Konami is such a tease. As indicated by that tiny video above, a new Castlevania title is set to hit the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. While the idea of the title is brilliant, we have zero clue as to what the title is actually going to consist of aside from a glowing sword and a dude with red eyes.
It’s hard to judge from this teaser, but I’m guessing that this new Castlevania will have monsters, platforms, a whip, probably more than one vampire, and frustratingly difficult gameplay. As indicated by 1UP, it’s hard to ascertain if this will be 2D or 3D. Hopefully, Konami can get the hint that 3D is where dreams come true.
While I’m excited, I’m hoping that the antiquated series will receive a much needed, fully rendered facelift. But, I suppose a traditional foray into the Castlevania universe would be fun as well. What do you guys want? Are you still excited about the prospect of new Castlevania titles?
The most fun I've had with any Castlevania title is when I beat SOTN in Richter mode.
I don't like the womanly men Konami's splatting out lately.
I mean, I never liked Simon's design but i'd rather have him looking like Conan the Barbarian than some fur-wearing prettyboy.
I agree with everyone who's posted in that I would definately play a 2D Castlevania but they would really have to wow me if I'm to even consider playing a 3D version.
"Hopefully, Konami can get the hint that 3D is where dreams come true."
If you are saying that they should be trying to make a 3D Castlevania game, then I must respectfully disagree.
The ones they have already made are just not up to par with the 2D ones on gameboy/ds. Now I don't care if they want to have the game in 3D, just as long as it is played on a single plane. 2D gameplay is where the series shines.
Wow, Brad, I have a really hard time agreeing with your opinion on anything it seems.
3D? Have you ever played Castlevania 64? Or LAMEnt of Innocence? Curse of Darkness? Absolutely awful games, all of them. 2D is where it's at, and although everyone is entitled to their opinion, I think you're going to find that you're alone in your hopes on this one.
A next-gen 2D console Castlevania could start a new era for highly-polished 2D games. Remember how Symphony of the Night arrived on the PS1 and how beautiful that was? Now just imagine something of that calibur in this day and age....
"3d all the way" wtf are you kidding. Burn the 3D! 2D for life! A gorgeously hand drawn and beautifully animated at a really high FPS with brilliant colors, in a huge SOTN homage would be fucking amazing in HD.
"Hopefully, Konami can get the hint that 3D is where dreams come true."
Have you ever played a Castlevania game?!? God damn it! I usually just keep my mouth shut when I disagree with opinions that the editors post on the front page, because the internet is already a pretty negative place... but to say that "3D is where dreams come true." in relation to Castlevania indicates that you have no idea what you're talking about. I wish there was a way to just remove posts by specific people from the front page when you log in. Christ on a cracker... this is absolutely retarded.
Ever consider that he accidentally typed 3d instead of 2d? The 2 and 3 keys are awfully close to each other, and it isn't an error that a quick edit of the article would necessarily catch.
If it was intentional, however, shame on Mr. Nicholson. 2d is clearly the way to go with Castlevania, if the previous 3d efforts have been any indication.
As much as I would rather have an amazingly well rendered, SOTN style 2D Castlevania, I have to admit that I actually had a lot of fun with Curse of Darkness. I think eventually someone will figure out how to make a really good 3D Castlevania, but it might be the same way that a room full of monkeys will eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare.
I'd like to second (or whatever number we're on) that 3D for Castlevania would be the worst idea ever. Anyone whose ever played the 3D Castlevanias knows this. 2.5 is fine, I'd love some rearmed style.
@ Azure: I first thought it might've been a typo, but the follow-up on the next paragraph says otherwise.
I am not against the idea of a 3D Castlevania if it's excellent. Lament of Innocent and Curse of Darkness were good, but pretty boring. The map design was repetitive, with the only difference between areas being the wall textures, but the combat system and innocent devils were fun. I liked using the whip more than the swords, but I liked that every sword or axe had its own combo. If they could fix the map designs and slow pacing, it might be great. That trailer, with its CG FMV makes it seem it'll be another 3D title.
I'd much much prefer a high definition 2D Symphony of the Night-styled Castlevania, but I'm not even sure if we'll get that. It seems as if IGA would like that, but doesn't think the time and effort it takes to create that would be worth it considering how low Castlevania games sell as a whole. They do have their passionate fanbase, but it's never been a best seller.
