Dynafire has 132 chronicles

1. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia initial impressions
   

   Player Chronicle -- Posted on Jan 17 2009

   I finally managed to pick up a copy of this for the magical price of $20 today at a local pawn shop. This is my initial reaction to the game. Don't worry. It's relatively short.
   
   There are two features of this game that really stand out to me. The weapon system and the difficulty. While the game is presented as the previous two DS installments of the Castlevania franchise, you don't pick up weapons. Instead, you get glyphs that represent different kinds, such as swords and bows. You can attach two glyphs (as well as a "support" glyph) at any given time. You can combo them together by alternately hitting x and y. You can't just mash the buttons though. Depending on the combination of glyphs you're using, the timing for alternating attacks changes. There's no real trick to finding the proper timing, it's just trial and error. However, this is a fun new way to fight. Also, using any attack uses your MP now. I felt that the magic gauge was the most underused thing in the previous Castlevania games, but now it's something you need to keep track of.
   
   Now about that difficulty... This game is hard. The normal enemies aren't too bad, but the bosses will mess you up. In the few bosses I've encountered so far, there are very specific ways you have to fight them if you don't want to take a ton of damage. Think of these fights as a bullet hell game. When they attack, they generally leave a very small window open where you're safe. Finding this window (and in many cases, different windows for different attacks) is another case of trial and error. It's not impossible in its difficulty, but does present an adequate challenge.
   
   Overall, I'm loving the game so far. It's practically the same as the previous games, but through subtle tweaks it feels like a completely different experience. Definitely check it out if you're a fan of the series, or are looking for a challenge.

   
   

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Dynafire has 1 comment on this chronicle.

1. JackDaniels624
   Posted On Jan 18 2009

   I concur! The bosses were pretty hard until you memorize the patterns. Like that spider crab dude? He's easy! Up to the point where you have to continue up the tower . However I kinda disagree with the MP thing...I've never really attacked that much that I actually had to keep an eye on it yet. The only time I did need to was when I was having it drained by those big bullies who I have not seen for a while and whos names escape me.
   
   I like what they did with the heart system though, and the whole collecting weapons thing. Oh and I believe Circle of the Moon had the best use of MP, mixing those cards was awesome!