Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Pixel-Heroes.de (10 out of 10) (100%)

Absolut positiv ist das perfekt gelungene Design des weit verzweigten alten Schlosses zu werten. Viele dunkle und geheime, zum Teil sehr gut versteckte Räume vollgestopft mit Schätzen und gefährlichen Monsterkreaturen lassen das Herz eines jeden passionierten Vampirjägers höher schlagen. Das Vorkommen der Bosskämpfe ist dabei ziemlich dicht, womöglich sogar sehr viel dichter als in jedem anderen Videospiel. Viele der Bosse sind wirklich imposant und sogar bildschirmfüllend und schüren die Motivation stetig weiter. Hat man sich erst einmal bei "Symphony of the Night" auf Erkundungsreise gemacht, ist an das Weglegen des Gamepads gar nicht mehr zu denken. Die schönsten Pixelgrafiken, die eine dichte, mal barocke, mal düstere und gefährliche Atmosphäre vor dem Auge entstehen lassen, bezaubern von Anfang an bis zum bitteren Ende.

Game Hoard, The (7 out of 7) (100%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night took the action platforming and horror elements of the Castlevania series and pushed them into a new genre gloriously. Exploring Dracula’s Castle manages to be rewarding but still tense, the limited healing options pairing well with surprisingly strong enemies in your path. Even when you find the upgrades and equipment to make you a powerhouse, Alucard will still find Dracula’s forces put up a powerful resistance, save for a few bosses that fold too easily. Even with small issues like the cheesy voice acting though, the map design for the game world is so superb that it enhances the experience above any small tripping points, with the game providing an abundance of goodies to reward discovery, incredible openness as you begin your journey, and a world design that achieves an air of mystery while making sure progression is often apparent enough that you won’t be left bumbling about aimlessly.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (10 out of 10) (100%)

Should you have missed it the first time there are now several ways to experience the performance – a Saturn port, downloaded onto an Xbox 360, even on the go with your PSP – but rest assured that regardless of the form you're in for a timeless brush with greatness. It may be another hundred years before Dracula makes another appearance of this caliber, but for this symphony the night is very much still young.

GamePro (US) (5 out of 5) (100%)

Castlevania makes a superb debut on the PlayStation, with all the elements that made the series a classic it is today and more! A mandatory addition to any Castlevania fan's game library, this Symphony deserves an encore.

Video Games (4 out of 4) (100%)

Seit dem ersten Castelvania-Abenteuer auf den NES war ich ein Fan der Serie. Um so mehr erhoffte man sich von der Saturn-Fortsetzung, die meines Erachtens noch mehr hätte bieten können als das PlayStation-Pendant. Die Entwickler haben sich leider nicht großartig ins Zeug gelegt, um den ersten Sony-Streich zu übertreffen. Riesige Level und detaillierte 2D-Grafiken sorgen für solides Spielvergnügen. Laufen, Springen, Schlagen und Blocken sind dank der geschickten Joypad-Belegung kein Problem. Mehrere Punkte störten mich aber ein wenig: Zum einen hat Konami es versäumt die Ladzeiten zu optimieren - dauert jetzt sogar noch länger als auf der PlayStation - und außerdem wichen die Transparenz-Effekte dem Sat-üblichen Punktraster. Ansonsten ist auch die Saturn-Version ein phänomenales Action/Rollenspiel-Adventure geworden, das in keiner SAT-only-Sammlung fehlen sollte.

Retro Spirit Games ( ) (100%)

Not only the greatest Castlevania game (and I will hear no arguments to the contrary), but one of the best games ever made. It managed to take the aging Castlevania template and ditch the linear sidescrolling stages in favour of the, now extremely well know, Metroidvania style large world map. It is testament to its greatness that no other Castlevania game after this seminal Playstation iteration has been able to best it.

Gaming Age (100 out of 100) (100%)

While many will tell you that games just aren't as good as they used to be, the PlayStation incarnation of Castlevania goes a long way in proving that theory wrong. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is simply the best 2D action/platformer to be released, period. It's also the only title that, in my opinion, gives Final Fantasy 7 a run for its money as the best game of 1997, if not of all time. This is the whole reason we started playing video games in the first place.

Lens of Truth (10 out of 10) (100%)

There are rare times when everything seems to go right for a game. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was indeed one of these times. The addictive map exploration and leveling up system mixed with prefect controls make SotN an undisputed masterpiece. Even its cheesy voice acting somehow fit the game perfectly now. Its’ awesome graphics and fantastic music deliver the final nails in the coffin. It has been released on the PSN and XBLA for about two years now and I give it the absolute highest of recommendations. It is truly one of the greatest games ever made. Now… enough talk…play this game!

