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Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2 - |OT| - Dead and Loving It!
- Thread starter Ahasverus
- Start date
What is the game that the guy is sliding at the beginning of the video?
User Agreus on the Castlevania dungeon forums says the longest one lasts 5 minutes, they aren't stealth sections but puzzles. They are piss easy except for the second one and that you CAN hide after being discovered by turning into rats. He called the problems with them "ridiculously overblown"
There's one after the prologue. Where getting detected and could get annoying. Going back to the same area you won't be doing any stealthing anymore.
Good to hear. I'm keeping my pre-order. The only thing that still worries me though is the lack of variety as far as the scenery goes. That was one of my favorite aspects in LoS1. :-/
Being on a modern city or inside the castle shouldn't be a problem for them anyway, every fucking Castlevania out there had varied areas even inside the Castle. They could put a forest inside the castle if they wanted. A cavern, etc.
But no, they'll go the safe route and use only things that you would expect inside a castle. A library, a theater, etc.
Do it
Spoiler:
THEY DID
Hmm, that's not what I read or seen at all. There's no lush areas as the first LoS. People who played reported that most of the areas are samey looking. I'm assuming you're talking about the Agreus area, with leaves and some trees?
Unless the reviewers are lying, then I'll continue to believe that this game doesn't have as much variety as the first LoS.
Darkmakaimura
Can You Imagine What SureAI Is Going To Do With Garfield?
Any full walkthroughs or LPs of this game up?
crazyturtle
Member
no complete walkthroughs yet, but there are walkthroughs spawning up on youtube if you change the filter date to today
The closest thing I've seen yet to a forest was this:
It's probably my favorite screenshot from the game yet but it doesn't scream variety either as far as colors and mood go.
I was never one of those people.
Sanctuary
Member
If you're going to add spoilers, you might want to use the actual forum code to do so. Simply putting the word by itself right before the spoiler isn't really sufficient, especially for people who read quickly.
Done. I didn't think it was that major, I mean, it's Castlevania, those 2 are a given.
So, Dungeon user Agreus just finished the game. He had a weird unhandled error right after the final fight but afte reloadin everything went fine, no need to fight again and all. He posted an euology I think it's worth posting. Will edit all spoilerific parts:
ThoughtsOfSpeaking
Banned
One thing bugs me about this game (Going by the walkthrough posted earlier)
Normally i dont pay attention to game stories but that struck me as a pretty massive story issue.
Gabriel is fighting for the right to die right? But he is also fighting to prevent being made an "pet" by satan. But the dudes a vampire, he has killed countless people and even before he became one he did many unspeakable acts. He has made it clear he has turned his back on god. When he dies isnt he going to hell anyway? So whatever he does, Satan is going to have his way with him? Also, whats Satans issue with Zobek? He basically did what he wanted him to do.
Normally i dont pay attention to game stories but that struck me as a pretty massive story issue.
LostInNoise
Member
Where do you see that at? The only games that have a 10 dollar reward certificate for preorders that I can find are here - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Games-P...10/pcmcat308100050002.c?id=pcmcat308100050002
ThoughtsOfSpeaking
Banned
even still, if Gabriel is in hell, eventually they are going to meet up. Only way the premise works is if he wants to be erased from existance.
Nope, he wants peace. The thing is, if you kill Dracula without the vampire killer his soul is rejected in both heaven and hell. That's why they need it. And that's what he wanted it. The VK is the only weapon that can end the vampire curse (Cleansing his soul?). Also, who's not to say that Dracula can keep his powers after death? That's why Satan wouldn't want him near as he fears him. I hope the game delivers your answers. Will tweet the director still.
brandonh83
Banned
As I suspected. As with most of the "OH MY GOD BIG ISSUES" with the first game like the Titan fights (which are fucking cake and take no more than a couple minutes) it's likely very easy and quick.
Bring on Tuesday. I should have Final Fantasy finished before then. I cannot wait. I am fucking jacked.
Freezasaurus
Member
Are you playing Lightning Returns as well? I'm pretty close to being done. Initially was going to buy Tales of Symphonia Chronicles on Tuesday, but I need a break from hundreds upon hundreds of RPG battles. I think this game is just what I need.
princemarth23
Member
Can you go into detail about why you liked it so much? I was starting to get used to all the negativity and hateful comments.
On a side note, only a few more days! I'm pretty stoked.
Art direction is great. Music is superb. There is a plot twist - a big one that I don't think should even be spoilered here.
Also, this is definitely the end of the series by mercurysteam. I will spoiler that
there is one fight that is devil may cry 3 level awesome; ala virgil final battle
Freezasaurus
Member
I'd err on the side of caution as far as spoilers go, and not post any until the official release date.
