Video Game Reviews: Nintendo DS
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
RANKINGS:
Ratings and rankings are based on all available critic reviews for each game.
3.6601
Ranked
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Expert Review Summary
based on (77) reviews
Click on the numbers to the right of the graph to see reviews of that rating.
AceGamez
Dawn of Sorrow is certainly a must-have title for the DS. Not only did it bring back memories of the fun I had playing the original Castlevania games on my NES, but the inclusion of so much extra content past the game's story mode really makes this one of
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at AceGamez
GamerDad
The game uses the touch screen and dual screens in three fairly ordinary ways, all of which work well without feeling ‘gimmicky' or superfluous. First, when defeating an enemy Boss, you must sever his connection to the dark underworld feeding the
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at GamerDad
Jive Magazine
One year after the events of Aria of Sorrow, a relaxed and content Soma Cruz spends time with his childhood friend, Mina Hokuba. Without warning, they're accosted by a Priestess that goes only by the name of Celia, determined to kill Soma for her own
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Jive Magazine
Games are Fun
By pressing the Select button you can also switch the top screen to a mini stats screen. It will tell you your level, your stats--such as strength, luck, constitution, attack, etc.--how much experience you need until your next level, how much gold you
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Games are Fun
Gaming Age
Controls are dead on, giving the gamer the feeling of knowing that any mistakes made in the game are the fault of the gamer themselves, not the controls.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Gaming Age
DreamStation.cc
Dawn of Sorrows makes use of all the DS controls including the touch screen, in fact the entire game plays out on the touch screen, with the top screen reserved for map and status info. With the exception of the touch screen controls, the game plays much
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at DreamStation.cc
UnderGroundOnline
Okay. Soma, the white-haired character from Aria, was the reincarnation of Dracula. Turns out he didn't really want the job and fought tooth and nail to ensure that he didn't become the dark lord. Dawn of Sorrow picks up a year after these events, as
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at UnderGroundOnline
Portable Review
From the very opening, you’ll notice that the dev team focused a lot on updating the game’s look for its Dual Screen debut. Before you start a new game, the intro breaks into an anime cut-scene depicting the story that is about to unfold. The
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Portable Review
GameShark
I love the music, the graphics, and the gameplay. If you did not have enough reasons to buy a Nintendo DS, this would be it.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at GameShark
Nintendo Spin
That is, for me, the true definition of 2D gaming: fast paced and challenging! It is one of the reasons why I still play games and why I think it shouldn't die. I think games are becoming much too easy and that hardcore gamers like me are not offered
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Nintendo Spin
eToychest
The game is extremely rewarding, and would be for anyone – whether they’ve played Aria or Sorrow or not, or even if they have never played a Castlevania title previously. This is a must-own title for any Nintendo DS owner.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at eToychest
PGNx Media
The modernized graphics, outstanding sound package, solid gameplay, and cute use of the Nintendo DS makes for a very compelling game.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at PGNx Media
Lawrence
Players once again assume the role of Soma Cruz, the silver-haired protagonist from Aria of Sorrow. Also back from that title is the soul-collection system, and it’s deeper than ever. Souls are randomly collected based on your luck level as you destroy
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Lawrence
Deeko
Perhaps the finest game in the Castlevania canon and the unique use of the Nintendo DS touch screen, while certainly something of a gimmick, is an entertaining twist to an already entertaining series.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Deeko
Game Vortex
High graphic quality is a very important part of any Castlevania title. While the DS cannot match the sheer resolution of a TV screen, the quality of animation and special effects easily meets and exceeds that of Symphony of the Night. The sprites in the
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Game Vortex
Planet Gamecube
Since the release of Symphony of the Night on PlayStation, every new Castlevania has to be compared to that masterpiece of 2D gaming. The last GBA game in the series, Aria of Sorrow, approached the watermark for gameplay. Its direct sequel, Dawn of
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Planet Gamecube
Team Fremont
Dawn of Sorrow takes the soul system used by Aria and essentially 1up’s it a few times over, providing a unique gameplay mechanic that actually affects how the game is played in a very good way. Each of the various souls that Soma can collect by
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Team Fremont
MobileTechReview
The story in Dawn of Sorrow takes place one year after the events of Aria of Sorrow have unfolded. This time an eccentric cult, obsessed with reviving the evil Count Dracula, have built an exact replica of his castle and have kidnapped Soma's friends and
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at MobileTechReview
GameZone
There is no greater event than the time when a new Castlevania arrives. Game Boy Advance was gifted with three of Konami's finest, and although it's still a viable platform, it's time for the series to move onto the next generation: Nintendo DS.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at GameZone
NintendoWorldReport
N-Insanity
Dawn of Sorrow is easily the killer app of the system’s short existence. If you own a DS, you must go out and buy this game. It’s more than worth your money.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at N-Insanity
Cubed3
