Castlevania Dominus Collection is a love letter to the classic era of the series, offering a curated selection of iconic titles that have shaped the genre. This collection serves as a perfect entry point for newcomers, allowing them to experience the rich history of the series, while also providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for seasoned fans. Does this collection offer a satisfying journey through Castlevania’s rich history, or does it feel like a dusty relic from a bygone era? Read on to find out!
A Timeless Tapestry of Horror and Adventure
The games included in this collection offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences, from the gothic horror of Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia to the dual-character action of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin. Each of the five titles in this collection boasts a unique blend of classic exploration, combat, and platforming.
This collection also features the very first Castlevania title, Castlevania Haunted Castle, where it all began, but with a twist: it is featured twice. You can experience the classic original game and even play in the original format, or you can dive into the reimagined Haunted Castle Revisited, which features a modern-day take on the all-time classic.
Despite their age, the games in this collection hold up remarkably well. The tight controls, challenging gameplay, and engaging stories continue to captivate players today. Whether you’re a fan of classic platformers or action RPGs, there’s something to love in this collection.
A Masterful Symphony of Darkness and Light
The games in this collection are a masterclass in game design, seamlessly blending exploration, combat, and RPG elements. The intricate level design encourages exploration, revealing hidden secrets and powerful items. The combat system is both challenging and rewarding, requiring precise timing and strategic use of abilities. The RPG elements, such as character progression and equipment customisation, add depth and replayability to the experience.
The new rewind feature is probably my favourite thing about this collection. By simply holding down the left trigger (on the controller), you can literally rewind the game back to a point of your choice. From there, you can play as if everything that followed hadn’t happened. This is especially helpful for moments such as those before boss fights or parts where you aren’t sure which choice to make about something.
A Masterclass in Gothic Design
The games in this collection are renowned for their stunning pixel art and atmospheric soundtracks. The detailed environments, intricate character designs, and haunting music create a truly immersive experience that draws players into the dark and mysterious world of Castlevania.
The classic pixel art style is consistent throughout the collection and the soundtrack is retro, appropriate and always compliments the on-screen action perfectly!
There is also an option to listen to all of the in-game music outside of playing any of the games. What could be better than that, you ask? How about the option to even create playlists!
A Dark Journey Worth Repeating
The high level of difficulty, coupled with the numerous secrets and hidden paths, encourages multiple playthroughs. As mentioned, there is a rewind option that allows you to return to a previous point in a game, which may detract from the replay value of these games. However, considering that this collection is likely going to be a nostalgia trip for the majority of players, it’s very likely that people will return to it often for that all-important rush!
There is even the option to switch between regional versions of each game so that you can experience what players outside of your home country will have done. This opens each game up even further still so that you can keep returning to them time and time again.
Conclusion
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-have for any fan of the series or anyone looking to experience classic gaming at its finest. It’s a comprehensive package that offers a wealth of content, stunning visuals, and unforgettable gameplay experiences. Despite the simple pixel art style, the characters are all deep and interesting, the levels are gorgeous, the enemies are varied (and relentless), and the new rewind feature makes the entire experience that little bit more enjoyable than the first time around!
Pros
- Iconic Castlevania titles in one package.
- Diverse gameplay experiences.
- Stunning pixel art and atmospheric soundtracks.
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay.
- High replay value.
Cons
- Pixel art isn’t for everyone.
- Difficulty is often relentless (as is typical for the genre).
