Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

[Goemon]

Today, my friend sold me Castlevania: Curse of Darkness for $10. As interested as I was in the game, I asked her why she decided to part with it. She tells me she prefers the Castlevania series in 2D--you know, back to their old roots. The 3D thing didn't really work for her.

After playing it for an hour or so, I was quite entertained. Yes, I've played Castlevania in 2D and there's no doubt that I love it in that format. But there isn't really much of a problem with the series going 3D--so long as it's done right.

It's a debatable argument amongst Castlevania purists and people who like the series in general. The purists claim that the series is suited in a 2D standpoint--no matter what platform it appears on. A Castlevania game can appear on a PS3 and still be a great game in a 2D environment--provided it pushes the power of the hardware. On the other hand, there are those that say the series needs to evolve, and change with the times. Some people like Castlevania better in 3D because of the exploration aspect.

There's a lot of potential for the Castlevania series to evolve into something different....and better. For others, the series is just as well off sticking to its roots because that's what makes it so appealing.

Anyhow.....how do you think the Castlevania series should continue? Sticking to the 2D, or going 3D?

[Valkysas]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

2D

the 3D games are horrible.

I also hate the metroid-copycat castlevania games. the ones before SOTN are my favorites, because they're actually being original.

[Magus]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

What're ya CRAZY?!

2D.

3D Castlevania is Devil May Cry anyway.

[highwind]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

I think the 3D games are fun but they're more like a spin-off in my opinion. I always figure the 2D are the "real" castlevanias. Not sure how that makes any sense but its how I feel.

[Goufunaki]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

only 3D one I played was lament of innocence, but the design of the castle itself just felt incredibly small compared to the 2D games on PS1 and GBA. Not just that, but the 2D artwork was just more enjoyable on the eyes than a 3D environment.

[Loki]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

2D man.

I wouldn't call the pre-SOTN games more orginal... I mean. Every game was a level based platformer back then. SOTN was a breath of fresh air. I just wish that now Konimi would move away from that format a little bit. Maybe with PoR we'll see some new ideas. DS and Ariea were fun but the Metroidvania feel was getting pretty stale.

I love how in DS 90% of the game takes place in additions to the old, burried castle and that you don't get to the Entrance Hall (compleate with red curtians, zombies, and a bat boss) until late in the game.

[Snarf]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

I enjoyed Curse of Darkness and Lament of Innocence, but not as much as the 2D games.

The one for the 64 was total ****.

[Zieg Rauros]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

SOTN rocked. Aria of something for DS is also pretty good. What other 2D ones were for GBA?

Anyway.

2D for the win.

[Valkysas]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

Sadly, there were 2 for the N64. and yes, both were ****.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

3D Castlevania is Devil May Cry anyway.

Yeah. At best the 3D Castlevania's are decent, but they pale in comparison to games that are already doing the same thing really well like DMC and God of War.

[d2king10]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

2d. Like others have said, SOTN was the best.

[Loki]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

The one for the DS was called Dawn of Sorrow. That way, when you shorten it you say "Castlevania DS" GET IT?!?!?!?!?

On the GBA where Circle of the Moon, Harmony of Dissonance, and Aria of Sorrow. CoM is pretty terrible. After playing Kojima decided that he needed to return to the series to make it right. HoD was his answer. It's pretty reviled, but I like it. It's a total throwback to the orginal Castlevania, plus I thought the reveal that you've been in two castles instead of one was pretty neat. AoS was the big return to glory for the franchise. It's got Pokemonesk colectability and you get to play with all the dark powers no Belmont ever could. DS is almost the same game, but with better control, more powers, and bustin' ice blocks with your stylus.

[MRevelle83]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

LoI and CoD were good, but those were the only good 3D ones. However, good is the best they can be described. 2D ones are GREAT.

[Gustaff 13]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

SotN unquestionably ripped off Metroid's format. Especially the map, power ups that let you get to new areas, etc. It also inserted more RPG elements, and a large range of collectibles. Every time I play, I see something new. It has momentous replay value.

Curse of Darkness was supposed to be a 3D SotN, but it didn't turn out that way. It had really good combat, but the exploration suffered. There wasn't enough detail in the environments, and each area began to feel the same. The constant loading screens segmented travel too much.

I'm an addict, though. So I have PoR pre-ordered. I always thought Castlevania would be excellent for co-op gameplay. Even if the 2nd player were able to control the familiar in SotN, it would be unbelievably fun for two people.

[Valkysas]

Re: Is Castlevania better in 2D or 3D?

After playing Kojima decided that he needed to return to the series to make it right.

Igarashi. not Kojima.