My experience with Castlevania doesn’t range far outside the 2D portable incarnations the series is famous for, but after checking out the first developer diary for the series’ latest entry, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, I have to admit that my interest levels are rising. I mean c’mon – who wouldn’t want to try their hand playing as Dracula?
This first diary video is essentially a compilation of insights from Producer David Cox, as well as Mercury Steam Studio Head Enric Alvarez. The two vampire lovers have a lot to say on the subject, and it’s clear they’re passionate about the game, to say the least. They even namedrop some old school vampire flicks that they feel the game has been inspired by. I for one had no idea that Gary Oldman played Dracula back in the day – definitely putting that at the top of my watch list!
Lords of Shadow 2 is a big deal for Castlevania fans, as it’s the first time the momentous and usually evil figure (who has appeared sporadically throughout series history) will actually be playable, and fill the roll as main protagonist. Alvarez is quick to note that Dracula is still evil, though Cox’s interpretation is that he shows a softer, more human side this time around. I can’t really say how I feel about a Dracula with a softer side since I didn’t play the first game, but I do know that playing as villains as a general rule is usually awesome. Playing as Dracula has the potential to be even awesome-er.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is coming to a PC, PS3, and 360 near you in 2014, so be sure to pre-order if your blood thirst is getting out of hand.