Castlevania DS
Webpages concerning "Castlevania DS"
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Wikipedia-Article "Castlevania DS"
| Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow | |
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| Developer(s) | Konami |
| Publisher(s) | Konami |
| Designer(s) | |
| Engine | |
| Latest version | {{{version}}} |
| Release date(s) | August 25, 2005 (JP) September 30, 2005 (EU) October 4, 2005 (NA) |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) CERO: 12+ PEGI: 7+ |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo DS |
| Media | Cartridge |
| System requirements | |
| Input | |
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (commonly abbreviated DoS) is the title of a video game for the Nintendo DS handheld game console, part of Konami's popular Castlevania franchise. The game was first released in August 2005 in Japan. It should be noted that "Dawn of Sorrow" is a play on "DS", the system that this game has been released on, (a subtitling structure that has been used for other games released for the system). This game is known in Japan as Demon Castle Dracula: Cross of the Blue Moon (悪魔城ドラキュラ 蒼月の十字架 Akumajō Dracula: Sōgetsu no Jūjika). The subtitle is also based on "Aria of Sorrow", known as "Minuet of Dawn" in Japan.
The game is a direct sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, with Soma Cruz as its protagonist; other characters from Aria of Sorrow also appear in the game, including Genya Arikado and Julius Belmont. It takes place one year after Aria of Sorrow and deals with an enigmatic cult (unrelated to the cult lead by Aria of Sorrow antagonist Graham Jones) who seeks to kill Soma and revive the dark power of Dracula sleeping inside of him, as a sort of retribution for Soma 'denying his destiny' in becoming the Dark Lord incarnate in the previous game. In the cult's mind, Dracula represents the ultimate evil that must exist for there to be an ultimate good, and with the Dark Lord sealed, that can't happen. Instead of running from this new threat, however, Soma decides to take the initiative and confront his foes head-on, eventually discovering a castle and monsters similar to those owned by Dracula, supposedly constructed by the cult as the scene for the ritual required to sacrifice Soma and revive the vampire lord.
The game also features most of Aria of Sorrow's main gameplay, including the "Enemy Soul system" (Soma's ability to absorb enemies' souls and use their powers). This time Soma can upgrade most abilities by acquiring multiple copies of the same soul. New to the series is the "Magic Seal" system, which makes use of the system's touch screen. Using a finger or stylus, the player must draw an intricate symbol or "seal" on the touch screen to trap defeated boss enemies. If the seal is not drawn correctly, the boss can regenerate energy and continue to fight. The touch screen can also be used to break certain blocks, navigate menus, and control certain familiars.
The game also has a multiplayer vs. mode, where one player creates a section of the castle, complete with enemies, and both players race to defeat the enemies and reach the end of the level; players are also able to trade souls they've found in the game. In addition there is a Julius mode where you can play as Julius Belmont, armed with the Vampire Killer and subweapons. In this mode there is a tribute to Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse in the sense that you can gain two allies to your task and switch between them at any time; Yoko Belnades, a witch who fights like her ancestor Sypha Belnades with a staff and fire, ice, and lightning spells, and Alucard returning from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night with a sword, Hellfire spell, and the ablity to turn into a bat.
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Miscellaneous
With the release of this game, the series will be going back to the "Akumajou Dracula" name in Japan. The series had used the Castlevania name in Japan since the release of "White Night Concerto" (known as Harmony of Dissonance in North America).
Characters
Heroes
- Hammer - After retiring from the military due to the 2035 incidents, Hammer became a merchant. He is a lot more aimless and irresponsible then he looks. Hammer is hopelessly in love with Yoko.
- Yoko Belnades - Yoko is a witch working for the Church, disposing of dark being secretly. She is a decendent of the clan that defeated Dracula in 1476. Yoko is acquainted with Mina and her family, acting as an older sister to her.
Villains
- Celia Fortner - Celia is the founder of a cult bent on orchestrating the coming of the next Evil Lord. The loss of Dracula made Celia worry that her powers might be wained. She plans to plunge Soma's mind into darkness in order to seize the power of the Evil Lord.
- Dario Bossi - One of Dracula's potential successors, Dario has the ability to manipulate fire. He has possessed this ability ever since he absorbed some of Dracula's powers during his resurrection in 2035. His fiery personality and impulsive tendencies push him to immediate action.
- Dmitrii Blinov - Dracula's other potential successor, Dmitrii has the ability to mirror magical powers. Although he seems irresponsible, Dmitrii will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal.
Awards
- In EGM's E3, the E3 model of this game was given a score of Awesome.
- Upon the game's North American release, EGM awarded the game with Game of the Month honors, as well awarding it with a Gold Medal, since the average of the three scores was at least 9 out of 10.
See also
External links
- Official website (Japanese)
- Dawn of Sorrow entry at GameSpot, with preview screenshots and videos
- Dawn of Sorrow Entry at IGN