Despite the anticipation surrounding Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, fans are bound to be disappointed by the hit-or-miss nature of the game. There are thankfully a good number of good elements in the game, but for each thing the game does right, there is something barely average to remind us that this second episode is no match for the first one. Details and videos inside as usual.
Note: Since Mirror of Fate is connected with the two Lords of Shadow games, we've decided to add the first 20 minutes of the 360 version which was released some time ago.
First and foremost, it should be said that everything which is set in modern days is usually a failed attempt at bringing something new to the franchise. While some environments are Gothic enough to create a strong atmosphere, the labs, the sewers, the buildings you will visit will have you regret all the gorgeous locations of the first game. Gameplay-wise, let's be clear right from the start: there should never have been stealth sequences in this game. They're poorly executed and they are basically useless, not to mention that it's odd to be obliged to avoid a foe at all costs when barely a few minutes later, you have to take him/her down with all your strength and powers. The only enemies you'll always have to flee are the gigantic armored soldier equipped with a huge laser gun which will leave you no chances of survival when caught. And if the mention of Robocop-like opponents strikes you as odd in a Castlevania game, it's perfectly normal.
As for the good parts, the combat system is undeniably fun, with the use of three main weapons, two of which need magic to work, and a bunch of interesting items you can also use against your enemies (or on yourself should you need a little health potion to see the end of the night). Normal mode is challenging enough to keep you on your toes, but you can always give the hard mode a try if you think you're up to the task. Content-wise, the game is pretty generous, with difficult challenges to unlock provided you find the proper collectibles, a nice emphasis on exploration (which will involve some rather tedious backtracking though - all because of the absence of a real map). The longevity of the game is also praiseworthy, so you can expect to spend some quality time with Gabriel Belmont, even more if you're the completionist type. The soundtrack is quite remarkable too, although we still don't understand why they chose to put those horrible old school sound effects each time the character gains experience or breaks his combo meter.
The lack of variety in the environments comes as a surprise after the fantastic diversity of the landscapes of the previous episodes. The fact that the story can only be set at night may explain the feeling a bit, but not entirely. Talking about visuals, they're not always up to today's standards because of the extreme pixelisation which occur around the main character every time the special effects become too important. It reminds a bit of what could be seen in the Vita version of Ninja Gaiden 2. Other than that and despite some nasty aliasing, the game looks rather good and it's nice to finally be able to control the camera to look at every single detail. Lords of Shadow 2 is also a lot smoother than the first game, which will come as a relief for console players I'm sure. Aside from the horrible design of some modern environments (and some monster), the game's art style is still on of its main strengths, but since you'll be spending your time in the past in Dracula's castle, you won't travel much, hence the redundancy.
All comments (23)
Thanks for the review. Seems like there is too much unneeded/crappy filler put into this game, for the sake to make it...longer.
Oh yeah, modern day setting blows.
And I was against modern setting ever since they showed it in the very end of the first game.
But I will still get it since i liked the combat alot and this is the only 3rd person action/adventure worth a damn for god knows how long the next one will show up.
Its out this week so i will be playing it and see all the negative fuzz is all about.
But in general, shame they couldn't follow up the first but it really was no easy task.
Might get on sale but even £25 (which I can get it for in some places) might be worth it. I'll see how I feel this Friday.
Was looking actually forward to it,but worried from the beginning about modern day settings as some of the other guys here:(
Hexates...
Graphics are bad? Jesus dude they are impressive as hell. At times you'd almost believe you are seeing a X1/PS4 game. The demo looked great, don;t know what video you saw.
The game is 38 euros here on releaseday...still on the fence. But mostly because i still have a big backlog.
I'll be geting CLoS2 on a steam sale. It's on my wishlist. Just like State of Decay was on my wishlist, I got an email notification today that it was 50% off and I paid £7.49 for it. :)
Now the cutscenes are realtime. nice change.
First of all, it has back tracking. And the stealth is very easy and short, so it doesnt bother me at all.
Play the game by yourself, and make your own opinion.
I'll be geting CLoS2 on a steam sale. It's on my wishlist. Just like State of Decay was on my wishlist, I got an email notification today that it was 50% off and I paid £7.49 for it. :)
Pros:
* AMAZING graphics and effects in most areas
* Overall solid voice acting
* Fun combat and upgrades
Cons:
* WTF is this story? Modern day elements are horrid. Goes from classic Castlevania to biochemicals to ancient castles to Hades. It doesn't work at all.
* The switching between the present and past is slow, tedious and totally disjointed.
* Not a single character is likable so far. Dracula/Gabriel is a jerk. So is Zobek.
This is a MAJOR mixed bag. Don't know if I will ever finish it...
First of all, it has back tracking. And the stealth is very easy and short, so it doesnt bother me at all.
Play the game by yourself, and make your own opinion.
Pros:
- Combat is leaps better than LoS1. Much more depth and movelist, better camera and character control. Dashing is perfect, air dash, air block and air counter attack is just perfect. If you go into air attacks it feels like Devil May Cry, you can be there quite a while.
- Story I like it, how its told anyways, especially the very beginning were they show the book and there is a voice acting with artwork and music combined, just amazing. Thats when i loved the story how the whole thing started from LoS1 to Mirror of Fate to LoS2.
- Soundtrack is amazing, Oscar Araujo is a genius and should do movie OSTs as well for epic/fantasy stuff, he is gifted.
- Levels are huge so you always feel to take alternate routes when you find it, just incase you find hidden secrets/items, if not you go back later on to see if the blocked path is opened to you.
- Fantastic graphics on PC, they can easily port this on Ps4 at 1080p/30 fps (or 60 if they can).
- Love the artbook in the menu.
- Weapons are great and i like how much thought they put into adding alot of new items/tools to use like slow down time, find hidden secrets from a bird...etc.
- Platforming is good IMO, its automated almost, but its not suppose to be the next Prince of Persia so, I am okay with it.
Cons:
- Modern day suck, i hated it ever since they showed it in the very end of LoS1.
- Stealth IS boring, its short and easy but still I dont like it.
- I dont like how enemies sometimes can ignore your attacks, no hit reaction and they carry on with their own animations, though thats not new to the genre.
- I dislike the modern and castle settings, thats all there seems to be...so far. In LoS1 you felt like you were on an adventure going to ruins, forests, snowy mountains, swamps, castle...etc. various locations, here it seems to be just two places.
Anyways I have a long way to go with the game, but I put some serious hours into it and I would rate it so far an 8/10...so far.
I love Dracula's new look with the full goatee lol
I just hope they add Victor Belmont, Trevor Belmont and Alucard as playable DLCs with their own storyline on taking down Dracula, like in Mirror of Fate and their own set of moves and items to use, would be amazing.