Castlevania Double Pack Review - GBA

8.5

Gameplay: 9
Graphics: 9
Audio: 8
Innovation: 7

Introduction

Truth be told, you can't really go wrong with two Castlevania games for GBA that were not locally released (the sequels to Circle of the Moon, a GBA launch title from way back when).

Harmony of Dissonance and Aria of Sorrow are included in one single cartridge. The "game" opens with a menu, where you can select from either title. From there, the selected title begins.

Both games have been reviewed separately here on Sliced Gaming (Harmony of Dissonance here and Aria of Sorrow here) but, for your convenience, I have given this compilation a mini review for each title.

Harmony of Dissonance tells the story of Juste Belmont, heir to the Belmont clan and wielder of "Vampire Killer", the holy whip that has cracked since the dawn of the Castlevania series way back in 1986.

Yes, two decades ago.

Gameplay

Juste returns to a mysterious castle, led by his friend Maxim to find Lydia, their lost friend. Maxim has lost his memory, the only clue being the mysterious castle that he feels drawn towards.

With an excuse to whip candles and slay the undead, Juste takes up where his forebears left off. Running through the labyrinthine castle, fighting large bosses, collecting magical power ups that allow him to traverse even more obscure areas of the decrepit monster pit, Juste plays like your old school Castlevania hero.

HoD doesn't feel as tight as the other game in the compilation. The mechanics feel slightly off, especially after playing the considerably better Aria of Sorrow. The enemies and castle layout is more mundane and the whole thing wreaks of "been there, done that", especially when you're a fan of the series. For newcomers, this is a nice bonus, but the real neck meat of the title is in the second half of the compilation, Aria of Sorrow.

Aria of Sorrow is at the top of the GBA peak. One of the sharpest, most well rounded games available for the system, it's an absolute blast to play. Starring Soma Cruz, Aria of Sorrow begins with a trip to a shrine in near future Japan.

While at the top of the mountain shrine, an eclipse takes place and Soma and his female companion Mina find themselves in a mysterious castle. After some brief plot exposition you are free to begin the adventure.

While still remarkably similar to other games in the series as far as generalities go, Aria of Sorrow takes a few key departures.

For one, attacking is no longer about whips and sub weapons, such as series hallmarks Holy Water and Cross Boomerangs. Nope, from here on, you're free to (continued next page)