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Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

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8.5 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 52 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 62 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Konami

Developer: Konami Tokyo

Genre(s): Action, Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: October 4, 2005

Summary

The year is 2036, one year after the events of "Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow." Soma Cruz finds himself at the center of a mysterious cult's plan to resurrect their evil lord and master Dracula. In order to save himself and protect the lives of those he loves, Soma must infiltrate the enemy's home base, a towering replica of Dracula's castle that is teaming with monstrous creatures. Defeat foes with the "Magic Seal" system using the touch screen. Exchange souls with other players via the DS wireless connection. Features an incredible musical score, next-gen graphics & stunning special effects. [Konami]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: GameSpot Hands-On IGN Hands-On Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Gaming Age

Controls are dead on, giving the gamer the feeling of knowing that any mistakes made in the game are the fault of the gamer themselves, not the controls.

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100

G4 TV

Dawn of Sorrow has everything that makes the Castlevania series great: excellent platforming, exquisite level and puzzle design, gorgeous 2D graphics, and fantastic sound.

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100

AceGamez

Though more touch screen functionality would have been preferable, or maybe even a bit of microphone-influenced play, at least there are options to connect to other players wirelessly for some trading or versus play.

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eToychest

The game is extremely rewarding, and would be for anyone – whether they’ve played Aria or Sorrow or not, or even if they have never played a Castlevania title previously. This is a must-own title for any Nintendo DS owner.

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Deeko

Perhaps the finest game in the Castlevania canon and the unique use of the Nintendo DS touch screen, while certainly something of a gimmick, is an entertaining twist to an already entertaining series.

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GameZone

Bigger, tougher, meaner, and more next-gen. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow fills every part of the Nintendo DS's two-inch screen with new bosses, levels, and dozens of backdrops that are drop-dead gorgeous.

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Play Magazine

This is the kind of game worth buying a DS for. [Oct 2005]

NintendoWorldReport

Dawn of Sorrow matches and in some cases exceeds the quality of "Symphony of the Night" in almost every way. Yet the two games have their own styles and features, so the newest addition to the series is in no way redundant with its legendary forebear. [JPN Import]

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PGNx Media

The modernized graphics, outstanding sound package, solid gameplay, and cute use of the Nintendo DS makes for a very compelling game.

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N-Insanity

Dawn of Sorrow is easily the killer app of the system’s short existence. If you own a DS, you must go out and buy this game. It’s more than worth your money.

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Game Informer

Its sublime mix of puzzles, great bosses, perfectly paced exploration, and enormous variety make this an utterly amazing adventure. [Nov 2005, p.176]

IGN

Clearly one of the best Castlevania games in the series, and an absolutely top-notch, beautiful, and most importantly, fun DS game that doesn't try to push a lot of unnecessary touch-screen "gimmicks."

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Gamer 2.0

Offers the same classic style of previous Castlevania titles, replete with the outrageous bosses, fitting game areas, puzzle solving and platforming aspects which are perfectly harmonious with the new soul-gathering and returning level-gaining aspects of the series.

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Console Gameworld

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is easily one of the greatest the series has to offer, building on the excellence of the GBA outings while maintaining the level of quality expected since the series' first debut 20 years ago.

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Just RPG

To my surprise, Dawn of Sorrow struck all the right chords and never hit a sour note. It's deep, it's gorgeous, but most of all, it's a fun excuse to smack the tar out of stuff.

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Gamezilla!

The game has a strong storyline and screams play me.

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Gamer's Hell

Whether you’ve repeatedly played through the Castlevania catalogue since the first game, or never before, Dawn of Sorrow is both a fabulous series ambassador and also one of the best Nintendo DS titles available.

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BonusStage

Not only did it bring back memories of the fun I had playing the original Castlevania games on my NES, but the inclusion of so much extra content past the game’s story mode really makes this one of the stronger titles available.

