Even a WWII setting can't kill this vampire.
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin had great expectations from not only incoming gamers as myself, but the large fanbase it has held for a pretty long time now -- and it's easy to see why it has retained such a fanbase. Konami continues the Castlevania franchise on the DS for a second time, distinguishing itself from the 'Sorrows' with new characters, level design and even unique unlockables.
Young Johnathon Morris and even younger Charlotte Aulin bear the lineage of vampire killers, a challenging occupation to keep in the year of 1944. Dracula's castle has risen once more due to the number of deaths stemming from World War II, and the dynamic duo sets out to stop a new antagonist from a world takeover with only the help of a mysterious ghost and man of the church. While the plot isn't a masterpiece or even close to it, the characters coming in and out of the story and their backgrounds are more than sufficient for a decent storyline. The writing can take on tones from humurous to serious, and the sound effects sound great on the DS; no one will be conquering the game for the sake of finding out what happens to Morris and friends, but it's not as if dialogue will be skipped, either (Unless you're playing through a second time).
Portrait of Ruin's music and sound effects both play beautifully, and with extra opportunities included (Portraits that turn into unique worlds not restricted to the melancholy of Dracula's Castle) the game definitely has one of the greatest soundtracks seen yet on the DS. Even better, there's an unlockable sound room. Who needs iPods?
As expected, PoR's gameplay is fun, satisfying and even challenging at times -- depending on your level of difficulty selected (9 hard modes are unlockable, three for each mode), the adventure can either be an enjoyable, smooth ride to a grueling challenge of learning enemy patterns before getting past any room. Collecting stronger equipments, conquering optional side quests, purchasing potions and even slaughtering bosses from Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin are all enjoyable trials, and two unlockable modes are available -- one even utilizing the touch screen, if you were disappointed with how Jonathon's quest was completely done traditionally. All in all, the satisfying gameplay in Portrait of Ruin is full of content, and replaying the main quest on hard -- as well as the other two modes -- should last 30-40+ hours (if you complete each quest 1000%).
Portrait of Ruin looks great. Its amazingly well done 2D sprites can only be matched by its background art, which ranges from 2D to 3D (2.5). Certain bosses really look great on the handheld, and the game overall is a 2D accomplishment.
Portrait of Ruin is a commendable platformer, with difficulties ranging from a joyride to -- dare I say it -- normal mode in Contra 4. If you're looking for an epic storyline, PoR may fall short, but in all other aspects it's a good game. No, it's a great game, if only a good Castlevania. It's not revolutionary and won't change the way future Castlevanias are played, but after beating this game once more I can't wait until Castlevania Order of Ecclesia is released in the Fall -- if it's anything like Portrait of Ruin, it's a must have.
