Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is an amazing game. The exploration, leveling, gear collecting all make this a must have game for anyone who loves the Castlevania series.
The first half of the game may seem a bit easy or short, but the second half really ups the challenge. I killed many hours searching for every little secret item or relic. A must have for any fans of the DS Castlevanias.

I remember playing the original Castlevania series on my original NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) back in the day. So, I decided to try the demo of this title...which allows you to play up to 15 minutes before it asks you to buy the full version. One thing I really like about this game is more control over the player. I remember with the NES games that if you jumped in one direction, there was no way to turn back the other way in mid-air. In this title, you have better control of this. The background music is a spooky orchestra...which sets the tone for the entire game. The voice acting, in my mind, is a bit cheesy. The other thing I thought was kind of strange is the trailing shadow behind the controllable character, Alucard. Not sure why this is needed in the game...it's kind of distracting for me. Overall, it's a decent game.

....its the only CV you can get on XBLA.

As a fan of the series i cannot hold but praise this game.
It could have a more arranged soundtrack, but even in this state everything is damn fine and this series will live forever (although a reboot is done on ps3 i heard). Graphics 7/10, Music, 7/10, Gameplay 10/10

What can be said thats not already been said about this game? Its a modren classic that everyone should own. Smooth controls and addictive game play makes this game a must buy for any platform fan. Do yourself a favor and the game now if you havent already!

a good game that require a lot of hours...worth every minute

Interesting, Varied enemies, good although short storyline, good tunes, clean gameplay, unique character, great voice acting.

Very tough, great music, and very much the Castlevania you all know and love.

I never played the original SOTN, but I'd seen videos and watched friends play the game. I still love the original 3 NES Castlevania titles, as well as Super Castlevania IV on the SNES. Clearly, I had to have this game as well.

SOTN was my first XBLA title, and I still have yet to complete the game, due to massive backlogs amongst numerous systems, and time constraints.

From what I've played, it's the classic sidescroller, with ridiculously hard levels where you're guaranteed to be hit and likely killed. If you like Castlevania games, at leas the old-school ones, you'll enjoy this!

Have this for the sega saturn which is prob the best version but i would recomend everyone get this game as its amazeing

When this was first released it was a big deal on a few fronts. It was, to my recollection, the first console-exclusive title re-released to the XBLA service. It was also the first game to break XBLA's file size limit, which was much smaller at the time than it is now.

The game holds up wonderfully. It's still a ton of fun, a great example of how to do the Metroid-vania concept to its fullest. I personally feel that the DS and GBA releases that followed were never quite as strong, even if they were arguably better produced in some cases.

My main concern was the music, but considering that was all compressed in the original game to begin with, it holds up well here. While some have reported popping or other minor issues, I noticed nothing. It plays well, the achivements reward 100%+ completion and the leaderboards add more fun.

Highly recommended. Hopefully it'll someday be added to the hits section of XBLA for $5... at that point you'd be stupid to pass it up.

this game is frustrating fun that will keep you coming back for more its amazing how much was put in this single player experience well worth your 10 dollars.

Was a little worried for $10, but is a great game and was well worth it!

I never got the pleasure of playing 'Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night' when it first came out on the Playstation. At that time I had traded in my PS for a N64, so I missed out on this game the first time around. So when I heard this was coming out on Xbox Live, I was VERY excited to see what all the fuss was about. My roomate, at the time this game came out, played it non-stop for awhile and was always raving to me about how good it was. So my expectations for this game were huge. While I do feel this is still a great game, it is a product of the time it was made and sometimes the game is worse off for that reason.

For instance, the game offers you VERY little in the way of guidance. While you are roaming the castle, there are times where you have no idea where to go next.....especially if this is your first time playing the game. This can be infuriating and frustrating to the point of where I almost quit playing the game. After awhile you get used to it and just are relegated to the fact that you will spend a lot of your time with this game searching for some item in some remote part of the castle to let you into an area to further the game. It's something that I didn't enjoy having to get used to, but it's something I tolerated knowing that this is a great game besides that fact and it was just a product of an older generation of games.

