gerper's Full Review: Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon for Game Boy Advan...
I bought Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (CoTM) the week that the Game Boy Advance came out way back in June, as I really enjoy side scrolling games, and had read that this was a “must buy” game. So, I when I got home, I ripped the package open, and immediately began playing, or at least trying to. You see, since the background is so dark (after all, you are in a castle), and many of the images on the screen are also dark, you pretty much need Night Vision Goggles to see anything, much less, do well in the game. So, within about five minutes, I shelved the game, as I was busy playing “Zelda: Oracle of Ages” (which I am still playing, religiously).
It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, that I picked up CoTM, as I was once again, stuck on the Zelda game, figuring that I should at least give it one more try. Well, after parking myself under a 100 watt light, and finally being able to actually see things and progress more in the game, I can honestly say that I am now kicking myself for not giving this game another chance sooner. Yes, it is that good. Why I didn’t play this sooner ranks up there with who was the 2nd gunman in Dallas when Kennedy was shot.
Gameplay - The concept behind CoTM is that you play the role of Nathan Baldwin, who is searching for Dracula in an Austrian castle in 1830. Your brother, Hugh, is searching for your father, Morris, who was captures. So, you are on your own to slay Dracula and all of the baddies and goons that you encounter. At first, your only weapon is a whip, which is used to slay enemies, and gain points and power ups. Of course, additional weapons and hidden items are found as you explore the castle, and there are tons of rooms to venture into.
The unique thing about CoTM is the Dual System Setup (DSS) which is basically a magic system that is powered by cards that are acquired throughout the game. By matching certain cards up, Nathan is able to cast spells, or perform certain action, depending on the attributes of the cards. As these cards, as well as other items, are hidden pretty well throughout the game, you really must be on your toes and make sure you explore every nook and cranny of the castle. Save points are found in different rooms, so keep these in mind while using the map system.
Control - Control is simple and very responsive. Attack and jump are controlled by the A and B buttons, while the L trigger is used to turn on or off the DSS current selection. So, nearly all of the GBA buttons are used on the control scheme, which can be changed or adjusted, depending on player preferences. Expect to spend 30 minutes or so learning the control setup, and menu screens, which provide detailed information about levels, points, health, items acquired, and weapon options.
Graphics - Graphically, CoTM is phenomenal, especially since it is only a hand held game and characters, backgrounds, and the action during gameplay is incredibly detailed. There is just one small problem: it is almost impossible to see without a very good light source. I use the Wormlight while playing my GBA, and found that it is basically useless with the CoTM game, so a lamp or a strong overhead light source is a must if you don’t want to get stabbed or burned to death within five screens.
Sound - In this department, CoTM scores a perfect “10” with me, as the music is that of a haunting symphony, and sets a perfect, creepy pace for the game and environments. I find myself most often playing this game with headphones, as the tiny GBA speaker does not do the sound in this game justice.
Replay value - CoTM is such a detailed and extensive game, that you will find yourself playing this for many weeks (if not months by not rushing through it), to come. During gameplay, the pace is fast, especially since enemies are constant, but take the time to explore the castle and try to find many (if not all) of the cards and items.
Overall thoughts - If you are looking for an adventure and enjoy side scrolling games, CoTM is a “must buy” for the GBA. This game really shows what this system can do, and offers such depth and great gameplay, that you are really missing out by not giving it a try, even if you wait two months like I did.
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