I've had a blast playing this with friends online so far. Seems like a lot of people are hating on it, and I was skeptical at first too. I was hoping for one massive story-mode driven castle. But honestly once I started playing with friends I could care less. Even if you just have one other friend with the game. I'd highly recommend it. Only downfall is that 6 levels isn't too many, but they are pretty difficult, and have harder difficulties to unlock as well. Hopefully DLC isn't too expensive.
 
And yeah, I've bought both Limbo and Hydro Thunder as well. Both great games as well, but ultimately I just keep coming back to Castlevania. It's just addicting leveling everything up.

Oh hell yeah.

No. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on Limbo.

Well that's refreshing seeing someone talk some good about this game. I'm still on the fence for this one. I do like castlevania, but the addition of MP just seems a little weird. If it's as fun as you say it is, I might have to give the demo a try.

Absolutely, Game of the Summer of Arcade ^^

This isn't just my favorite Summer of Arcade game; it's actually one of my favorite games released this year. While LIMBO was certainly a great game, it doesn't have nearly as much replay value as HD. I'm looking forward to the new Lara Croft game, as well, but I honestly have no idea if I'll purchase it immediately upon its release. I can seriously see myself playing HD past that point.

I haven't bought it yet but it would have to be really good for me to like it more than Limbo.

" I haven't bought it yet but it would have to be really good for me to like it more than Limbo. "

Unfortunately short of funds at the moment, otherwise I would've picked this up. My question now is when I get paid do I pick both this and MNC or just wait until C:HD goes on sale? Cause I am DEFINITELY getting MNC.

This is one of my favorite XBLA games.  I've sunk about 25 hours into it since Wed.  I hope it maintains some user base down the road, cause I hope to keep coming back to it whenever the urge strikes much like I do with  Street Fighter, Marvel, Battlefield 1943 and Magic the Gathering.

" Well that's refreshing seeing someone talk some good about this game. I'm still on the fence for this one. I do like castlevania, but the addition of MP just seems a little weird. If it's as fun as you say it is, I might have to give the demo a try. "

I have to be honest this is my least favorite Castlevania game since the N64 ones.  The game sounds awesome on paper but there is just something about this game I just don't like.  Personally I have to say of what I have played of the games so far Hydro Thunder is my favorite of the Summer of Arcade. Though it kind of disappointing  that there is a lack of a super awesome mega game like Castle Crashers or Shadow Complex. All in all this is lame Summer of Arcade.

This year's Summer of Arcade isn't as good as last years. I would have to say LIMBO is so far the best for this year though, but nothing will ever beat Shadow Complex as my fav.

I'll go on record as to saying I'm a Fan boy when it comes to Castlevania. However I still feel a bit dissappointed about HD. Limbo has been pretty good as well as Hydro Thunder. However I still loved last year's Summer of Arcade when we got Shadow Complex. I loved that game so much!

" @wolf_blitzer85 said:

" Well that's refreshing seeing someone talk some good about this game. I'm still on the fence for this one. I do like castlevania, but the addition of MP just seems a little weird. If it's as fun as you say it is, I might have to give the demo a try. "

MP has been in a lot of Castlevania games.  That's basically what the hearts refill in previous games, that let you throw the axes and holy waters from the very fist Castlevania.  "

I really enjoy it. Recently had a internet-LAN with a friend. Too bad Jeff doesn't share my view.

I've only played the SP trial.

Castlevania's cool, just not my thing really. I found the 2-star review by Jeff to be extremely harsh.
 
Hydro Thunder has been my favorite so far, but Monday Night Combat may change that. If things do indeed work out with MNC, it may be my game of the year along with Miles Edgeworth Investigations and Hydro Thunder. I can probably see myself playing Monday Night Combat 2 years from now as I have been with Team Fortress 2 on the 360.
 
Yeah, extremely weird game of the year choices, eh? Those are probably the only games that have met my expectations and haven't disappointed me at all.
 
Anyway, keep havin' fun with Castlevania. This "Summer of Arcade" event every year never seems to disappoint, although this year's may be the best of all.
 
Oh and DAMN THE TORPEDOES!!

It was the only game this summer of arcade that interested me. It's not exactly what I wanted from a new Castlevania game, but my god it's fun to play. Solo, co-op, whatever.
 
I just did Dracula on hard solo, and I OMGWTFBBQ'd so hard when he died. Had like 13 HP left in his third from after he used the giant ball of almost instakill attack right after he transformed. Suffice to say my hads were shaking when he finally died.
 
That was the best gaming experience I've had in a very long while. Mind you, I'm usually the guy who plays on easy in games. Uses the Crissaegrim in SOTN etc. And although I did use Shanoa's double wind weapon pwnage, I still feel like it was somewhat of an achievement. :P
 
Think I'm gonna try Charlotte next...

Yeah, I'm surprised how much hate this game is getting. It's a ton of fun.

Limbo is the only one I bought.  I've never been a fan of the Castlevania games and the love for Hydro Thunder still baffles me (those units were always empty when I went to the arcade).
 
MNC looks awesome though, and I'm optimistic with Lara Croft.

Yes, it is.
Which is weird, because I thought highly of LIMBO.
 
I think It has something to do with my love for 2D Castlevania.

Limbo is the only i have played so far. Loved it. I also got Deathspank but  I don't think it was part of the Summer of Arcade package. Probably going to pick up Lara Croft later though. 

" Castlevania's cool, just not my thing really. I found the 2-star review by Jeff to be extremely harsh."

Jeff is mad, don't go by some of his scores. 
For example he gave Mortal Kombat DC 5/5 and he gave Soul Calibur IV 3/5.
GB crew is entertaining but some of their scores are terrible.

I have to say yes, and I doubt it'll be topped.
...I haven't been this addicted to a game in a long time. ;_;

" @RoyCampbell said:

" Castlevania's cool, just not my thing really. I found the 2-star review by Jeff to be extremely harsh."

Yeah, for some games it seems like Jeff already has his mind made up before he gives them a shot. I know he's not really a fan of Super Metroid either, so....yeah.  All I'm saying is the demo for this game kinda sucks. Don't let a bad demo and a poor review turn you away. The full game is a blast with friends with tons of replay value. Whereas I personally feel better if Limbo and Hydro were $10, I'm fine paying $15 for HD. "

This or Limbo, can't really decide just yet.

" @TripMasterMunky said:

" @RoyCampbell said:

" Castlevania's cool, just not my thing really. I found the 2-star review by Jeff to be extremely harsh."

Yeah, for some games it seems like Jeff already has his mind made up before he gives them a shot. I know he's not really a fan of Super Metroid either, so....yeah.  All I'm saying is the demo for this game kinda sucks. Don't let a bad demo and a poor review turn you away. The full game is a blast with friends with tons of replay value. Whereas I personally feel better if Limbo and Hydro were $10, I'm fine paying $15 for HD. "

You should also compound that with the fact that he didn't even finish it. "

I love this game, put 32 hours into it. But I understand some of the harsh reviews it has got because of the poor lobby system, menus, and instructions on how to play the game.
 
But oh man, the music!