Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
From TheConsoler
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
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| Publisher: | Konami |
| Developer: | KCE Tokyo |
| Rating: | ESRB - T for Teen |
| Release date: | 2nd/October/1997 |
| Genre: | Action Adventure |
| # Players: | 1 |
| Platform: | PS1,Saturn,XBLA |
| Media: | Disc |
Contents |
[edit] Plot
[edit] Setting and characters
The game, like its predecessor Akumajou Dracula X, takes place in Romania. In the previous game, a significant portion of time was spent traveling through the Romanian countryside en route to Castlevania; Symphony of the Night takes place entirely within the castle, with the exceptions of a short introductory sequence depicting Alucard approaching the castle from the surrounding forest, and the game's ending sequences.
Symphony of the Night keeps the archaic and gothic feel of Castlevania accented by the reuse of many of the traditional monsters seen in previous titles. Of particular note, many of the monsters introduced in Akumajou Dracula X are reused, often appearing exactly as they did in the previous game. The castle itself shifts in scenery and encompasses many of the more traditional stage motifs found in the other Castlevania titles (again, particularly Akumajou Dracula X), such as an underground passage, a chapel, and the infamous clock tower. An area under Dracula's tower in Symphony of the Night resembles a similar area where Richter fought Dracula in the Super NES remake of Akumajou Dracula X, titled Castlevania: Dracula X.
About halfway through the game, the player enters an inverted version of the original castle. The scenery in the second castle takes on a more bizarre nature where objects and phenomena such as pools of liquid, furniture, and even a waterfall persistently defy gravity. This inverted castle hosts many unusual (and more powerful) enemies, including Cthulhu, Yorick, and a Dodo. Many of the game's enemies that were presented as bosses in the first castle appear as "normal" enemies in the second castle, illustrating a general increase in the game's difficulty.
Symphony of the Night features a recurring Castlevania cast consisting of protagonists Alucard, son of Dracula, the Belmont heir Richter, and Richter's sister-in-law Maria Renard. The dark priest Shaft and Count Dracula serve as the game's principal antagonists.
[edit] Story
The game's story takes place during the year 1797, five years after the events of Akumajou Dracula X. The story begins as Richter Belmont defeats Count Dracula at the close of the previous game. Four years later, Richter vanishes and is later revealed to be under the control of the dark priest Shaft, who was slain in Akumajou Dracula X. Richter claims lordship of Castlevania, which, in this installment, is revealed to be a malevolent entity of Chaos that continually shifts and changes to confuse trespassers with each reincarnation.
Such a shift in the balance of good and evil causes the son of Dracula, Alucard, to awaken from his self-induced sleep. Not fully aware of what is happening, he discovers that Castlevania has once again manifested itself and sets out to discover what has transpired while he slept. This is where the "real" game begins, as Alucard sets forth to brave his father's cursed realm. Meanwhile, Maria Renard ventures toward Castlevania to find Richter. Maria and Alucard meet inside the castle and encounter one another throughout the game.
[edit] Development
Symphony of the Night is presented via 2D visuals, mainly sprites animated over scrolling backgrounds, with effects such as rotation and scaling being used liberally. Sprites range in size, from quite small, to filling an entire screen (primarily bosses such as Galamoth). For backgrounds, Parallax effects attempt to simulate depth, and can be observed in many areas throughout the game.
Occasionally, the 3D capabilities of the PlayStation attempt to embellish the largely 2D world. For example - cloudy skies in the Holy Chapel area are rendered as 3D textures moving towards the player's perspective, and a polygonal clock tower visible from the Castle Keep rotates as the player moves. Enemies and spells also sometimes render 3D elements as part of their special animations. As was popular at the time (1997), the game contains some short FMV sequences that mostly showcase the castle from different angles. These FMVs do not appear in the Xbox Live Arcade version of the game.
There is a hidden passage at the beginning of the castle. Presumably, this is an unfinished section that would have led to the Underground Gardens (apparent in the Saturn version). The area can be accessed by starting a game as Richter, entering the castle, and quickly dashing back as the gate door closes.
[edit] Version differences
- In the North American version, the prologue sequence is titled "Bloodlines". However, Bloodlines is neither the name of the level, nor the name of the game that the level was based on. In the Japanese version, this segment is correctly titled "Rondo of Blood", directly tying Symphony back to its predecessor, Akumajou Dracula X. This game is being ported to the PSP as well as Symphony of the Night.