Essentially, the game is a shoot ‘em up with a 3D perspective, wherein you fly into the screen. You control the craft, the Arwing, by using the D-pad to move, the face buttons to use the weapons, brakes and thrust and the shoulder buttons to barrel
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Cubed3
Gamerz-Edge
In spite of what you may have heard about touch-screen additions, the gameplay is as traditional as ever. You’ll still navigate winding passageways, with the help of your trusty map, in a fairly linear fashion, searching for demons to kill. You will
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Gamerz-Edge
Game Revolution
This is another fun, solid entry in what’s quickly becoming the most dependable series in handheld gaming. To truly become an unstoppable power, however, it will also have to become the most daring.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Game Revolution
Amped IGO
Offers the same classic style of previous Castlevania titles, replete with the outrageous bosses, fitting game areas, puzzle solving and platforming aspects which are perfectly harmonious with the new soul-gathering and returning level-gaining aspects of
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Amped IGO
Just RPG
To my surprise, Dawn of Sorrow struck all the right chords and never hit a sour note. It's deep, it's gorgeous, but most of all, it's a fun excuse to smack the tar out of stuff.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Just RPG
IGN
How does adding a second screen make the classic series better than ever? Our full review.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at IGN
Console Game World
Dawn of Sorrow harkens back to the classic side scrolling outings of previous Castlevania games, after a lacklustre advance into 3D back on the PS2; and it’s just as rewardingly captivating as always, despite its simplicity. The game is a direct sequel
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Console Game World
Worth Playing
The most complete 2D Castlevania game to date. Gorgeous graphics and compelling music combine with exciting exploration and combat to form a great action experience on the Nintendo DS.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Worth Playing
Digital Entertainment News
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is a direct sequel to the last Game Boy Advance game, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. A year has passed since the events of the first game, where our hero Soma Cruz discovered his destiny as the next incarnation of the dark
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Digital Entertainment News
GamersMark
It’s also the reason why this game is being held to such high standards. As a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, Dawn of Sorrow does absolutely nothing wrong; it plays almost exactly like its predecessor. My only real issue here is nothing here can
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at GamersMark
Cheat Code Central
The only slight knock I can level at DoS is the incessant backtracking and repetitive soul collecting that is really ONLY necessary if you want to strive for the best endings to earn the best unlockables.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Cheat Code Central
HonestGamers
Symphony of the Night was fantastic, and Aria of Sorrow only slightly less so, but for the last couple of years I've thought that the Castlevania series would do well to go back to its action-platformer roots. As much fun as exploring a mazelike
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at HonestGamers
N-Europe
A classic game. Entering a big castle, defeating monsters, and killing giant bosses. We did it all before, but it rarely was as fun as in this game.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at N-Europe
Gamenikki
With the tremendous gameplay that is the franchise's hallmark, beautiful graphics and animation, a fantastic soundtrack, and the kind of replay value that makes the phrase "bang for your buck" even more cliche than it already is, it's not even a stretch
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Gamenikki
ControllerFreaks
The gameplay is really tried and true Castlevania through and through. Players take the role of Soma Cruz and search a castle, fighting all manners of monsters and undead. Along the way, they find new weapons, armor and accessories that boost their stats.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at ControllerFreaks
Plain Games
Soma’s abilities are well-explained in tutorials when new powers are acquired. He picks up special abilities by gaining the souls of defeated enemies. There are three types: One with a passive ability that raises stats, one that acts as a secondary
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Plain Games
Thunderbolt
It reintroduces us to an antihero on a quest for personal salvation, a cast of memorable characters, massive levels, remarkable gameplay, and one of the best presentations that the DS has to offer. It’s that kind of combination that makes for a truly
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Thunderbolt
Entertainment Depot
While most Castlevania games reserve the role of the main villain for Dracula, Dawn of Sorrow takes place in a time period after Dracula has been defeated. It was revealed in Aria of Sorrow that Soma, the main character in both Aria and this title, was
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Entertainment Depot
1UP
Unquestionably the best portable Castlevania to date; in fact, it's the best entry in the series since the much-vaunted
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at 1UP
Eurogamer
It's not that it relies on a healthy suspension of disbelief to overcome its contrived elements; it's about bringing order to foggy chaos. This, it does with aplomb.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Eurogamer
DarkStation
After the impressive Aria of Sorrow comes yet another hit sequel, with a deep character upgrade system, solid combat and slick presentation.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at DarkStation
Games Radar
Buy this immediately, and witness why a billion polygons a nanosecond will always take a backseat to rock solid craftsmanship.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at Games Radar
GamingTrend
Dawn of Sorrow can be expected to last between 10 and 20 hours and quite a bit longer than that for those completionists out there. That's a heck of a lot of game for $30.
...read the complete Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review at GamingTrend
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