This game was a bit of an enigma for me as a kid. I remember playing it because of my brother getting it. The intriguing box art and awesome music had me so entranced but the gameplay I just did not understand at the time. Fast Forward 18 years later and I've finally finished the game, and boy this game design has aged beautifully.
I'll start off with a confession, aside from a few attempts at a Castlevania gameboy game and this game, I've never really played a Castlevania game before. While they looked cool and intriguing, the 2D side scrolling open ended game design did turn me off. I found it a little overwhelming for my small little mind growing up. Playing this game as my first may have probably spoiled me since its in 3D rather than your traditional 2D, but I think starting with this game really gave me a better appreciation to the open ended game design Castlevania is known for. I found it near addicting exploring the castle's various rooms and dungeons, finding hidden stat boosts and weapons and the option bosses that give me additional loot.
The combat itself is very tactile albeit a little slippery here and there, but overall holds up VERY well to today's standards. It's gameplay reminds me of Devil May Cry which knowing its influence in the industry at the time I would not be so surprised if they took some notes from that game. I don't know if Lament of Innocence was designed with newcomers in mind, but the way the game felt as I progressed made me want to try out the other games because of how much I enjoyed this one.
Coincidentally enough, this game also happens to take place at the very beginning of the entire series, so I want to say that "beginner friendly" game design may be more intentional than coincidental. Speaking of story though, this game's story is... probably it's weaker aspect. Its in no way horrible. I understood the hero's journey and his end goal, but it all just felt like an afterthought to the game's development. I will say the voice acting for this game is phenomenal though! I was playing it in Japanese (very rare for a western release of a Japanese PS2 game) and the performances were very well read. So much so that I couldn't be bothered to go back to English cuz if it ain't broke don't fix it!
If there were ever a game that was in need of a port/remaster, Lament of Innocence deserves one for sure. I know with Konami's... questionable business conduct we shouldn't hold our breaths for this game to receive an HD Remaster treatment, not after what happened with Silent Hill (may ye Rest In Peace), but I do think this game would sell very well were it to receive such treatment. There's practically nothing to fix in regards to game design. Just a bump in res and we're pretty much solid. If you have a PS2/PS3 or a PC I highly implore you to check it out. This game is a treasure amongst the massive PS2 catalogue.
I highly recommend this game to the following:
-Castlevania Fans (duh)
-Platforming enthusiasts. This game has some rewarding platform exploration game design. You'll never know what's hiding from you until you truly explore all three dimensions of the game.
-Fans of Devil May Cry. This kind of feels like a given, but in regards to the newer more younger DMC fans, this game will definitely scratch that old school DMC itch if you have one. Its combat isn't as diverse as DMC, but its SUPER fluid and fun to master.
I'll start off with a confession, aside from a few attempts at a Castlevania gameboy game and this game, I've never really played a Castlevania game before. While they looked cool and intriguing, the 2D side scrolling open ended game design did turn me off. I found it a little overwhelming for my small little mind growing up. Playing this game as my first may have probably spoiled me since its in 3D rather than your traditional 2D, but I think starting with this game really gave me a better appreciation to the open ended game design Castlevania is known for. I found it near addicting exploring the castle's various rooms and dungeons, finding hidden stat boosts and weapons and the option bosses that give me additional loot.
The combat itself is very tactile albeit a little slippery here and there, but overall holds up VERY well to today's standards. It's gameplay reminds me of Devil May Cry which knowing its influence in the industry at the time I would not be so surprised if they took some notes from that game. I don't know if Lament of Innocence was designed with newcomers in mind, but the way the game felt as I progressed made me want to try out the other games because of how much I enjoyed this one.
Coincidentally enough, this game also happens to take place at the very beginning of the entire series, so I want to say that "beginner friendly" game design may be more intentional than coincidental. Speaking of story though, this game's story is... probably it's weaker aspect. Its in no way horrible. I understood the hero's journey and his end goal, but it all just felt like an afterthought to the game's development. I will say the voice acting for this game is phenomenal though! I was playing it in Japanese (very rare for a western release of a Japanese PS2 game) and the performances were very well read. So much so that I couldn't be bothered to go back to English cuz if it ain't broke don't fix it!
If there were ever a game that was in need of a port/remaster, Lament of Innocence deserves one for sure. I know with Konami's... questionable business conduct we shouldn't hold our breaths for this game to receive an HD Remaster treatment, not after what happened with Silent Hill (may ye Rest In Peace), but I do think this game would sell very well were it to receive such treatment. There's practically nothing to fix in regards to game design. Just a bump in res and we're pretty much solid. If you have a PS2/PS3 or a PC I highly implore you to check it out. This game is a treasure amongst the massive PS2 catalogue.
I highly recommend this game to the following:
-Castlevania Fans (duh)
-Platforming enthusiasts. This game has some rewarding platform exploration game design. You'll never know what's hiding from you until you truly explore all three dimensions of the game.
-Fans of Devil May Cry. This kind of feels like a given, but in regards to the newer more younger DMC fans, this game will definitely scratch that old school DMC itch if you have one. Its combat isn't as diverse as DMC, but its SUPER fluid and fun to master.