- The Japanese version of Symphony employed a graphic of a crucifix (i.e., an image of Jesus crucified on the cross) when using the "Holy Cross" subweapon in an Item Crash and during the game over screen. Given the number of earlier Castlevania titles that were censored for religious content during localization, it was unusual that such graphic effects and images appear in the US/NTSC version as well. The decision by Konami to retain such content is indictive of a generally more lax attitude towards censorship during localizations of recent titles. Ironically, the original voice sample heard in the Japanese version was "Grand Cross" as opposed to "Holy Cross" in the US/NTSC release.
[edit] Sega Saturn differences
- The Japanese Saturn version of Symphony of the Night features Maria Renard as a playable character.
- A few new weapons/items/armor for Alucard's game.
- A new sprite for Richter is featured in addition to the old one, based on Ayami Kojima's depiction of the character. This is the sprite Richter uses when he fights Alucard in the Saturn version and can be used as a playable character as well.
- There are 2 areas of the castle (Cursed Prison and Underground Garden) which were not in the PS1 version. The Underground Garden area features a new boss, the Skeleton King.
- Also, when playing as Maria or Richter, certain areas of the castle play remixes of classic Castlevania music, such as "Vampire Killer" and "Bloody Tears".
[edit] Xbox 360 (Re-release)
- Game was re-released as a Xbox Live Arcade game, with an optional graphical filter that smooths the rough edges on the sprites and polygonal models.
- Features Leaderboards that track players progress throughout the castle, along with a time attack board that sees how long it took a player to reach certain checkpoints (Defeating Cerberus, meeting Maria for the first time, etc.)
- Features 12 achievements worth 200 points.
- Most, perhaps all of the glitches (save one, detailed below) from the PlayStation version of the game work on the Xbox 360 version.
- It is still possible to get to one of the two rooms of the unfinished Underground Garden using Richter's dash move, but in doing so he gets stuck in a wall and the screens flash back and forth from the entrance and the floor beneath you, giving you no choice but to exit the game.
- Despite KCET finishing Cursed Prison and Underground Gardens for the Sega Saturn version of SOTN, they were not put in the Xbox 360 version as it was a port from the PSX version of the game. It is unknown if they will be released as extra content.
- Maria is unplayable.
- The Vandal Sword enemy was removed from the game.
- To save on space, some FMV sequences were removed from the game.
[edit] Achievements
| Icon | Achievement | Description | Gamerscore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Defeat 10 consecutive enemies using only magic without getting hit. | 5 
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| Belmont's Revenge | Finish the game, including the inverted castle, as Richter. | 45
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| Bloodlines | Defeat Dracula in the Bloodlines stage without getting hit. | 10
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| Changeling | Obtain the Bat, Wolf, and Mist transformations. | 10
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| Demon Slayer | Defeat Gaibon and Slorga. | 10
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| Familiar | Collect all five familiars in the game. | 10
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| Money Bags | Collect a bank of at least $100,000. | 25
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| Rampage | Defeat 10 consecutive enemies using the standard weapons without getting hit. | 10
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| Seeker | Explore 200.6% of the game. | 35
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| Topsy Turvy | Unlock the Inverted Castle. | 20
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| Warlock | Unlock and Cast all eight of Alucard's spells. | 15
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| Weapon Master | Defeat 10 consecutive enemies using special weapons without getting hit. | 10
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[edit] Familiars
There are five familiars in the game which you can unlock by finding the Card relic for that Familiar. These card's are found hidden throughout the castle and their locations and abilities are detailed below. Once activated, the familiar will float around your character on screen until deactivated. Familiars each offer a unique ability, you may also only have one familiar active at once. Familiars level up independently of your character and become stronger and assist you more frequently the higher they level up. They raise one level for every 100 XP they obtain.
[edit] Faerie Card
The Faerie familiar has two unique abilities. When active, she will point out secrets on screen and provide hints when a unique action may be needed on screen. For example, she will tell you when secret walls can be destroyed, or when you may need the help of a different familiar (such as in the Underground Mine's dark room). He main ability however, is to use items in your inventory as needed without you having to equip them or select them. For example, she will administer Potions, Uncurse, and Antivenom as needed during battle if you have them in your inventory. The Faerie is also the only familiar / character who can use the Hammer (to unperify when turned to stone) and the Life Apple (to restore health if down on HP). She is extremely useful when attempting 200.6% game completion and in tough battles where you will be using a lot of potions.
Where To Find It
Take the top-left door in the largest room of the Long Library. Change into a bat to get up to it.
