Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Demo Impressions

Aright. Let's start off on a good note. As far as I can tell, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow looks like it'll be a good game. Of course I can't speak for the full game, but everythings there in the demo. The graphics are adequate, there are a few visual flaws, such as for example the horse is peculiarly shiny in the rain, I've never seen fur look like that, wet or dry. The showcased in the demo is pretty much entirely derivative, but simultaneously decidedly competent.

At the start of the demo, after a brief introductory cutscene - your thrown into battle, defining a village from a werewolf attack. This is naturally where you get to get your hands on the combat, you fight few werewolves, then a larger werewolf, who assuming you're successful gets to meet a gruesome end... weary from battle, you rest for the night. When you wake (after a short cutscene) you're off again, on horseback - one of the games meta-games. The controls are pretty basic, and very similar to the Pegasus sections from the God of War games, you ride your horse whilst fending off pursuing werewolves. It's a relatively shallow mechanic but considering how short this section is, you're not given enough time to get bored... and then, the demo ends. Yep it's a pretty brief taste.

Where I can say the demo does truly shine however. Is in it's presentation. Sir Patrick Steward certainly lends a little class to the title, as he narrates your adventure, and the menus are presented through an ancient book, in keeping with the games overall style.

The story itself however, did seem pretty cliché. Something along the lines of saving a wife, defeating evil. Not so different to Dante's Inferno actually, but the demo didn't really tell all that much aside from setting the scene. The games full with mythical creatures and action packed cutscenes, some of which seemed over the top, but fun to watch nevertheless.

Overall, as I mentioned at the start, Casltevania: Lords of Shadow looks to be a solid title. However I'm not quite sure weather it's going to be raising the bar, in any area... but, I also get the impression it's not trying to. It'd be wrong to suggest that you need to innovate to provide entertainment.