Just when we thought Konami had exhausted its vault of retro treasures, they’ve unleashed a surprise that’s set the Castlevania fans ablaze. The Castlevania Dominus Collection isn’t just another trip down memory lane – it’s a love letter to fans and a siren call to newcomers.

With a mix of handheld favorites and a resurrected arcade gem, this collection delivers both nostalgia and innovation in spades.

Whether you’re a seasoned vampire hunter or a curious newcomer, prepare to sink your teeth into one of the most compelling retro packages of the year.

A Trio of Handheld Gems: Portable Perfection Reborn

At the heart of this collection are three jewels from the Nintendo DS era: Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Aria of Sorrow. These beloved titles have been lovingly remastered by the acclaimed team at M2, known for their meticulous attention to detail in preserving classic games.

The way these DS games have been adapted to modern hardware feels fresh and seamless. M2 has opted for a split-screen approach, with the main action displayed prominently on the left side of the screen, while the “secondary” screen (formerly the DS’s bottom touch screen) occupies a smaller space on the right.

This dual-screen setup might take some getting used to, but it’s a stroke of genius. It preserves the unique gameplay mechanics that made these titles special on the DS, such as using the touch screen for magic seals in Dawn of Sorrow or switching between characters in Portrait of Ruin. For modern players, it offers a fascinating glimpse into an era of handheld gaming innovation while adapting seamlessly to single-screen play. The result is a perfect balance of nostalgia and accessibility that both purists and newcomers can appreciate.

Aria of Sorrow: The Standout Performance

Of the three, Aria of Sorrow emerges as the crown jewel. This futuristic take on the Castlevania formula stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary Symphony of the Night in terms of quality and innovation. Set in the year 2035, it offers a fresh perspective on the series’ lore while delivering the tight gameplay and exploration fans crave.

But Aria of Sorrow doesn’t just shine in terms of gameplay – it delivers a futuristic twist to the Castlevania saga that’s as bold as it is captivating. The soul-collecting system adds a thrilling layer of strategy and customization that makes each playthrough feel unique. It’s a game that dares to reimagine what Castlevania could be, and in doing so, creates an experience that’s unforgettable.

That’s not to diminish Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin, both of which offer epic journeys filled with memorable characters, unique abilities, and stellar gameplay. These games represent Castlevania at the height of its 2D Metroidvania era, offering more complex systems and deeper gameplay than their linear predecessors.

It’s worth noting that newcomers to the series might find these titles more intricate than classic Castlevania entries. The learning curve is steeper, but the payoff is immensely satisfying as players master the nuanced combat and exploration systems.

Visual and Auditory Delights: Gothic Beauty Unleashed

The transition to modern hardware has been kind to these portable classics, elevating them from impressive handheld games to stunning works of pixel art. The character animations, once confined to the DS’s small screen, now dance across larger displays with fluid grace. Intricate backgrounds burst with gothic detail – every crumbling stone, flickering candle, and moonlit vista is rendered with newfound clarity that truly brings Dracula’s domain to life.

Perhaps most impressive is how well the audio has held up. Despite the limitations of the original DS cartridges, the soundtracks are a testament to the composers’ skill, delivering atmospheric and memorable tunes that sound even better through modern sound systems. From haunting melodies to pulse-pounding battle themes, the music of Castlevania has never sounded so crisp and immersive.

Haunted Castle: A Reimagined Classic Rises from the Grave

While the DS trilogy alone would justify the collection’s value, Konami has included an unexpected bonus: Haunted Castle, a long-lost arcade title from 1987. This game set the blueprint for the Castlevania series but was notorious for its punishing difficulty and clunky controls.

In a stroke of brilliance, M2 has created “Haunted Castle Revisited,” a remixed version that addresses the original’s flaws. This reimagining takes cues from the approach used in Castlevania Chronicles on the PS1, resulting in a game that controls significantly better, looks more elegant, and offers a more balanced challenge.

Haunted Castle Revisited isn’t just a curiosity – it’s a revelation. It bridges the gap between classic Castlevania action and modern sensibilities, offering tighter controls, more balanced difficulty, and visual enhancements that make it feel right at home alongside its portable siblings. For skeptics who might have written off an old arcade title, this remix proves that there’s life in the old vampire yet.

While short, it’s a fascinating look at how the series began and how modern sensibilities can breathe new life into a flawed classic. It’s the perfect complement to the DS titles, offering a bite-sized burst of classic Castlevania action that will appeal to both newcomers looking for a quick fix and veterans eager to see how far the series has come.

For purists and the morbidly curious, the original Haunted Castle is also included. It’s a fascinating historical artifact, but most players will likely sample it briefly before moving on to its superior remake. Its inclusion, however, adds valuable context to the series’ evolution.

A Treasure Trove of Extras: Fangs for the Memories

The Dominus Collection goes beyond just the games, offering a wealth of bonus content that Castlevania aficionados will relish:

• Extensive galleries showcasing key artwork from each game’s development, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the series’ iconic gothic aesthetic.
• A curated selection of musical tracks, allowing players to revisit their favorite themes and appreciate the nuances of the remastered audio.
• Digitized versions of the original game manuals, offering a nostalgic look at how these games were first presented and providing valuable insight into their mechanics and lore.

While developer interviews would have been a welcome addition to provide more historical context, there’s still plenty of Castlevania history to delve into. The extras serve as a fitting tribute to the artistry and passion that went into creating these beloved games.

Value That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

Priced at an attractive $25, the Castlevania Dominus Collection offers exceptional value. With three substantial DS games, the reimagined Haunted Castle, and a wealth of extra content, there’s enough here to keep fans busy for weeks or even months. It’s a bargain that any self-respecting vampire hunter (or Dracula sympathizer) shouldn’t miss.

The Verdict: A Must-Have for Castlevania Fans

The Castlevania Dominus Collection stands as a testament to Konami’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its classic franchises. It’s a package built with both nostalgia and quality in mind, offering something for longtime fans and newcomers alike.