Dre's Top 25 Games: The TOP TEN! Entry 6

More, more, more.

In review:

-Day 16: Super Mario Bros. 3
-Day 17: Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
-Day 18: Super Metroid
-Day 19: Chrono Trigger
-Day 20: StarFox 64

Day 21:

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
-Playstation 1, October 2, 1997

If you read my Super Metroid entry, you may recall that I mentioned that game had been affected by it and there is no better example of it than Symphony of the Night. The term "Metroid-vania" was coined after this game came out because of the major similarities between these two games. Wide exploration, huge bosses, and upgrades a plenty.

Now I am sure you are asking "If this game is like Super Metroid, why the hell is this game in your list along side it?" Good question. The answer is that this was an epic revival of a series that had been dormant for a while. It took the typical "Simon Belmont" model that it usually followed and had you become the son of Dracula instead, Alucard. It also introduced RPG elements into the series, where you got to equip different weapons, gain experience to get stronger and get lost in a giant castle.

There was also something else unique about it... what was it...

Oh yeah, the WORST voice over work EVER!!!

It was TERRIBLE. The worst over acted drivel just smashed into this epic game. It is a testament to how good the actual game that this horrid dialogue does not drag it down from its high perch.

The game is one of those "must play" games, ignoring the above mentioned issue. There was a time where I would play through the game once a year, just because it was that good. This addiction was eventually replaced by the excellent GBA and DS Castlevanias that came out on an annual basis for a good while. These were excellent because the great formula of this game was the framework for each of them (even removing the terrible voice work), one of those rare instances where regular sequels were actually a GOOD thing.

Not really that much to say. It is awesome. The majority of gamers will tell you so.

Tomorrow we hit probably the most unlikely game to ever appear on any Top Ten list you will ever read. A great little game from 2003, one of the very best years in gaming.