But what did you think about the game overall? I'm trying to determine if this game is for me, as I wasn't a huge fan of the first game. Only because too much of it had a "generic 3D platformer" feel to me. I loved the settings and characters, though.
RoadHazard
Gold Member
Thanks for posting that massive end-game spoiler, sigh... Hint: Just replacing a word with XXXXX doesn't work when it's so obvious what the hidden word is. Dammit...
i'm a bit sleepy, but I will say that I highly disagree with the game informer reviews. I mainly picked it up because I'm a huge fan of the series, but I will say that the game itself is worth a purchase - well, until dark souls 2 for me alol.
The game does have a lot of pop ups where it kinda holds your hand (directions, tips on what to do. etc), but for me that's fine.
The last few battles though were awesome.
brandonh83
Banned
Finished Mirror of Fate HD. It gets progressively better as the games goes on and you unlock more abilities/skills but still pretty simplistic. Basic but interesting story that'll shape LoS2. For the people saying "I'll wait for MoF on PC before playing LoS2", that's not really necessary. Just watch the cutscenes online, it's only 20ish minutes anyway.
Hyped for LoS2... resisting the urge to click on spoiler tags. Only a few days now...
Hyped for LoS2... resisting the urge to click on spoiler tags. Only a few days now...
^No bonus
There are people (journalists) calling it the game the new SOTN! And 2 had said that the Last Battle is Devil May Cry level comparing it to Vergil. Excited.
Oh I asked the director about the whole death thing, he said "Real death for a vampire is oblivion, there is not remaining soul which could go to heaveb or hell". There's your answer.
There are people (journalists) calling it the game the new SOTN! And 2 had said that the Last Battle is Devil May Cry level comparing it to Vergil. Excited.
Oh I asked the director about the whole death thing, he said "Real death for a vampire is oblivion, there is not remaining soul which could go to heaveb or hell". There's your answer.
Haha don't worry. It could mean many things, not what you think it is.
SlasherJPC
Banned
Isn't this out on steam overseas now? VPN trick anyone? Also was reading some stuff on gamefaqs (yeah... I know) but apparently some folks over at Castlevania dungeon say this is as close to a 3D SOTN yet! Will see if that rings true but hearing of exploring, backtracking, opening new ways, etc. Sounds legit! 
Isn't this out on steam overseas now? VPN trick anyone? Also was reading some stuff on gamefaqs (yeah... I know) but apparently some folks over at Castlevania dungeon say this is as close to a 3D SOTN yet! Will see if that rings true but hearing of exploring, backtracking, opening new ways, etc. Sounds legit!
unlocks the same time for all regions
Ugh, I'll have to wait until March 5th or so for delivery. Can't wait anymore. Well at least I'll be able to finish Devil May Cry until then. Be gone, backlog!
Really? I have absolutely no clue. But don't tell me.
Really? I have absolutely no clue. But don't tell me.
Vinterbird
Member
Finished my review copy earlier today. This will be an interesting game to hear more opinions on when the embargo is lifted.
I take it this is gonna be one of those love it or hate it sort of games where some reviewers (EDGE) really have a downer on it, and others will really like it.
When is the embargo lifted?
Looking how things usually are Im guessing day of release.
Vinterbird
Member
Day of release if I remember correctly.
I finally opened my 3DS copy of MOF yesterday in preparation. I'm currently in the last act and really enjoying it. Combat was my biggest concern, but IMO it's actually a well done 2D variant of the LOS battle system. Level design is much better than I thought too. Also one of the best uses of 3D I've seen.
I shouldn't have listened to the naysayers and played this earlier.
I shouldn't have listened to the naysayers and played this earlier.
So, anonymous reviewer and dungeon user Agreus has posted his last impressions, with a good pros and cons list. They aren't that spoilery, at all, except for the bit about the ending that doesn't discuss plot points, I will delete that one and post the rest With tags, of course.
So, everyone, I think I'm out. Well, perhaps I'll stay around all this day but my time is coming to an end. It's my time for the final words.
Castlevania Lords of Shadow2 is quite an achievement. There are so many, so many things and could have go wrong and they didn't. It's finally the 3D castlevania game we always wanted, big, epic, with lots of exploration and platfforming, gorgeus (for the most part) setting and of course amazing combat. It's really nice to finally play as Dracula, you can't imagine the grin on my face the first time I did a "Hellfire" for example. The game treats both Castlevania series with uttermost respect, but is not afraid to make things feel new. That's what I want for the future. I don't want to go back to old predictable stories and settings, I want Castlevania to keep this path of boldness, it feels amazing, you feel as part of something you can't comprehend. I missed that feeling in gaming for many years (since the Legacy of Kain series) and I don't want it to go away.