Other than that, there are very few things to complain about here. The presentation is still good for a game this old. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention how great the music is. This was around the time where developers were getting used to the fact that they didn't have to use cartridges anymore and you could have actual music in games. It was very impressive at the time and still is to this day.

I would have to say this is the best Castlevania game I have ever played and certainly holds up even after all these years. The mix of 2D platforming/RPG here was very different at the time and the storyline was pretty good too. This is one of those games you must try out if you own a Xbox 360. Even if you don't seem to like it at first, give it a chance and as long as you have some patience (with the issue I mentioned earlier), I think you will feel this was a great purchase. At $10, it's one of the best deals on Xbox Live Arcade.

If you enjoyed the original side-scrolling Castlevania games, or even the old Metroid/Super Metroid games, you will love this title. Everything we love about gaming is here - solid graphics (it's a Playstation 1 era game), excellent music, and a fantastic storyline.

The bottom line is - buy this game!

SotN brought the Castlevania series into a great, much better direction. Everything about the game is fantastic, and the price couldn't be better.

Castlevania SOTN is still, even after years of quality releases on the DS, the best made Castlevania game out there. Solid music, memorable boss fights and a diverse/interesting castle with tons of hidden stuff to find really sets this game apart. There's so many small details added in that together really have a lasting impact on the game. Get it.enjoy it..you'll be playing it for a while.

I was never really much of a Castevania fan as a youngster but this game pulled me right in. Even after all these years, trying out the game once again left me with that same feeling of wanting to explore and level up. Couldn't find a flaw with the game even if i tried , loved every minute of it. There is no better way to spend 10 bucks on Xbox. Oh yeah , and Alucard is still as awesome as he was during the late 90's!!!

I've went through this game on PS1, XBL, and PSP and It's still such an amazing game. It is one of if not the greatest Castlevania game out and it has amazing replayability. I'd reccommend this game to any 2d gamer and it has a good amount of content for the price. This game has aged greatly over time and should be at least tried by everyone.

This game didn't wow me that much, and it's got a lot to it, but for some reason it didn't hold my attention at much. It probably wasn't my style, but I can see why people would like it.

I missed this game the first time around, even owning 100 nextgen games this game definitely takes the cake.

Great game.
It's a great platformer adventure game that has been beloved for many years now, even with different versions and on many consoles. It's great to have it in the XBLA library. It feels awesome with the Xbox 360 controller and to get achievements for it and give it that much replay value. I give it a 9/10 and have to say, one of the best.

I had SOTN for my PS1 and loved that thing to death. Tragically it got lost. This was my first XBLA purchase (I have around 40 games now) and my best. The replay value is unmatched. The fun is unparalleled and it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Two HUGE castles, secret rooms, weapons, and moves. Leveling up, large battles. There is nothing not to love. This game was the best for a reason and it holds strong to the test of time. This game shows what a 2D side scroller can accomplish. I love the enhanced version filter as it gives the game a great look to compete with the HD we are more acustomed to now. (I admit I have become spoiled. I was raised on NES, but it is hard to go back).

Many hours of gameplay at a more than reasonable price (cheaper than the disc even still).

If you have never played this it is an instant buy. If you don't like it hang yourself with your cordless controller(I hate when people say such and such is the god send of gaming...but in this case I can't help it).

I'm a huge fan of the Castlevania series. It started with Simon's Quest on the NES. I've played SotN a handful of years back on the PSX, and after downloading it off Marketplace, it brings back great memories. Although the 3D games look better, I'm still in love with the 2D aspect of them. I honestly beat this game a couple of times in order to get every achievement. The boss fights I had a bit of trouble with, but none the less, it was a blast! I'm so glad Xbox 360 provides us with a luscious selection of classic games via Xbox Arcade! Anyone will enjoy Castlevania: SotN!

For the money they're asking for this, you really can't get any better. Sure beating it is something we've all done and once you figure out the tips and tricks it won't take you that long. But something about this game keeps you coming back, wanting to explore every little part of Dracula's castle, both normal and inverted!

