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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Genre Publisher Developer Release Date Adventure Konami Konami 9/30/1997 Castlevania is your basic hack ‘n slash game. All though Konami seem to have found the right formula to keeping the franchise since its debut in 1987 (I was 5 at the time.) Castlevania’s were a game based on going through the castle, beat the boss and move on. As the first Castlevania on the playstation, this brought high expectations for the next castlevania. You are Alucard and you are to find your father Dracula and beat him. As this game is different from the other castlevania. Most of the previous castlevanias are your beat the enemy, beat the boss, and move to next level. This time you explore the castle in its entirety, having to find various items to advance to other parts of the castle. Each castle area does have a boss and each boss is unique in beating the game. Just like your typical game, you have to complete tasks and acquire certain items, abilities, to move on to new areas. Probably one of the biggest differences noted in this game is the setup. In earlier editions, you had the life bars above you (one row for you, the other row for your boss) as well as stage time limits and lives. They took out the time limit and lives….and replaced them with save points where you can heal and save your games progress whenever you feel like it. The life bars have been replaced with hit points. Both you and every enemy you face have hit points and the amount of damage is done by stats (just like a typical role playing game) your stats are based on the weapon, defensive items, and accessories. The items you use in the game serve various purposes and must be equipped as well. For the time this game came out, it wasn’t spectacular even compared to some of the titles of the year, but just as the old proverb goes: “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Sure, it has the 2d feel, but compared to Super Castlevania IV….it looks a hell of a lot better. The voice acting in the game is extremely corny and so spiritless that it’s almost worth muting or skipping in my opinion. All though the music is one of the highlights to the game, as each area has a unique track and it all works together giving off the impression you’re really in an evil castle. The controlling is customizable all though I’m a fan of the spell system and at times they don’t work which have caused the screen of death to appear. All though some of the items you equip have hidden abilities. Can be activated by using two items at the same time, a button configuration or more. I would tell you, but I’m a reviewer, not a helper. The playback value for this game is good because there’s more than one way to beat it. So, if you can find a copy of this game, play it. You won’t be let down. All though after a few rounds, there really isn't anything new. Overall....be glad, honored even to own this game The Display The Noise The Wiring The Core The Boomerang Overall 7.0 9.0 8.5 9.0 8.5 8.7