Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch
Also on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PC
Price: $3.99
Let's face it: when Vampire Survivors was first released a couple years ago, this is what everyone wanted to see. Considering the game wears its Castlevania inspiration on its shoulder, it was only a matter of time before the two worlds collided. Plus, with Poncle teaming up with Konami earlier this year for a Contra crossover, we all knew eventually we'd be sinking our teeth into another Belmont-centric adventure. And now it's here. And it's awesome.
If you're not aware of the Vampire Survivors game, first of all - shame on you. Second, it's a very simple premise with tons of replayability. It's roguelike in nature, where you see how long you can survive on a map, die, and then unlock new characters and maps. You don't aim or press any buttons; you're just walking around the map while your character auto-fires at waves after waves of enemies. As you kill enemies they drop gems, which help you level up. As you level up, you unlock new weapons and perks. Before you know it, you're barraging the screen with all sorts of weaponry, obliterating everything in your path. It's a ton of fun and is a must-play for any gamer. Plus, with an entry price of only $4.99, why not get it?
But anywho, back to the Ode to Castlevania DLC. For the low, low price of $3.99, you get access to a bevvy of new, Castlevania-based characters, and a map inspired by the classic games. Oh, and an amazing remix of classic Castlevania tunes. These aren't just a few items here and there - there's a TON to unlock - this may as well be its own game! What I really loved here was all the attention paid to some of the lesser-known games in the series. The first character you can unlock is Leon Belmont, protagonist of the 2003 PS2 title Castlevania: Lament of Innocence. As you play, you'll unlock more characters from the series, even some of the more obscure ones. Heck, even Christopher Belmont from the Game Boy title The Castlevania Adventure makes an appearance!
As you explore the undoubtedly gigantic map, you'll fight tons of enemies and bosses ripped directly from the Castlevania games. You'll come across some real classics: Axe Armor, skeletons, and my personal favorites, the Flea Men (I hate those guys). Bosses are, again, pulled directly from other games (I won't spoil them here with the exception of the image above). Pretty much everything is an homage to the Castlevania series, and will keep you engaged for hours trying to unlock it all.
Final Grade: A
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania doesn't really do anything new with the game. It essentially takes what we know and love about Vampire Survivors and puts a fresh coat of bloody, teary paint on it. But you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. It's a great game and a total time suck (yes that's another vampire reference). Vampire Survivors is one of the best "bang for your buck" games out there this generation, and the Ode to Castlevania DLC only makes it more of a value. Now, go out and buy this right now - and have fun storming the castle!