Castlevania Portrait of Ruin

🎮 Nintendo DS ⏳ 15 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Dual-Character Combat #

This Castlevania entry is the second entry of the DS Castlevanias and builds on the series’ Metroidvania foundation with a unique dual-character system. The MCs are Jonathan, a whip-wielding descendant of the Belmont line, and Charlotte, a magic-focused spellcaster, switching between them on the fly or using them together for combination attacks. This mechanic adds strategic depth and helps keep combat varied while you explore Dracula’s castle and its magical portrait worlds.

Atmospheric Visuals And Sound #

The game stands out for its strong presentation. Sprites are detailed and fluid, the gothic backdrops remain atmospheric, and the soundtrack mixes classic Castlevania themes with new tracks that capture each area’s tone. The portrait mechanic is also clever, transporting you into alternate environments beyond the castle, which keeps exploration fresh in the first half of the game.

Repetitive Levels And Story #

On the downside, the level design leans heavily on repetition, especially later on when portraits reuse tile sets and room layouts. The story, set during World War II, introduces intriguing elements like vampire sisters and supernatural conflict, but the writing and character depth are limited. Difficulty is more forgiving than in some earlier entries, which can make the game feel less rewarding to series veterans. Overall, this game is a solid and enjoyable Castlevania entry.

Memorable DS Castlevania #

It may not reach the heights of Dawn of Sorrow or the refinement of Order of Ecclesia, but its dual-character system, strong visuals, and excellent soundtrack make it a memorable part of the DS trilogy and a worthwhile experience for fans of the series. This is definitely a must-play for fans of the franchise, and I really enjoyed the unique dual-character mechanic, it is one of the best implementations of the unique console that was the Nintendo DS (and also it’s sequel, the Nintendo 3DS).