I downloaded this game because of all the praise.  I am playing it on my PSP and for some reason cannot figure out why it is so great.  I get lost all the time and then when I look up a FAQ I am ALWAYS going in the complete opposite direction in order to progress.  I really want to like this game, anyone have any insights that will help me appreciate this game more and help in my understanding in how to progress? 

I admit that the game can - to be extent - be a bit obscure in parts. Thing is, you shouldn't ruin the game by using an FAQ at first. I suppose that reading the manual would be a good idea, though, as I seem to recall that the in-game instructions for using certain items are either absent or unclear. I don't know how much help you really want, and I don't want to spoil anything unnecessarily for you. As such, I'll give you a few basic tips on progression.

1) You can open blue doors by purchasing the Jewel of Open from the Master Librarian. (It might go by a different name in the PSP version.)

2) If you can't get through an area because of spikes, then you should find a way to break them. That "way" of breaking them will come when you're able to fly and see in the dark.

3) Just when you think you're at the end, you're really only at the midpoint.

Exploring the castle and getting lost is part of the fun of the game. If that's a turnoff this might not be the game for you.

" Exploring the castle and getting lost is part of the fun of the game. If that's a turnoff this might not be the game for you. "

same reason halo 1 and gta 3 are so good

Thanks everyone for the responses.  I will say I am not enjoying spending an hour of gameplay wondering around the castle and seeing no progression, maybe it really isn't the game for me.  I will say I am glad to hear that I am not alone in not really enjoying the game - SolemnOaf.

It's kinda like Metroid, in that you start out pretty weak, but by exploring you gain new abilities and become stronger.

Yeah, chuck out that FAQ. The exploration aspect is my fave part in these games.

I got the XBLA version and I'm currently playing through it for the first time. I was super frustrated for the first few hours because I didn't know about the map button. Once I was able to see which areas I hadn't been to yet and how to get to them, it was a thousand times more satisfying to roam around the castle. Knowing where the save rooms were at all times didn't hurt either.

" I thought SOTN's only redeeming features were it's fluid controls and excellent music.  Other than that, the level design is confusing, illogical, and just downright bad.  I eventually gave up on finishing it, even with a FAQ.  Oddly enough, when I was younger my fondest memories of playing a Castlevania game come from Castevania II: Simon's Quest.  I'm sure the more reasonable among you have already decided now that my opinion is worthless, so i'll just stop writing this. "

Flying books.