Simple puzzles yet effective
To progress from one area to the next, you will have to do a lot of platforming. Mostly at every level you play, you will be jumping from one area to the next and solving puzzles. The tools and weapons that you get for Gabriel will often be used, giving a variety of ways to do the platforming segments for the game. When it comes to the puzzle, they are rather simple and doesn’t require deep thinking. Sure, it sounds very easy but for this game, it works very effectively.
NOT
Fixed Camera
One of the things about the game that annoys a lot of people, including myself, when it released on consoles several years ago is the fixed camera. Throughout your adventure, there will be times that the camera will be fixed at certain angles that makes it hard for everyone to see where Gabriel is. Since the camera is fixed, there will be no way to turn it around whatsoever. Don’t worry though! There are only certain parts of the game that this happens and it’s not like it happens very frequently.
Too Late in the Scene
Almost three years following its release, getting this game now is a tad late. For PC gamers who never played this game, they most likely will not care and will simply get the sequel when it releases later this year. However, those who want to experience such a phenomenal narrative and get an idea what the sequel will offer in terms of gameplay, a $29 price point that is complete isn’t such a bad idea, considering it has the two added DLC.
Combat may feel repetitive
For every hack and slash game out there, there will be a time where combat may get repetitive and Lords of Shadow is no exception. After unlocking all of the good moves and mastering them, that’s where the repetitiveness will kick in. Yes, the game has one of the most stylish take downs and combos but there will be a point that you will find it boring. The variety of ways to take down enemies are very engaging but expect to get burned out at some point since for fifteen hours, you will be doing the same exact thing. Well, not when it comes to bosses as those really will put a flavor in the combat as there are mechanics that you need to learn from them to be successfully take them down.
VERDICT
Three years later, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is still the game I remember and loved until now. For PC gamers who are very eager to play this game, they might find it a little late in the party since the sequel is coming out in just less than six months. However, those who want to experience the game at its best, it’s definitely worth the purchase as the Ultimate Edition will have the two DLC packed in already. Just be cautious that while everything about the game seems perfect; you might still feel the combat can get too repetitive at times.
[Editor’s Note: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Ultimate Edition was reviewed on the PC platform through Steam. A voucher code was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]