RetroGame Man (10 out of 10) (100%)

In summary, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night still lives up to the hype. It has beautiful 2D graphics, a reasonably long and engaging story, and revolutionized the series with two sprawling castles to explore, RPG elements, and allowing you to primarily control Alucard instead of a Belmont. If you complete the game however and get one of the good endings, and then restart a new game with the name RICHTER, you can play through the game as him too! If you have never played this game, it is highly recommend and still enjoyable today. I give this game a final score of 10/10 and induct it into my All-Time Top 10! Get this game and play it!

Computer and Video Games (CVG) ( ) (100%)

One of the best platform games ever made. A truly epic experience, with a wealth of secrets to uncover. The more you play the better it gets.

Retro Spirit Games ( ) (100%)

Not only is it the finest game of its genre, it is simply one of the best games ever made. With the original Playstation version going for steep prices, a mere 800 points is simply unspeakably good value, heck.. it's worth every penny of its high asking price in boxed Playstation format.

ZTGameDomain (10 out of 10) (100%)

If I’ve said it once, I have said it a thousand times; this is the greatest game ever. There is really nothing wrong with this game whatsoever. If you enjoy old school side scrolling, or you just want a really good adventure game to play on your 360. Look no further than Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, you won’t be disappointed at all!

Game industry News (GiN) ( ) (100%)

Symphony is very affordable on Live Arcade, only costing 800 Microsoft Points (approximately $10.) Obviously this is a must download, especially for anyone who loves such a memorable series, especially the best part of it! Now if Microsoft can only convince Konami to release Rondo of Blood for Live Arcade!

GamesAreFun.com (GAF) (10 out of 10) (100%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a triumph. It’s so good, you may actually never be able to enjoy another videogame as much after playing it. From style to presentation to gameplay, the creators have covered everything with remarkable precision and tweaked it to perfection. Symphony of the Night isn’t difficult, but the length is perfect for an adventure/RPG and there’s even some extra stuff to enjoy after finishing for the first time. This game is proof of what developers, when they set their sights on doing something then carry it our properly, are capable of, and should hearten even the most jaded people. No collection is complete without it.

Meristation (10 out of 10) (100%)

Lo único que se le puede achacar en contra podría ser el no haber aprovechado para incluir novedades, o más bien rescatarlas de la versión japonesa del título (más familiares y armas) o de la versión de Saturn (jugar con Maria). Pero esto no quita que estemos ante una joya lúdica que, a pesar de los años, nos ha vuelto a encandilar.

Meristation (10 out of 10) (100%)

La saga Castlevania ha sabido redefinirse y mirar más allá de su enfoque de acción y plataformas lineal. Mientras que permanece fiel a las bases originales, esta nueva visión de RPG ha conseguido resucitar a la serie y elevarla a nuevos registros.

UOL Jogos ( ) (100%)

"Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" mostra por que é considerado um dos melhores "Castlevania" de todos os tempos. Mesmo passados dez anos de seu lançamento original, encanta com uma boa produção e, principalmente, pelo design de game primoroso, que alia variedade, ótimo ritmo de jogo e a sensação de que o jogador está constantemente evoluindo. Custando apenas 800 Microsoft Points (US$ 10) e por seu volume de jogo, é de longe a maior pechincha da Live Arcade até o momento.

PSM (5 out of 5) (100%)

From the perfectly moody soundtrack and beautiful gothic graphics, to the seemingly endless number of rooms and items, this game is top-notch stuff throughout. Even after you've beaten it, you'll keep coming back until you've found every item, learned every spell, uncovered every secret room, and seen every ending. This game is darn-near perfect, and it just goes to show that you don't necessarily need the latest in whiz-bang 3D graphics to kick some serious butt.

Original Gamer (9.9 out of 10) (99%)

Overall, no one element of SOTN makes it the best, it is really the best from a combination of factors, almost everything comes together sublimely to make a near perfect game and the best Castlevania game ever. Its legacy still endures, as it is the gameplay model currently used in new Castlevania games. Check this out retro fans, action fans, really any fan of video games will find something to like in this masterpiece!

Original Gamer (9.9 out of 10) (99%)

Overall, the Saturn version is definitely worth checking if you have the means to play it. The easier way is to buy an Action Replay Plus 4M Ram Cart from any import store. It is the total package for importing on the Saturn. The new areas are unique and fun to play through, making an already excellent game better where it counts. It has everything the Playstation version has, so unless you don't have a Saturn (go get one!) there is no reason not to play this game!

Lawrence (9.8 out of 10) (98%)

THE killer app for Xbox Live Arcade. One of the greatest games of all time is now available on the 360, and it’s a blast playing through with the new achievements. It was fun enough going for 200.6% completion back in 1996, and getting achievement points just adds that much more incentive. The fantastic art design is as sharp as ever, and the enhanced graphics mode is actually a welcome addition. The best game on the Live Arcade, bar none.