[edit] Bat Card
The Bat familiar is a useful ally in battle. Once obtained he will randomly attack enemies you are fighting. The frequency and strength of his attacks will increase as he levels up. Also, if you are in bat form, you will perform dual attacks, as he will shoot fire when you do.
Where To Find It
It is in top-right corner or the chamber where you fight Gaibon and Slogra. You cannot get up there until you have the ability to fly or super jump either through Bat Form or Mist form with Power of Mist for extended transformation time.
[edit] Demon Card
The Demon familiar, will also attack enemies randomly which will increase as he levels up. However, the only actually useful ability of the Demon is to activate switches which Alucard cannot reach. There is only one real place this is needed, which is in the Abandoned Mine, which is also where you will find this card. The switch is at the top of the Mine (before you find the Demon Card) and opens the door to the Succubus where you will obtain the Gold Ring.
Where To Find It
Mid-way down the Abandoned Mine. When you first enter the mine, you will see the hidden switch in the top-right hand corner. Continue down the mine, and it will be located in a hidden room on the left.
[edit] Sword Card
The Sword familiar is the most powerful of all the familiars when it comes to attacks and once its at a high enough level (around 57) you can either use it as a sword or a familiar. Generally however, attacking is the only ability the Sword Familiar has, much like the Bat, Demon, and Ghost familiar its attacks strengths and frequency will increase as it levels up. You will also need this familiar to perform the Sword Brothers spell.
Where To Find It
This is located just before you fight Olrox in Olrox's Quarters, which you get to by taking the left secret passage in the Clock Tower (the one that opens at certain times in the day). You need to go to the LARGE room before the Olrox battle. Its the one with four exits (Olrox, Save point, items, hallway to Royal Chapel) and a large fountain in the center of it. Drop down to the bottom and exit out of the lower-left which is the hallway that leads to the Royal Chapel. Go until the brick turns into white marble. Its a bride type area that takes up two screens. The first half of this has a false ceiling (which will be pointed out by the Faerie familiar if active). Break this ceiling and go up to find the Sword Card.
[edit] Ghost Card
The Ghost familiar randomly attacks enemies for you. These attacks get stronger and more frequent as he levels up.
Where To Find It
This is located in the very top of the Castle Keep. You cannot get there without the ability to fly (via Bat or Mist). It is in the large open area with the broken staircase all the way at the top of the castle, just before you go in to fight Richter and after coming from the outer-wall and through the medusa heads / gears rooms. Once in the Castle Keep w/ the broken stair case leading to Richter, fly all the way up and to the right. There will be a door that lets you into the top of the Castle Keep where you'll find the Ghost Card and lots of Heart / Life Max ups.
[edit] Spells
For ease, please assume all these spells are preformed while facing to the right. Also, all of these button combos are done in a continuous motion. Therefore, Up to Right to Down to Left is all down is a one roll of the thumb, making sure to hit the diagonals in between each direction.
[edit] Dark Metamorphosis
MP COST: 10
Increases HP by taking it from enemies you damage. This spell is purchased from the Master Librarian.
: 
+ 
+ 
+ 
or 
: + + + 
or 
[edit] Hellfire
MP COST: 15
Summon a beam a light, open your cape, and release three large bursts of fire.
: , 
+ + or
: , + + or
[edit] Summon Spirit
MP COST: 5
Summons a spirit to attack enemies. This spell is purchased from the Master Librarian.
: , , , + or
: ,,, + or
[edit] Tetra Spirit
MP COST: 20
Summons three spirits to attack enemies.
: Hold for two seconds + + + or
: Hold for two seconds + + +
[edit] Soul Steal
MP COST: 50
Summons a spirit to suck HP from enemies on screen and add it to your HP. Also useful for finding secrets, as it will break all hidden blocks on the screen and add HP from those blocks to your HP.
: , + + , + or
: , + + , + or
[edit] Wolf Charge
MP COST: 10
This spell can only be performed while in Wolf form and requires Skill of Wolf relic to work. It results in a quick dash attack when in the form of a Wolf.
: + + or
: + +
[edit] Sword Brothers
MP COST: 30
This spell can only be performed while the Sword Familiar is active, which requires you to have the Sword Card relic already. Results in a massive double sword attack. This spell is also used in the Infinite Money glitch at the Master Librarian.
: + + Hold for 2 seconds + + or
: + + Hold for 2 seconds + +
[edit] Wing Smash
MP COST: 8
This spell can only be performed while in the Bat form which requires the Bat Card relic. It results in a quick wing attack as the bat form.
: 
+ + + + +
: Hold 
, then + + + , release
