Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

by Konami

• Interact with Castlevania by defeating evil spirits with the Magic Seal system, which utilizes Nintendo DS' touch screen
• Exchange or trade acquired souls with other players via the DS wireless connection
• Continues the storyline that first emerged in the critically acclaimed Castlevania - Aria of Sorrow for Nintendo GameBoy Advance
• Introduces a variety of memorable new characters that help drive an exciting and dramatic storyline
• Includes stunning graphics and special effects, as well as an all-new incredibly moving musical score

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009Z3K9E
• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 5, 2005
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (114 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,848 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #36 in Video Games > Nintendo DS > Games
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

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. Created by award-winning producer Koji Igarashi and the creative team behind the critically acclaimed Castlevania - Aria of Sorrow

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Greatest 2D Castlevania. EVER. October 28, 2005

By Carmilla

Format:Video Game|Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I was greatly impressed by the last GBA Castlevania which was Aria of Sorrow. I even went on to call it the greatest Castlevania of all time. Well, now theres a new king and its the latest for the Nintendo DS.

If youve played the previous game, Aria of Sorrow, then you will be right at home. Everything in Dawn of Sorrow follows Aria very closely. From the maps, enemies, souls, weapons, and graphics. But this time everythings better. The amount of polish in this game is ridiculous. Everything looks, plays, sounds, and acts perfectly. This is one refined game.

The amount of depth to this game is crazy too. From the hundreds of souls you can gather, which is insanely addictive, to the numerous awesome weapons you can forge, this game will keep you item gatherers busy.

And if youre just a casual player then this game has what you want too. A nice story, fun gameplay, and some challenge thrown in for good measure.

Also, sealing the monsters away for good with the stylus is surprisingly fun. It adds a great deal of tension to already tough boss battles. Its such a simple and fun idea that its brilliant.

Right now Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow is the greatest game available for the Nintendo DS. If you have a DS you HAVE to own this game. This is the type of game that you would buy a system or portable for. Its that good.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars castlevania November 30, 2005

By Peneloppe

Format:Video Game

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I never played any of the previous castlevania games so this is my first time. I have to say even without using the stylus much in this DS title, you really appreciate the top screen especially with the persistent map. The castle is huge and that map really helps you to get around to places. It is surprisingly addictive for an adventure game. I find the bosses are not terribly difficult to beat and the game doesn't cause me frustrations due to unbeatble bosses so that is good. The background music as well as graphics is first grade for 2 D. I for one don't like 3 D games as much as 2 D's. But within the realms of 2 D gamss, this has to be one of the best ones out there. Since it is a DS game, the graphics is greatly improved from the GBA games. Everything is beautifully illustrated with details on all monsters and background. ANyway, this game got super high rating on some major gaming websites and magazines and I think it totally earned the rating after playing it for about 2 weeks now. If you love action adventure side scrolling games with great music and graphics then you would love this game. Highly recommanded for everyone, gamers or non-gamers.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Long live 2D games! August 23, 2007

By Jonah Bishop

Format:Video Game|Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow was my first experience in the Castlevania series (even though it dates all the way back to the original NES days). Without a doubt, this is one of the best games available on the Nintendo DS. This classic platformer hearkens back to the gaming days of yore, where ultra-realistic graphics played second fiddle to fun gameplay. And boy is this a fun game!

There are two interesting points about this game, as compared to other similar platform games:

1. When you die, it's "game over." This caught me a little off guard when I started playing (I expected to have another "man" available). Thankfully, you can save your progress at any time via a number of save points throughout the castle; you just have to remember to actually do it (especially after the tough boss battles).

2. There's really only one level. Well, call it one and a half. The castle itself is the primary level, and "The Abyss" is the final (what I'll call) half of a level. Don't get me wrong, however; the castle is gigantic! It will easily take most players 15 to 20 hours to get through this game (possibly even longer; I know it took me a long time to beat).

There are so many abilities (over 100) and items (nearly as many) to pick up throughout the course of the game, that it quickly becomes a completist's dream. Getting 100% soul (ability) collection is really tough, and something I have yet to do. Which makes this game all the sweeter; there's always some goal to reach.

If you live under a rock like I do, and you've never checked out any of the Castlevania games, I highly recommend picking this one up. The sequel to this (Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin) is also fun, but this one takes top billing. Highly recommended for platformer fans!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Handheld Masterpiece October 9, 2005

By Adam L. Safianow

Format:Video Game

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

For those who don't know, or are unfamiliar with the Castlevania series, this is the sequel to the much raved and highly reviewed Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. This takes place a year after Aria of Sorrow has freatures a lot of the same characters, most apparent of which, our lead protagonist, Soma Cruz. Initially assuming his powers he received from the castle in Aria of Sorrow were lost over time, he finds out that he is able to use them when he is in danger. Supposed to be the next Dracula, he refuses the position, and there are people trying to kill him to get their chance at becoming the next Dracula.

This is the first Castlevania on the DS, and it is excecuted very nicely in 2D form. The top screen can be switched from map to character status via select button, and the menus are organized very nicely. There are a lot of nice touches in this game, and I'll get into that later in the review.

*THIS REVIEW DOES NOT CONTAIN SPOILERS OF ANY KIND* <-- so chill

Graphics - Although I don't really like how they made the characters in the cutscenes and dialogues anime-like, it doesn't really effect the overall experience. It does make the game less dark and gritty, until you use a Falchion and slice a zombie in half. A lot of the style of this game comes from Symphony of the Night (PS1 CLASSIC!) influence, which is a very good thing. 2D Games doesn't get too much better looking than this, and even though the top screen doesn't do a whole lot, it would have been destracting if it did. It would have been nice to see Konami use the top screen to make larger boss battles, but don't worry, bosses are plenty hard in this game (I can't say more... it would ruin it for ya ;) - 10/10

Gameplay - Responsive, and easy to figure out, but they could've been more fine tuned. The few times you have to use the touch screen its pretty awkward but once you figure out that you only need to use it on very rare occasions and to seal up bosses, it gets less of an annoyance. Once again the action/adventure elements of the game return, with a few extras for the fans. Also the weapon upgrades and things like that make it very cool. Alternate endings make for different varieties of gameplay for later, and overall makes a very fun experience. Constant framerate and no load times are great. - 9/10

Sound - Great soundtrack. Weapon sounds are kind of average, but everything is really good. You get the creepy eerie music when needed, but is not excess or annoying. There are no lame chimes of any kind and is very appopriate during each situation of the game. - 9/10

Replay Value - Would I play this again after beating it? Yes! As previously mentioned, multiple endings, items, faster times, and more, there is just too much you can that it'd ruin it for you if I told you it all. Any Castlevania fan should own this, and any fan of action or adventure games would love this too. This is by far one of the top games on the DS. - 10/10

Bottom Line: The best Castlevania game since Symphony of the Night, as well as the best action/adventure game on the Nintendo DS! Read more ›