Fearless Vampire Killers

Castlevania first appeared in 1987 during the heyday of the eight-bit era. Over the next two decades, the Belmont clan has continued the battle against Dracula and his minions through dozens of games. Castlevania even has its own wiki chronicling the evolution of the series. Games like Castlevania and Mega Man have defined 2-D platform gaming for a generation.

Castlevania Harmony of Despair , available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, delivers the ageless 2-D adventure into the hi-def era with a brand new castle to explore, and adds a new twist—co-operative and versus multiplayer.

Try the free demo or download the full game here.

Begin by choosing a classic Castlevania stalwart from a previous game like Alucard, Jonathan Morris, or Soma Cruz, each with his or her own weapons and magic. Zoom from a map-level view to a close-up of your area with a click of the right thumbstick.

The stunning levels are detailed and challenging, with puzzles and features reflecting past Castlevania games, but the gameplay itself has a definite retro feel. The basic formula hasn't changed—double-jump and fight your way through a variety of enemies on your way to an apocalyptic boss battle. Seek out chests containing armor, weapons, magic, and other power-up bonuses along the way.

Some levels can be brutally difficult on single-player, but multiplayer adds an exciting new twist. Up to six players can band together to tackle the castle, joining up for special dual attacks or helping each other reach elusive treasures. Many items retrieved are used collectively, and you can even revive a fallen comrade who's been reduced to a shambling skeleton.

The online multiplayer adds squad-level tactics to how you attack each level. One player might run off to the side to retrieve some treasure, while another couple of players work their way up the other side to trip a switch, opening a gate elsewhere in the level for the main force to advance. When you reach the boss, gather together and plan your attack with a coordinated assault.

Whether playing solo or multiplayer, the classic 2-D platforming and the detailed environments presented in striking HD graphics make this a must for any Castlevania fan.

Comments

• Anonymous
  August 02, 2010
  This is a good evidence that 2D gaming is still going strong and last as long as video gaming exists.