Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow Game Boy Advance
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Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.4

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

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  • Summary: The year is 2035 and Soma Cruz is about to witness the first solar eclipse of the 21st century when he suddenly blacks out -- only to awaken inside a mysterious castle. As Soma, you must navigate the castle's labyrinths while confronting perilous monsters at every turn. But beware, you must escape before the evil consumes you!… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Nintendo Power
    100
    The graphics are unparalleled, the mosnters are original and challeng[ing] and the scope of the game is impressive. [June 2003, p.136]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GameNow
    100
    It's the closest a GBA Castlevania adventure has come to achieving "Symphony's" level of atmosphere, and it has a crazy power-up system that makes you want to keep playing and playing and playing. [June 2003, p.43]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    95
    Even if you’ve never played one of the recent Castlevania titles, and especially if you were bothered by the unbalanced design of the last two games, go out right now and pick up Aria of Sorrow.
  4. Play Magazine
    90
    As transfixing and hand-drawn inspired as any Castlevania before it, or any game for that matter, even if it does lost some of its hold on the handheld platform. [June 2003, p.56]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Deeko
    90
    Another fantastic chapter in the Castlevania saga and warrants a purchase. Be warned, the game is not very long and only clocks in at about 10-15 hours. There are multiple endings which will keep you coming back for more, though!
  6. Game Over Online
    88
    From what I've seen so far in Sorrow and its predecessor, this attentive, almost meticulous craftwork put into Castlevania ought to be transferred to a mainstream console or even the PC; my own backhanded compliment to the developers.
  7. GameCritics
    70
    Since Aria Of Sorrow is the third Castlevania in as many years, I'm also concerned that Konami is growing increasingly content to simply rest on their laurels.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. JohnL.
    Jul 9, 2003
    10
    This is way better than other Castlevania games.
  2. AbdullahA.
    Jun 1, 2003
    10
    The game is so good....i can't stop myself in collecting spirits and increasing the level....but there is still places i didn't discover so far...but in general the game worth a deep play.… Expand
  3. RyokenI.
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    Brilliant! If you like super metroid, wonderboy 3- dragons trap, and of course SOTN, you will love this to pieces. Exploration, platform gaming, rpg and collection game (think pokemon) this game should appeal to a broad audience, the only possible fllaw being it''s difficulty level... too easy. But with a bit of creativity, you can even devise a challenge game (try beating it with one kind of weapon, or no armor!) 38/40… Expand
  4. AzizK.
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    I Think It Has To Be One Of The Best Ever Games On A Nintendo Console!
  5. Soma
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    A true classic that combines the best of gaming, and the best of sound. Amazingly addicting as well. Buy it now.
  6. Michael
    Mar 11, 2008
    10
    This is by far the best platforming 2D adventure game I've ever played. I'm shocked that Circle of the Moon has a comparable score to this game since by comparison, Circle of the Moon is a bit of a mess. I'd recommend this game to anyone with a DS or a GBA.… Expand
  7. AD421
    Aug 27, 2011
    8
    Aria of Sorrow offers players gameplay that will never go stale. It's honestly just a fun game. The only downside is story but when has Castlevania ever been about story? The bosses are fun and the soul collection was a nice addition to the series. It's very friendly for newcomers to the series as its a pretty easy game. New Game+ offer more hours of fun and keeps replayability pretty high.… Expand

See all 26 User Reviews

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