Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Re-Vamped

Do some soul searching on Nintendo DS.The legendary Castlevania franchise returns to the next generation of handheld gaming systems.

Features

• Use the touch screen to defeat evil spirits with the new Magic Seal system
• Defeat monsters and destroy Soul Keepers to gain control of monster souls and manipulate them using the Power of Mastery
• Collect items and gather experience points by defeating enemies to level-up your character
• Introduces a variety of memorable new characters that help drive an exciting and dramatic storyline includes an incredibly moving musical score and stunning special effects
• Exchange or trade acquired souls with friends via the DS wireless connection

Set in the year 2036, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow picks up one year after the events of Aria of Sorrow (GBA). A mysterious cult, unhappy that Soma Cruz failed to fulfill his destiny and become the reincarnation of Dracula, seeks to sacrifice our hero so it can bring about a new dark lord. Rather than wait for his enemies to come to him, Soma decides to go on the offensive, which leads him to an all-too-familiar castle.

Following in the footsteps of recent Castlevania games, the series' DS debut features RPG elements and a labyrinthine map rife with secrets and special weapons. Aria of Sorrow's heralded Tactical Soul system returns as well, allowing you to learn new powers and abilities by capturing the souls of your vanquished foes.

As you control the action on the bottom screen, the top screen will display enemy and player information or a map that's updated in real time as you explore the castle. While that may not sound like the most glamorous use of the dual screens, Castlevania disciples can attest to how valuable a persistent view of the map will be when you're trying to find a secret room or remember the location of that previously unreachable platform.

The touch screen also plays a crucial role in smashing crystal blocks that stand in your path and in drawing Magic Seals to banish bosses. Konami has also revealed that certain Tactical Souls will enable you to perform location-based attacks via the stylus. In some rooms, you'll even be able to use the stylus to warp to different locations in the castle.

Bottom Line

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is a winner and a must-have for the Nintendo DS.

Source:

www.nintendo.com

The year is 2036, one year after the events of Castlevania Aria of Sorrow Soma Cruz finds himself at the center of a mysterious cults plan to resurrect their evil lord and master Dracula. In order to save himself and protect the lives of those he loves, Soma must infiltrate the enemy's home base, a towering replica of Draculas castle that is teaming with monstrous creatures.

Features * Master the Magic Seal System to defeat enemies using the touch screen

• Collect even more tactical souls to upgrade your abilities and weapons

• Exchange souls with other players via the DS wireless connection

• Race another player through custom-made castle rooms in VS mode

• Fight through and explore one of the largest castles ever seen in the series

Source:

www.konami.com

Reach Out and Touch the Magic...

A year has passed since Soma Cruz discovered the evil of Dracula hidden inside of his body. Now, a mysterious cult wants to release the power of the lord of darkness. As Soma, you must do everything in your power to stop them before it's too late.

• Draw the correct magic seal quickly or your enemies will never die!

• Fight and explore through one of the largest castles ever seen in the series!

• Race another player through custom-made castle rooms in versus mode!

Source:

Back of Case (US)

Konami's renowned Castlevania series to make its debut on Nintendo DS system

Konami of Europe today unveiled a new Castlevania game for the Nintendo DS™. Set in the year 2036, the newest title in the series continues the storyline that first emerged in the critically acclaimed Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow™ for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance™. While the new 2D side scrolling action game will contain all the classic gameplay that fans of the series have come to expect, Castlevania for Nintendo DS (working title) will also incorporate innovative gameplay elements that take full advantage of the portable system's powerful new technology.

"The game's rich storyline and strong characters coupled with the adoption of the new technology in the Nintendo DS has allowed us to bring the series to a whole new level" says Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of Product Management of Konami of Europe. "By utilising the Nintendo DS' sophisticated capabilities such as the Dual Screen functionality and Touch Screen technology, we are able to bring a fresh new dimension to this title and provide a truly unique gameplay experience for the gamer."

Taking place a year after Aria of Sorrow, the game's protagonist – Soma Cruz – finds himself at the center of a mysterious cult's plan to resurrect their evil lord and master, Dracula. In order to save himself and protect the lives of those he loves, Soma Cruz must infiltrate the enemy's home base, a towering replica of Dracula's castle that is teaming with monstrous creatures. Players' abilities grow and develop as they collect items and gather experience points by defeating enemies.

In their quest to defeat enemies, players will utilize completely original gameplay concepts that leverage the Nintendo DS' Touch Screen technology. One example of this new technology is Castlevania for Nintendo DS' "Magic Seal" system. By using the stylus directly on the screen, players must connect a series of symbols in the proper order to unlock an enchanted opening and disperse their enemy's magic into it when they are weakened.

Also aiding them in their battle against dark forces is the ability to collect the souls of their enemies to gain powerful new attacks and skills. The new Castlevania for Nintendo DS takes advantage of the Nintendo DS' Wireless Connection, letting players exchange and/or trade acquired souls to enhance their characters' strength. An incredibly moving musical score, visually stunning graphics and imaginative special effects round out this uniquely innovative gaming experience.

Created by Koji Igarashi and the creative team behind the critically acclaimed classic Castellanies: Aria of Sorrow, the new Castlevania for Nintendo DS is scheduled for release in Europe in Autumn, 2005.

Source:

Press release (6th January 2005)

Drac is Back

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow continues the storyline that first emerged in the critically acclaimed Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. The year is 2036, one year after the events of Aria of Sorrow, and Soma Cruz finds himself at the center of a mysterious cult's plan to resurrect its evil lord and master, Dracula. Soma must infiltrate the heart of the cult--a towering replica of Dracula's castle that is teeming with monstrous creatures.

Source:

Nintendo Winter Catalog 2005

Description

The year is 2036, one year after the events of Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow™. Soma Cruz finds himself at the center of a mysterious cults plan to resurrect their evil lord and master Dracula. In order to save himself and protect the lives of those he loves, Soma must infiltrate the enemys home base, a towering replica of Draculas castle that is teaming with monstrous creatures.

Features * Use Devil Forgery skills to develop & enhance Innocent Devils allies * RPG elements featuring character growth based on experience points * Deep storyline that unfolds against a backdrop of beautifully environments * Increased number of unlockable features to enhance replayability

Source:

konami.com

The year is 2036. Assume the role of high school student Soma Cruz, and stop a mysterious cult from resurrecting their evil lord and master! Infiltrate their stronghold! Master weapons, magic spells and even the souls of your enemies! Use the touch screen to command your allies and defeat devastating bosses. Play one of the greatest Castlevania adventures - ever!

Source:

Back of Case - DS (UK)