I don't get, WHY PEOPLE SAYS THIS GAME IS AWFUL? THIS GAME IS INCREDIBLE.
I think people compare this game with more recent games or with their homonimus Metroidvania games, when in reality, this is a 3D take ON CLASSIC CASTLEVANIAS.
The game is segmented in stages, LIKE CLASSIC CASTLEVANIAS, it's more methodical LIKE CLASSIC CASTLEVANIAS and it's levels are more focused on plataforming and it's secrets on power ups LIKE CLASSIC CASTLEVANIAS.

Strong points:

1) Excellent level design
2) Superd controls, yes, don't pay attention to anyone who says otherwise, you have to rate the controls based on the game age, and it has better control and enemy lock on than Occarina of Time and Majora's Mask. It fixes the problems that Castlevania 64 gameplay had.
3) This is not a precuel of Castlevania 64, it's a REMAKE. Cornell's story is the precuel, once you beated the game you unlock a second character, Henry, and if you play through Henry's campaing completing his objectives you unlock Reinhard and Carrie, the protagonist of Castlevania 64 and with them THE ACTUAL CASTLEVANIA 64.
4) Picking up with what I said, 4 playable characters, each of them has some unique bosses, different gameplays and secrets.
5) A good bunch of secrets in various areas including secret bosses.

Weak points:

1) The camera, like almost all the games of the N64 and PS1 era.
2) The story is somewhat cliché-

Overall, an EXCELLENT and injustified hated Castlevania game.
PLAY IT IF YOU LOVE THE FRANCHISE.