IGA's Second Symphony - possible SOTN sequel

Cilla Black

That's true, and there were 2 on the N64. No idea what I was thinking.

I'd say a 360 and PS3 version is likely, then.

LCDXX

IGA still seems pretty adamant that he's not going to do anything on the Wii for a bit. Even with all his fans insisting that the Wiimote would be awesome for whip control, he thinks it would be problematic and/or tiresome to even try to implement something like that.

Edit:

1up wrote:

1UP: Can you just clarify your comments about developing for the PSP?
Igarasahi: Basically, I would like to move to a multiplatform basis, so PSP is included as one of my targeted platforms.

1UP: You know, another platform that people are wondering about is the Wii. When you think about it, there are a couple games that seem like they would make a lot of sense on that system. You know, such as Tennis -- there are a couple of games that just feel like they're perfect on the Wii. And I have to say, Castlevania seems like it would right up there -- what other game do you swing a whip around? I know you mentioned around E3 time that you weren't really sure about the Wii -- at the time you hadn't really checked it out. Now that you've seen a lot more of it and you've seen the buzz surrounding it, are you planning something for the Wii? Whether or not you actually release something for the system, are you at least thinking about concepts for it?
Igarasahi: 80 percent of the press ask me that question. [laughs]

1UP: So what do you tell them?
Igarasahi: Everyone can think about Castlevania on the Wii, and I of course have thought about it as well. But here's the thing. Users can swing the controller around for 5 minutes or so and have some fun, but I would rather people be deeply immersed in a Castlevania game and play for at least an hour at a time. So I wouldn't want to have people using the controller to swing the whip -- I would only want to use the swinging for special occasions in the game.

1UP: So no Castlevania WarioWare style mini-game collection for the Wii, huh?
Igarasahi: [laughs] OK, maybe I would do that.

4rch3nemy

Because swinging a sword around in Zelda was so tiring and boring.

*yawn* Igarasahi *yawn*

Cilla Black

Personally I'm with him, at least partially. The wiimote is an awesome tool but it's frankly still too new. Developers haven't really fleshed it out completely yet, I doubt even Nintendo has, and to go into making a full 3-D castlevania game with wiimote controls at this stage could easily produce an ambitious but ultimately mediocre game. Not unlike many of the Wii titles currently available.

I'd like him to wait at least a year to see how other developers work with the wiimote to make a castlevania game based on it. I wouldn't, however, like for him to write it off entirely.

mrots

4rch3nemy wrote:

Because swinging a sword around in Zelda was so tiring and boring.

*yawn* Igarasahi *yawn*

You don't swing it though.

4rch3nemy

Zilla84 wrote:

I wouldn't, however, like for him to write it off entirely.

I think that's my main issue with him at the moment. It seems like he's doing just this.


ASIDE: The DS could ALWAYS use more metroidvania.

Imran

IGA will make a game wherever the sales are.

Personally, I'd rather have a Wii Boktai than another 3D Castlevania.

LCDXX

I agree somewhat, as well. But my argument is that Iga has yet to produce 3D Castlevania that even comes close to appealing with the 2D fanbase. Adding complex whip control on top of the "Castlevania in 3D" conundrum is just asking for an even bigger disappointment.

I'm not saying that Lament and Curse of Darkness were "horrible", I'm just saying that they don't quite integrate the "Metroidvania" gameplay that been a staple since SotN.

I may sound like a broken record, but I still wish for a 2.5D Castlevania - 2D gameplay rendered in full-blown 3D (think Klonoa, Pandemonium). It would cover that silly 3D requirement that Konami's suits gripe about in console development, but still capture the feel and gameplay essence of Castlevania that we all know and love.

Cilla Black

I enjoyed both PS2 3D Castlevanias a lot, so there'd be no real complaints from me. Except that I don't actually own any of the next-gen systems.

ViolentChemistry

LCDXX wrote:

I may sound like a broken record, but I still wish for a 2.5D Castlevania - 2D gameplay rendered in full-blown 3D (think Klonoa, Pandemonium). It would cover that silly 3D requirement that Konami's suits gripe about in console development, but still capture the feel and gameplay essence of Castlevania that we all know and love.

That would be pretty sweet.

LCDXX

Imran wrote:

IGA will make a game wherever the sales are.

Personally, I'd rather have a Wii Boktai than another 3D Castlevania.

Iga didn't do Boktai - that was Hideo Kojima. But a Wii Boktai would be super sweet if they somehow leveraged the Wii's internal clock and/or the weather data off of the Weather Channel on the Wii dashboard.

Imran

LCDXX wrote:

Imran wrote:

IGA will make a game wherever the sales are.

Personally, I'd rather have a Wii Boktai than another 3D Castlevania.

Iga didn't do Boktai - that was Hideo Kojima.

Right, yeah. They were separate thoughts, but I have the flu and am just writing things as they come to me.

In any event, taking a couple of years off before they make another new Castlevania might be good for them.

Cilla Black

I just want the next one, even if it's on the DS, to not have fucking awful dialogue. PoR was extremely fun but I never ever want to read the dialogue ever again. So awful.

