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How Metascores Are Calculated
85
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The year is 2036, one year after the events of "Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow." Soma Cruz finds himself at the center of a mysterious cult's plan to resurrect their evil lord and master Dracula. In order to save himself and protect the lives of those he loves, Soma must infiltrate the enemy's home base, a towering replica of Dracula's castle that is teaming with monstrous creatures. Defeat foes with the "Magic Seal" system using the touch screen. Exchange souls with other players via the DS wireless connection. Features an incredible musical score, next-gen graphics & stunning special effects. [Konami]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Gaming Age
Controls are dead on, giving the gamer the feeling of knowing that any mistakes made in the game are the fault of the gamer themselves, not the controls.
 100
G4 TV
Dawn of Sorrow has everything that makes the Castlevania series great: excellent platforming, exquisite level and puzzle design, gorgeous 2D graphics, and fantastic sound.
100
AceGamez
Though more touch screen functionality would have been preferable, or maybe even a bit of microphone-influenced play, at least there are options to connect to other players wirelessly for some trading or versus play.
96
eToychest
The game is extremely rewarding, and would be for anyone – whether they’ve played Aria or Sorrow or not, or even if they have never played a Castlevania title previously. This is a must-own title for any Nintendo DS owner.
95
Deeko
Perhaps the finest game in the Castlevania canon and the unique use of the Nintendo DS touch screen, while certainly something of a gimmick, is an entertaining twist to an already entertaining series.
95
GameZone
Bigger, tougher, meaner, and more next-gen. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow fills every part of the Nintendo DS's two-inch screen with new bosses, levels, and dozens of backdrops that are drop-dead gorgeous.
95
Play Magazine
This is the kind of game worth buying a DS for. [Oct 2005]
95
NintendoWorldReport
Dawn of Sorrow matches and in some cases exceeds the quality of "Symphony of the Night" in almost every way. Yet the two games have their own styles and features, so the newest addition to the series is in no way redundant with its legendary forebear. [JPN Import]
95
PGNx Media
The modernized graphics, outstanding sound package, solid gameplay, and cute use of the Nintendo DS makes for a very compelling game.
94
N-Insanity
Dawn of Sorrow is easily the killer app of the system’s short existence. If you own a DS, you must go out and buy this game. It’s more than worth your money.
93
Game Informer
Its sublime mix of puzzles, great bosses, perfectly paced exploration, and enormous variety make this an utterly amazing adventure. [Nov 2005, p.176]
93
IGN
Clearly one of the best Castlevania games in the series, and an absolutely top-notch, beautiful, and most importantly, fun DS game that doesn't try to push a lot of unnecessary touch-screen "gimmicks."
93
Gamer 2.0
Offers the same classic style of previous Castlevania titles, replete with the outrageous bosses, fitting game areas, puzzle solving and platforming aspects which are perfectly harmonious with the new soul-gathering and returning level-gaining aspects of the series.
93
Console Gameworld
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is easily one of the greatest the series has to offer, building on the excellence of the GBA outings while maintaining the level of quality expected since the series' first debut 20 years ago.
93
Just RPG
To my surprise, Dawn of Sorrow struck all the right chords and never hit a sour note. It's deep, it's gorgeous, but most of all, it's a fun excuse to smack the tar out of stuff.
92
Gamezilla!
The game has a strong storyline and screams play me.
92
Gamer's Hell
Whether you’ve repeatedly played through the Castlevania catalogue since the first game, or never before, Dawn of Sorrow is both a fabulous series ambassador and also one of the best Nintendo DS titles available.
92
BonusStage
Not only did it bring back memories of the fun I had playing the original Castlevania games on my NES, but the inclusion of so much extra content past the game’s story mode really makes this one of the stronger titles available.
91
Pelit (Finland)
Instead of "Dawn of Sorrow" the subtitle could have been "A Good Reason to Buy DS." [Nov 2005]
91
Worth Playing
The most complete 2D Castlevania game to date. Gorgeous graphics and compelling music combine with exciting exploration and combat to form a great action experience on the Nintendo DS.
91
GameShark
I love the music, the graphics, and the gameplay. If you did not have enough reasons to buy a Nintendo DS, this would be it.
90
Games Radar
Buy this immediately, and witness why a billion polygons a nanosecond will always take a backseat to rock solid craftsmanship.
90
Gamenikki
With the tremendous gameplay that is the franchise's hallmark, beautiful graphics and animation, a fantastic soundtrack, and the kind of replay value that makes the phrase "bang for your buck" even more cliche than it already is, it's not even a stretch to consider it one of, if not the best game overall for the Nintendo DS.
90
DarkStation
After the impressive Aria of Sorrow comes yet another hit sequel, with a deep character upgrade system, solid combat and slick presentation.
90
Next Level Gaming
Dawn of Sorrow is what is right about Castlevania. And it's what the Nintendo DS should be doing in it's games, rather than trying to be something it's not.