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Pelit (Finland)

Instead of "Dawn of Sorrow" the subtitle could have been "A Good Reason to Buy DS." [Nov 2005]

Worth Playing

The most complete 2D Castlevania game to date. Gorgeous graphics and compelling music combine with exciting exploration and combat to form a great action experience on the Nintendo DS.

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GameShark

I love the music, the graphics, and the gameplay. If you did not have enough reasons to buy a Nintendo DS, this would be it.

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Games Radar (in-house)

Buy this immediately, and witness why a billion polygons a nanosecond will always take a backseat to rock solid craftsmanship.

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Gamenikki

With the tremendous gameplay that is the franchise's hallmark, beautiful graphics and animation, a fantastic soundtrack, and the kind of replay value that makes the phrase "bang for your buck" even more cliche than it already is, it's not even a stretch to consider it one of, if not the best game overall for the Nintendo DS.

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DarkStation

After the impressive Aria of Sorrow comes yet another hit sequel, with a deep character upgrade system, solid combat and slick presentation.

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Next Level Gaming

Dawn of Sorrow is what is right about Castlevania. And it's what the Nintendo DS should be doing in it's games, rather than trying to be something it's not.

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My Gamer

This game represents 2D gaming at its finest and shouldn’t missed by anyone. Yes, the touch screen implementation kind of hinders gameplay, but Dawn of Sorrow is still one of best, if not the best, Castlevania game to date.

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GamingTrend

Dawn of Sorrow can be expected to last between 10 and 20 hours and quite a bit longer than that for those completionists out there. That's a heck of a lot of game for $30.

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Thunderbolt

It reintroduces us to an antihero on a quest for personal salvation, a cast of memorable characters, massive levels, remarkable gameplay, and one of the best presentations that the DS has to offer. It’s that kind of combination that makes for a truly excellent experience.

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Eurogamer

It's not that it relies on a healthy suspension of disbelief to overcome its contrived elements; it's about bringing order to foggy chaos. This, it does with aplomb.

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Cheat Code Central

The only slight knock I can level at DoS is the incessant backtracking and repetitive soul collecting that is really ONLY necessary if you want to strive for the best endings to earn the best unlockables.

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Nintendo Power

If the graphics and sound aren't engrossing enough to draw you in, the intriguing story and exhilarating action should be. [Nov 2005, p.104]

1UP

Unquestionably the best portable Castlevania to date; in fact, it's the best entry in the series since the much-vaunted "Symphony."

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GameSpy

I like the lay of Dawn of Sorrow's land, and the soul mechanic is great; however, with the inferior character design and ho-hum touch-screen features, this isn't the be-all end-all of portable Castlevania. Regardless, it is a must-have for all action fans, and kicks the ever-loving crap out of any other action/platformer on the DS.

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N-Europe

A classic game. Entering a big castle, defeating monsters, and killing giant bosses. We did it all before, but it rarely was as fun as in this game.

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GamePro

There are some awkward moments, but it shouldn't come as much of a shock that Dawn of Sorrow is otherwise wonderfully refined and enjoyable. [Nov 2005, p.132]

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

Responsive controls; beautiful, crisp 2D graphics; and old-fashioned gameplay that'll keep you up way past your bed-time. [Nov 2005, p.158]

GameSpot

While it doesn't do much to distinguish itself as the first Castlevania on the DS, the updated look, excellent music, and added controls help to refine the series even further. The bottom line is: Whether you're familiar with the series or not, you can't go wrong with Dawn of Sorrow.

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Nintendojo

2D gaming fans of all sorts will enjoy Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow immensely.

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PALGN

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more engaging or enjoyable game of this kind. Not unless you dig through back to the SNES days.

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RPG Fan

If you liked "Aria of Sorrow," pick up DoS. If not, steer clear.

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Game Revolution

This is another fun, solid entry in what’s quickly becoming the most dependable series in handheld gaming. To truly become an unstoppable power, however, it will also have to become the most daring.

