Despite detractors damning Lords of Shadow for changing the traditional formula, this reboot is enjoyable and plain fun.
User Rating: 8.5 | Castlevania: Lords of Shadow X360
I will admit, I've only played several previous Castlevania games, and most have been 3D versions - such as the 64 and the Xbox titles. That being said, this is still a great game that begins a new age for the franchise in which much progress can be foreseen. Now, it does tend to borrow a great many elements from previous popular titles (platforming from Assassin's Creed, combat from God of War, grand-scale platforming battles reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, and I'm sure others I'm unfamiliar with), though it does succeed in making them its own. The only 'borrowing' that seems to fall flat is the Titan battles in the style of Shadow of the Colossus. Other reviews will tell you they can live up, but I never enjoyed the 2 or so in Lords of Shadow near as much as any of the 16 (I think 16) in Colossus. But don't put too much weight on that, it implements everything else into an enthralling gaming experience. The story is awesome, the voice acting is terrific, the graphics gorgeous, and plenty of content to keep you busy. However, I will criticize the combo moves as many don't seem to be of much importance in the grand scheme of things. Gamespot's review quoted the magic implementation as I believe being 'forced', which is far from the truth. The ability to increase damage or earn back health are a welcome and strategic addition to a game for which you will definitely have to manage each with forethought and precision. I won't go into any specific plots details, but I can tell you it is very immersing. If you are unsure as to whether or not to purchase Lords of Shadow, try out the demo and expect to follow-up with a purchase. It's a shame such sites feel otherwise, but it can be suspected that they have focused too much on other games without realizing that this is a title in its own. Buy it if you like God of War, Assassin's Creed, Dante's Inferno, or other related games. Hell, just buy it if you want to murder giant spiders, wargs, werewolves, ghouls, zombies, phantoms, vampires and all creatures of the night, because there is plenty of them waiting to be chopped to bits. 
