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Since I own way more DSi Ware games than anyone probably should, and because they get almost zero coverage around the net, I figure I should start a new feature. I will discuss my recent DSiWare purchases in an effort to show everyone that it isn't just a dumping ground for shovelware. And while this week's game came out Monday, I'll be sure to go back and talk about the DSiware games I've purchased in the past.
Oh, and don't adjust your PC monitors, this is not a Castlevania game. Soul of Darkess on DSiware is actually a port of a mobile phone game developed a few years ago by Gameloft. Yeah, I know -- sounds fucking terrible. But guess what? They picked a damn good series to rip off, because this game is pretty damn fun.
While Gameloft might not have been talented enough to pull off a Metroid style world structure (this game is level based), everything else about Soul of Darkness is pretty faithful to a Igarashi developed handheld Castlevania game. The combat, character progression, visuals, and music, are all very similar.
Dante's Inferno : God of War :: Soul of Darkness : Castlevania if you will.
The game isn't very difficult due to the very forgiving checkpoints. Instead of restarting the level if you die, you simply continue at beginning of the last screen you entered. The game also doesn't feel as tight or responsive as a good Igavania. But what is cool about the game is the heavy emphasis on using magic spells and monster forms for platforming and puzzle solving. It's nothing too mind bending, but there are some clever moments.
One other cool feature uses the DSi's unique functionality. There are tents scattered throughout the levels, and when you enter one, the game prompts you to take a picture. The predominant color in the picture will determine which color of orbs you will get to restore health, magic, etc.
Overall, this is a surprisingly fun Castlevania clone and it's only 500 points! That's 5 dollars people. The game probably only takes about 5-6 hours to get all the way through, but it has already been well worth the purchase for me. Here is a trailer:
Comments
14 years, 4 months ago
I'm glad this will be a returning segment, it's nice to see that somebody actually is checking out the DSiWare Store for some good games and I cant wait to see what others you have in store.
Anywho, I heard you mentioning this on the feed a night or two ago and it sounded extremely interesting, almost like a Super Castlevania IV with tighter controls. I will most likely be picking this up on your recommendation.
14 years, 4 months ago
This game looks pretty fun. I liked Castlevania older linear style so id probably like this. And 5-6 hours off of 5 bucks seems very worth it. To bad i dont have a DSi >_<
14 years, 4 months ago
Game play look alright. Personally I would get it, just because of the price on it.
-Alex
14 years, 4 months ago
Wow everything does look exactly like Castlevania, even the character looks like it. Almost makes me wish I felt like upgrading from a DSlite to a DSi... almost
14 years, 4 months ago
That sounds interesting brad that castlevania is going in many different direction of being more puzzle based to allowing up to 4 players at a time in the dungeon i just hope they find a new mechanic that everyone can enjoy with 2-d castlevania
14 years, 4 months ago
Damn, that looks sweet. There's no such thing as too many Metroidvania clones, in my opinion. Between this and Shantae DSi I might need to pick one up... Is the 3DS going to have DSi support as well? Maybe I'll just wait until then.
14 years, 4 months ago
Any dev that does non-poopy sprite graphics these days gets my respect. Hopefully DSiware will be downloadable on the 3DS, because what's the point of buying a DSi now knowing a new DS is on the horizon?
14 years, 4 months ago
I recently bought a DS Lite so I could continue to play GBA games. I have a feeling that this new 4pp feature is going to make me regret that decision.
14 years, 4 months ago
Looks intresting may pick it up
14 years, 4 months ago
Now this fascinates me. I like DSiware, but I was certainly not expecting to see anything resembling MetroidVania come out of it. I currently don't have 500 DSi points, but... I might have to get some. This is just plain cool.
14 years, 4 months ago
looks good to bad i dont have any dsi points
14 years, 4 months ago
Looks pretty interesting. Glad to see this new feature, and can't wait to see what other DSi i've missed.
14 years, 4 months ago
This is probably the greatest thing ever Brad. So many DSiWare games, but it's so hard to figure out which are actually good.
Many thanks on this segment! Looking forward to it!
14 years, 4 months ago
Looks cool, I might try it someday.