Video Chums (9.7 out of 10) (97%)

To this day, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night remains at the top of its class in every aspect that it possibly can. Many games will continue to emulate its formula, but as of yet, none have succeeded in overshadowing this truly defining moment in gaming history.

RPGFan (97 out of 100) (97%)

From its action and style to its RPG like leveling system, Symphony is truly a unique game, as well as one of the best ever to grace the PSX.

Freak (96 out of 100) (96%)

המשחק הוא בקלות אחד מהמשחקים הטובים ביותר שיצאו אי פעם - עדות אמיתית לכך שסגנון נמשחק הדו-מימדי עודנו חי וקיים.

Game Informer Magazine (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

There are two huge reasons why I love this game. The first is, I love any game that rips off Metroid (my favorite game of all-time). The second, and most important, is that any game where you can chop some dude in half and watch his blood squirt for about ten seconds is awesome. This is easily the best Castlevania title yet, and everything in the game, ranging from the often moody soundtrack to the spectacular hand animation and overlaying special effects are truly remarkable. RPG and adventure fans will surely take a liking to this game's complexity that features experience gaining, non-linear gameplay, and item and weapon acquiring. The incremental changes to jumping, along with the lack of any `visible' loading time, make Symphony seem like a growing and evolving creature, alive with the beauty of intelligent creation.

411mania.com (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

This is not just one of the top 2 games for XBLA this is one of the best games for the Xbox 360 and a candidate for Game of the Year. After 10 years this hasn’t missed a beat and is still the premier Castlevania game. Hopefully this is the future of XBLA and more games of this kind will get ported across after the maximum memory cap was raised. If you own a 360 you need to own this game. It’s as simple as that.

TeamXbox (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

With a mixture of open-ended gameplay elements, more advanced controls, and a gripping story, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the epitome of the side-scrolling genre. What’s more ironic about Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’s prowess is the era in which it was released. 3D was burgeoning, but the strength of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night came through loud and clear to PSOne owners, just as it will come across to XBLA subscribers nearly ten years after its original release.

Game Chronicles (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

While I love original games, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is another in a long line of re-released classics. The big difference is this wasn’t a rehashed old coin-op; this is a top-tier release from a prior generation gaming console. It's a complete game with hours upon hours of gameplay, excellent graphics and sound, and most importantly, immersive and addictive gameplay. For a mere 800 marketplace points, this game has it all. It’s easily one of the greatest downloads to hit Xbox Live Arcade since it’s inception. Do yourself a favour and download it, it’s simply an incredible game. Always was and still is.

Netjak (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

So, yes, people will have their own opinions about things. However, if one walks into a debate concerning the best game of all time and puts Castlevania: Symphony of the Night down as a candidate, he’s guaranteed to have a strong opening argument.

Just RPG (94 out of 100) (94%)

Overall, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the best games available for the original PlayStation. With all of the new features available, Symphony of the Night is very different from the previous games in the Castlevania series, but it also stands out as one of the best. If you are an RPG fan, or just a fan of the Castlevania series, this game is highly recommended. And even if you aren't a fan of the series or of RPGs, I still recommend the game.

Retro Gamer (94 out of 100) (94%)

(...) Symphony remains a quality adventure. Deep, imaginative and involving. Symphony not only cements Digital Eclipse's reputation for superb conversions, but also makes you wonder what other PSone titles Microsoft may have up its sleeves.

Player One (93 out of 100) (93%)

Konami signe un jeu qui propose un double challenge : la victoire et la collection d'objets. Voilà un titre qui hantera vos nuits !

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (37 out of 40) (92%)

This is exactly what I'm looking for in a 32-Bit Castlevania game: great graphics and animation, plenty of way-cool Bosses and tight 2-D gameplay. C:SotN plays like the awesome PC Engine CD Dracula x, except with the RPG and exploration elements of Castlevania 2 and Super Metroid. You get more than enough weapons to discover in the game's huge castle. I only wish they stuck with the same tunes from the previous games.

RPGFan (92 out of 100) (92%)

Symphony of the Night is one of the best games to ever hit the Playstation, and ranks behind only Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys as far as my favorite action RPGs go. Don't hesitate to pick this one up; you'll probably be blown away just like I was.

