Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

[Sektor]

If you have a DS or plan on buying one, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is the best action game in the library. Continuing the story of Soma Cruz, Dawn of Sorrow takes place a year after the events of Aria of Sorrow. A new cult arose during the preceeding year when Soma struggled and won against becoming the new Dracula, with the purpose of resurrecting the Dark Lord.

The soul system is still intact here, which I think is one of the better magic/technique systems in the series. Basically whenever you kill a monster, they have a chance of giving up their soul. You can collect three types of souls: Bullets, Guardians, and Status. Bullets are souls used as offensive weapons (throwing bones, spears, etc). Guardians summon a familiar of some sort to aid you (whether it's flying armor to make you fall slower, a bat to bite at enemies, or even a manticore's tail sprouting from you). Status souls boost your current attributes, whether it be strength, int, luck, etc.

Now, unlike Aria of Sorrow, you can collect multiple souls of the same monster, making their soul ability even stronger. Also, you can fuse a soul with your weapons to make them stronger. It's pretty cool. Really worth getting for anyone in the mood for an action packed short and sweet game with a solid story and rpg elements.

[TreasureFinder]

The only thing I don't like about the Castlevania games is that you have to look EVERYWHERE for the next place to go. Sure, it's fun for a while, but two hours later and you're STILL in the Garden of Madness? No way, Jose.

[Jaggy]

That's kind of the whole point though -- exploration. I don't like it when games like that are too linear. Takes the fun out of it. Though I don't like it when it takes hours to find a place either. I haven't really found any problems with that in Castlevania though..

[Sektor]

I've actually been playing this alot recently but is it just me, or did you guys see yourselves sticking with the great axe and its upgrades the whole game through?

[jefklak]

I still need to get my hands on this excellent game, it's indeed one of the best DS games.
(Except Advance Wars DS and Mario Kart of course hehehe)