By Pyloric Sphincter,
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon is considered the spiritual successor to Symphony of the Night, just on a handheld. Even though COTM takes old ideas and uses them in this new game, there's enough fresh stuff to warrant a purchase. It is arguably the best GBA game to date.
COTM is an action/RPG, and mixes great hack and slash gameplay with experience points and other elements typically found in RPG's. The controls are very easy to learn, because whipping is your only main attack. This may seem repetitive, but it is in no means shallow. The variety of enemies keeps things exciting. But also with that, the castle you play though is perfectly constructed to utilize all your abilities as they come. As with Metroid, as you beat bosses, you gain new abilities like a double jump and dashing to extend your reaches thoughout the castle. It works well for this type of game.
If this all seems similar to other Castlevania games, that's because it is. But COTM's main distinguishing feature is the more involved use of magic spells. As you progress through the game, random enemies will drop random cards called DSS cards. With 20 DSS cards in the entire game, every pair combination makes a new spell. This also adds a new challenge because of how rare some cards are to find. But if you're patient, you will be rewarded.
My gripes with this game are only a couple, but there are some problems. Most people complain about the graphics, first of all. I don't know if it was intended to set a mood or what, but the graphics are DARK. Prepare to buy a GBA light to play under your desk lamp a lot. Another minor thing is how, later on in the game, many of the health replenishers seem useless compared to the amount of hit points you have. Not much to hamper the fun, but it is annoying.
Castlevania: COTM, even if it's just on a handheld, is a fantastic game that is a must buy for any GBA owner. Heck, I would buy a GBA just for this game...
Graphics: 9.0- Smooth animation gives it a good look, but only if you can SEE the game first.... DARK.
Sound: 9.5- Great, catchy tunes. Even some remixes of old Castlevania songs are in here.
Control: 9.0- Simple yet effective. The amount of moves possible is more than you think.
Replay: 8.5- A lengthy game for a handheld, but new modes unlocked after beating the game multiple times makes you want to play it again.
Overall: 9.5- Classic Castlevania perfected on a handheld. One of the best games on GBA.
