Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)

[Icarus Moonsight]

After learning that another DS vampire hunt will soon be upon us (Nintendo Power cover story) I found myself shocked that we'll be getting a new Castlevania so soon after the first DS release Dawn of Sorrow. Though still in development at the time of the NP interview with Iga, he gave out some juicy info for all in the cult of Castlevania.

Apparently Iga was growing weary of naming each new Castlevania after SotN, taking it's name from a musical style or referance. The new installment carries a moniker related to painting; Portrait of Ruin (in case you missed it in the subject line :P) PoR is set in Europe during WWII and is a direct follow up to Castlevania Bloodlines (Genesis). The main character is the son of the whip yeilding Morris from Bloodlines. Gameplay will be changed up a bit for the main game, like Castlevania 3 and Julius mode in Dawn of Sorrow you will be able to switch control between two characters on the fly. One being the whip swinger Morris and the other a spellcaster somehow related to Ms. Fernendez from Castlevania 64. They haven't eliminated the soul collecting type gameplay from AoS and DoS, but rather lessened the emphasis on that style of play. Putting more emphasis back to items and gained abilities.

Iga also mentioned the possibility of Wi-Fi and/or Co-op play and that my friends is when I completely lost it... if this is true and co-op and/or wi-fi pans out to be as good as I hope it to be, somebody is gonna have to pry my DS out of my cold dead hands. I'll go pull a Korean gamer stint and not eat, shower, sleep or use a restroom for days nigh weeks... at least I would want to, at least I can joke about it :D

Here's a google news url if your hungry for more :)
http://news.google.com/news?q=Castlevania+Portrait+of+Ruin&hl=en&lr=&sa=X&oi=news&ct=title

[MarkMan]

Free bump for this thread.

Very excited about the game. From the early build I played of it, it's AWESOME. The gameplay and whole 2 character switch on the fly interaction is seemless and provides for fun fighting.

Can't wait until it comes out. I played it literally for an hour straight just standing there haha.

[Arasoi]

This game looks promising indeed. THe CV3/DOS Julius mode style character switching has always appealed to me, and added depth to the gameplay. The addition of linear stages through paintings should add a more classic feel to the game, which IMO was badly needed.

The only downside I can see is the art, which I dot not prefer the style of at all. Its barely better than the completely generic anime style that DOS had.

[MarkMan]

The character switching is fast, even more on the fly than CV3/DOS Julius mode.

It's like switching between two weapon sets in DoS. :)

Fun stuff. You can even program your cpu AI controlled partner to do a set of moves on the fly.

[evil_genius]

what game is that in your avatar? it looks like ikaruga but it can't be.

[exit]

It's nice to see that they're going back to some of the classic game elements. I'm glad to see that they're starting to listen to the fans, now all they need to do is give us Rondo of Blood.

[Synergy]

Another Castlevania is always good to hear about. :)


I'm glad to see that they're starting to listen to the fans, now all they need to do is give us Rondo of Blood.

No kidding. I just got a hold of magic engine that came with a Rondo image a couple days ago and I'm still here trying to pick my jaw up off the floor. That game is AMAZING. So amazing, in fact, that I have half a mind to buy a Turbo Duo just to play that game.

But, yeah, an official release here in the states would work too. Either way, I must have that game! :P

[Richter Belmount]

i heard nec can sue konami for doing that porting the game so thats whats holding them back.

[Arasoi]

Rondo is a special game, but once you get past the fact that its a very good 8/16 bit (depends on who you ask in PC Engine's case) game on CD, it falls a little flat, and gets overrated.

The anime art style detracts from the game a bit IMO, deviates too much from the series on the whole - and the silliness with Maria makes it harder to take seriously. Its a Castlevania game, not a Parodius game. Additionally, she's so powerful she breaks the game more or less.

Its level structure and great attention to detail, along with its superb soundtrack help raise it up to a high standing in the series overall, but taken in perspective with the other games its more of an oddity than a serious entry in the series.

[Rook_Jones]

Rondo is a special game, but once you get past the fact that its a very good 8/16 bit (depends on who you ask in PC Engine's case) game on CD, it falls a little flat, and gets overrated.


Or is that what you tell yourself because you don't own it? ;) In any case, I really enjoyed Dawn Of Sorrow, and I love Bloodlines to death (pun?), so 2 + 2 = 10. Except I don't have a DS.