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Nintendophiles

It seems Konami could have made better use of the touch screen feature on the DS, and also taken a few more liberties with innovative game play.

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Yahoo! Games

A great experience, although it suffers from a lack of innovation. Gameplay is all too familiar, and the new additions feel quite superficial. Having the best part hidden away as an unlockable doesn't help matters.

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Modojo

A delightful trip through a macabre fun house full of blood and assorted horrors that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys playing games, that is, unless you're just sick of 2D Castlevania.

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Siliconera

It is clear that Dawn of Sorrow originally started out as a GBA title. It plays more like an advanced GBA game instead of a full fledged DS title.

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games(TM)

A great game, despite the gimmicks and déjà vu... Those familiar with earlier GBA incarnations may be appalled at Konami’s flagrant re-use of almost every sprite from the last game here, with almost no changes at all. [Nov 2005, p.94]

Computer Games Magazine

one of the best-looking and wide-open Castlevanias since the series began. [Dec p.93]

GameCritics

It may not be very original or innovative when compared to the rest of the games in the series, but Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow succeeds in bringing a similar level of polish and quality to the Nintendo DS.

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Gamestyle

The concept as a whole may be heading ever closer to the clichéd but once you actually start playing, it is nigh on impossible to not feel the Castlevania magic taking you over.

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Detroit Free Press

I also dislike the anime style of the characters, a confusing departure from the series' goth style.

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NTSC-uk

Perhaps it is time for the series to evolve again rather than looking inward, just as it did nearly a decade ago when SotN was unleashed on an unsuspecting world. [JPN Import]

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Edge Magazine

Core game play remains largely undeveloped from Symphony Of The Night, and, despite the additions, is aspirational rather than inspirational. It’s certainly the best handheld Castlevania game, but Igarashi’s team is too dedicated to the framework he masterminded for this to be anything innovatory. [Nov 2005, p.108]

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 62 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Plixik W. gave it a10:
Amazing game. anyone that likes anything in existence should get this game. Pure castlevania goodness.

Nate B. gave it a10:
A must have DS title. The main mission is the best out of a castlevania since Symphony of the Night and has a decent amount of challenge to it to make it exciting. There is also an incredible amount of depth in collecting the souls, upgrading weapons and unlocking bonus features. Hard Mode and Boss Rush mode are back and still fantastic (and difficult). But, what takes the game from being an 8 or 9 to a 10 is Julius mode. After spending around 10 hours on the main mission (I also goofed around a lot trying to find secrets) you are treated to a mode where you can play as Julius through the main mission and then get additional characters to use including Yoko and Alucard (!!!) and are able to swap between them like in Castlevania 3. Aria had Julius mode, but it was too short and just not the same. This one is amazing and could be its own game. While the premise of the Metroid style Castelvanias is something that has been used for 5 straight games, it's done to such a high quality that it is difficult to give this game anything less than a 9 or 10.

Johnny D. gave it a9:
freakin fantastic the monsters are cool the magics the combats, everything works. i wish their was also a rockets lawncher.

Isaac S. gave it a10:
The game is brilliant. It has a very good stating movie with very good graphics for a DS. The interseting storyline and gamplay is very adictive you wont want to put it down. The magic seal system is an ingenius idea that makes the game more exciting. The power to upgrade weapons with the souls you have collected via Yoko's power is fantastic. A thoroughly good game.

Reviewer Rev gave it a9:
One of the DS's greatest games! Id recomend this game to any DS owner.

Jay G. gave it a9:
This is what the DS was waiting for. A perfect side-scroller with huge environments,lots of weapons, and amazing bosses. I'd recomend this game to any DS owner.

JF P. gave it a9:
Amazing. supreme gameplay. no exagerating touch screen gimmicks. Great sound, nice soundtrack, great graphics. The bosses are nice to fight against. a must have for any lover of the series. Have FUN!

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Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

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