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How Metascores Are Calculated
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1 vs. 100
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Take control of two heroes, Jonathan Morris, a vampire killer and his close friend Charlotte Orlean, a girl with tremendous magical ability. Amidst the chaos of World War II, two mysterious sisters emerge, working to resurrect Dracula and David and Charlotte are all that stand in their way. Two new playable characters, each with their own unique style of play and abilities. Strategically switch between characters in the heat of the action. Call on your partner and execute Summon Attacks to decimate your enemies. Collect items, weapons and magic as you explore the castle. Explore several environments new to the series, such as the Desert, abandoned cities and more. [Konami]
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
Modojo
I'm simply astonished at the fact that Konami has created two of my favorite DS games in only a year apart from each other.
 100
Gaming Age
Konami delivers once again another fantastic Castlevania game that will not only please fans of the DS, but Castlevania fans as well.
94
N-Insanity
It’s just as good as Dawn of Sorrow, and has the online modes to help promote the longevity.
94
Cheat Code Central
The consistent level of quality has never been a question with the series and the addictive nature of the gameplay always leaves you wanting more...You can bet that Portrait of Ruin will be one of my top-10, DS picks of 06.
93
GameBrink
A game that stays true to the Castlevania series. [JPN Import]
92
AtomicGamer
While it doesn’t innovate that much, it adds just enough and gives you a more than satisfactory amount of new areas to explore to make it a worthy sequel.
91
GameShark
A great example of what's possible on the DS, despite the fact that the game really doesn't go out of its way to utilize many of the DS' marquee technologies. The game is wonderful simply because it delivers a pure unadulterated classic Castlevania experience that looks great and plays like a dream.
90
Nintendojo
The gameplay manages to successfully merge the two Castlevania play styles, while retaining a firm hold on excellent design and presentation.
90
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
This has to be some of the most impressive enemies you'll ever see on the DS. [Feb 2007, p.70]
90
Gamestyle
The best bits of the best games have been stuck together in one wonderful Castlevania cake.
90
Nintendo Power
Portrait of Ruin provides a whole lot more of a very good thing, and Castlevania fans won't be disappointed with the results. [Jan. 2007, p.114]
90
GamePro
A game that not only reaffirms the series' greatness, but is easily once of the best handheld games released this year.
90
Game Informer
Putting two characters in the player’s hands proves to be an ingenious way of expanding on Castlevania’s bread-and-butter action. It’s been done before, but Portrait of Ruin’s system is particularly smooth in execution.
90
Games Radar
The only thing to really rag on Portrait for is its length. Seven-ish hours is pretty short, no matter how you slice it. But, as with all the other Castlevania games, there are so many bizarre things to do once Drac's down that they totally make up for the main quest's length.
90
Yahoo! Games
Look up "video game" in the dictionary, and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin should be pictured on the page.
90
ZTGameDomain
Easily one of the best handheld games of the year and quite possibly the best Castlevania portable title yet.
90
NintendoWorldReport
If you’ve yet to play a Castlevania game, I’d recommend Dawn of Sorrow over Portrait of Ruin because it’s a more appropriate entry into the series as future games will likely not feature the portraits.
90
Thunderbolt
In terms of action gaming on the DS, Portrait of Ruin is second to none.
89
IGN
Even though the sequel's doesn't offer as strong an original design as the initial DS game, it's still immensely fun with a lot of legs thanks to multiple endings, additional unlockable characters, and a focus on multiplayer that, while not as awesome as it could have been, is a really solid secondary mode.
88
Games Master UK
A bold experiment; far from "Ruin," this Portrait is the Mona Lisa of Castlevanias. [Feb 2007, p.64]
87
GamingTrend
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin tosses out the clunky touchscreen functions of the previous title and replaces it with a new dual-hero gameplay element. In the end, the game is a worthy addition to the Castlevania lineage, if only the game lasted a little longer.
87
eToychest
If the handheld Castlevania games are part of a long-running machine, it's well-oiled and in no danger of breaking down just yet.
87
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Predictably slick graphics, haunting tunes, challenging bosses, and pinpoint control once again make this a perfectly engrossing DS quest. [Jan. 2007, p.110]
86
WHAM! Gaming
It has slick visuals and a more-than-memorable soundtrack. It’s too bad the whole dual-player thing wasn’t played up a bit more but it’s still an enjoyable title that’s worth a buy.
86
GamerNode
This is another very solid entry into the Castlevania series, and is one of the best games of the year. But where is the innovation?
