Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2003
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

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  • Summary: Set in the 11th Century, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence thrusts players ten centuries into the past and casts them in the role of Leon Belmont, the forefather of the legendary Belmont. Leon is a nobleman about to be engaged to his beloved Sara. However, when his young lover disappears oneSet in the 11th Century, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence thrusts players ten centuries into the past and casts them in the role of Leon Belmont, the forefather of the legendary Belmont. Leon is a nobleman about to be engaged to his beloved Sara. However, when his young lover disappears one fateful evening, Leon sets out to rescue her. Armed with only a dagger, it is not until an unexpected ally, an alchemist, offers him a protective whip that Leon is ready to begin his hunt. The rich story of Castlevania: Lament of Innocence follows Leon through the perilous forest and into Dracula's foreboding gothic Castle. Upon entering the castle, players will step into an ethereal world that is guarded by blood thirsty guards and ruled by Dracula's wicked whimsy. Players will face five doors - each one leading into a dark area of the castle - the Cathedral, the Theatre, the Garden, the Alchemist Laboratory and the Dungeon. Trekking through hundreds of rooms, players will battle over 35 different kinds of enemies before facing the final boss. Fighting tooth and nail in each monster battle, Leon must combine his whip and five sub-weapons (Holy Water, Dagger, Cross, Axe and Crystal) to defeat the monsters. Additionally, seven orbs can be combined with 10 action relics in order to create powerful attacks and stunning special effects. Featuring a fixed camera and intuitive controls, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence delivers a groundbreaking action/adventure experience that is designed to satisfy core Castlevania fans as well as players that are new to the series.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. GamePro
    100
    Complete with giant bosses, exciting gameplay, days of exploration, and an involving narrative, this is the best Castlevania game in years. More importantly, it’s Castlevania in 3D but done right.
  2. IGN
    90
    While it can definitely be beaten the first time through in less than eight to 10 hours, its plethora of hidden goodies, unlockable playable characters, and incredible Halloween-like atmosphere should give fans more than enough reasons to go back. But more than anything else, it's just plain fun.
  3. Deeko
    85
    The camera is a bit odd and the fact that almost all of the RPG elements have been removed may turn some people off, but the fact remains that Lament of Innocence is a fantastic classically inspired game that both hardcore fans of the series and action/platform gamers can enjoy.
  4. Game Informer
    80
    Almost feels like an exercise (albeit a beautiful-looking one) exploring many of the franchise's classic components. But the end result just proves that Castlevania is more than a set of ideas, it's a gameplay experience that remains not fully realized. [Nov 2003, p.138]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GameReviewer
    78
    But when you forget about those flaws for a minute, the fact remains that the game can easily pull you into its grasp and keep you there for 10 to 20 hours. When the credits roll, you'll likely feel quite satisfied.
  6. GameNow
    75
    Once you get bored with the combat, Lament of Innocence will get pretty tedious. But luckily, the combat is pretty cool. [Dec 2003, p.52]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Gamer.tv
    50
    This game plods, frustrates and bores in equal measure - stick a stake in it.

See all 45 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 54
  3. Negative: 2 out of 54
  1. LopsterPopster
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    Probably my favorite game of all time. Maybe it's just the nostalgic value, but I am still madly in love with this game. I've memorized allProbably my favorite game of all time. Maybe it's just the nostalgic value, but I am still madly in love with this game. I've memorized all the cutscenes and can recite them by heart (and have been for years). The character development is wonderful, the storyline is great (I loved the fact it showed how the Belmont clan began), the soundtrack is SPECTACULAR, and the gameplay was incredibly addicting. I love playing as both Leon and Joachim, but the Pumpkin was incredibly silly and fun. It was the first attempt at a 3D Castlvania game since Castlevania 64 (another great one) and Konami did not fail to deliver a great game. The Forgotten One is the most grotesque and most difficult boss in the game, but the black orb received after beating it is quite worth it in my opinion. It's an amazing game that I reccommend to everyone.… Expand
  2. Miltank
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    JI Fan needs to shut-up. This game is the best by far and the best Castlevania out there today. Leon and Joachim AND Mathias and Walter are JI Fan needs to shut-up. This game is the best by far and the best Castlevania out there today. Leon and Joachim AND Mathias and Walter are hot. So Thank you Konami for the pleasure of having eye candy as we play this great game.… Expand
  4. AlexvaderII
    Sep 16, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lament of Innocence es un gran juego, es uno de mis favoritos de PS2! En el año de su lanzamiento tenia buenas graficas, la ambientación es perfecta e igualmente la banda sonora. Enemigos variados, jefes finales desafiantes y sub-jefes. Cuenta con su modo Crazy el cual es uno de los modos mas difíciles que se pueda encontrar en un video juego. En el juego podremos pasar horas y horas explorando intentando descifrar los acertijos y secretos ya que son muchos.

    El juego tiene variantes en su combate ya que mientras exploremos vamos a encontrar diferentes látigos para enfrentar a nuestros enemigos y al derrotar a los jefes obtendremos los "ORBES" que mejoraran las armas secundarias para tener combates mas variados. Adicionalmente tiene muchos combos que podemos usar y el perfect guard.

    En cuanto a la historia es básicamente un reinicio de la saga, los personajes tienen mucha personalidad y a pesar de no ser muy original no tiene el desenlace que podríamos esperar en otros juegos, me gusto bastante este aspecto. En resumen el juego es a día de hoy uno de mis favoritos y un gran Castlevania.    … Expand
  5. 3Dguru
    Oct 27, 2003
    9
    Its a very good in 3d depth environment. I never seen any PS2 title as super solid smooth as CASTLEvania before. Hot gaming by the japanIts a very good in 3d depth environment. I never seen any PS2 title as super solid smooth as CASTLEvania before. Hot gaming by the japan developer. consider as must buy title for who loved to play combat game.… Expand
  6. EduardoR.
    Nov 24, 2003
    9
    This is an excellent game, great game play, cool music, I love it.
  7. alex007
    Oct 19, 2012
    8
    "Lament of Innocence" marked the debut of the "Castlevania" franchise on the PS2. A console exclusive, it was released in Oct. 2003 to solid"Lament of Innocence" marked the debut of the "Castlevania" franchise on the PS2. A console exclusive, it was released in Oct. 2003 to solid reviews. However, this entry (cleary inspired by "Devil May Cry") never reaches the heights of the PS1's "Symphony of the Night". It is a pure action game without the RPG aspects found in that classic side-scroller. "Lament" is a prequel to the original "Castlevania" and utilizes the 3D style of gameplay. Players control Leon Belmont, the first vampire hunter in the family clan to battle Dracula. The game itself features an involving story, tight controls, fluid animation and stunning graphics. It may not be a masterpiece like "Symphony" but it's smooth combat is a definite highlight. The monster designs, gothic locations and fantastic score are pure "Castlevania". The PS2 games "Devil May Cry" and "God of War" are better showcases of the system, but "Lament of Innocence" is still a gem.… Expand
  8. JimJ.
    Oct 28, 2003
    0
    This game is too much like a washed-out version of DMC. Zzzzz....

See all 54 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best PS2 Game of 2003
20
#20 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
29
#29 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003