One thing I like about playing games that has a series to them (megaman, castlevania, metal slug...), is the reliability of them. I like to pick up a game and know what to expect from it. Portrait of Ruin does just that. The DS castlevania games all have tons of enemies and tons of items to get, and a large castle to explore. They all have really fun bosses to play. Yet, each game gives you a completely different way of doing this, and Portrait of Ruin excels at this. First of all you get two characters that you can switch out anytime you want, and you can use them at the same time. One is good with physical attacks the other with magic. Now you have to find equipment for both of them, each has his or her own armor and weapons. They even have combo attacks that they use together for one big attack. Second, you can go to different places via paintings. Since this involves the plot I won't divulge too much. Anyway, not only do you have the castle to explore but these paintings as well. Then there are quest for you to do, mostly finding things or have things happen to you. You do these for items and attacks. All these differences are a welcome approach to the series. If you love Castlevania, I highly recommend this game. It was a blast to play.
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