Video Game Critic, The (A-) (91%)

There are a good number of weapons, items, and relics, and being able to juggle them effectively is key. I especially like the weapon that "stops time", letting you hack away at paralyzed monsters. Syphony of the Night's castle is massive, and it's easy to get lost within its maze of platforms and corridors. But the challenge is relentless, and you'll never get bored.

neXGam (9.1 out of 10) (91%)

Mit einigen (exklusiven) Neuerungen, einem fairen Schwierigkeitsgrad, Special Moves, Zaubersprüchen, RPG-like Inventar, hervorragender Grafik und Sound und hohem Wiederspielwert bietet das 32Bit-Castlevania alles, was Fans von actionreichen und mit zahlreichen versteckten Levels, Items und Waffen ausgestatteten Spielen erwarten können. Im Vergleich zur PlayStation-Variante bietet die Saturn-Version durch Maria und Richter, 2 neuen Levels inkl. eigener, neuer Musik und neuen Gegnern, dem Speed-Item für Alucard und dem allgemein erhöhtem Umfang genug, um auch Besitzern von Symphony of the Night einen Kauf zu empfehlen. Diese sollten sich allerdings darauf einstellen, dass zum einen einige Effekte nicht ganz so schön programmiert wurden, die Filme ziemlich grob aussehen und das Ganze natürlich auf japanisch präsentiert wird, was allerdings kein Problem beim Spielen selbst darstellt.

Le Geek (4.5 out of 5) (90%)

Just different enough from the Metroid series and oozing style, Symphony of the Night's few quirks keeping it from getting the top rating. Despite its flaws, this is a great game. If you are a fan of the Castlevania series or of 2D games in general, you owe it to yourself to track down a copy!

Official Xbox Magazine (UK) (9 out of 10) (90%)

While Xbox Live Arcade has allowed many of us to relive our gaming youth, some gaming classics haven’t stood the test of time well; even Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 has had its crown tarnished by the removal of the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia. So it’s with an undeniable degree of satisfaction that Castlevania has proved to be an exception to the rule; it was, and still is, a gaming masterpiece. The term ‘Must Buy’ was created for games like this.

IGN (9 out of 10) (90%)

All those things work together to create what is one of the finest 2D platforms game yet seen. It takes up the mantle of 16-bit classics like Super Metroid, Super Mario and - of course - other Castlevania games, and goes beyond the restrictions of cartridge memory to reach new heights of depth and quality gameplay. And if you cherish that over snazzy 3D graphics (and, to be honest, if you don't then you're missing the point of videogaming), buying this will make you happier than a pig in...er... poo.

Mega Score (90 out of 100) (90%)

A saga de Castlevania continua. Vampiros, noites de luar misteriosas, ambientes aterradores e muita magia compõe esta extraordinária aventura em plataformas.

GameTrip.net (9 out of 10) (90%)

Super Castlevania IV est culte, Chi No Rondo est un mythe (ne serait-ce que par son prix) mais SOTN constitue véritablement la troisième pierre angulaire de cette mirobolante série qu'est Castlevania. Une œuvre et j'ose le mot originale, magnifique et totalement intemporelle, qui donnera le ton au reste de la série, c'est dire!

SEGA-Mag (Objectif-SEGA) (9 out of 10) (90%)

Castlevania Symphony of the Night est un jeu d'action-aventure en 2D exceptionnel. Sa réalisation est impressionnante : finesse de la 2D, dimension artistique des lieux, qualité de la musique. Il associe à tout cela une progression captivante et très bien construite, rappelant les schémas de progression de Metroid ou Zelda. L'aventure est très longue, et les bonus extrêmement nombreux. D'autant plus que les joueurs les plus acharnés trouveront encore et toujours des choses à essayer dans le jeu. Les secrets sont d'ailleurs extrêmement nombreux, aussi bien du côté des salles cachées, que des combinaisons d'objets à essayer. Si SOTN est devenu un épisode culte de la série des Castlevania, c'est au final totalement justifié, et c'est à juste titre qu'il est considéré comme le meilleur épisode de la série proposant ce système ingénieux d'exploration.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20) (90%)

Castlevania Symphony of the Night fait partie de ces jeux possédant une âme - un comble pour une aventure dont le personnage central en est exempt - et à ce titre, ne peut que séduire et charmer le joueur. Tous les atouts sont de son côté pour ensorceler celui qui tentera l'aventure et le constat est sans appel : cela marche diablement bien. Bonne chance !

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20) (90%)

Castlevania Symphony of the Night fait partie de ces jeux possédant une âme - un comble pour une aventure dont le personnage central en est exempt - et à ce titre, ne peut que séduire et charmer le joueur. Tous les atouts sont de son côté pour ensorceler celui qui tentera l'aventure et le constat est sans appel : cela marche diablement bien. Si l'envie vous prend, une nuit d'insomnie, de glisser le cd dans votre vieille PSone, il y a de fortes chances pour que vous y retourniez. Bonne chance !

Consoles Plus (18 out of 20) (90%)

Malgré les années, il s'agit toujours d'un chef-d'œuvre qui marque par une immersion incroyable. Le gameplay, les graphismes et le rythme du jeu sont un tour de force, mais ce sont surtout ses musiques phénoménales qui hypnotisent le joueur. Dommage que les bonus de la version Saturn (persos et zones supplémentaires) soient absents.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20) (90%)

Castlevania Symphony of the Night fait partie de ces jeux possédant une âme - un comble pour une aventure dont le personnage central en est exempt - et à ce titre, ne peut que séduire et charmer le joueur. Tous les atouts sont de son côté pour ensorceler celui qui tentera l'aventure et le constat est sans appel : cela marche diablement bien. Si l'envie vous prend, une nuit d'insomnie, de glisser votre UMD dans votre PSP, il y a de fortes chances pour que vous y retourniez. Bonne chance !

