I absolutely love the Castlevania series by Konami, whether it’s the classic 8-bit games or the more modern Igavania titles like those found in the Dominus Collection. Castlevania Dominus Collection consists of three games originally created for the Nintendo DS: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, and Castlevania: Order of Ecclessia. These games fall into the Metroidvania genre, offering open maps, upgrades, boss monsters, and secrets to discover.
Dawn of Sorrow, the first game in the collection, relies heavily on touch-screen mechanics, but developer M2 cleverly implemented a pointer system for platforms without touch screens. The game features a seal system that has been modified into a quick-time event in this collection, making it more accessible. However, some touch-screen elements, like destroying ice blocks, may be challenging to execute with just the pointer.
The other two games, Portrait of Ruin and Order of Ecclessia, are less reliant on touch-screen mechanics, making them suitable for platforms like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. All three games maintain a second screen mechanic, with various layout options available in the settings. Additionally, the collection includes two extras: the original Haunted Castle arcade game and a remake called Haunted Castle Revisited, both providing a unique gaming experience.
Overall, Castlevania Dominus Collection is a must-play for fans of the series. The original DS games hold up well, and the collection runs smoothly on different platforms. While the Switch may have an advantage with touchscreen controls, it’s not necessary to enjoy these games fully. With a solid track record of classic ports, M2 has delivered another excellent collection. Be sure to pick up Castlevania Dominus Collection for a nostalgic and enjoyable gaming experience.