D'oh!

[Arasoi]

[
Or is that what you tell yourself because you don't own it? ;)

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=87625

Sorry? :)

[Ed Oscuro]

rofl

Arasoi, it's still one of the best 8-bit CD-ROM games out there, though. I guess you've just worn it out ;)

Anyhow, PoR has me excited. A while back I had thought Aria of Sorrow was just about the greatest thing going, but eventually got over it (and I have yet to pick up DoS, which I understand to be pretty much just more of the same). PoR looks to be a great improvement in many respects.

[Arasoi]

Perhaps I did wear it out, but its not without faults. I pointed out its good points along with what I consider to be bad. I just consider it more of an oddity really, when compared to the rest of the series.

Classic games on CD format seem to blind people a little bit with their flash (IE - sprite cutscenes, CD music). Akumajo Densetsu is a much better game overall than Rondo IMO.

[Rook_Jones]

Shut me up. =)

Is that a Tiger Handheld CV? I remember when those things used to trick me into thinking they were cool...

[Arasoi]

Yeah there are a few of those, I agree that those arent too fun really. Though the watch is an interesting oddity.

It looks like there may be backtracking in the painting stages in PoR, as certain relics may be required to complete some of them. That breaks the linear aspect a little bit, but Im still very optimistic about the game. Its a change of pace, and looks/sounds to be a positive one indeed.

[MarkMan]

I played a bunch of Portrait of Ruin's new build yesterday and the day before.

It's really good stuff.

I'm so looking forward to the final release. Koji Igarashi was on hand and some coworkers of mine were able to get a good interview with him. I'll try to get the transcript soon.

[THATinkjar]

IGN posted some impressions on the latest build from Comic-Con 2006. Check it out (http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/720/720565p1.html)! Apparently it won't bit hitting Japan until the end of the year (possibly slipping to January...), so I'm guessing we won't see it for a good few months after.

[2Dskillz]

I bought my DS for Dawn of Sorrows when it released. And just as of today I am still playing it. I am really looking forward to Potrait of Ruin, I have complete faith in Igarashi's work. He has had me since Symphony of the Night.

[jobowyer]

I'm digging the spellcaster over Jonathon. Out of the many times I've played SotN I usually go the spellcasting route.

[MarkMan]

OK.

This game is way better than Dawn of Sorrow. At least for me, enjoyment wise. The game is great. I have no idea when it's coming out in the US but for sure, this is going to have a lot of suprises!

[DigitalSpace]

Portrait of Ruin is one of my most anticipated games. Whenever it comes out, I'll get it!

[MarkMan]

Looks like it's officially coming out in Nov.

From what I've played so far, I really enjoy it. I can't wait to have a copy of my own. :)

[LucidDefender]

How's the sound track in PoR? I loved the DoS soundtrack a great deal, even more than the SotN soundtrack.

[Simply Dave]

OK.

This game is way better than Dawn of Sorrow.

Holy moly, that's quite a statement, seeing how DoS is so awesome in the first place.

Can't wait to play the new one!

[Ed Oscuro]

Apparently Iga was growing weary of naming each new Castlevania after SotN, taking it's name from a musical style or referance.
I should've mentioned this earlier...I'm not very knowledable about musical things, but I don't believe a "Dawn" (as in Dawn of Sorrow) is a musical term. That's actually important since it's making a break with the naming scheme used by its own sequel in a sub-series, Aria of Sorrow.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Even still, it was possible that the naming tradition since SotN would resume after DoS... kinda like it did after Circle of the Moon on GBA. DoS being the first DS game and CotM being the first GBA game. :P I was not trying to claim EVERY Castlevania game has followed SotN's tradition mind you. Just that most have followed and deviations have not been a two in a row deal since SotN. LOL PoR is definately a deviation in the pattern is all. :)

[joshnickerson]

Thought I would point out that EB/Gamestop is providing a pretty sweet bonus for those who decide to reserve a copy.

http://www.kotaku.com/assets/resources/2006/10/castevania_por_bonuses.jpg

You get the game, a soundtrack CD, Lite stylus, art book and a DS card holder, for $40 (or $5 more than what the game would cost by itself). Better snag it now!