GamezGeneration (9 out of 10) (90%)

Ich liebe dieses Spiel. Ich bin froh durch das PSN eine Möglichkeit bekommen zu haben diesen Klassiker nachzuholen. Als großer Castlevania-Fan war dies auch dringend nötig. Mir gefällt das Setting, der Soundtrack, einfach alles. Es war eine gute Entscheidung Konamis sich weiter in der zweiten Dimension zu bewegen, auch wenn man heute damit wohl nicht allzu viele Interessenten finden würde. Aber hier bekommt man etwas für sein Geld geboten, was einen mehrere Wochen faszinieren kann, denn bis man alles gesehen hat, dauert es ein wenig.

Digital Press - Classic Video Games (9 out of 10) (90%)

As far as direct ports go, they rarely come any cleaner than this. Symphony was already one of the greatest games of the modern era, and mixed in with the Live Arcade, it still rules its post. This will be amongst the elite of titles available for download for quite some time to come.

IGN (9 out of 10) (90%)

And in the end, that's really the long and short of it. We could spend all day ranting about the amazing gameplay, killer boss battles, and unparalleled musical score (with an odd hint of cheesy, cheesy voice acting), but we'd rather you go download the game for yourself and enjoy it. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is easily one of the greatest games of all time, this is a pretty solid version minus a few oddities and a piss-poor d-pad (if Konami brought the game, the least Microsoft could do is give us a decent pad for it now), and at the price of $10 it's a steal. We would have loved a more remixed version of the game, 16:9, or tougher/more overall achievements, as there's just an insane amount of game to explore, but in the end this is an amazing game, an incredible download for Microsoft's system, and must-have for any self-respecting gamer out there. Pass this up and you might as well trade in your 360.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10) (90%)

Despite all of this, in 2007 this is still an anachronism. Videogames' bright new horizon is three-dimensional and Microsoft's second console wunderkind the only viewing tower worth climbing (until Friday at least). The 360 future is all about Marcus Fenix's curvaceous polygons, Forza Motorsport's reflective bonnets and screen-filling Virtua Fighter 5 suckerpunches. Aspirational pixels backed by aspirational music promoted by aspirational faces: not much room for two-dimensional gothic oddities in this too-cool-for-school marketing vision. But nevertheless, as those with eyes to see will be quick to evangelise, Symphony of the Night presents exquisite design, extraordinary scope, aesthetic coherence and transcendent elegance mostly unmatched elsewhere on Xbox Live Arcade, or anywhere else for that matter.

Gamer.nl (9 out of 10) (90%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is een tijdloze klassieker en ook nu nog steeds geweldig leuk om te spelen. De muziek alleen al is schitterend om naar te luisteren, maar de gameplay is ook heerlijk uitgebreid en kan nog prima mee met huidige standaarden. Bovendien zijn de 2D graphics nog steeds schitterend om naar te kijken en is de duistere sfeer echt heerlijk. Voor 800 punten kun je deze game eigenlijk niet laten liggen. Downloaden die hap!

Thunderbolt Games (9 out of 10) (90%)

There’s an actual story, and its themes reach far deeper and further than they appear. Rather than focusing on linear levels and platforming, the game rewards experimentation and confrontation. The castle is huge, and it’s crammed with all kinds of enemies, bosses, and secrets. The superb graphical detail and soundtrack put many games - past and present - to utter shame. The sheer amount of extra moves and abilities is mind-boggling; even with all of the different weapons, equipment, spells, and summons, there’s a good chance that you won’t find everything on your first run through. Or your tenth, for that matter. Unfortunately, the lack of difficulty kind of brings things down; there isn’t nearly as much strategy or thought required as there was before. It’s just a matter of tweaking Alucard in different ways and seeing what you can discover. More often than not, it’ll be something great.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20) (90%)

Castlevania Symphony of the Night fait partie de ces jeux possédant une âme - un comble pour une aventure dont le personnage central en est exempt - et à ce titre, ne peut que séduire et charmer le joueur. Tous les atouts sont de son côté pour ensorceler celui qui tentera l'aventure et le constat est sans appel : cela marche diablement bien. Bonne chance !

Just RPG (90 out of 100) (90%)

While this version of Symphony of the Night may not be as original, innovative, or graphically modern as the original version was back in the day, it’s still a very solid game, with great enhancements and a price that you just can’t beat. If you’ve got an Xbox 360, this is a game I highly recommend.

