The glyph system encourages you to get out there and take it to Dracula's baddies, using your myriad arsenal to exploit specific weaknesses. They're simple to be sure, but mix things up just enough. The optional quests do much to add value, asking of you basic errands such as collecting items to more interesting tasks like photographing enemies. Since the puzzling quality of exploration has been extracted, the game amps up the action and introduces a bevy of side quests. The sprawling designs of Dracula's domain are out and swapped for shorter, handheld-friendly locales. Gone are the labyrinthine levels of previous installments, replaced by smaller maps. Order of Ecclesia gains an immense variety from these environments, although it comes at a cost. Hunting Albius requires trekking through a dozen or so different locations ranging from a stormy channel to a demon-infested lighthouse to misty mountainside. Your first task is to track down Albius and recapture the glyph so as to confront Dracula. Seizing the Dracula-dispatching glyph Dominus for himself, Albius leaves the Order and sets in motion his own enigmatic plan. These powers are lusted after by fellow Order member Albius, whose jealousy moves him to betray the sect. Additionally, Shanoa can wield a third glyph tied to the R button for non-combat abilities. These magical weapons range from short swords and daggers to more powerful axes and hammers called at will with taps of the X and Y buttons. The sect has empowered her with glyphs to defeat the Lord of Darkness and his minions. And that's what all the action is for: to cut through the shadows and deliver a game that feels just different enough and yet satisfyingly the same old Castlevania.Īs the anointed member of the Order of Ecclesia, Shanoa is tasked with the destruction of Dracula. Her stoic personality adds a touch of blue – not that the depressingly dark story needed any help with shading.

Though not everything inherited here is lovely, as much of what Order of Ecclesia offers feels more borrowed than inventive. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – she's packing it all.įrom classic elements to fresh ideas, her adventure runs the gamut from nostalgic to new. Leading lady Shanoa marries into a franchise with lofty expectations, but she's more than the dutiful bride. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia marks the long-running Castlevania series' first female protagonist.

Order of ecclesia maps