Mini Review: Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania

Ode to Castlevania marks a significant milestone for Vampire Survivors. Drawing heavy inspiration from the beloved franchise, Luca Galante and Poncle have truly outdone themselves with this DLC. The game takes a unique twist that will enchant Castlevania fans, but even those new to the series will find this DLC to be a must-play experience.

The new map introduced in this DLC is Poncle’s most ambitious creation yet. Players will explore an entire castle filled with rooms inspired by Dracula’s abode from Symphony of the Night. The map features multiple secret rooms, hidden paths, and even side-scrolling sections that will leave players in awe. Accompanied by a fantastic selection of Castlevania rearrangements, the experience is truly top-notch.

Within the map, players will encounter multiple skull markers that lead to various boss fights. From Lament of Innocence’s Medusa Head to Order of Ecclesia’s Brachyura, and even the Puppet Master from Dawn of Sorrow, there is no shortage of challenging adversaries. Defeating these bosses rewards players with new weapons or unlocks new areas of the castle.

Upon unlocking the first Castlevania character, Leon Belmont, players will discover a wide array of characters and weapons. While whips continue to reign supreme, each whip offers a unique playstyle with different synergies and builds. Experimenting with various combinations of elemental spells for screen-melting action is both thrilling and frame rate-challenging.

Almost every game in the Castlevania series is represented, offering players the opportunity to embody iconic characters and experience classic builds. Whether players prefer Christopher Belmont’s old-school style or Maria’s shield for crowd control, there is a character and playstyle to suit everyone. With surprises waiting for players as they progress, the DLC promises endless excitement.

The only drawback to this otherwise fantastic DLC is the esoteric nature of some unlock requirements and hidden secrets. Players may find themselves turning to guides or resorting to trial and error to uncover all the game has to offer.

In conclusion, Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania is an essential addition for fans of the series. It pays homage to the beloved franchise while expanding on the addictive gameplay loop of Vampire Survivors. With a treasure trove of secrets awaiting players, this DLC is sure to leave them amazed.