AceGamez (9 out of 10) (90%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a true classic in its own right - even with the minor enhancements and downgrades, but its port to XBLA may prove to be more important than the game itself. Could this be the opening of the classic gaming Pandora's Box that this could just be the start of the end of Sony's firm grip on one of the greatest gaming catalogues in the history of the hobby - to its greatest nemesis no less? One can only hope that it is, because not only does it allow a new legion of gamers to enjoy games they may have missed out on the first time around, but it also provides companies with important data as to which system best suits their future projects. An original Castlevania game for the Xbox 360? You could be one purchase away from making that a reality.

Cheat Code Central (4.5 out of 5) (90%)

Symphony of the Night is a momentous addition to the Xbox Live Arcade family, both because of its incredible depth and the fact that it is the first game allowed to break the 50 MB size restrictions. Be thankful that Microsoft did break their own rule because SotN is worth it. If you've never played Symphony of the Night, definitely download it from the Marketplace as soon as possible. It is a great game that still proves fun, even so many years after its initial release. For fans of the game, if you don't still own the PlayStation version and are looking to try it again, it's definitely worth a download. Even if you own the PlayStation version, this version might still interest you with its cleaned up visuals, leaderboards, and achievement points.

GameSpot (8.9 out of 10) (89%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is easily one of the best games ever released and a true testament to the fact that 2D gaming is not dead by any stretch of the imagination. The game is very large and will keep you entertained for a long time.

Gamer 2.0 (8.9 out of 10) (89%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night packs a lot of value into its relatively small package. It has multiple endings, a second inverted and more difficult castle to unlock, as well as the ability to play as Richter Belmont once the game has been fully cleared. The game has very nicely thought out Achievements that are all attainable, though a few of them may be time-consuming. For 800 Microsoft Points, it’s a real bargain. If you never played the original, this is a great way to get acquainted with one of the best games of all time. If you have played the original, 800 Microsoft points is still a nice price to have a true classic game at your fingertips.

Planet Xbox 360 (8.9 out of 10) (89%)

Although 800 Microsoft Points ($10) may sound like a steep price for a title as old as this, consider that used Playstation versions of this title are going for upwards of $40 still on eBay. The game holds up better than the majority of games even half its age, and provides a rich gaming experience that will have 360 owners drooling in anticipation of the next great retro release on Arcade.

Defunct Games (89 out of 100) (89%)

What we have here is easily one of the best action/adventure games of all time, a masterpiece from beginning to end. It shouldn't surprise anybody that ten years later Castlevania: Symphony of the Night holds up remarkably well, it's just one of those timeless games that will be fun no matter how old it is. I have gone through this game at least a dozen times, there's just something about it that keeps me coming back. The level designs are flawless, Alucard is an amazing hero, and I never get bored of killing these cool bosses. As a $10 Xbox Live Arcade game it's a no-brainer, this is easily the best game released on Microsoft's download service since Geometry Wars Evolved. It wouldn't shock me to find out that most of the people that own the Xbox 360 have never experienced Symphony of the Night, and here's hoping that this inexpensive port will show those people what they've been missing.

Xbox World Australia (XWA) (88 out of 100) (88%)

If you're tired of what today offers, take a dose of nostalgia and fall in love again with Symphony of the Night. It's not hard to see why it is held with such a high regard; where many games today fail to complete the puzzle in one, or two, areas, Castlevania has all the pieces. Its open-ended narrative-driven style that combines the greatest of platforming with the very best of RPG doesn't miss a beat. With the ability to unlock alternate modes, this game oozes replayability. If you're an achievement lover, Symphony of the Night has a few gimmes, but to its credit presents you with some rather daring challenges that would even test the bravado and machismo of Fabio himself.

Xboxdynasty (XD) (8.6 out of 10) (86%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night ist bis Dato ein absolutes Meisterwerk und bereichert die Welt von Xbox-Live Arcade ungemein. Wer auf Rollenspiele, mit Jump´N´Run und Hack`N`Slay Elementen steht, der kann hier ganz beruhigt seine Coins in das Spiel investieren.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is an epic adventure that set the tone for all of the 2D Castlevania adventures that we've been seeing on the GBA and DS over the past several years. It's a healthy-size adventure that expands nicely to make multiple play-throughs desirable, and it's probably the beefiest Xbox Live Arcade release yet. Even at its 800-point ($10) price tag, SOTN feels like an absolute steal.

RPGFan (85 out of 100) (85%)

If you've been hankering for a good 2D Action RPG that lets you dash around as a half-vampire in a massive dungeon, maybe it's time you go back and check out the game that really started the modern Castlevania phenomenon. All you need is a next-gen console (or even the handheld PSP!) and some spare change. Of course, if you want a more deluxe version of the game and you own a PSP, you'll want to hold out for Dracula X Chronicles.