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/iga/castlevania-portrait-of-ruin-preorder-bonuses-done-right-209246.php

[badinsults]

Damn I want it.


Too bad it isn't coming to Canada :(

[kainemaxwell]

I had actually mentioned the PoR pre-order bonus in the Castlevania thread. Still really sweet though.

[MarkMan]

This game is awesome. Hands down the best handheld CV title(for me at least).

:)

Make sure you guys pick it up Dec. 13th!

[kainemaxwell]

Gamestop says its shipping 12/5.

[MarkMan]

Gamestop says its shipping 12/5.

That's odd, I heard from Konami that both this game and Portable Ops would be coming out the same day, 12/13.

But in any event!

This game is great. I loved the music, the system, and all the good references to past games. :)

[kainemaxwell]

Put in my pre-order after work today! I asked the guy at GS today, it's 12/13 now offically.

[norkusa]

Today when I went into Gamestop and asked about the CV pre-order bonus, the guys there knew nothing about it and one claimed to be a huge CV fanboy.

I know if I pre-order in store, they'll fuck it up and I won't get one of those bonus packs. Think my chances are better if I buy online.

[EricRyan34]

Today when I went into Gamestop and asked about the CV pre-order bonus, the guys there knew nothing about it and one claimed to be a huge CV fanboy.

I know if I pre-order in store, they'll fuck it up and I won't get one of those bonus packs. Think my chances are better if I buy online.

thats not something that happens intentionally. usually so busy trying to get shit done it just happens. Usually if you ask about the bonus pack when you pick up the game, you will get it. Kinda "reminding" the people working.

[segagamer4life]

Today when I went into Gamestop and asked about the CV pre-order bonus, the guys there knew nothing about it and one claimed to be a huge CV fanboy.

I know if I pre-order in store, they'll fuck it up and I won't get one of those bonus packs. Think my chances are better if I buy online.

thats not something that happens intentionally. usually so busy trying to get shit done it just happens. Usually if you ask about the bonus pack when you pick up the game, you will get it. Kinda "reminding" the people working.


Man, this is a sweeeeeet pre-order... the game was TOP NOTCH.... this is icing on the cake.

[sirhansirhan]

Today when I went into Gamestop and asked about the CV pre-order bonus, the guys there knew nothing about it and one claimed to be a huge CV fanboy.

I know if I pre-order in store, they'll fuck it up and I won't get one of those bonus packs. Think my chances are better if I buy online.

I actually want some advice on this front. There has been three or four times I've pre-ordered stuff at a GameStop and not gotten the pre-order bonuses. Conversely, once I ordered Makai Kingdom from gamestop.com to get the art book with it (it was shortly after the game was released and they said it shipped with the art book in 24 hours). I got the game very fast but they said that the art book was backordered, and never got back to me one way or the other re: that (this was over a year ago). So, does anyone have any advice regarding where I can go or what I can do to make sure I actually get the goddamn pre-order stuff? I fucking hate GameStop.

[ChronoTriggaFoo]

I called my local Gamestop and they didn't know anything about it either. Dammit. I want to make sure I get my goodies if I'm going to dish out the dough. So like Sirhansirhan said, how do I make sure that I get my stuff? And just to confirm, you CAN preorder it with the Bonus items at the brick&mortar location?

[cyberfluxor]

I'm going to check after work of they are taking the special pre-order option because that'll be a must.

[cyberfluxor]

I'm going to check after work of they are taking the special pre-order option because that'll be a must.
Nope. The guy behind the counter looked it up on the system too and saw nothing of the special release!

[cyberfluxor]

I'd hate to make another post so soon but does anyone know if the deal is only on the websites? Do I need to pre-order there and am I garanteed a special edition or are they out now? I did see however that the price is now $34.99 instead of $39.99.

[MarkMan]

I checked my local GS and EB they said that yes they would get the preorder bonus in for B&M stores.

40 some odd days til' this game comes out!

I wasn't going to preorder it, but I did. Preordered 2 because I absolutely love the bonus.

I don't think I'll be playing this game again though for quite some time -_- ...

If anyone needs tips when the game comes out holla at me. :)

[hezeuschrist]

I preordered it a while ago when I did my preorders for FFXII and GH2. I should make sure next tuesday when I go pickup FFXII that I'm getting all the extra stuff. I knew the soundtrack was a bonus and the guy knew about that then, but all that other stuff is excellent as well. I NEED the whole package.