The game is as refreshing today as it was when it came out on the original Playstation. The RPG elements are prevalent just enough to give this ACTION game incredible depth. This is the RPG game that pure action junkies will like.

Let me preface by saying that I do not feel this was the best of the Castlevania series and so keep that in mind when I review the game.

The update of this PSX title is well done. The graphics look sharper than the original; the audio is not noticeably changed (although it is now virtual stereo). The only translation issue the game suffers from is that the analog sticks dead zone makes it difficult to perform some of the more advanced spells.

SOTN is a good solid game. Taking the basics of the action side scroller while adding collectibles and leveling. The game map is well designed and interactive and there are a fairly large number of enemies to encounter. Unfortunately artificial delays are forced upon the player to extend game play. Often an able player will reach an area earlier than intended and reach a boss who can knock off 75% of your health in a single hit forcing the player to level to advance. While these gimmicks and forced stall points can get annoying they do not destroy what this game does well.

An all-time classic available for 800 MS points with a few upgrades made for today's HD era, what's not to love? Castlevania: SOTN is simply one of the best action/adventure games ever made. The first game in the series to adopt the exploration elements established by the Metroid franchise, also adds an RPG character leveling mechanic to a side-scrolling action platformer to create one of the longest most satisfying experiences on XBLA. Great artwork, a breathtaking soundtrack, memorable boss fights and deep gameplay make this an instant purchase for anyone looking for a great 2D experience.

This game is a classic. It combines the already great gameplay of Metroid games and combines it with the leveling and items of RPGs and makes it even better. Not to mention the fact that it's set against the supernatural atmosphere of the Castlevania series. For 800 points you're getting a fantastic deal. You'd be foolish to pass this one up.

Wow, theress so much that can be said about this game. Its the best if not one of the best available downloads on the market. If you have never played it then you owe it to yourself to play it. If you have played it, then you still owe it to yourself to own it. It has very addictive and fun game play and will keep you busy. Buy this, you will not be dissapointed!!!

A great game. If you've never played it you really should. If you have played it there is no real reason to buy it again. It is dame cool. Great game play, great fun, great game.

Of all the Castlevania games, Symphony of the Night is the most renowned - I can't think of a single flaw within the game. The graphics, music, platforming and rpg elements, variety in enemies and huge castle design... the voicework might be a bit cheesy, but it doesn't detract at all from the experience. This is one of the best games the PSX had to offer, and for only $10 on the Xbox Marketplace you're getting a heck of a value.

One of my favorite arcade games! Castlevania enhanced with RPG elements such as weapons, armor, items, etc. Couple this with a Metroid-esque exploration/ability unlocking system and it makes for an outstanding game! Definitely worth the buy!

If you have played the old Castlevania games and you though Simons Quest was even cool and wanted to see them expand on that type of gameplay. Look no further, this game is like an action/RPG hybrid and the gameplay is very non-linear for a side scrolling game. Excellent choice for the price, one of the best games on XBlive right now.

In my opinion, probably the best game in the Castlevania series. It's one I always come back to and never get tired of. Great game play, great fun, great game.

If you don't own this already, there's something wrong with you. Castlevania:SOTN may be the deepest game on XBLA. Level up your stats and find new weapons, defeat Dracula once and for all!!!

One of the best games I've ever played on the Playstation gets even better on xbl. The scope and depth of this title are mind-boggling. Cheesy voice acting aside, this is the best game I have ever had the privilege of playing.

I had never played Castlevania: SotN before it's release on XBLA and I'm sorry that I didn't because I was missing out on one of the best 2D games of all time. There is a lot of game here for your 800 points. You play as Alucard, son of Dracula, and explore the huge Castlevania fighting enemies and tons of bosses. And once you think you are done with the game, another twist is thrown at you. The music is legendary and the voice acting is an... acquired taste but if you're a fan of 2D platformers, Castlevania games or just excellent games in general, pick this one up. You won't be disapointed.

rayjay²

A great game. If you've never played it you really should. If you have played it there is no real reason to buy it again.