So, as a summary, my (non so spoilery but kinda) pros and cons list.
Pros.
- Metroidvania. I can't stress how well done this is. The first big cohesive and fun 3D Castlevania metroidvania ever made. Finally the basic formula was nailed, this is the new SOTN in the way that future games of the series will emulate it.
- Combat. The skill trees are very long, I didn't unlock everything and I finished the game, the three weapons add variety and strategy to the game. Animations are fluid and the action is frenetic.
- Technical Aspect. The game features a dynamic resolution solution that feels weird in the demo part (pixelated enemies) but for some reason it never repeats itself latter in the game. This game is a technical marvel, almost no loading times, seamless connections, variety of textures, the most detailed enviroments you have seen this generation of consoles. There were compromises that you can feel but they are nothing compared to what is going on. Oh, and I had ZERO, and I repeat, ZERO framerate drops. I was expecting them but I didn't have them! on 360! What sorcery is this?
- The Castle. Pure porn. Lustfully designed, gothic, big, caves, forests, water streams, everything in between, Icy tops at daylight, stormy electric towers, statues and paintings everywhere. The throne room staircase is simply breathtaking. Mercury nailed the grandiosity and chaos of Dracula's Castle. Sadly, even if the game featured it prominently, I just want to see more.
- Attention to lore, travel book. MercurySteam are the best in this regard. every little item you get has a travel book page with illustrations and story. Every. Single. One. You get to know how Dracula's whip works, what's the deal with the subweapons, everything. Also every character in the game, enemy and friend has another page lustfully illustrated. Attention to detail is amazing, they didn't let a hole left filling.
- The bossfights. Not much to add here, just good. They always have you at your toes.
- The Last bossfight. The best of the western contributions to the genre this generation.
- Not trying to put the story in an historical context. The game's city knows where it came from, everyone knows Dracula existed and knows about what happened. I was afraid they were going for the "but the church hid everything from the world" IGA trope. Thank god they didn't.
- The atmospheric/calm parts. They are not many, but they are memorable, which lead me to..
- The Toy Maker Chapter. Probably the highest point in the game, the most inventive puzzle I've seen in a while, beautiful set up and resolution.
- Characterization. Each character behaves the way it should be.
- Significance. You will end the game thinking about yourself and your relationship with the series. It's an end as it is a celebration of everything Castlevania.
- Score. It was in my opinion not as good as the first one, but for some reason it's more memorable. Highlights: The rat form theme, the toymaker's theme, the Death theme.
Cons.
- FUCKING AGREUS. By far and far far far the worst part of the game, one that will certainly make people quit it. The mist form is not as useful as it lasts about three seconds, it's more about luck, I think the game was scripted to make it easy if you follow its whole path with the boxes, that worked for me, once I stopped taking "shortcuts" Agreus started to behave more stupid and I could do it. It seems there is no AI running, it's scripted. The bossfight was also not stellar.
- 2 of 4 stealth sections. The second and the last one. A good rule of thumb is, you have to use everything (mist, bats, possession) it's just a matter of guessing when. The second one is hard because you are stuck on a ledge and if yuo fall down you risk yourself to be spoted as the AI of those Golgoth guards is werid. They can't see you if you get behind them but a mere diagonal position spots you. The last one IS bullshit, because there are three guards, one is at a door that requires mist to cross, and two are guarding the hallway, you use bats in those 2, then pass them without using mist while they ar ebeing distracted but being careful of not touching the last guard's light AND then become to mist and cross in less than 3 seconds the remaining stairs and cross the door. I'm going to be honest, that one was pure luck. I don't know how I did it. That said, stealth sections are not really that, they are puzzles, that's why they only have one way to pass them.
- The explanation of those stealth sections. Yes, I get the golgoth guards have a weapon that fires hell into its prey, but it's Dracula he should be able to fight back.
- Some modern locations. The city itself is great and fits perfectly, but the Acolyte's headquarters are generic modern buildings and labs, it's all grey, dark blue and the occasional red. They are boring. Pipe halls are as boring as always.
- Dead City. I know the city is under attack, and people are hiding, but I think more context was needed, we don't meet their inhabitants or know about them. Missed opportunity there.
- Kinda lame scrolls. The first game's scrolls expanded the lore greatly, this game's scrolls tell almost all the same story of the Castle siege from different points of view.
- It ends.
Phew, that was a long one. Hope I helped you. Castlevania fans, you get your well deserved reward for all your fidelity. This game will be remembered fondly by history and is well deserving of all the praise it can get. It has flaws that can be corrected and, why not, perhaps a good DLC will put the icing on the cake
Okay, now this sounds amazing.
Vinterbird
Member
It ruined my morning.