[hezeuschrist]

Arrgh, no editing...

Found it at EBGames.com

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=B180197A

If you want to order it online, that whole "While supplies last" stipulation is on there so you probably want to jump on it. It's also been reduced from $39.99 to $34.99 as well, so now theres no excuse!

[cyberfluxor]

I'll order it tomorrow when I get a chance, can't from here at this time. I must make sure I get my hands on that special edition though. 8-)

[Kovacs]

I've never pre-ordered anything, ever, but that bonus stuff was too good to pass up. Put $10 on it at an EB, they assured me the stuff would be available when I pick it up, but they'd probably say anything to get me to pre-order.

The game looks awesome, and I was buying it anyway, so not a big deal if I don't get the bonus shit. I swore up and down I wouldn't let this pass by after I missed out on Dawn of Sorrow last year. Still can't find a copy.

[EricRyan34]

Just to let all of you know, those of you who want to reserve it but are afraid of NOT getting the cool bonus pack, all you have to do if you DONT get it is call up Corporate and bitch and complain and they will send you it, they have to.

[cyberfluxor]

(Shipped and Charged Later) TOTAL: $48.28

Not bad. Of course this is with Virginia state taxes. I will be expecting this little baby to be in the mail nicely packaged in December. :)

BTW: Talked to the GS people and they said if you reorder at the store it doesn't guarentee you'll get the limited edition at all and it's an online promotion. I can understand that to promote growth on their site for business but it is sad that they won't release it around here in stores from what they're saying. Be sure to order online. ;)

[sirhansirhan]

(Shipped and Charged Later) TOTAL: $48.28

Not bad. Of course this is with Virginia state taxes. I will be expecting this little baby to be in the mail nicely packaged in December. :)

Yeah, I bit the bullet and pre-ordered it at gamestop.com yesterday. I was alarmed to find out that it is $34.99, that the cheapest shipping option is $2.99 (I already knew this from ordering stuff from them before), that there is an unavoidable $5 fee added to whatever shipping option you pick (which I didn't know; they say it's because this comes with a lot of stuff and has more volume and weighs more than other packages), and that they charged tax (I live in Missouri, and I swear they didn't do this the last time I ordered with them), so it wound up being about $47.50 after everything was said and done. That's pretty lame for a game that is $34.99 to begin with. I hate GameStop. There's going to be a huge ruckus if I don't get my pre-order stuff this time around.

[ChronoTriggaFoo]

Wow, $47.50 is quite a bit for a DS package. Doesn't seem like bonus goodies anymore eh? I went ahead and went to my local Gamestop. The lady manager guaranteed I would get the bonus stuff, even if they didn't get enough of them in for everyone. Crossing my fingers.

[slip81]

I just preordered min today at the EB in the mall where I work.

I'm the 10th person to preordere it, so hepefully I'll get the bonus pack.

I may also preorder a second at another stor if the number of PO's is less, just to make sure I get one.

[Lothars]

I'm dissapointed that it sounds like I am unable to get the bonus pack for preordering the game

o well I think I will preorder it at a couple Eb's and go from there

[Drexel923]

Picked up my pre-order bonus today at Gamestop....it is quite nice. Definitely one of the best pre-order items in a while. Now I just have to wait a couple more days for the game itself.

[MarkMan]

I was trying to get an extra preorder bonus but no avail yet. :(

By the by, this game is excellent. I still play it(trying to get EVERYTHING). And I've had it for THREE months of on and off play. English version by the way.

It's a great game, if anyone needs any help/tips when it comes out I'll be more than happy to help.

[Trumpman]

How'd you manage to get it already? I call the Gamestop I preordered at and they said that they didn't even have them in stock yesterday. Also, when I preordered it, they said they couldn't tell me how many other people had preordered it. They also said that they were giving the bonuses to the first people to preorder, not the first to come pick it up.

LAME

[Ed Oscuro]

MarkMan's special...

Looking forward to my copy, even if I don't have a DS yet (and I'm hoping the remixes won't all be crap - the ones on the official Japanese site aren't too good, though those are web-only, as I understand). Hah!

