to what the other portable games were like, combat is fluid and intuitive. The graphics are a delight and it kept me playing until I finished the game.This game has great 3D elements to platforming, such as when you are trying to avoid flame/gas traps. The essence of the prequel has been kept in this title. The stages have a variety of challenges although they are not a visually colourful as previous titles, but tend to have a more gothic feel to it like in the LoS series.

12.3.2013

Having only played a small portion so far (the lost caves area), I got to say, the game looks and feels old school with a graphical upgrade.The 3D quality and backgrounds are very clean and crisp looking, the game has well done environments with solid character models. The use of full 3D with 2.5D like camera work, allows for some decent dynamic gameplay elements such as ledge moving, jumping etc.Also, note the cutscenes are decent rendered cell shading with good motion, not still artwork like some other titles...There are some slight sluggishness to the controls, but manageable,without feeling clunky, there are plenty of bits and pieces to find in-game extra power ups, life/magic gauges,

14.3.2013

The developers have taken a different approach than the castlevania symphony of the night game (Metroidvania).This game plays like Castlevania IV on the SNES with a bit of exploring.It's split into 3 acts where you play a different character in each act. The story starts before the original Lords Of Shadow and ends after it too.Good:Great story, expands on Alucard, Trevor and Simon Belmonts story.Graphics are amazing, they pushed the 3DS to its limit.Boss fights were epic.It took me about 12 hours to complete with 96% completion rate. I think that is perfect amount of time for money.Bad:If you get 100% completion, you gain a 1 min additional ending, but it's nothing special.

8.3.2013

I just got this game today.I love it. It has the retro feel to it whilst also feeling brand new.Fans of the popular series will love this. Games like Castlevania are the reason I like owning a nintendo 3ds. I also own a playstation vita but in my opinion the nintendo 3ds is a better handheld console because it keeps bringing out classics such as this.The game takes place after castlevania Lords of shadow the game play is very different but do not let that stop you from getting this. There are great improvements in this side scroller version there are more check points. I noticed in other games once you died you had to begin at the beginning of the level or the last saved point this game is different.

16.10.2013

A simply brilliant game and probably my favourite 3ds title to date. Stunning 3d environments that are darkly beautiful and atmospheric, I find I am searching every nook and cranny of every level because I want to see every bit of this beautifully designed game.I own Castlevania titles on the ds and psp and I have to say this is my favourite so far, level designs are top notch, gameplay is fluid, boss battles are great and suitably epic, and to top it all off the musical score is brilliant. This is a really well put together title that has managed to get the best out of the 3ds, with titles like this and the brilliant Zelda Ocarina of Time I'm thinking this is the only games system I need,

3.6.2014

I really enjoyed this game, it is a classic 2D castlevania platformer transitioned to the 3DS wonderfully. The difficulty level is just right (but can be adjusted) and it has a great mix of fighting and exploration. The one thing I would say is it was a tad on the short side - I completed it in around 10 hours with a 97% completion rating, but I don't see this as a problem as I think there is a replay value, I know I will certainly come back to it in the future. If you want a long game that will keep you busy for several weeks then this probably isn't for you, aside from that I think its a great little game and the sort of thing that most people would enjoy.

22.3.2013

I hated the original Lord of Shadow, but I have to say that this is a lot better. It returns to the series' 2D roots, while retaining the combat style from the original in what appears to be a seamless fusion. The abilities are enjoyable, and the fights can be tense. However, I don't like the idea of making you be a new character, complete with different abilities, just after you've gotten used to the last character you were playing as. I must also admit that the cut-scenes were not done well. Regardless, this was a significant improvement, and I have good hopes for Lords of Shadow 2.

29.5.2014

An eminently playable, great looking 3d sidescroller. The combat action is smooth and simple, perhaps not overly challenging, but there's enough to keep you button mashing to the grizzly end. The atmosphere is sufficiently enthralling with good music and some occasionally stunning graphics to match. And the plot attempts to throw the odd twist your way. Ultimately, all things considered, it's a fantastic game. On the downside, however, it won't take too long to complete. But it's certainly good enough to replay a couple of times..

16.3.2013

I'm not a huge Castlevania fan myself and I wasn't sure what to expect from this game. Even though some of the reviews were not that great, I still decided to buy it. And boy I wasn't wrong! This game is much more focused on each particular fight you encounter in a game as opposed to just having more enemies to fight with. The castle looks truly gorgeous with 3D on! The controls are good and the fighting combos are easy to learn and to use. All in all, I am very satisfied with this game so far.

19.8.2013

I never played any Castlevania game before. Just finished the game, and the 3d effect is great, and the gameplay is captivating. There are different weapons, skills, moves and you can even make notes on your map if you need to backtrack for something! Once completed, there are a couple of things unlocked for another playthrough, which is what I will do sometime. Recommended, please bring more games like this out!!!

21.4.2016

Possibly my favourite DS game now.Didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I had it sitting on a shelf for months then 1 day decided to play it and I was hooked for the next week or so. Really fun game and a brilliant story.

5.3.2015

A very entertaining game. I like the cut scenes. It is very clever the way it has been set up. Beautiful graphics and I finished it. I wish they could do more games like this for the 3DS. I recommend it.

13.4.2013

My only two experiences with Castlevania are this and Circle of the Moon on the Gameboy Advance, and although this game is not as good as the latter, it still delivers a solid experience in my opinion.

28.4.2014

It's a different kind of platformer than the others which makes more fresh I suppose. It's not best Castlevania by any means but it's worth collecting if you collect castlevania games like I do.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate (3DS) - Reviews

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