Personally, I'd want Konami to outsource it, with IGA and any other key personnel remaining to produce it. If Vanillaware were asked to develop it, we'd have a gorgeous 2D side scroller like Odin Sphere or Muramasa, if they asked PlatinumGames to develop it, we'd have great level design and combo system. But with IGA in charge, he'd make sure the gothic tone and story-telling was still in place, rather than let it become overtly fantastical or over the top.
...but these are just my dreams, not what I'd imagine to ever happen. ;p
I'm with Necros - as much as I'd love a hi-res 2-D CV on a next-gen console, it's not particularly feasible, so I wouldn't complain too much at a well-made 2.5-D effort. If they want to take another crack at 3-D that's their call, though I'm of the mind that for anything with the "Castlevania" name on it to work in 3-D it would have to remove itself a good distance from many of the series' traditions - that's not necessarily a completely bad thing, but at the same time you have to ask at what point it's really even Castlevania anymore.
3D is where dreams come true? I have yet to fall in love with any of the 3D Castlevania titles, whereas just about every 2D game since SotN has been excellent.
If it's not 2D, I will be a sad panda. I always had a vision of a 2D platformer/RPG hybrid and thought it would make for the most amazing games ever. Then I played Portrait of Ruin and found out I was completely right.
I've tried the 3D Castlevanias, and they weren't good. At all. If this is 2.5D, I'll live, but if it's 3D, I don't expect much good to come of it.
I think 2D would be cool, but at the same time, they've been doing 2D right for a loooong time. I think it's about time they started doing 3D right as well.
I'd love to see another 2d Catslevania, but I must be honest and say that redoing 2d games like that aren't gonna take the series forward, into more gamers favourite lists.
Also what none of you guys are asking is the bigger question, of why Konami still fail to not make a decent 3D Castlevania? I too believe that Konami should change their team or possible outsource this series to give it a reboot, because it seems their 3d design team still are pretty clueless. Must it always be in the past and involve Dracula, dammit Konami. Even a season of Buffy has more vision than that, and I hate that show.
I also think there is something very wrong at the core of Konami, that Kojima can make superb 3D games like ZoE/ZoE2, MGS1/2/3/4, but they still can't get Castlevania right in 3D. If Ubisoft (though french) can bring an old series like Prince of Persia from 2d to 3d, what the hell is Konami's excuse for not managing it with Castlevania, and Konami have been around longer and made more games? Go figure, but I really think its a problem with their teams, since when was the last time we got a rubbish Kojima game? (MGS2 some might say)
Judging by this video, which looks like a PS2 video, I'll keep my mind open out of love for the series, but I don't hold much hope. The game is in sore need of a new decent game engine (try Unreal 3, Konami, you cheap beggars, or even the MGS4 engine), and design wise they have to drop the lame romance with Dracula and Alucard. Castlevania, like Silent Hill badly needs a reboot.
So come on Konami. Why not give us another Castlevania game set in the modern world, not a damn stupid castle? There is no reason why you can't mix the two at all either, in 3d (like DMC. Konami's lack of vision is what has stunted this series in the 2D realm, that while cool ( own all the GBA and DS cuts), is still pretty much not going anywhere (how many times have you been through that vamps home over the years?). Too many times I think. If all Capcom's RE games were set in the same mansion, I would have dropped that series ages ago. Konami seem scared to take this series forward, because vampires are all about Dracula house and nothing else, aren't they? Not.
Its unfortunate that Konami can live off of MGS, DDR and Pro Evo, because they are getting sloppy with Silent Hill and Castlevania.
Sure, I agree that previous 3D Castlevania games haven't been that great, but that's no reason to stop trying them (especially when there's so many good 3D games they can seek inspiration from), and while I love SotN etc, we need something more. Ah, so much Konami still have to learn from Capcom, Sega etc.
Thank you. This is the sort of thinking I'd like to see more of, rather than all this bitching and moaning over one possible interpretation of the writer's words.
"Getting sloppy" with Silent Hill and Castlevania? The best received Silent Hill since part 2 just got released, reinvigorating the series, and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin was incredibly well done, and Order of Ecclesia looks to be continuing that quality (perhaps even moving it up a notch). Hardly sloppy work, if you ask me.
Just because something isn't using the highest graphics technology possible doesn't make it "sloppy". Castlevania (Or "Demon Castle Dracula" in it's original language) is about Dracula's Castle, not about vampires. Not having it be about Dracula's Castle, well they might as well call it something else. A spin-off or something.