LCDXX

Zilla84 wrote:

I just want the next one, even if it's on the DS, to not have fucking awful dialogue. PoR was extremely fun but I never ever want to read the dialogue ever again. So awful.

Personally, I really enjoyed PoR a LOT, but I sincerely hope that the 2-partner aspect of the gameplay stays unique to PoR. In other words, I don't want that to be any sort of trend. Just give me one mega-badass character.

Edit: CHARLOTTE! JONATHAN! CHARLOTTE! JONATHAN! CHARLOTTE! JONATHAN! CHARLOTTE! JONATHAN! CHARLOTTE! JONATHAN! CHARLOTTE! JONATHAN!

Blitz Rawket

Zilla84 wrote:

I just want the next one, even if it's on the DS, to not have fucking awful dialogue. PoR was extremely fun but I never ever want to read the dialogue ever again. So awful.

But Zilla!

It's a multi-layer quantum space barrier

Cilla Black

Blitz Rawket wrote:

Zilla84 wrote:

I just want the next one, even if it's on the DS, to not have fucking awful dialogue. PoR was extremely fun but I never ever want to read the dialogue ever again. So awful.

But Zilla!

It's a multi-layer quantum space barrier

D:

Miller

This hasn't been posted yet?

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)

Jeremy Parish wrote:

But the virtuous are being rewarded for their patience, because at long last -- on the 10th anniversary of Symphony of the Night, in fact -- Rondo of Blood is finally making its way to America. And how it's coming over might come as a bit of a surprise: a 3D remake for PSP.

But there's more to Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles than a mere graphically-enhanced version of a long-coveted classic (although that alone would certainly sell the game to most people). According to Konami, Chronicles will also include the original 2D version of the game. And, for good measure, a straight port of Symphony of the Night, featuring full-screen graphics and a touched-up localization. Sorry, kitch addicts -- no more scenery-chewing here.

What Symphony won't be receiving is a 3D facelift; that honor is reserved solely for Rondo. But Rondo's the focus here anyway. Fans have been clamoring for years for a port, a rerelease, a remake, anything, so long as the game makes its way into American hands -- and now it's on the way. Symphony's inclusion is simply a sweet, sweet bonus.

Video

Cilla Black

Looks like ass. The enemies and Richter are okay, but the environment looks like total ass. Still, it might look better in different areas and included both the original 2d AND SoTN is a pretty kickass deal.

Neo Rasa

So I'm gonna be picking up a PSP now. I wonder if they'll actually put the 2D version of Dracula X out here? They damn well better. I'd hate to have to import it.

MechMantis

Miller wrote:

This hasn't been posted yet?

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)

Jeremy Parish wrote:

But the virtuous are being rewarded for their patience, because at long last -- on the 10th anniversary of Symphony of the Night, in fact -- Rondo of Blood is finally making its way to America. And how it's coming over might come as a bit of a surprise: a 3D remake for PSP.

But there's more to Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles than a mere graphically-enhanced version of a long-coveted classic (although that alone would certainly sell the game to most people). According to Konami, Chronicles will also include the original 2D version of the game. And, for good measure, a straight port of Symphony of the Night, featuring full-screen graphics and a touched-up localization. Sorry, kitch addicts -- no more scenery-chewing here.

What Symphony won't be receiving is a 3D facelift; that honor is reserved solely for Rondo. But Rondo's the focus here anyway. Fans have been clamoring for years for a port, a rerelease, a remake, anything, so long as the game makes its way into American hands -- and now it's on the way. Symphony's inclusion is simply a sweet, sweet bonus.

Video

No DS port?


Grab the stakes.

Magus`

Konami hates money.

Neo Rasa

Zilla84 wrote:

Looks like ass. The enemies and Richter are okay, but the environment looks like total ass. Still, it might look better in different areas and included both the original 2d AND SoTN is a pretty kickass deal.

The fact that it will have the original 2D Dracula X on it makes it worth $50 alone. I don't know why they would shame themselves by showing screenshots/footage of the enhanced (my ass) graphics version.


That said, what's with them using The Beginning instead of Cross a Fear for the first level? The "Wyvern" and the "Orphic Viper" at the end of the level look like ass. What the hell? :?

There's a freeware fan game called Trevor's Quest that's much better than this. Especially because it has towns and non-linear gameplay like Simon's Quest. It uses art assets from mostly Symphony of the Night, Super Castlevania IV and Haunted Castle, making it one of the most graphically intense 2D fan games to be made in the west.

Elendil

Yeah, I'm getting a PSP now.

fireside

Meh, Richter isn't controlled like the slick bastard he is in SoTN. My desire to play Rondo of Blood is greatly diminished.

Original Rufus

Elendil wrote:

Yeah, I'm getting a PSP now.

My nerd rage is so strong right now I think I just got my virginity back.

crash5s

God damn it now I have to buy a PSP (shouldn't have sold mine).

