For a game that can be completed in just a couple of hours, Soul of Darkness packs in a surprising amount of gameplay depth. At its core, it’s a , but it borrows several elements from the RPG genre to create a more satisfying experience.
At its heart, Soul of Darkness is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer. For its modest price point, the game offers a surprising amount of depth: soul of darkness ds rom new
So, after all this time, why should you track down this short, unofficial Castlevania clone? For a game that can be completed in
Considering its origin as a DSiWare title, Soul of Darkness is a visually impressive game. The hand-drawn 2D environments are rich in color and mood, perfectly capturing the series' gothic, morbid aesthetic. From the flickering candlelight of a crypt to the moonlit battlements of a cathedral, each level feels distinct and atmospheric. The animations are also noteworthy; a delayed body turn when changing direction gives Kale a sense of weight and fluidity, mirroring the movements of characters like Symphony of the Night 's Alucard. The game's audio complements the visuals nicely, with a moody soundtrack that fits the gothic setting. While its MIDI samples may not reach the heights of its inspiration, the musical direction is effective and enhances the tension during exploration and boss battles. For its modest price point, the game offers