Konami just revealed the latest and greatest reason to own a PSP, bringing the official count up to... 6. This one's huge, kids -- break out your whips and get ready for Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles, announced today at Konami Gamers' Day.
Those of you familiar with the Castlevania saga are already aware of Dracula X: Rondo of Blood, released exclusively in Japan for the PC Engine. Those of you who aren't, say hello to the finest traditional Castlevania game ever made. Rondo takes place chronologically right before Symphony of the Night and featured some truly incredible innovations to the series just prior to Castlevania's Metroidization; swappable characters, branching level paths, and a slew of other additions.
If you're thinking "Dang, I wish I could've played that!", you're in luck. Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles is a 2.5d remake of Rondo set to release for the PSP in September of 2007, finally allowing us grubby Americans a proper shot at the title. In an unparalleled feat of bonus awesome, Konami has also included a straight-up port of Symphony of the Night in the game, completing the saga of Richter Belmont in a single package and officially solidifying their title as the best developer in the history of gaming.
Just read the article...
"And, for good measure, a straight port of Symphony of the Night, featuring full-screen graphics and a touched-up localization. Sorry, kitch addicts -- no more scenery-chewing here."
If it doesn't have that "what do you hear?" line, I shall be sorely disapointed.
I love castlevania in all its forms but this is a travesty!
Seriously why did they have to make a horrible psuedo-3D game instead of the 2D sprites? It didnt make Ghosts and Goblins look much better.
Im sure the video quality doesnt help, but I think that this new version of Dracula X does a terrible job of portraying just how excellent this game is (or should I say was).
It is weird that the PSP gets 2.5D remakes filled with extras while the DS gets new 2D games.
It is easy to say that the PSP is stronger than the DS but with games like Mario Hoops, Dragon Quest 9, FF3 and some others we see that the kind of 2.5D Maverick Hunter X, MM Powered Up, this Rondo remake and Ghouls and Ghosts showed can be very well handled by the DS, then why they make it for PSP that will sell less and give new property to the DS?
I believe that it is exactly that, because they know a PSP game will sell less than a DS one they stick with the tried and true, remakes, games that already owned our hearts with a 3D touch, extras to fill up those huge UMD´s and they keep the new stuff to release to a broader audience, knowing that a sleeper hit on the DS sells the same a a PSP remake.
I know i stepped on the toe of the PSP owners here but that´s my two cents.
Why do I suddenly have a desire to (grudgingly) buy a PSP? It's nowhere near the level of a DS, yet it seems like after 2 years, it's finally got some worthwhile games.
Still, if the original Rondo of Blood doesn't make an appearance on the Virtual Console, you can count on me starting a riot. If it's Japan only...well, maybe it's time for me to import a Wii.
Some of you seem confused - this game will have:
Rondo of Blood 2.5D remake
SOTN cleaned up to fit widescreen
AND
the original Rondo of Blood with 2D sprites - three games (kinda)
Awesome and Already Out:
-Lumines 1 & 2
-Every Extend Extra
-LocoRoco
-Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
-Killzone: Liberation
-Tekken: Dark Resurrection
-Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
-Daxter
Pretty Good and Already Out:
-Twisted Metal: Head On
-Wipeout Pure
-GTA: Vice City/Liberty City Stories
-Gitaroo Man Lives!
-Sid Meier's PIRATES!
-Virtua Tennis World Tour
-MegaMan Powered Up
-Metal Gear Ac!d 1 & 2
-Monster Hunter Portable
Upcoming (possible) System Sellers:
-Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles
-Capcom Puzzle World
-Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
-Chili Con Carnage
-Dead Head Fred
-Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters
-Puzzle Quest: Challenge of Warlords
-FF7: Crisis Core
-Crush
-Cube
Fucksticks. After this is released, what am I going to make fun of the PSP for? This throws the balance all out of whack. I can see some PSP owner now: "Soooo. Your DS only gets those new Castlevania games with the crappy anime character art. I got Dracula X Chronicles, biznatch."
And then I'll have to run away sobbing. Or break down and get a PSP. Well, it was a Castlevania game that finally got me to buy a DS, it seems fitting.
Wow! A game I would like to get on the PSP!! If only Sony smartened up and lowered the PSP's price, then I would buy one. The other hyped games don't interest me though Since I've played them all on my PS1 and 2 years ago.