Portrait of Ruin used a neat technique to get the characters transported around the world into various locations outside the castle. Still "sloppy"? You make it sound as though you never played these games or know anything about it.
Castlevania usually has had a "gothic" style. They tried an anime look for a few games, but seem to be returning to the gothic look with Order of Ecclesia. The design of the game is very popular, and to make a drastic change would probably jar fans even worse than the anime-inspired designs did. What do you want? Master Chief with a whip?
And by the way, you've clearly never played Dawn of Sorrow either, which took place in the future and starred Soma Cruz, who inherited the dark powers of Dracula, and did not, in fact, have Dracula in the game at all.
More 2d would be nice, but Castlevania for home consoles needs major surgery. Take a look at DMC and Bayonetta if you are unsure where to take things Konami.
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Contest:
10:07 AM on 10.10.2008
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Give me 2D or give me death!
2d all the way!
I don't like the womanly men Konami's splatting out lately.
I mean, I never liked Simon's design but i'd rather have him looking like Conan the Barbarian than some fur-wearing prettyboy.
If you are saying that they should be trying to make a 3D Castlevania game, then I must respectfully disagree.
The ones they have already made are just not up to par with the 2D ones on gameboy/ds. Now I don't care if they want to have the game in 3D, just as long as it is played on a single plane. 2D gameplay is where the series shines.
Surely you can't be serious...
So what was the last 2D castlevania game you played that you DIDN'T enjoy? You make it sound like it sucks 2D.
...for shame
This has to be a typo.. It's almost like trying to vote Bush in for a 3rd term.
We've seen what 3D Castlevania is, and it's SHIT.
2d ALL THE WAY!!!
No. Not now, not ever.
YESSSSSSSS
3D? Have you ever played Castlevania 64? Or LAMEnt of Innocence? Curse of Darkness? Absolutely awful games, all of them. 2D is where it's at, and although everyone is entitled to their opinion, I think you're going to find that you're alone in your hopes on this one.
One can dream! T_T
I feel like even if they make a really good 3D game in general, it (probably) wouldn't feel like a Castlevania game.
Have you ever played a Castlevania game?!? God damn it! I usually just keep my mouth shut when I disagree with opinions that the editors post on the front page, because the internet is already a pretty negative place... but to say that "3D is where dreams come true." in relation to Castlevania indicates that you have no idea what you're talking about. I wish there was a way to just remove posts by specific people from the front page when you log in. Christ on a cracker... this is absolutely retarded.
If it was intentional, however, shame on Mr. Nicholson. 2d is clearly the way to go with Castlevania, if the previous 3d efforts have been any indication.
3D is not where it's at.
Is it really such a bad thing that they may want to make a good 3D Castlevania? Its not like it will stop them from making a bajillion more 2D games.
My favourite is SOTN. I liked the RPG elements and all the items you could find.
I'd like a decent 3D castlevania game.. but I doubt this is the one that everyone who loves Castlevania will love.
Just my foresight.
Although, this thread has already beat you over the skull for this thought (and rightly so), I wanted to contribute my own bit of hatred:
I hope to God you're talking about 2.5D. I really think you need to come back to this thread and explain yourself.
I am not against the idea of a 3D Castlevania if it's excellent. Lament of Innocent and Curse of Darkness were good, but pretty boring. The map design was repetitive, with the only difference between areas being the wall textures, but the combat system and innocent devils were fun. I liked using the whip more than the swords, but I liked that every sword or axe had its own combo. If they could fix the map designs and slow pacing, it might be great. That trailer, with its CG FMV makes it seem it'll be another 3D title.
I'd much much prefer a high definition 2D Symphony of the Night-styled Castlevania, but I'm not even sure if we'll get that. It seems as if IGA would like that, but doesn't think the time and effort it takes to create that would be worth it considering how low Castlevania games sell as a whole. They do have their passionate fanbase, but it's never been a best seller.
Personally, I'd want Konami to outsource it, with IGA and any other key personnel remaining to produce it. If Vanillaware were asked to develop it, we'd have a gorgeous 2D side scroller like Odin Sphere or Muramasa, if they asked PlatinumGames to develop it, we'd have great level design and combo system. But with IGA in charge, he'd make sure the gothic tone and story-telling was still in place, rather than let it become overtly fantastical or over the top.
