A beautiful bridge between classic castlevanias and the more metroid-like castevanias. Being essentially non-canon the story is very simple. The controls are heavy and committed similar to a classic castlevania game but not to the degree where it impedes movement, it just punishes unnecessary and suboptimal movement. Once you get the hang of the whip and the double tap sprinting controlling the game is a real joy. Ascending up the more vertical segments with speed while also fighting enemies feels good but still vulnerable, a trait I think later metroid-like castlevanias lose a bit of. Combine that with the interesting DSS system, a beautiful castle, excellent bosses, and a banger of a soundtrack and you've got my favorite metroidvania of all time.