When I heard that a new, exclusive Castlevania game was coming out for the Wii, I think I may have pushed down a random old lady in excitement. Once I heard that it would be a 3D fighting game, I think I found that same old lady and pushed her down again, this time in anger. “Castlevania is not supposed to be a fighting game!” I exclaimed as the poor elderly woman collapsed into a nearby mud puddle.

Sadly, these first official screens from Konami aren’t helping to change my mind. Sure, some of the weapons and magic effects look kind of cool (I especially love the 2D pumpkins!), but with gorgeous and perfectly controlled fighting games like Virtua Fighter and Soul Calibur out there, what makes Castlevania Judgment so special?

Maybe I am being too harsh. Maybe once I play the game next week at E3, I will be pleasantly surprised. If the game plays great, I will be the first to admit I was wrong. Graphics aren’t the only things that matter, right? Right?

Take a gander at all the screens in the below gallery and let us know what you think. Are you excited that the Castlevania series is trying something new, or should the old ladies of the world watch their backs?

[Via GoNintendo]