GameSurge (85 out of 100) (85%)

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a reason to not purchase this game, it's still worth every penny, but if you are an above average game play, you might find this one a little too easy on you. If you love Castlevania, and don't care if it's easy like I did, I'm sure you will like it regardless. Castlevania reborn, and better than ever.

DominantTrek (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

It's strange to think that in the advent of 3D graphics, a 2D game is considered as one of the best of the era. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (SotN) is one half of the Metroidvania genre, one where it still reigns supreme and because it didn't to enter the 3D realm, it's looks are just as beautiful today as they were at the time of release. The complaints that plagued the era are still represented here but SotN brings new life to the hack and slack and platforming of its forebears.

360 LIVE (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

(...) Unter dem Strich ist dieses »Castlevania« für uns der momentan beste Retro-Kick auf Live Arcade. Und schon deshalb einen großen Test wert, weil der Spielumfang den vieler Vollpreis-Produktionen übertrifft.

Ultra Game Players (84 out of 100) (84%)

Make no doubt about it, this is not just another Castlevania game - it is, in my opinion, the best Castlevania game to date.

Gaming Nexus (B+) (83%)

One of Konami's greatest accomplishments is now one of the best games on the Xbox Live Arcade. Symphony of the Night is full of imaginative gameplay, great level designs, outstanding music, and some of the greatest action you've ever seen. It's also a steal at only $10!

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (B+) (83%)

It will probably steal your life away for a week or two at the least, though. This is an excellent addition to the Xbox Live Arcade family, offering some of the best single-player gaming on the service. If you're a fan of Castlevania, Metroid or just about any action RPG, we doubt you'll be disappointed.

GameSpot (8.3 out of 10) (83%)

Pity the poor deprived Saturn. Despite being generally acknowledged as the 2D powerhouse that the PlayStation wasn't, Saturn fans languished in agony as Sony's gray box received all manner of 2D platformers both great and small: Abe's Oddysee, Tomba, and of course, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Well, they can stop crying. Castlevania (or Dracula X as it's called in Japan) has finally arrived, Belmonts in tow, on the Sega Saturn.

Game Revolution (B+) (83%)

Like the original, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a great combination of action and RPG. I found the game to be a bit too easy and little too short. The upside down castle, while disconcerting, was just a mirror of the first castle. Although it is much harder and has different creatures, I would have liked a whole different castle (or perhaps a third). However, it's tremendous fun and very addicting, despite the uninteresting plot and the bad acting. I only wish it were larger because I enjoyed it so much.

Game Over Online (82 out of 100) (82%)

You'll probably enjoy earning them, though, as long as you can overcome the game's shortcomings. Symphony hasn't aged terrifically well, particularly in view of how highly polished its sequels have been, but it's still one of the must-play games of the late 1990s. It has more than its share of drawbacks as a 360 game, but this is as close to a sure thing as you can find on Xbox Live Arcade.

Video Games (82 out of 100) (82%)

Alle, die der unzähligen Action- und Ballerspiele schon längst überdrüssig sind, werden hier mit einem erstklassigen Jump‘n‘Run/Adventure versorgt. Castelvania entfesselt ein Feuerwerk an altbewährtem Spielwitz und grandioser Spielbarkeit. Hübsche Hintergrundgrafiken, liebevoll gezeichnete Minipixel-Sprites und passende Schauermusik lassen das antiquierte Spielerherz um zehn Takte höher schlagen. Erst nach ausgiebigen Erkundungsgängen offenbart sich der geniale Spielwitz, der in seiner ganzen Komplexität - gepaart mit einem packenden Grusel-Ambiente - alle seine Vorgänger um Längen übertrifft. Der einzige Wehrmutstropfen: Es gibt nicht mal ansatzweise optische Anzeichen, daß wir es hier mit einem 32- Bit-Spiel zu tun haben. Die traditionelle Bitmap-Grafik präsentiert sich ohne nur einen Hauch von billigem 3D-Zauber. Da hatte schon damals das erste Castelvania auf dem Super Nintendo einiges mehr zu bieten.

Video Game Talk ( ) (80%)

Is Castlevania: SOTN worth those precious 800 Marketplace points? Regardless of the game’s faults in the audio and visual department, I’d have to say yes. The sheer amount of content within this arcade title is mind boggling. The single player campaign will take many, many hours to complete as well as knocking out the tougher achievements. For those too young to have played this title back in 1997, it’s definitely a game that shouldn’t be missed. For those looking to rekindle the nostalgic feeling of tearing through Castle Dracula, you would be wise to snatch it up.

neXt Level (Germany) (80 out of 100) (80%)

Insgesamt gleichen die Saturn-exklusiven Neuerungen die Mängel nicht aus. Dennoch ist Dracula X immer noch ein exzellentes Spiel, das in seinem Genre konkurrenzlos ist.

