Castlevania Dominus Collection
" Faithful action RPG collection with engaging gameplay and pixel art, but controller issues persist "
Castlevania Dominus Collection Review
Castlevania Dominus Collection is widely praised as an excellent preservation of some of the best Castlevania games from the Nintendo DS era, offering a rich gaming experience with hours of content. Players appreciate the faithful PC porting, which enhances visibility and accessibility compared to the original handheld versions. The collection features three main titles—Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia—each celebrated for their engaging gameplay mechanics, classic pixel art, and nostalgic music.
Despite its strengths, some players express mixed feelings about the collection, noting that it lacks the original Castlevania's charm and feels somewhat diminished in comparison. A few technical issues such as missing keyboard rebinding and controller support problems have been reported. However, the quality-of-life improvements, additional extras like art galleries and soundtracks, and the inclusion of the remade Haunted Castle are well-received. Overall, it is highly recommended for fans and newcomers seeking classic side-scrolling metroidvania adventures.
Highlights
Players praise the collection for its faithful porting of beloved DS-era Castlevania games, enhancing the experience with improved visuals for PC. The gameplay mechanics, especially skill-stealing and exploration, are highly regarded, providing deep and satisfying metroidvania action. The pixel art graphics maintain a charming retro aesthetic, complemented by nostalgic and well-composed music tracks. Extras such as art galleries and a jukebox add value, and the remake of Haunted Castle is highlighted as a standout addition. The collection offers extensive content with many hours of gameplay across the three titles.
Criticisms
Some users feel the collection lacks the original Castlevania's magic, describing the games as less captivating and mechanically stiff. Technical shortcomings include the absence of keyboard rebinding and issues with controller support, frustrating some players. A few reviews mention tedious grinding, particularly in Dawn of Sorrow, which can detract from the enjoyment. Additionally, the collection requires Windows 10 or higher, limiting compatibility for some. Overall, while the games are solid, they may not appeal to those unfamiliar with or indifferent to the DS-era titles.
Pros
- • Faithful PC ports improve visibility compared to original handheld versions.
- • Engaging gameplay mechanics with skill-stealing and exploration elements.
- • Charming pixel art graphics preserve retro aesthetic beautifully.
- • Nostalgic and well-composed music enhances the atmosphere.
- • Quality-of-life improvements like save states reduce grinding frustration.
- • Additional extras include art galleries and a comprehensive jukebox.
- • Remake of Haunted Castle is a standout bonus feature.
Cons
- • Lack of keyboard rebinding frustrates some PC players.
- • Controller support is reportedly broken or unreliable.
- • Some find gameplay stiff and less engaging than original Castlevania.
- • Grinding in Dawn of Sorrow can feel tedious and repetitive.
- • Requires Windows 10 or higher, limiting compatibility.
- • Collection lacks the original series' charm for some players.
- • Not ideal for newcomers unfamiliar with DS-era Castlevanias.
Rating Criteria
Three incredible action adventure games from the Castlevania series have finally returned, for the first time! But wait, there's more! Haunted Castle Revisited, a redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade game, makes its debut!