The other game I'm reviewing this week is Castlevania Judgement, a game I was sure would be shit. The whole concept of a Wii-exclusive Castlevania fighter just screams "cheap cash-in", and that's the last thing Wii owners need at this point. Or so I thought, until I actually played the final build of CJ. This game is a cheap cash-in, but it's also a well crafted one. It's arguably a better one-on-one brawler than the original Power Stone, and the online features are generally better than those found in Brawl.
Here's a quick run down of my impressions thus far-
*The games cut scenes have little to no animation, and are the stupidest looking thing I've seen in a videogame since Time Stalkers. I love them.
* The game plays a lot like a 3D version of Castle Crashers. Blocking, breaking the guard of your opponent, using items, and scoring combos via the almighty button mash all factor heavily into the second-to-second proceedings. Too bad this is (for the most part) a one-on-one fighter and not a beat 'em up.
* Online is smooth. No lag. There is also the option to add random people you meet to a "rivals" list so you can find them for future fights.
* All the characters play vastly different. Most of them feel like the Castlevania characters they are based on. Dracula teleports around and shoots fireballs at you. Simon kicks ass at throwing bommerangs, etc.
* The game looks almsot as good a SC2 on the GC.
* The motion controls are actually a little better than the GC or CC controls.
* The super moves do about 50% damage, but are blockable and have huge start up times.
* Camilla has bigger boobs than Ivy
In closing, CJ is a game many will like, and a few will love. If Soul Calibur and Street Fighter are too tame for you, it's not impossible to think you could actually prefer CJ to either of those series. This is a game that's probably best appreciated by those who got sick of fighting games when they got too hard to control. The game isn't easy, as it takes experience to develop effective, game winning strategies, but it doesn't take much technical skill. Anyone from your 3 year old little brother to you 90 year old Grandma could pull of combos and super moves in CJ. It's your head that wins matches in this game, not your hands.
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That is shocking. It doesn't suck?
Meh, if you say so. You'll have to excuse me while I continue to mock and ridicule a game that is Castlevania in names only.
That's just it though Demtor, this is a Castlevania game. Simon plays like Simon from the games, as does Alurard and Dracula. All the traditional Castlevania weapons are there, as are the "II" and "III" power-ups.
If they had stuck the camera in a fixed position and made this a side scroller, it would really feel like a Castlevania game, more so than most other 3D Castlevanias.
But they didn't do that Jonathan Holmes. Its a 3D fighting game, not a 2D action platformer.
I must have played a different version of it at E3, then ;)
I was going to write it off, seeing that I'd rather have Konami focus on a good console Castlevania game and not a fighting one, but your write-up intrigues me. Hmmmm...if I have b-day money left over after buying my 360 120GB HDD, I may have to pick this up.
$1 for an HJ
$2 for a BJ
$5 for a CJ
Whats a CJ? Honey, if you hafta ask, you can't afford it.
Sorry couldn't resist
@ Colette- Yeah, CJ has been vastly upgraded since the E3. It's still far from perfect, but it doesn't actively suck anymore.
The E3 build of the game really, really sucked. I met IGA right after playing it, which made for more than a couple awkward moments.
@ Random- You are right, sir. Trust me, CJ wont be getting a 10/10 from me. That being said, the fact that its fun enough that I want it to have more modes is a sign that the game is worth something.
I was not pining for Soul Calibur Legends to have more modes, because that game was inherantly crappy. After E3, I was expecting CJ to be a similar shit. So far, it aint.
Clearly Castlevania because... he has a whip... ?
I am keeping in mind that you are familiar with Castlevania.
Maybe I'll rent it and try it out myself.
I only like it cause the character designs are by same person who drew DeathNote. But then he had to screw up Shanoa's look.
@ Demtor- Yeah, some of the designs for this game really suck. Simon, Grant, Maria, and Dracula are probably the worst off. Camilla, the Golem and Trevor look pretty cool though. Everyone else is just sort of average.
But in motion, they all look a lot better. Some of the moves in this moves are pretty clever, and almost all of them are fun to look at.
@ Bullseye- Renting is the perfect way to go. I can't think of anyone on the planet who I would tell to buy this game without playing it first.
And I do love Castlevania, at least, 2D Castlevania.
.. What? I'm not going to say it sucks because I have yet to play it and see for myself (I'm not one to judge games until I play them). But I am a bit surprised that someone says it isn't bad when most people said it would be.
@JH - Yeah, I'll give you that much in that they probably do look better in motion. There is something that can be said for iconic body movements throughout all CV games, 3D fighting or not.
Throwing holy water or a cross for example. Always has that weird arm pump I love, hehe. Or when you do a super spell of some sort and you float in the air, clenched fists drawn back and chest pumped forward. Always fun to see. Hell, the whip attack alone in some of the games has a very iconic feel to it.
Cornell FTW.
I'm genuinely relieved that this is turning out decent, as I feared it'd be another Killer Instinct Gold fiasco all over again. I swear I was the only person on the entire planet that liked it.
@ Demtor- Your likely going to like the game's supers, but maybe a little dissappointed with some of the other animations. They are a little more over the top than your standard 2D Castlevania.
@ Funky- Yeah, Cornell is pretty kick ass. Now I want Legacy of Darkness 2, which is something I thought I'd never say.
Camilla has bigger boobs than Ivy
I wish I could trust you on this, Holmes. My mind says no, but my heart says it's a 1) 3D Castlevania 2) fighting game 3) for Wii. Which is also a no.
And why do fighting games still sell at $50-$60?
I still have my deep doubts about this game. Definite rental before purchase.
@ King- Thank you. The more scanners in my life, the better.
@ Vest and Tiger- I hear you 100%. Rent this sucker then tell me what you think.
I'm deeply considering buying this as my lack of Wii titles is amazing right now. (Only SSBB and Mario Kart.) - And I've been in the mood for a good fighting game while waiting for Street Fighter 4 (Played the CRAP out of Soul Calibur 4...)
I'll probably pick it up. :)
Doesn't suck?
A LIKELY STORY.
I won't believe your lies Mr. Jonathan.
I'm glad the graphics almsot stack up. :P
I always said we should wait and see, as Konami haven't done a fighting game since Kensei on PS1. If its as good as said here, that's more good news for Wii owners.
If I had a Wii, I'd play and buy this game.
My one major concern was the camera. Power Stone 'solved' that problem by placing it at an isometric angle.
Is that a problem in the final game? Is it a big enough problem that you want to stab your eyes out, or is it manageable?
I suppose it's not too bad if you go into it with Power Stone on the mind, but if you're expecting a fighter in the vein of Soul Calibur and the like, you're going to be severely disappointed. The fighting mechanics are only really satisfying if you don't expect too much depth from them. It might be sort of a nice party game, and the online stuff is going to give it a bit of longevity, but if you're expecting to play solo much, I'd pass.
As for the camera, it's all over the place. You can get used to it after awhile, but it's never really all that great.