The true test for a developer when remaking a classic title from a former video game system is whether or not they can find a balance between two crucial aspects that will lead to success. If they don't hit both groups, any DLC off PSN, Xbox Live, WiiWare or any console would struggle to keep its head above water, jerking its arms to stay afloat.

First, the freshly released title must remain loyal to the original fans of the game years ago; the fanatics that stood by the game through thick and thin. Secondly, it must be packed with fresh new updates to appeal to today's gamer -- not being too old and junkie and using its retro feel to suck people in from every walk of life.

And for Castlevania Chronicles, now available for $5.99 as DLC, the finished remake doesn't exactly tread water with ease as a complete package.

 

The game is broken up into two potential game plays: arcade and arrange modes. Arcade mode is a traditional run through of the game without any advanced graphics, sounds or innovative detail that so a lot of PS3 DLC normally utilize. You play as Simon Belmont, a familiar character from previous Castlevania games who hunts vampires and hopes to extinguish Dracula and his allies. You move in 2D form through less-than-appealing levels cracking your whip on bad guys and using special weapons, such as knives and axes found by whipping candles and other castle props. You eventually make your way to different bosses, which can sometimes be tough to defeat with the lack of mobility and range (such as using your whip any other direction than forward while jumping or moving.) 

Arrange mode brightens up the graphics a bit, giving Belmont bright red hair and a little more appeal. Konami provides stellar sound with eerie classics that go perfectly with game play. The game is meant to be dark and ominous -- the sound is right there with it. After beating the game, an interview with Symphony of the Night's producer is available as well as Ayami Kojima's art gallery. Even a time-attack mode is available, allowing you to practice shedding off seconds on level completion. But both modes include awkward special attack control configuration, like hitting up+attack to use weapons as opposed to just using R1.
 
Overall, the game appeals to its loyal fans who have been on board since Castlevania's early days. But for gamers who are blown away by titles that show graphics popping out of their screen and breath taking sound for the PS3, they might be a little turned off by Konami's lack of freshness. It depends what $5.99 means to you.
 
Pros: Appropriate sound, maintains vintage style, updated arrange mode.
 
Cons: Ancient graphics, lack of mobility, awkward controls, little replay value.
 
Sound: 3.5
Controls: 1.75
Graphics: 1.25
Fun Factor: 1.5
 
Platform: Playstation 3, Developer/Publisher: Konami, ESRB: Teen, Players: One, Price: $5.99 (PSN)
 
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abudabu

this game is a PS game. just use the review that gamepro did. as for awkward controls and mobility, that's how other classic castlevania games played. as for the arranged mode, they could have done something with gameplay like Dracula X chronicles

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