Castlevania Dominus Collection is the Real Deal

The Castlevania Dominus Collection bundles together the three Nintendo DS classics along with Haunted Castle arcade game. Each of these games is a classic in its own right, and each offers a unique twist on the series' formula. This collection spans different eras of Castlevania, showcasing the evolution of gameplay, storytelling, and art direction. If you're fan of the series, like me, this is a must-buy. Or, if you're new to Castlevania or missed out on the DS games, this is a great way to dive in. It's also the perfect way to kick off the Halloween spooky season 🎃.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

As the direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, Dawn of Sorrow continues the story of Soma Cruz, who is once again caught in a battle to prevent the resurrection of Dracula. Released for the Nintendo DS, the game introduced the Tactical Soul system, allowing players to capture and use enemies' abilities, which created a deep and customizable gameplay experience. The original game made use of the DS's touchscreen for puzzles and combat elements. These features are nicely adapted to modern platforms, although the mechanics can feel a bit forced at times. With its refined controls, stunning pixel art, and awesome soundtrack, Dawn of Sorrow is widely considered one of the finest Metroidvania-style entries in the series.

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

Portrait of Ruin shifts the focus to Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin as they explore Dracula's castle to stop a new dark menace. The game stands out for its partner system, where players can switch between the two characters, each with their own unique abilities. Portrait of Ruin offers a fresh take on Castlevania's formula by introducing a series of portraits that transport players to different environments outside the castle, expanding the variety of the game world. While some may find the backtracking cumbersome, the game is a solid entry with a mix of action and exploration, and the dual-character gameplay adds strategic depth to combat.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Order of Ecclesia is a darker and more challenging entry in the series, featuring a new protagonist, Shanoa, who wields magical glyphs to combat enemies. This game breaks away from the traditional Belmont lineage, offering a fresh narrative and setting. The glyph system allows for a highly customizable combat experience, as players can mix and match different magical attacks and abilities. The difficulty is notably higher than in other Castlevania games, appealing to players seeking a tough challenge. The game's gothic atmosphere, intricate level design, and beautiful soundtrack make Order of Ecclesia a standout in the collection.

Castlevania: Haunted Castle

Originally an arcade title, Haunted Castle is a more traditional action-platformer compared to the later, more exploration-focused Castlevania games. Players control Simon Belmont on a quest to rescue his kidnapped bride from Dracula's castle. While visually impressive for its time, Haunted Castle is infamous for its brutal difficulty and stiff controls, making it a challenging experience even for seasoned Castlevania players. The game is a historical oddity and worth checking out, but overall the gameplay lacks the polish and depth of the other titles in the Dominus Collection. Despite its flaws, it has a certain old-school charm that makes it a curious inclusion in this otherwise modern collection.

The Nintendo DS Originals

I think the Dominus collection is the definitive way to play the Nintendo DS games. But, playing them on original hardware has a special charm that isn't reproduced in the modern collection. Prices of the DS originals are still quite reasonable considering the pedigree of the series. Check out listings on VGMarketplace for Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin and Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia.