It’s remarkable how immediate the quality of Aria of Sorrow is demonstrated. 20 minutes in, you know it’s going to be a much higher caliber of game than the prior GBA-vanias. Spritework is better, music is an enormous improvement, and the layout and flow of the castle is much improved. Not the longest game, but everything works together in perfect harmony and it's a banger from start to finish. A high mark for Castlevania, and just might be my favorite one.