Admittedly, I was skeptical. Yet another Castlevania game. And keep in mind just because it bears the name of a universally reknown franchise does NOT mean it is a decent game. Just because it has Patrick Stewart narrating doesn't give it a free pass, either. (although, games with his talents attatched to them seemingly are good. See Oblivion.) Just because it has PS3 graphics that rival FF13 definitely does not mean excellence. Just because Hideo Kojima is directing...well, all that means is that it'll be pretty badass.

As a gamer, I appreciate the narrated segway. They add the almost literature-flavor that the main character stollidly refuses to supply. He is trying to pass himself off as a Vampire Hunter D-type badass, I imagine.

The Dynamics of fighting are VERY satisfying. I defer to games like the DMC series or God of War and it has a nice variety of combos unlike say...the Force Unleashed.

The monsters and bosses are threatening, in their size and ferocity. Almost ala Shadow of the Colossus or Super Metroid.

As for it's connection to the original series, the game was correctly termed a "reboot" which always makes die-hard fans anxious. The game feels like Castlevania without submitting itself to the same format. I'd say this is the Megaman 7 of the series. Strangely different and it's that difference that might not settle well with the nostalgia fans.

Once again, I'd liked to point out Hideo Kojima's involvement. This assures a kind of quality. But this game is definitely a rental first. It's split into three or four difficulties which makes it widely accessable...but I have to step-out of review to mention that I DO NOT LIKE that. I prefer a game that has no easy setting or hard setting. Because I will inevitably pick easy every time and I don't like doing that. I like a challenging game that FORCES you to step-up your game rather than handing down an easy option.

Either way, I haven't beat the game yet but first impressions are...well...impressive.

-Sin