Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations (PlayStation 3) Review

By Az Elias 17.04.2014

Review for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations on PlayStation 3

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 may not have lived up to expectations, but it is hoped that the download content featuring Alucard can restore some of that Castlevania goodness. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations is really only one for those that have already finished the main game, so how does it fair?

Revelations sets into motion the events of Lords of Shadow 2, as Alucard prepares the necessities to ensure Dracula can obtain his powers upon reawakening, and readies himself for Satan's return. Perhaps the most pleasing parts of this expansion are that it takes place entirely in Dracula's castle, and there are no odd stealth sections, which really let down the main game before.

There is a bigger focus on puzzles this time around, with quick fingers and precise platforming needed in order to pass through certain sections. Some can get a little tricky and frustrating, but the puzzle element seems to fit in well outside of the usual exploring and combat. Abilities exclusive to Alucard, like darting to ledges in a bat form, changing to a wolf to leap across large gaps, and reversing time to rebuild broken pieces of environments, all play integral parts in solving the puzzles and getting through hazardous rooms. Time limits that force doors to shut mean the frustrating parts usually come in the form of quickly platforming through to the exit and trying not to get caught in traps on the way there.

Screenshot for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations on PlayStation 3

Alucard uses swordplay for all of his moves and combos, including his health-regenerating and defence-breaking attacks, unlike Dracula, who only used a sword in tandem with his whip and fists. The change-up to solely using a long sword with Alucard is really gratifying, though, as it is hard to deny that sweet feeling of hacking and slashing away with a blade. Alucard also gets his own unique sets of moves and combos different to Dracula, but are performed in very much the same way. It means it is easy for those who have finished with the main Lords of Shadow 2 game to jump straight into Revelations and get fighting, but it equally feels that little bit refreshing because of the weapon change.

It doesn't last long in the end, as a couple of hours or so are all that is needed to see Revelations through, and that comes as a shame, as it feels like there could have been more to see and do with Alucard. There isn't quite as much of a focus on mindlessly beating up baddies, but perhaps an extra boss or two could have been satisfying things to look forward to. The puzzles are a good addition to the gameplay, and the story comes together clearly with this expansion, but it still leaves a lot to be desired.

Screenshot for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations on PlayStation 3

Cubed3 Rating

6/10
Rated 6 out of 10

Good

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 - Revelations gives a little more insight into how Alucard plays into the overall story of Lords of Shadow 2, and he is an amusing character to play as. It would have been great if more of Alucard's personality could have been fleshed out here, as there was a hint of some cockiness that only came to light by the end of the scenario, and more of that may have provided an extra dimension to his character. The focus on puzzles is welcome, as is this part of the story taking place in Dracula's castle, and doing away with the annoying stealth sections. At just a couple of hours long, though, and only the one boss to fight, there isn't quite enough in Revelations to really make it stand out. One for the fans that really want to learn that little bit more of the overall story, more than anything.

Developer

Mercury Steam

Publisher

Konami

Genre

Action Adventure

Players

1

C3 Score

Rated $score out of 10  6/10

Reader Score

Rated $score out of 10  6/10 (1 Votes)

European release date Out now   North America release date Out now   Japan release date Out now   Australian release date Out now   

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