-> DinnertimeNinja: Bump up gitaroo man to "awesome", add DJmax portable in there for good measure and stick in mercury meltdown and FF:T as possible system sellers(tales of eternia, breath of fire 3 and valkyrie chronicles added to "good", if you like awesome ps1 RPG remakes).
I hate to admit it, but it looks like the abortion has been ressurected. Hopefully zombie style, with brain eating kick ass action.
PSP kicks ass now, was collecting dust but with the new firmware and psx emulator, I'm getting my 32-bit groove back. I'm starting with SOTN and Alundra. I think my Wii will feel the neglect!!
No! It wasn't supposed to be like this! I want this so badly, yet I don't want to own any of Sony's game consoles. I'm so, so confused right now. *cries*
Damn it Nex beat me to it. But I hate how they made Behemoth so crappy in 3D.BTW Symphony of the Night is an extra because with out Rondo the only thing you'll get is an old game on a small screen.
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
..Though rondo does look pretty good on it..
"And, for good measure, a straight port of Symphony of the Night, featuring full-screen graphics and a touched-up localization. Sorry, kitch addicts -- no more scenery-chewing here."
If it doesn't have that "what do you hear?" line, I shall be sorely disapointed.
Maybe I'll play my PSP again.
Or if there's a price cut i'll think about buying one.
Seriously why did they have to make a horrible psuedo-3D game instead of the 2D sprites? It didnt make Ghosts and Goblins look much better.
Im sure the video quality doesnt help, but I think that this new version of Dracula X does a terrible job of portraying just how excellent this game is (or should I say was).
I fear he is gone to a better place....
I personally think this is awesome, and making me itch for a PSP even more.
Damn do I want one.
Very sorry to all those who like crummy polygonal graphics
:P
It is easy to say that the PSP is stronger than the DS but with games like Mario Hoops, Dragon Quest 9, FF3 and some others we see that the kind of 2.5D Maverick Hunter X, MM Powered Up, this Rondo remake and Ghouls and Ghosts showed can be very well handled by the DS, then why they make it for PSP that will sell less and give new property to the DS?
I believe that it is exactly that, because they know a PSP game will sell less than a DS one they stick with the tried and true, remakes, games that already owned our hearts with a 3D touch, extras to fill up those huge UMD´s and they keep the new stuff to release to a broader audience, knowing that a sleeper hit on the DS sells the same a a PSP remake.
I know i stepped on the toe of the PSP owners here but that´s my two cents.
Lets see:
This game
Daxter
Syphon Filter DM
MGS:PO
Ultimate G&G
Ratchet and Clank:SM
Loco Roco
What am I missing?
Don't forget Final Fantasy Tactics, Crisis Core, Killzone Liberation and capcom puzzle world.
Still, if the original Rondo of Blood doesn't make an appearance on the Virtual Console, you can count on me starting a riot. If it's Japan only...well, maybe it's time for me to import a Wii.
Rondo of Blood 2.5D remake
SOTN cleaned up to fit widescreen
AND
the original Rondo of Blood with 2D sprites - three games (kinda)
As for what else TheBrain is missing: Lumines!
Awesome and Already Out:
-Lumines 1 & 2
-Every Extend Extra
-LocoRoco
-Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
-Killzone: Liberation
-Tekken: Dark Resurrection
-Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
-Daxter
Pretty Good and Already Out:
-Twisted Metal: Head On
-Wipeout Pure
-GTA: Vice City/Liberty City Stories
-Gitaroo Man Lives!
-Sid Meier's PIRATES!
-Virtua Tennis World Tour
-MegaMan Powered Up
-Metal Gear Ac!d 1 & 2
-Monster Hunter Portable
Upcoming (possible) System Sellers:
-Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles
-Capcom Puzzle World
-Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
-Chili Con Carnage
-Dead Head Fred
-Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters
-Puzzle Quest: Challenge of Warlords
-FF7: Crisis Core
-Crush
-Cube
That enough for you guys?
And then I'll have to run away sobbing. Or break down and get a PSP. Well, it was a Castlevania game that finally got me to buy a DS, it seems fitting.
perhaps when its a Bargin bin game a year from now. ill pick it up just for rondo of Blood
I hate to admit it, but it looks like the abortion has been ressurected. Hopefully zombie style, with brain eating kick ass action.
Not that I care much, I don't have a PSP.