Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

2008

platform
role-playing (rpg)
adventure
action
fantasy
horror
single player
multiplayer

The story

In the absence of the Holy Whip, those who live in fear of Dracula seek a replacement, which takes the form of the Order of Ecclesia, an organization that holds the secret to manipulating Glyphs. Shanoa, a young woman possessed with a unique ability to channel Glyphs, is chosen as our protector. This is her destiny and the story of the sacred Order of Ecclesia. Use the brand new Glyph system with over 100 different attack combinations to battle Dracula and his minions throughout 20 explorable areas! Take part in side quests and collect items to power up! Experience a gripping storyline featuring new characters!

What it’s like

Hand-drawn 2D sprites move through richly layered gothic backdrops of cathedrals, ruined villages, and crumbling halls, lit in cold blues, sickly greens, and warm candle-orange, with the map kept on the second screen so the eye never leaves the action. The soundtrack is a gothic orchestral score that swells in boss arenas and drops to quiet ambience in empty corridors. The vibe is brooding and atmospheric, with a steady, unhurried exploration rhythm punctuated by bursts of combat, as you backtrack through a sprawling castle, unlock shortcuts, and chase collectibles. Violence is frequent and cartoonishly bloody, with monsters, ghosts, and skeletal foes dissolving in spurts of red, though there is no gore beyond that stylised spray and no sexual content. Fear comes from atmosphere and surprise rather than gore. Its emotional register is melancholic and earnest, following a young woman who must master an ancient power and face her destiny. It suits a late-night session alone, a moody rainy evening, or anyone who enjoys the methodical pleasure of learning a combat system and mapping a labyrinth. It is for players who want gothic dread and satisfying progression in equal measure.

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