Meh, Richter isn't controlled like the slick bastard he is in SoTN. My desire to play Rondo of Blood is greatly diminished.

Half the point of rondo is playing as maria, who kicks ass

Question is the PSP region free, since I have to buy a new one might as well get one of those spiffy white ones.

YesNoMu

Dammit Konami! First MGS and now this. Why are you making me buy a PSP? You guys are jackasses.

Well, it won't work. I'm not buying a PSP until it's dead and under $100. I don't care how long it takes.

Neo Rasa

YesNoMu wrote:

Well, it won't work. I'm not buying a PSP until it's dead and under $100. I don't care how long it takes.

At this rate I'll probably pick one up next week.

TelMarine

so if we have this CV "collection" coming for PSP, when will we see a new CV DS game? We got 3 for GBA, 3 for GB (i believe), and already have 2 for DS. We need a third to be complete.

4rch3nemy

TelMarine wrote:

so if we have this CV "collection" coming for PSP, when will we see a new CV DS game? We got 3 for GBA, 3 for GB (i believe), and already have 2 for DS. We need a hundred thousand million more to be complete.

Fixt.

Neo Rasa

TelMarine wrote:

so if we have this CV "collection" coming for PSP, when will we see a new CV DS game? We got 3 for GBA, 3 for GB (i believe), and already have 2 for DS. We need a third to be complete.

You are correct.

Elendil

So in SotN is there any way to up Richter's defense?

Because god, he dies fast.

Neo Rasa

Elendil wrote:

So in SotN is there any way to up Richter's defense?

Because god, he dies fast.

Destroying bosses and exploration will allow you to find items that will increase Ricther's maximum amount of energy.

Mordrack

Elendil wrote:

So in SotN is there any way to up Richter's defense?

Because god, he dies fast.

No, but picking up HP-Up elixirs does raise his HP.

Elendil

Neo Rasa wrote:

Elendil wrote:

So in SotN is there any way to up Richter's defense?

Because god, he dies fast.

Destroying bosses and exploration will allow you to find items that will increase your maximum amount of energy.

Ah. I wasn't sure if the max-ups actually did anything in his game.

In other news, armored fleamen do not make Richter happy.

Neo Rasa

Elendil wrote:

Ah. I wasn't sure if the max-ups actually did anything in his game.

In other news, armored fleamen do not make Richter happy.

The Bible and Holy Water are good for knocking their armor off fast.

Fencingsax

Wait, I'm not entirely clear. What games are in this?

Neo Rasa

Fencingsax wrote:

Wait, I'm not entirely clear. What games are in this?

Akumajo Dracula X: Chi no Rondo was originally released for the Turbo CD in 1993. Anyone who's played it knows it's one of the best platformers ever made. It is easily one of the best Castlevania games, on par with Castlevania: Dracula's Curse, Super Castlevania IV and the original masterpiece. It was "ported" to the SNES very poorly and this terrible iteration got released in the US and Europe in the mid-nineties.

Behold its true form and despair:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPZ-9lVlGOo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulLZpxSIlzA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri5B7btKrac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UshvbRUaBE

Dracula X in its true form is an awesome and relevant game. It is notable that a ton of the content used in Symphony of the Night (its direct sequel) and beyond is taken verbatim from this game without modification. The CD soundtrack has not often been topped by later Castlevania games.


It is now known that it is to be released on the PSP in Japan come September. It will have both the original game and a 3D remake a la Maverick Hunter X and Mega Man: Powered Up.

The 3D graphics look like ten kinds of ass compared to the original hand drawn masterwork but the inclusion of said original game makes it worth any price to obtain this game. I will be purchasing a PSP the day this game is available for it. If I have to import it because Konami either does not release it or the original 2D version of the game on a US release of it then so be it.

http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/8896

If the original game were EVER to come out in the US, this is the time. I pray to God it makes it here as I keep holding out on paying the ~$80~$200 the original often goes for online. It is easily piratable but I'm living a lie every time I call myself a lover of the Castlevania franchise yet continue such behavior.

This PSP release will also include a port of Casltevania: Symphony of the Night. Currently this game is only available on the PSX (same name) and the Sega Saturn (Dracula X: Nocturne in the Moonlight).

Mordrack

Neo Rasa wrote:

Elendil wrote:

Ah. I wasn't sure if the max-ups actually did anything in his game.

In other news, armored fleamen do not make Richter happy.

The Bible and Holy Water are good for knocking their armor off fast.

Eh, I always just dagger-blitz (the up, down, down-forward, forward+attack move) them.

BlackDog85

That said, what's with them using The Beginning instead of Cross a Fear for the first level?

I thought the first level theme in Rondo was "Bloodlines" (the one that's remixed as "Blood Relations" in SotN and used for the violin solo during the title screen in CV64)? I could easily be wrong. Also thought that the version of "Phantasmic Hell" (boss theme) in the 3-D version sounded kinda shitty.

Watching the 3-D version, meh, environments don't look great, but the fact that Rondo is finally coming to America makes it worth it. Now bring it to DS, Konami, and I won't hate you.