The Castlevania series has typically only been in the light of success when Konami follows the same formula the series originates from. Most experiments with the franchise have not been generally accepted. While Castlevania: Harmony of Despair steps outside of the typical blueprint, it isn’t a failed attempt at bringing something new to the franchise, it’s just a deviation from the rest with a few kinks. As some of you know, Castlevania: HD plays much like the other popular titles in the series, with an added 6-player co-op. The co-op isn’t some tacked on feature; it’s really the only way to play the game. There are six maps to explore, and 6 different characters to play as each with his/her own respective abilities. Each map has a time-limit that will end the playthrough of the level if you fail to find and defeat the boss. Scattered throughout each map is vast amounts of loot, varying from healing items to armor and weapons. Unlike most Castlevania games, HD lacks any form of leveling or experience system, other than the ability to level up spells from usage. This forces you to rely on loot as you attempt each map numerous times until your equipment gives you the finesse to put the boss down. While it’s fun to hunt down all the various loot, the lack of leveling is painful especially for those trying to complete the game alone. In fact, I would recommend staying away from HD if you don’t plan on playing with friends or random players as the maps are created around a multiplayer experience. I can’t imagine someone finding enjoyment out of the game playing alone.
Once you start adding other people into the mix, things become a blast for the hardcore Castlevania fans out there. There are plenty of areas that are only accessible when playing with others, and boss fights that become much easier when players are spread out throughout the map. The downside to the multiplayer heavy game is the absolute lack of a plot. There is no story to speak of, but luckily the characters are all pulled from the best games in the series. Another component lacking from the game, is any form of explanation on basically everything. There are no tutorials and the tutorials that do exist have to be thoroughly read, nothing explaining the differences between each character, and no hints as to how to prepare for each boss. Most of the levels have forms of making the boss fight a tad bit easier, but these must be discovered through plenty of replays through each map. This extends the game’s 6 maps quite a ways, but every time you begin a level you haven’t played yet, you’ll learn that beating a map the first time through is a distant thought. HD isn’t a bad looking game if you’re a fan of the series with most designs/animations torn straight out of previous releases, but if this is your first Castlevania, don’t expect the most beautiful game you’ve seen. While the visual assets may be a little disappointing, the spoken dialogue used in previous titles is used here and is a great piece for fans. There is even a cheesy dialogue wheel that can be used for those lacking a headset.
As a Castlevania fan, I enjoyed most of my time spent with Harmony of Despair. As a person looking at the game without jaded eyes, HD needed a lot more time and refining. The lack of experience points and leveling feels like a component that would have created a more rounded experience, especially for those playing alone, but the hunt for loot marginally makes up for this. That being said the game could have used a bigger catalogue of items since this was the main method of progression. To Konami’s credit, they managed to do the unthinkable and created a multiplayer that mostly works. They did cast single-player to the side, creating a game that unfortunately must be played with others. This makes the $15 price tag on the game extremely tough to justify as I’m hard-pressed to imagine someone completing this alone and enjoying it. To those of you who are fans and know at least a few others who will buy the game, by all means download it ASAP on Wednesday. The rest of players who are curious on experiencing each game in the Summer of Arcade should be weary of the frustrations the game will inevitably lead to. While Castlevania: Harmony of Despair contains a good but not quite stellar multiplayer experience, and is fairly far from an enjoyable single player game, I must say can’t wait to see what Konami pulls off with an improved follow-up.
