Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: May 6, 2003
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 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 mustThe 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
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. eToychest
    100
    With all of its unique features and amounts of item/soul collection, Aria could be considered second to only one other game in the Castlevania series – the masterpiece, "Symphony of the Night."
  2. Pocket Games
    100
    Probably the prettiest of the three recent Castlevanias. [Fall 2003, p.35]
    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. Cheat Code Central
    90
    It's more fun that the last two games and the production values have been improved. I find this game has a better balance of gameplay variety and unique level designs that keep it from becoming repetitive.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GamePro
    90
    A superior GBA adventure in every respect and a marked improvement on "Harmony of Dissonance." Still, it is another "Symphony of the Night" clone—if you’re feeling a little sick of the same ol’ thing, this game may be the breaking point.
  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: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. JohnL.
    Jul 9, 2003
    10
    This is way better than other Castlevania games.
  2. NathanI.
    Apr 28, 2003
    10
    Tight game.
  4. 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 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
  5. Manny
    Mar 17, 2004
    10
    The best of the gba castlevanias and thats saying a lot. An A class game all the way.
  6. Chris5667
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    With All its items, features and souls, a great story, rpg elements, its fantastic Soma Cruz as the main character and of course its deliciousWith All its items, features and souls, a great story, rpg elements, its fantastic Soma Cruz as the main character and of course its delicious and fantastic music, this could be easily not only my favorite Castlevania in the series (even over the masterpiece SOTN) but also my favorite GBA game of all times even better than true jewels such as Metroid Fusion or Megaman Zero.… Expand
  7. ZeroLayer
    Jul 29, 2003
    10
    It's the first Castlevania game I got. And I'm hooked. Great graphics, tight controls and incredibly addicting.
  8. QuatokyTonberry
    Feb 21, 2019
    6
    Gameplay: - Normal
    Story: - Very Bad
    Visual: - Normal
    Music and sound: - Good
    Average time: -6 H
    Score: - 6

See all 39 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
9
#9 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
2
#2 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003