Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (PS2/Xbox)
After “Lament of Innocence” successfully transitioned the Castlevania franchise to 3D, “Curse of Darkness” surprised many by diverging from established series norms. It’s arguably quite different than anything that came before or after it. However, time has been surprisingly kind to this title. While it remains an unconventional Castlevania experience – interestingly, aspects of this game paved the way for titles like “Bloodstained” – approaching it with an open mind will reveal a compelling action-RPG. The game boasts a detailed crafting system, visually impressive environments, and a captivating soundtrack crafted by Michiru Yamane that often goes unappreciated.
The narrative can initially feel disjointed, mostly due to crucial background information being relegated to a manga released only in Japan years after the game’s debut. Understanding that context enriches the experience. The game focuses on the aftermath of Trevor Belmont’s failure to permanently defeat Dracula, immediately thrusting players into a complex rivalry between Dracula’s former subordinates, Hector and Isaac, over a woman named Rosaly. The game fails to initially address that Rosaly was Hector’s wife, falsely accused of witchcraft by Isaac and subsequently executed. This explains Hector’s rage. Fans of the anime series will recognize that Hector and Isaac, along with Saint-Germain, originate from this game. While the game version of Isaac may not reach the heights of his Netflix counterpart, the core elements of his character and story arc remain consistent.
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