Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Front Cover
Medium:
Game Cartridge
Release Date:
6/8/2001
Date Imported:
4/24/2006
List Price:
$39.99
Publisher:
Konami
Studio:
Konami
Label:
Konami
ESRB Age Rating:
Teen
Platform:
Game Boy Advance
EAN:
0083717500018
UPC:
083717500018
Description:

Amazon.com Review One of the best side-scrolling game franchises makes a successful debut on the Game Boy Advance in Castlevania: Circle of the Moon. This time around you follow the adventures of Nathan Graves as he attempts to stop the recently resurrected Dracula. In the fine tradition of Castlevania vampire hunters, Graves carries a whip as his primary weapon, and will soon discover the traditional secondary weapons of holy water, dagger, boomerang, time freeze, and more. New to the series is the dual set-up system (DSS), which allows you to use 20 cards (randomly found) for up to 80 power-ups.

The game plays like a side-scrolling classic without seeming too dated. Players traipse around a nonlinear dungeon, defeat monsters, and unlock new parts of the dungeon, often through the use of new abilities. It's similar to the excellent Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for the PlayStation, with the obvious aural limitations of a cartridge-based handheld system.

Unfortunately, the game's dark graphics are difficult to see on the Game Boy Advance's fickle screen. Long sessions require consistent overhead lighting, so this isn't the ideal game for travel. The animations are also lacking, making character movement appear jerky. Despite these graphics shortcomings, this side-scrolling wonder makes a fine addition to your GBA library. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

  • Classic gameplay
  • High replay value
  • Great sound for a handheld game
Cons:
  • Dark graphics are butchered by the GBA screen
  • Mediocre animation

Amazon.com Product Description Konami's Simon Belmont started hunting vampires back in 1987, and he hasn't quit yet. Now he's chasing them across the Game Boy Advance in Castlevania: Circle of the Moon. He'll use his trusty whip, as well as a few magical items, to combat Dracula and more than just a few foul minions. The game takes advantage of the GBA's rich color palette to create detailed, moody environments and intricate spell effects.