Legendra ( ) (80%)

C'est ainsi que je vous laisse, très chers lecteurs, au bord de la souffrance de vous quitter si vite. S'il n'y avait que moi, je vous parlerai encore et encore de ce jeu fabuleux, surtout sur les monstres... mais toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin (encore faut-il que vous ayez trouvé ce test bon...).

Legendra ( ) (80%)

C'est ainsi que je vous laisse, très chers lecteurs, au bord de la souffrance de vous quitter si vite. S'il n'y avait que moi, je vous parlerai encore et encore de ce jeu fabuleux, surtout sur les monstres... mais toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin (encore faut-il que vous ayez trouvé ce test bon...).

Edge (8 out of 10) (80%)

Those looking for a quick fix or more immediate, arcade-style thrills are unlikely to grasp Castlevania’s intricacies. On the surface it looks archaic, but tucked just beneath is a game that throws the majority of PlayStation eye candy into sharp relief. Hardcore gamers will relish its classical sensibilities.

Consoles News ( ) (80%)

Quel plaisir de voir un jeu en 2D aussi bien réalisé que celui-ci. Il est certain que bon nombre d'entre vous auraient préféré y jouer en 3D, mais il n'y a aucun regret à avoir. Dracula X est un excellent jeu fun, jouable et long.

RPGamer (4 out of 5) (80%)

In the end, Symphony of the Night is a faithful port of the PSX version with a nice, optional visual upgrade. While it would be awesome if it had the extras found in the Japanese Sega Saturn version, there is little that can be complained about considering the price tag of only 800 MS points, the equivalent of ten dollars. For those that have yet to play through it, it's a wonderful addition to any Castlevania fan's collection. Players that have been hunting Dracula for years will find a list of achievements to unlock as they relive the hunt on the 360.

Mega Fun (79 out of 100) (79%)

Überraschenderweise verwöhnt Konami Saturn-User noch einmal mit einem eigenen Castlevania-Abenteuer, das mit dem PlayStation-Ableger identisch ist. Erneut gibt es statt einer dreidimensionalen Polygon-Grafik eine reine Bitmap-Optik, die auch auf dem SNES möglich gewesen wäre. Eine aufwendige 3D-Grafik braucht der Jump & Shoot-Klassiker aber auch nicht, denn Castlevania lebt bekanntlich von der Atmosphäre und dem perfekt durchgestylten Leveldesign. Erstes kommt vor allem durch den streckenweise mitreißenden orchestralen Soundtrack optimal rüber.

Mega Fun (79 out of 100) (79%)

Nehmen wir es einmal vorweg: Dracula X ist nicht die vielleicht erhoffte 32-Bit-Revolution. Zwar wird dem Vampirjäger am Bildschirm durch die Rätsel, die weitläufigen, abwechslungsreichen Levels und die RPG-Option schon einiges geboten, dennoch reicht es nicht ganz zum Gold-Game. Es ist halt im 3D-Zeitalter nicht gerade berauschend, durch „platte‘ Welten zu wandeln und den Großteil seiner Beschäftigung im Töten von Gegnern zu sehen, die eh meistens wieder da sind, wenn Ihr wieder an der entsprechenden Stelle vorbeikommt. Was mich wirklich beeindruckt, ist die Liebe zum Detail, mit der die unterschiedlichen Räume gestaltet wurden. So gibt es überall Kerzenständer oder Petroleumlampen, die eine schaurige Atmosphäre vermitteln, und auch die typischen Einrichtungsgegenstände, wie z.B. große Wanduhren, Bücherregale oder Bilder, sorgen für das richtige Ambiente. Dracula X wird vor allem Nostalgiker und Fans der alten Castlevania-Serie begeistern, hat aber auch für Neulinge seinen Reiz.

Playstation Pro (UK Magazine) (6 out of 10) (60%)

While this installment from the Castlevania series has been improved from the 16-bit versions, the enhancements aren't too dramatically different. Sure, it looks and plays better than ever before, but now Castlevania is competing with the likes of Crash Bandicoot and Croc instead of 2D platformers with basic jump and shoot gameplay. This may appeal to fans of the SNES versions, but I've a feeling this is more suited to younger players, most of whom have been raised on the quality of games that the PlayStation has delivered in the past, and are therefore going to wonder what the hell this is doing outside of the 16-bit world? Surely this horse has been flogged to death by now?

Real Otaku Gamer N/A

Castlevania: SotN is one of those gaming gems with a great soundtrack, story, and visuals that will keep fans of the series wanting for more. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the game again, and beating it all over again. I also liked the fact that they kept the ending song. I remember constantly beating the game just to listen to it. I’m truly glad they decided to bring this PlayStation classic back, and I’m sure many others will enjoy it as well!