The Castlevania Dominus Collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Castlevania franchise, offering a meticulously curated selection of some of the best action RPG experiences from the Nintendo DS era, along with a surprise inclusion that has delighted fans.
The Core Games
At the heart of this collection are three standout titles: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, and Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. These games, originally released on the Nintendo DS, have been elegantly translated to modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
- Dawn of Sorrow: This game follows Soma, who can absorb enemy souls to gain new abilities and attacks. The cult’s mansion serves as the primary setting, offering a rich environment for exploration and combat.
- Portrait of Ruin: Here, you control Jonathan and Charlotte as they navigate through paintings to seal away bosses. The game features puzzles and situations that require switching between the two characters, adding a layer of complexity and variety.
- Order of Ecclesia: This title stands out with its Gothic artwork and serious tone. Shinoa, a member of the Order of Ecclesia, embarks on a journey to stop Dracula, utilizing a glyph system that adds depth to the gameplay. The game's design and story make its endings particularly impactful.
Touchscreen Adaptations and Additional Features
The touchscreen features from the DS games have been seamlessly adapted for modern consoles. Functions like magic seals and touchscreen interactions are now handled via buttons or an on-screen cursor, which can be adjusted for speed. The Switch version, in particular, benefits from a layout that includes multiple screens, showing the map and character details without compromising visuals. Players can also customize the screen layout to their preference.
Haunted Castle and Its Remake
A delightful bonus in the collection is the inclusion of Haunted Castle, a 1988 arcade title, along with its remake, Haunted Castle Revisited. The original game, while not as well-known, has been revamped with smoother controls and cleaner stage design, making it surprisingly enjoyable. The remake retains the classic feel of the original but with modern enhancements, such as the ability to upgrade the whip and use sub-weapons.
Performance and Quality
The Castlevania Dominus Collection is praised for its pristine performance and enhanced presentation. The involvement of M2 in the porting process has ensured that the games run flawlessly on modern consoles. Additional features like rewind, quick saves, and the ability to switch between regional versions of each title make this collection definitive.
Overall Experience
This compilation is a must-play for fans of the Castlevania series and action RPG enthusiasts. The DS games hold up incredibly well, and the inclusion of Haunted Castle Revisited adds a fun and nostalgic element. The collection's focus on classic game design, level design, and boss design, integrated into the non-linear Metroidvania structure, makes it a standout in the series.
In summary, the Castlevania Dominus Collection is a masterful compilation that showcases the best of the Castlevania franchise, offering a blend of classic gameplay, innovative mechanics, and modern conveniences that make it an essential purchase for any gamer.
