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Castlevania:
Harmony of Despair is the series'
third digital-download-only entry, exclusive to Xbox 360's Live Arcade.
Unlike the two previous downloadable titles, it's not a "main series"
entry. No--it's a spin-off and quite frankly, what
Castlevania Judgment should have been: A series-encompassing
crossover where the many heroes of the Castlevania universe team
up to take down Dracula and his dark forces in the most ultimate of mash-ups
Multiplayer can only be enjoyed online, since each player will require
his own screen.
Per Harmony of Despair's
vision, anywhere from one to six players can team up and tackle a series
of "chapters" (six in all), each filled with a conglomerate
of enemies, background decor, stage themes, and other distinctive elements
as ripped from several series games (mainly titles ranging from Rondo
of Blood to Order of Ecclesia). Players can choose from one
of five Castlevania heroes then opt to go at it alone or pair with
five online friends to run through a chosen chapter, where they can bash
some baddies (including one or multiple bosses), level up their favorite
characters, find new equipment, and reap other rewards. Since all players
are concurrently scouring the castle, you're afforded both a normal and
"zoomed-out" camera--an impressive effect that lets you view
the entire chapter's map and all its goings-on, including all friend activity,
enemy movement, and background animation. One chapter must be cleared
before the next is unlocked, and each is timed, putting pressure on the
team to quickly complete its task. The game can be enjoyed on normal and
hard difficulties, as chosen by the host, plus you can converse with friends
using voice chat, and compare your progress via leaderboards.
Since Harmony of Despair
is a download-only title, it can of course be augmented with the obligatory
DLC. Available are six extra characters (one retro-flavored and another
from an entirely different series) and five whole chapters comprised of
familiarly themed locales, an expanded enemy roster, and some surprises
for longtime series veterans.
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