It seems later this year we'll have a real winter of disc content, with Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 the latest game to be added to an increasingly strong line-up of blockbuster titles.
It's the follow-up to developer MercurySteam's well-liked 2010 hit, and features a blend of classic Castlevania ingredients and new ideas, as Dracula's castle is yanked into a contemporary setting, with a large open-world city to explore.
Rather than taking a level-based approach, the game's sandbox setting allows for seamless exploration, with a fully manoeuvrable camera rather than the dynamic system of the original game (though that's apparently still an option for those happy to have a more guided, cinematic perspective).
Despite his brooding nature, Dracula's a fearsome combatant, and has three weapons in his arsenal: a Blood Whip, Chaos Claws and a Void Sword. Rather than using magic, you'll gain blood to power up your abilities from the enemies you defeat.
Konami then unveiled an epic six-minute trailer, which heralded the return of Patrick Stewart as Zobek and Robert Carlyle as Dracula. A hint of platforming was shown, but the game's focus is very much on its flexible combat system, with skirmishes against a winged warrior in gold armour and a sequence that appears to show Dracula riding an enormous Titan.
Lords of Shadow 2 is set for release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in 'winter 2013'.
Published: 07/06/2013
Comments