90
My Gamer
This game represents 2D gaming at its finest and shouldn’t missed by anyone. Yes, the touch screen implementation kind of hinders gameplay, but Dawn of Sorrow is still one of best, if not the best, Castlevania game to date.
90
GamingTrend
Dawn of Sorrow can be expected to last between 10 and 20 hours and quite a bit longer than that for those completionists out there. That's a heck of a lot of game for $30.
90
Thunderbolt
It reintroduces us to an antihero on a quest for personal salvation, a cast of memorable characters, massive levels, remarkable gameplay, and one of the best presentations that the DS has to offer. It’s that kind of combination that makes for a truly excellent experience.
90
EuroGamer
It's not that it relies on a healthy suspension of disbelief to overcome its contrived elements; it's about bringing order to foggy chaos. This, it does with aplomb.
90
Cheat Code Central
The only slight knock I can level at DoS is the incessant backtracking and repetitive soul collecting that is really ONLY necessary if you want to strive for the best endings to earn the best unlockables.
90
Nintendo Power
If the graphics and sound aren't engrossing enough to draw you in, the intriguing story and exhilarating action should be. [Nov 2005, p.104]
90
1UP
Unquestionably the best portable Castlevania to date; in fact, it's the best entry in the series since the much-vaunted "Symphony."
90
GameSpy
I like the lay of Dawn of Sorrow's land, and the soul mechanic is great; however, with the inferior character design and ho-hum touch-screen features, this isn't the be-all end-all of portable Castlevania. Regardless, it is a must-have for all action fans, and kicks the ever-loving crap out of any other action/platformer on the DS.
90
N-Europe
A classic game. Entering a big castle, defeating monsters, and killing giant bosses. We did it all before, but it rarely was as fun as in this game.
90
GamePro
There are some awkward moments, but it shouldn't come as much of a shock that Dawn of Sorrow is otherwise wonderfully refined and enjoyable. [Nov 2005, p.132]
90
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Responsive controls; beautiful, crisp 2D graphics; and old-fashioned gameplay that'll keep you up way past your bed-time. [Nov 2005, p.158]
89
GameSpot
While it doesn't do much to distinguish itself as the first Castlevania on the DS, the updated look, excellent music, and added controls help to refine the series even further. The bottom line is: Whether you're familiar with the series or not, you can't go wrong with Dawn of Sorrow.
88
Nintendojo
2D gaming fans of all sorts will enjoy Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow immensely.
85
PALGN
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more engaging or enjoyable game of this kind. Not unless you dig through back to the SNES days.
85
RPG Fan
If you liked "Aria of Sorrow," pick up DoS. If not, steer clear.
83
Game Revolution
This is another fun, solid entry in what’s quickly becoming the most dependable series in handheld gaming. To truly become an unstoppable power, however, it will also have to become the most daring.
83
Nintendophiles
It seems Konami could have made better use of the touch screen feature on the DS, and also taken a few more liberties with innovative game play.
80
Yahoo! Games
A great experience, although it suffers from a lack of innovation. Gameplay is all too familiar, and the new additions feel quite superficial. Having the best part hidden away as an unlockable doesn't help matters.
80
Modojo
A delightful trip through a macabre fun house full of blood and assorted horrors that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys playing games, that is, unless you're just sick of 2D Castlevania.
80
Siliconera
It is clear that Dawn of Sorrow originally started out as a GBA title. It plays more like an advanced GBA game instead of a full fledged DS title.
80
games(TM)
A great game, despite the gimmicks and déjà vu... Those familiar with earlier GBA incarnations may be appalled at Konami’s flagrant re-use of almost every sprite from the last game here, with almost no changes at all. [Nov 2005, p.94]
80
Computer Games Magazine
one of the best-looking and wide-open Castlevanias since the series began. [Dec p.93]
80
GameCritics
It may not be very original or innovative when compared to the rest of the games in the series, but Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow succeeds in bringing a similar level of polish and quality to the Nintendo DS.
80
Gamestyle
The concept as a whole may be heading ever closer to the clichéd but once you actually start playing, it is nigh on impossible to not feel the Castlevania magic taking you over.
75
Detroit Free Press
I also dislike the anime style of the characters, a confusing departure from the series' goth style.
70
NTSC-uk
Perhaps it is time for the series to evolve again rather than looking inward, just as it did nearly a decade ago when SotN was unleashed on an unsuspecting world. [JPN Import]
70
Edge Magazine
Core game play remains largely undeveloped from Symphony Of The Night, and, despite the additions, is aspirational rather than inspirational. It’s certainly the best handheld Castlevania game, but Igarashi’s team is too dedicated to the framework he masterminded for this to be anything innovatory. [Nov 2005, p.108]
Nate B. gave it a10: Johnny D. gave it a9: Isaac S. gave it a10: Reviewer Rev gave it a9: Jay G. gave it a9: JF P. gave it a9: Mark S. gave it an8: |
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