PublishedSalmon
Dawn of Sorrow is a middling entry in the crop of Igavania releases. That still makes it an excellent game. However, there are aspects of the game that are notably lesser.
I'll be honest and say that I find Soma's ability to use abilities derived from monsters' souls to be neat but ultimately not ideal, an ability present in Aria of Sorrow before it and Bloodstained after. These souls/abilities drop at random rates from specific monsters. The game is smart enough to not lock abilities required to progress behind randomized drops (they generally are obtained from mandatory boss fights) but many abilties you may just never see or experience because of RNG (some of which may be exceedingly useful in certain places or boss fights even if they are not required.) This is the biggest thing that detracts from the game for me, but I completely see why this might be some fans' favorite part of the game.
Art, music, and overall aesthetic is one the entire Castlevania series strong suits, and in this game it's all - fine. Some standouts, the opening theme is the best track in the game (which is arguably true of all Castlevania games) but everything after isn't terribly memorable. Areas in the castle stick to tradition pretty strongly even though this isn't Dracula's castle: clock tower, garden, chapel, caves, etc. Boss fights are ok, with only one or two being a bit frustrating (but also keep in mind if you were lucky enough to get one or two strong attacks from RNG monster drops you may not have this problem.)
The insistence on using the DS to draw magic seals is a contentious addition for many. I found it a little intrusive. At it's worst, it's annoying to have to keep doing it everytime you restart a boss fight you're stuck on, or worse if you do it wrong and fail the boss fight because doing it wrong means fighting the boss for longer and sometimes you're on your last sliver of health when the prompt to complete the seal pops up. There is a romhack that solves this by removing the seals entirely, and I don't think you can go wrong with that.
You should play Dawn of Sorrow, but it's best enjoyed as a later selection for fans making their way through every Igavania.
Oh and Julius mode whips dude.
I'll be honest and say that I find Soma's ability to use abilities derived from monsters' souls to be neat but ultimately not ideal, an ability present in Aria of Sorrow before it and Bloodstained after. These souls/abilities drop at random rates from specific monsters. The game is smart enough to not lock abilities required to progress behind randomized drops (they generally are obtained from mandatory boss fights) but many abilties you may just never see or experience because of RNG (some of which may be exceedingly useful in certain places or boss fights even if they are not required.) This is the biggest thing that detracts from the game for me, but I completely see why this might be some fans' favorite part of the game.
Art, music, and overall aesthetic is one the entire Castlevania series strong suits, and in this game it's all - fine. Some standouts, the opening theme is the best track in the game (which is arguably true of all Castlevania games) but everything after isn't terribly memorable. Areas in the castle stick to tradition pretty strongly even though this isn't Dracula's castle: clock tower, garden, chapel, caves, etc. Boss fights are ok, with only one or two being a bit frustrating (but also keep in mind if you were lucky enough to get one or two strong attacks from RNG monster drops you may not have this problem.)
The insistence on using the DS to draw magic seals is a contentious addition for many. I found it a little intrusive. At it's worst, it's annoying to have to keep doing it everytime you restart a boss fight you're stuck on, or worse if you do it wrong and fail the boss fight because doing it wrong means fighting the boss for longer and sometimes you're on your last sliver of health when the prompt to complete the seal pops up. There is a romhack that solves this by removing the seals entirely, and I don't think you can go wrong with that.
You should play Dawn of Sorrow, but it's best enjoyed as a later selection for fans making their way through every Igavania.
Oh and Julius mode whips dude.
2022
Very sweet, a kindred spirit to A Short Hike. Fun platformer, very heartwarming story (i teared up) and a lot of simple fun! Also just long enough, and a great game for all ages.
2023
A wonderful puzzle game. I love games like this, that have one compelling puzzle mechanic that you gradually master until credits roll. The aesthetic was also very compelling, and the music was great. A perfect, short puzzle game experience.
Wow, I LOVED this game. Ichiban Kasuga is the best videogame protagonist, he and all the party characters are just stellar. The world is so full of things to do. This game manages to feel so niche but so for everyone all at the same time. Definitely playing Infinite Wealth.
More visual art than a game. eally captures some of the disorganized, painful places you can go to when living with a mental illness very effectively. It;s hard to get through, but is not without some sweetness and hope. A game worth sitting with for a while
I only regret not playing sooner, the metroidvania formula as an FPS is so fun. The atmosphere and music is simply incredible. Definitely in Top 3 Metroids. Minor gripes: backtracking for artifacts, lack of map QOL features, lack of (good) fast travel.
Genuinely loved this game, and was surprised to. This game showed me how deep and fun turn-based combat can be. The aesthetic and vibes are so cozy, and every character in the main party is such a delight. Really good. Actually has me more excited about other RPGs on the list.
2023
It has some flaws, most of all repetitive, often frustrating platforming. Plus, I'm just not a huge hack and slash game fan. But when this game delivers on it's premise, with amazing set pieces tmed beautifully to the soundtrack it is truly something special. A lot of fun when it gets it right.