85
GameTrailers
The game keeps up a great pace and maintains a steady stream of new enemies and new swords, maces, whips, and magic spells to kill them with.
85
RPG Fan
Overall, this is a Metroidvania game. Get it if you like Metroidvania games. Otherwise, find something else to do with your time. This game does well for what it is, and does not stray even an inch outside.
85
Play Magazine
Twenty years and still pretty much the way it was the first time you laid the smack down on flying medusa heads and shambling mummies. [Jan. 2007, p.77]
85
GameZone
For hardcore gamers the addition of the second character and Wi-Fi multiplayer are two great additions that set PoR apart from other games in the series.
85
Deeko
As for the visual experience and the orchestral musical score, I have to say I'm impressed - more-so with the music than the graphics, though both are certainly impressive.
84
Gaming Target
The side-quests add a lot of replay value to the game even after completing the story mode.
83
GameSpot
Portrait of Ruin is a great game not because of what it does differently, but because it stays true to the familiar Castlevania design and delivers a fun, lengthy adventure.
83
netjak
A serviceable entry in the Castlevania series. While it's not going to ever contend for best game of all time, and while it also isn't even the best Castlevania on the DS, it's certainly better than a lot of other things out there.
83
VGPub
As someone who loves the ‘Metroidvanias” and the new tradition of tons of unlockable features, I’m very satisfied with Portrait of Ruin.
81
Digital Entertainment News
This is yet another solid Castlevania game, but the series is starting to tire out thanks to a lack of worthwhile change. What changes this game does make simply don’t cut it, and while Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is still a decent title, it happens to be far too much like the last decent title in the series.
80
Edge Magazine
Full of bravado, packed with features and brimming with invention, this 20-year-old veteran is as vital and relevant as ever. [Jan 2007, p.84]
80
Pocket Gamer UK
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is a deep, enthralling game but the presence of some flawed elements mean it's not as good as the previous "Dawn of Sorrows."
80
GameDaily
The two-character system is magnificent and very easy to get into, and the presentation makes proper use of the DS.
80
1UP
All the focus on the game's details comes at the expense of its questionable design and overall lack of cohesion. It's here that the latest Castlevania comes up short.
80
Worth Playing
All in all, Castlevania Portrait of Ruin is very short, fairly slapdash and kind of easy, but this doesn't stop it from being a worthy addition to a fantastic franchise.
80
GameSpy
That attitude pervades Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin: the idea that a definitely well-done safe idea is better than a possibly flawed risky idea, no matter what stagnation may follow.
80
PALGN
Another well produced handheld Castlevania, and with at least a few new features for once.
80
AceGamez
Had this game followed through with more of its new features other than with the dual characters, it would have set itself apart from Dawn of Sorrow. Instead, it simply falls in line behind it as well, letting many of its individual traits fall short of their full potential.
80
Boomtown
Though it may not be the best example of whip-cracking fun in Castle Dracula, it’s got a damn sight more in its favour than a great many other games out there at the moment.
80
G4 TV
Portrait of Ruin delivers a solid, exciting trip back into the walls of Dracula’s Castle without too many new systems to learn first. However, for the casual fan, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin delivers little more than its handheld predecessors. A fun experience, certainly, but the same experience they’ve had before.
80
games(TM)
With its array of improvements and considered removals, Portrait Of Ruin feels like the best Castlevania in an age. Its slick 2D gameplay has been honed to perfection through the last five handheld instalments, leaving every 3D incarnation hanging its head in shame. [Feb 2007, p.110]
78
NGamer UK
Excellent for beginners, looks great, has masses to do, but doesn't really improve on previous games. Shame, really, with some adjustment this could have been a work of art. [Feb 2007, p.70]
72
My Gamer
Taking into account that the story doesn't really go anywhere until you're about 4 hours in, it could turn some people away. However, the fun boss battles, wide variety of skills, and the everlasting charm of playing a Vampire Hunter is there, and kept me coming back for more.
70
EuroGamer
I just didn't feel the same magic, the same excitement that flowed from "Sorrow."
69
Gamer 2.0
Personally, we can’t deny our thirst for some unique touch-screen play, a deeper storyline, and a less-linear experience all around.
60
NTSC-uk
The core mechanics have barely changed since the days of Symphony of the Night and as we pointed out in no uncertain terms when we reviewed Dawn of Sorrow , the format is growing stale now.
Mitch gave it a9: Andrew G. gave it a7: Tracy C. gave it a6: Mark V. gave it a10: Jake S. gave it a10: ReviewKing gave it a9: Will gave it an8: |
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