...but these are just my dreams, not what I'd imagine to ever happen. ;p
You made a classic blunder. Mentioning 3D and Castlevania in the same sentence. FEAR THE BACKLASH!
2D ftw.
I've tried the 3D Castlevanias, and they weren't good. At all. If this is 2.5D, I'll live, but if it's 3D, I don't expect much good to come of it.
I'd love to see another 2d Catslevania, but I must be honest and say that redoing 2d games like that aren't gonna take the series forward, into more gamers favourite lists.
Also what none of you guys are asking is the bigger question, of why Konami still fail to not make a decent 3D Castlevania? I too believe that Konami should change their team or possible outsource this series to give it a reboot, because it seems their 3d design team still are pretty clueless. Must it always be in the past and involve Dracula, dammit Konami. Even a season of Buffy has more vision than that, and I hate that show.
I also think there is something very wrong at the core of Konami, that Kojima can make superb 3D games like ZoE/ZoE2, MGS1/2/3/4, but they still can't get Castlevania right in 3D. If Ubisoft (though french) can bring an old series like Prince of Persia from 2d to 3d, what the hell is Konami's excuse for not managing it with Castlevania, and Konami have been around longer and made more games? Go figure, but I really think its a problem with their teams, since when was the last time we got a rubbish Kojima game? (MGS2 some might say)
Judging by this video, which looks like a PS2 video, I'll keep my mind open out of love for the series, but I don't hold much hope. The game is in sore need of a new decent game engine (try Unreal 3, Konami, you cheap beggars, or even the MGS4 engine), and design wise they have to drop the lame romance with Dracula and Alucard. Castlevania, like Silent Hill badly needs a reboot.
So come on Konami. Why not give us another Castlevania game set in the modern world, not a damn stupid castle? There is no reason why you can't mix the two at all either, in 3d (like DMC. Konami's lack of vision is what has stunted this series in the 2D realm, that while cool ( own all the GBA and DS cuts), is still pretty much not going anywhere (how many times have you been through that vamps home over the years?). Too many times I think. If all Capcom's RE games were set in the same mansion, I would have dropped that series ages ago. Konami seem scared to take this series forward, because vampires are all about Dracula house and nothing else, aren't they? Not.
Its unfortunate that Konami can live off of MGS, DDR and Pro Evo, because they are getting sloppy with Silent Hill and Castlevania.
Sure, I agree that previous 3D Castlevania games haven't been that great, but that's no reason to stop trying them (especially when there's so many good 3D games they can seek inspiration from), and while I love SotN etc, we need something more. Ah, so much Konami still have to learn from Capcom, Sega etc.
Anyone disagree, please reply. I'm all ears.
Thank you. This is the sort of thinking I'd like to see more of, rather than all this bitching and moaning over one possible interpretation of the writer's words.
"Getting sloppy" with Silent Hill and Castlevania? The best received Silent Hill since part 2 just got released, reinvigorating the series, and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin was incredibly well done, and Order of Ecclesia looks to be continuing that quality (perhaps even moving it up a notch). Hardly sloppy work, if you ask me.
Just because something isn't using the highest graphics technology possible doesn't make it "sloppy". Castlevania (Or "Demon Castle Dracula" in it's original language) is about Dracula's Castle, not about vampires. Not having it be about Dracula's Castle, well they might as well call it something else. A spin-off or something.
Portrait of Ruin used a neat technique to get the characters transported around the world into various locations outside the castle. Still "sloppy"? You make it sound as though you never played these games or know anything about it.
Castlevania usually has had a "gothic" style. They tried an anime look for a few games, but seem to be returning to the gothic look with Order of Ecclesia. The design of the game is very popular, and to make a drastic change would probably jar fans even worse than the anime-inspired designs did. What do you want? Master Chief with a whip?
And by the way, you've clearly never played Dawn of Sorrow either, which took place in the future and starred Soma Cruz, who inherited the dark powers of Dracula, and did not, in fact, have Dracula in the game at all.
No offense, but... do some reasearch, man.
Still no replies to my post, lol.
if they could just get the environments right they would be golden...
however all that said I, like everyone else would rather have a 2D console Castlevania with graphics of Guilty Gear quality instead
3D castlevania could work, you haven't seen anything yet at least give them the benefit of the doubt. IT worked with metroid prime! Think about it...