Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

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.

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.

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%)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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. 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 !

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...).

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?