[swlovinist]

I got my preorder today, as I have paid for the game in full and was only one of two people to preorder the game. Life is good :)

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Picked up my preorder stuff too on Saturday (made it easier to get too since Im working there for the holidays). Very nice stuff let alone just for a preorder bonus. Nice artbook, box, stylus and case. I like finally having a full timeline of the game too. I like the soundtrack and its the second best comp. cd for a Castlevania pack-in (best to me being the music cd packaged with the import SOTN...though that one doesnt have any of the GBA/DS tracks :) ). Now I cant wait till I pick up the game this week.

[cyberfluxor]

Yesterday I finally got a $48 charge on my bank account from GameStop which I preorded from over 2 months ago. It's supposed to be shipped to my address and am hoping to see it either today or tomorrow. I of course just beat DoS the other day so it'll be nice to get the goodies of this game.

[kainemaxwell]

Wiat, its out now? Hmm, I never got a call...

[mailman187666]

I never got a call either, nor did they call me about the bonus content I'm hoping to get. I'll be sad if i can't get the bonus stuff, but i can't wait to play the game. I pre-ordered from 2 different stores also just in case. I hope I can get the stuff and not resort to paying god knows what price on ebay for all of it.

[segagamer4life]

I will be picking this up on wednesday, I can't wait!!!! this game is gonna be in my DS, for a LOOOONG time... great game.

[cyberfluxor]

Hmmm, I just looked at eBay and of course the game is beginning to flood into it. I'm seeing one auction going for almost $60 + shipping and there's 4 days left. I wouldn't dare sell my game even if it brought me $100, maybe $200 though. :P

[mailman187666]

I'm seeing the price for one Castlevania: PoR with all the bonus content going for close to $80 right now on e-bay. This is exactly the reason I pre-ordered from 2 different stores. Does anybody know how many 25th anniversary packs each store will be getting. If you pre-ordered the day they announced the bonus pack, do you think chances are good you'll get one?

[MarkMan]

If you guys haven't seen it yet.

http://static.flickr.com/109/312768648_67fad9d99e.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/104/312769051_1e54cbd4ca.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/122/312769632_b60804f4d9.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/111/312769468_fc36f3f4e6.jpg

Kinda dissapointed that it doesn't look like the concept/press image Konami sent out a few months ago. It's all good though. :)

[Trumpman]

So, I went to my GameStop today, and they let me pick up the bonus, but they wouldn't let me pick up the game, claiming that "the ship date is today". Don't they have it in stock today if they're going to sell it tomorrow? It sucks because now I won't be able to pick it up till the weekend.

[kainemaxwell]

Got the phone call today and picking it up tomorrow or thursday!

[77punk]

i wish i could play it on my bigscreen instead of a tiny little ds screen, oh well... BUMP FOR CASTLEVANIA!

[cyberfluxor]

I looked last night and apparently they shipped yesterday and it's set for a 3-day delivery. The shipping+handling was $10.99, why should it take 3 days? I'm sure they could have shipped out last week for the pre-orders so I'd get it when the stores do. Don't appreciate that but if it's for the bonus stuff I will wait a few extra days with my little patience.

[TurboGenesis]

Picked everything up today and the first thing I did was listen to that kickin soundtrack! Great music, Great memories!

Still haven't played the game yet -- the wife snatched it and she playing it right now as I type this post. Oh well I play it later.

[PapaStu]

I reserved one on ebgames.com about 3 months ago and it showed up today (and I only paid for the saver shipping) so a day after release isn't too shabby in my mind.

It'll pop into the DS when I get over this next bout of Mr. Driller DS that i'm playing through right now.

[kainemaxwell]

I never got it. Apperently it was only sold through the online store. I was never told this, so how is it others here picked theirs up at stores?!

[MarkMan]

The guy lied to you :x !

Every store in the San Diego area got the preorder bonuses in.

[kainemaxwell]

The guy lied to you :x !

Every store in the San Diego area got the preorder bonuses in.
That's what i figured. I asked a friend who's a manager at a store on it. I'm calling the guy out on it before work tomorrow.

No idea who to write to if he still claims that it was only online and i never get it..

[DanielThomas]

I picked up the new Castlevania game on Wednesday, and I'm having a blast with it. I wrote down some of my impressions thus far at my games blog.

It's a great game, and I'm hoping it lasts as long as Dawn of Sorrow did. We'll have to wait and see.