Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate Game Cover

About

"Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is a single-player horror platformer with sensational visuals. Initially set 25 years after the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, the game reveals the story of Gabriel Belmont's descendants as they battle their own destinies. Trevor Belmont, a knight of the Brotherhood of Light, seeks to avenge his mother's death at the hands of his father, now the powerful vampire Dracula."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate screenshot

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 40 reviews

graphics11 positive mentions

The game features stunning graphics and well-designed environments that push the 3DS to its limits.
The combat system is enjoyable and fluid, with a mix of classic side-scrolling gameplay and modern elements.
The story expands on beloved characters and offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans of the series.

The game lacks meaningful exploration and unique skills, making it feel linear and less engaging for hardcore Castlevania fans.
Some gameplay mechanics, such as the XP system and secondary weapons, are poorly implemented and feel underwhelming.
The controls can be difficult to master initially, and the game may feel short compared to previous entries in the series.

graphics
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
92%
25%
The graphics of the game have been widely praised for their impressive quality, blending old-school aesthetics with modern 3D enhancements. Players appreciate the dynamic gameplay elements facilitated by the 2.5D camera work and the beautifully rendered cutscenes, which contribute to an engaging atmosphere. While some users noted minor control sluggishness, the overall visual experience, including stunning graphics and well-produced elements, has left a positive impression.
- “The use of full 3D with 2.5D-like camera work allows for some decent dynamic gameplay elements such as ledge moving and jumping. The cutscenes are well-rendered with cell shading and good motion, not just still artwork like some other titles.”
- “Graphics are amazing; they pushed the 3DS to its limit.”
- “The atmosphere is sufficiently enthralling with good music and some occasionally stunning graphics to match.”
- “The game looks and feels old school with a graphical upgrade, but it still lacks the polish of modern titles.”
- “The graphics are underwhelming and don't do justice to the game's potential.”
- “While the art style is unique, the overall execution feels dated and uninspired.”
story
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
36%
27%
The story of the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its depth and character development, particularly regarding Alucard, Trevor, and Simon Belmont. However, some critiques highlight its non-linear timeline and predictability, which can detract from the overall experience. While it offers interesting twists and engaging storytelling, it diverges significantly from traditional Castlevania narratives.
- “The story starts before the original Lords of Shadow and ends after it too.”
- “Great game with an interesting story.”
- “[The story told here is great, with some interesting characters and a rather unconventional twist; the storytelling itself, with its non-linear approach, is well handled; great graphics, great music, great voice acting; well produced, stunning cutscenes; a deeply satisfying combat system; great boss battles; the game manages to keep things thrilling and exciting by mixing in some tight platforming with some tense combat situations.]”
- “The story timeline is mixed without any apparent reason, and you get to defeat the final boss during mid-game.”
- “The plot attempts to throw the odd twist your way, but it often feels forced.”
- “The game is nothing like traditional Castlevania games, and differs from them in every regard from the combat to world design to exploration to platforming to the story and lore.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
13%
13%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it atmospheric and fitting for the horror theme, others describe it as dull and lacking compared to earlier Castlevania titles. Overall, it is noted that the musical score can enhance the gameplay experience, but it does not consistently impress across all reviews.
- “So far from the opening, the game feels atmospheric with a bit of old-fashioned horror and dramatic music elements to go with it. The game isn't disappointing... I think with this and Luigi's Mansion - Dark Moon, Nintendo should see the profile and quality of the 3DS come through.”
- “The atmosphere is sufficiently enthralling with good music and some occasionally stunning graphics to match.”
- “A very enjoyable game with amazing music and great gameplay; a must for any Castlevania fan, you won't be disappointed.”
- “The music is dull and boring, and the characters are very unappealing.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The gameplay features a blend of 3D environments with 2.5D camera work, allowing for dynamic elements like jumping and ledge movement, though some users noted slight sluggishness in controls. While the level designs and boss battles are praised for their fluidity and epic feel, the combination of classic side-scrolling mechanics with God of War-style action has received mixed feedback, with some feeling it lacks cohesion. Overall, the game is considered enjoyable, especially for Castlevania fans, thanks to its engaging gameplay and impressive musical score.
- “The use of full 3D with 2.5D-like camera work allows for some decent dynamic gameplay elements such as ledge moving, jumping, etc. Also, note the cutscenes are decently rendered with cell shading and good motion, not still artwork like some other titles. There is some slight sluggishness to the controls, but it's manageable without feeling clunky. There are plenty of bits and pieces to find in-game, including extra power-ups, life/magic gauges, dead soldier scrolls (text files), and plenty more.”
- “I own Castlevania titles on the DS and PSP, and I have to say this is my favorite so far. Level designs are top-notch, gameplay is fluid, boss battles are great and suitably epic, and to top it all off, the musical score is brilliant.”
- “A very enjoyable game with amazing music and great gameplay. A must for any Castlevania fan; you won't be disappointed.”
- “Good graphics, but as a Castlevania series fan, I just felt it was like a bloodless God of War. The good thing is that they kept the sideways gameplay.”
- “The side-scrolling portable sequel to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow tries to combine classic side-scrolling Castlevania gameplay with the God of War-like action of Lords of Shadow, but it just doesn't come together.”
- “There is some slight sluggishness to the controls, but manageable without feeling clunky. However, it detracts from the overall gameplay experience.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its old-fashioned horror elements, complemented by dramatic music and stunning 3D environments that create a darkly beautiful setting. Players are drawn into the enthralling atmosphere, encouraging exploration of the intricately designed levels and enhancing the overall experience.
- “The atmosphere is sufficiently enthralling with good music and some occasionally stunning graphics to match.”
- “Stunning 3D environments that are darkly beautiful and atmospheric; I find I am searching every nook and cranny of every level because I want to see every bit of this beautifully designed game.”
- “So far from the opening, the game feels atmospheric like a bit of old-fashioned horror with dramatic music elements to go with it. The game isn't disappointing.”