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DS | Adventure | Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

Boxart for Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin 24 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.50
  • SOUND: 4.50
  • CONTROL: 4.50
  • FUN FACTOR 4.50
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.6
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 4.3
Winner of the GamePro Editor's Choice Award

First Look: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

First Look by Mike Weigand | 08/24/2006 | 09:54:59 AM PST

The latest chapter in Konami's vampire-hunting saga will emphasize teamwork and strategy.

Just as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man had their anniversaries, Konami will celebrate the 20th year of one of their most enduring franchises in 2006-Castlevania. Portrait of Ruin is the name of the latest adventure for the whip-toting, vampire-killing Belmont family, and the 2D DS title promises to be a doozy-for longtime fans and gamers on the go.

The story stays in form with the Castlevania lineage. During World War II, two vampire sisters attempt to revive Dracula, and have created a series of paintings that lead to alternate netherworlds. However, those expecting a lengthy quest in a massive dungeon will find plenty of diversity, as several stages are set in the great outdoors. "Sandy Grave," for instance, took place in the desert sands of Egypt, complete with mummies and other desert monsters.

It Takes Two

In an innovative twist, Portrait will feature two vampire killers: Jonathan Morris (descendant of John who was one of the characters from Bloodlines for the Sega Genesis) and Charlotte Orlean, a new character for the series. Morris attacks with the traditional Belmont whip and secondary weapons, while Orlean totes around her big book of spells that she can reference to stop time, create shields, and focus energy into massive fireballs and other attacks.


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