Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2005
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness Image
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 68 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: The legendary Castlevania series returns with a new story and a new hero. Hector, one of two Devil Forgemasters who once trained under Dracula, has fled Vallachia disillusioned with the ideals of his mentor. Now, three years after Dracula was defeated in battle at the hands of the Belmonts,The legendary Castlevania series returns with a new story and a new hero. Hector, one of two Devil Forgemasters who once trained under Dracula, has fled Vallachia disillusioned with the ideals of his mentor. Now, three years after Dracula was defeated in battle at the hands of the Belmonts, Isaac – a former friend and fellow Devil Forgemaster suddenly reappears and orchestrates the execution of Hector's beloved. Fueled by revenge, Hector returns to Vallachia to confront Isaac. Use Devil Forgery skills to develop & enhance "Innocent Devils" allies. RPG elements featuring character growth based on experience points. A deep storyline that unfolds against a backdrop of beautifully environments. Increased number of unlockable features enhances replayability. [Konami]… Expand
Buy On

Trailer

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:
You are not allowed to view this material at this time.
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness Gameplay Movie 2

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Play Magazine
    90
    The tools of the demon-hunting trade define Curse. [Nov p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Gaming Horizon
    79
    Fans of the series will be both pleased and slightly disappointed at the same time with the second Castlevania game to hit the third dimension, but to the casual gamer, it will be nothing more than an average action title.
  3. Game Informer
    75
    Castlevania fans will definitely be pleased with the direction this series is going in. It's a shame that it feels so dated. [Nov 2005, p.151]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    70
    Ambitious gameplay is marred by lazy design, leaving this wallowing in mere decency when it could have been devilishly enjoyable. [Feb 2006, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GameSpy
    70
    Curse of Darkness is often a lot of fun in its own right, but if you're not the kind of player that can tolerate "grind"-style gameplay -- and indeed, often thrive on this -- then you might get bored here.
  6. Pelit (Finland)
    66
    In all its mediocrity the game just does not have that special something. Corny cutscenes are not enough of a reward to justify endless combat through unimaginative enemy hordes. [Mar 2006]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Game Revolution
    42
    For the determined vampire hunter, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness can be engaging, but only in the manner of any item-heavy level grind.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. Ryuji13
    Jan 8, 2018
    10
    Highly underrated game. Very simple and good when you want to zone out. Good for completionists and fans of action jrpgs. A blend of theHighly underrated game. Very simple and good when you want to zone out. Good for completionists and fans of action jrpgs. A blend of the classic Metroidvania style and dark souls.… Expand
  2. pahero
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    Definitely one of the best games I've played in my life.

    This game has an insane amount of content and mechanics, together with fast paced    Definitely one of the best games I've played in my life.

    This game has an insane amount of content and mechanics, together with fast paced combat that will keep you addicted for a long time.

    Craft system, Innocent Devil system, many different combat styles and weapons, some of the most badass monster and boss designs I've ever seen, a lot of replay value, great graphics for the PS2 and catchy music, the difficulty is fine but I would not recommend this game for people who want a really challenging game, since its kind of easy for the most part.

    I seriously hope some developer can make a game with this many things to love about it in the future.    … Expand
  4. Shadow_Lord592
    Mar 15, 2019
    10
    An awesome game! Gameplay is excellent, music is on a highest level. Everything about this game makes you spend many hours in it.
  5. Tonydannie
    Nov 29, 2005
    9
    This is a great game. It is Not SOTN. but then again what is?people need to let go of SOTN. It is like asking for another FF7and it is never This is a great game. It is Not SOTN. but then again what is?people need to let go of SOTN. It is like asking for another FF7and it is never going to happen people. Give this one a chance.… Expand
  6. Youmustdienow
    Jun 14, 2019
    9
    My friend always says they should make a Castlevania like Dark Souls. Turns out, they already did. This game has deep mechanics. MaybeMy friend always says they should make a Castlevania like Dark Souls. Turns out, they already did. This game has deep mechanics. Maybe FromSoftware took ideas from this game & never gave it credit. Midway through game bosses become ruthless. Last battles are a complete workout. Got to lock on targets & dodge attacks. Gather drops to forge a vast amount of gear. Level up exp by farming powerful enemies. Buy & sell items. Command several Ai partners which you can share abilities with. Once you level them up they mutate into a mega evolution (POKEMON STYLE). This game has it all. You can even unlock a bonus game with a classic Vania character. Theres about 11 bosses & stages. Long game with tons of replay.

    Fav part in Vania is when you walk up a long gothic staircase to Death & Drac. This game is worth it for these moments alone.

    Biggest complaints. Right stick controls are not very smooth. Can’t sprint so backtracking can be a hike, though theres warping rooms for each stage. More powerful weapons hard to land hits because they swing very slowly & leave you vulnerable. Better off using midtier equipment.    … Expand
  7. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  8. NeilD.
    Dec 8, 2005
    0
    its mindless hacking and slashing. i want something with a little better of a storyline. i mean come on. even the environments sucked. its its mindless hacking and slashing. i want something with a little better of a storyline. i mean come on. even the environments sucked. its like they held your hand through the whole thing. hell i liked the original sidecrollers better than this piece of garbage. but what can i say. everyone has to make a mistake sometime right?… Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
29
#29 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005