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Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

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Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
North American box art
Developer(s)KCE Kobe
Publisher(s)Konami
Designer(s)Ko-G
Artist(s)Kazuko Fujihara
Composer(s)Sotaro Tojima
Hiroshi Mitsuoka
SeriesCastlevania
Platform(s)Game Boy Advance
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, known simply as Castlevania in Europe and as Akumajō Dracula: Circle of the Moon (悪魔城ドラキュラ Circle of the Moon, Akumajō Dorakyura: Sākuru obu za Mūn, officially translated Devil's Castle Dracula: Circle of the Moon)[2] in Japan, is a video game created by Konami for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance system. The game was released in 2001 and is the first Castlevania game for the Game Boy Advance. Despite the differences in local titles, the North American title has become the standard used to refer to this game.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Circle of the Moon is similar to Symphony of the Night, in which the player must explore a castle filled with undead enemies and evil aberrations in a non-linear fashion.[3] Enemies defeated by the player drop items and equipment, as well as providing experience points which increase the player character's attributes.[3] Boss enemies provide plot progression, and their defeat allows the player to acquire new abilities to progress further in the game. The player character uses a weapon by the name of "Hunter Whip" to attack enemies, alongside secondary weapons: axe, cross, holy water, dagger and stopwatch.[3] Only one of secondary weapons may be carried at any time by the player, draining a supply of "hearts" when used. Character attributes are Strength, which determines player's attack power, Defense, which determines resilience to damage, Intelligence, which determines the Magic Point (MP) recovery speed, and Luck, which modifies the frequency with which items are dropped by enemies.

One of the game's distinguishing aspects is its DSS (Dual Set-up System), based on magic cards that belong to one of two categories: Action and Attribute. The player can select one card from each of the two categories; each possible pair produces a magical effect.[3] For example, the player can combine the "Mercury Card" (Action card with the power of whip enhancement) with the "Salamander Card" (Attribute card with the power of fire), obtaining a fire elemental whip attack as a result. The cards are found throughout the game; there are twenty Action and Attribute cards, 10 of each, making for a total of 100 card combinations. Each of these cards is dropped by certain enemies, with a probability based on the player character's "luck" statistic, thus adding another search element. Use of DSS cards drains the player's supply of MP.

The Battle Arena is a special area of the map in which the Dual Set-Up System (DSS) is unavailable, with the player's MP dropping to zero as soon as s/he enters. Each of the seventeen rooms contains a selection of standard enemies, which must be defeated for the player to exit. However, each subsequent room contains a tougher selection of enemies than the last. While completing the Arena as a whole is a stiff challenge, the player can leave the Arena between certain rooms, making the area ideal for gaining Experience Points. Completing the entire battle arena grants the player 291,582 experience points in total from enemies defeated, and the "Shinning Armor" [sic], a body equipment that significantly increases the player's Defense by 500 points and gives a small 10 point boost to Strength, Intelligence, and Luck. There are also two DSS cards (Unicorn and Black Dog - the light and darkness Attribute Cards, respectively) that can only be obtained from enemies in the arena. Completion of the Battle Arena is required to achieve 100% map exploration, but is not required to win the game.

Alternative modes

Once the game is completed, the player receives a code that can be entered as their name when starting a new game. This code will start the game in Magician Mode, where the player starts with all 20 DSS cards and high magical ability, at the expense of reduced strength, defense, and health.

By completing Magician Mode, another code is received, which lets the player start the game in Fighter Mode. In this mode, no DSS cards can be used, but physical power is drastically increased.

In turn, completing Fighter Mode unlocks the code for Shooter Mode. This mode places emphasis on combat using the subweapons, by making them inflict significantly more damage, giving the player a very high maximum of Hearts to use them with (as well as halving the amount of hearts each subweapon uses), but giving a penalty to strength, defense, and HP. Shooter Mode also has a unique subweapon, the Homing Dagger, which is only usable in this mode. The "Homing Dagger" is the most difficult sub-weapon to find, as it is not dropped from a candle like the others, but requires the character to combine two sub-weapons.

Completing Shooter Mode unlocks the code for Thief Mode. This last alternate mode reduces all of the player's stats except Luck, which is boosted by an enormous amount. The idea in Thief Mode is to survive on whatever items and equipment the enemies drop, with greater Luck increasing the odds of getting items from each kill.

Plot

Taking place in 1830, Circle of the Moon is set in the fictional universe of the Castlevania series. The premise of the series is the eternal conflict between the vampire hunters of the Belmont clan and the immortal vampire Dracula. However, the protagonist and player-character is Nathan Graves, whose parents died a decade ago to banish Dracula.[4] Morris Baldwin, who helped them, trained his son Hugh and Nathan to defeat Dracula and his monsters, ultimately choosing Nathan as his successor.[4]

At an old castle, Camilla, a minion of Dracula, revives him, only to be interrupted by the arrival of Morris, Nathan, and Hugh. Before they are able to banish him again, Dracula destroys the floor under Nathan and Hugh, causing them to plummet down the Abyss. Surviving the fall and wishing to find his father, Hugh leaves Nathan behind. Nathan proceeds to search the castle for his mentor.[5] Along the way, he learns that at the next full moon, Morris' soul will be used to return Dracula to full power.[6]

Making his way through the castle, Nathan meets up with Hugh multiple times, who becomes more hostile as the game progresses.[7][8] Eventually, Nathan encounters Camilla, who hints that she and Dracula are responsible for the changes in his personality.[9] Nathan manages to vanquish Camilla in her true form and meets up with Hugh once more. Upon seeing him, Hugh immediately attacks him with the goal of proving himself to his father through Nathan's defeat.[10] After Hugh's defeat, Dracula's mind control over him is broken.[11] Hugh confesses that he felt jealous and without worth when Nathan was chosen as his father's successor; Hugh then tasks him with Morris' rescue.[12]

Arriving at the ceremonial room, Nathan confronts Dracula, who confirms that he had tampered with Hugh's soul to cause the changes in his personality.[13] They begin to fight and halfway through, Dracula teleports away to gain his full power. Hugh then frees his father and tasks Nathan with Dracula's banishment.[14] In another dimension, Nathan continues his fight with Dracula and defeats him. He then escapes the collapsing castle to be reunited with Morris and Hugh. They leave to continue their training.

Audio

Circle of the Moon's score consists of numerous remixes of tracks from earlier games, such as "Vampire Killer", "Aquarius" (from Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse), "Visions of Dark Secrets" and "The Sinking Old Sanctuary" from "Castlevania: Bloodlines" and "The Trick Manor" (also known as "Clockwork Mansion") (derived from combining "Rotating Room" and "Spinning Tale" of Super Castlevania IV). In addition to these, the game also features "Dance of Illusions" and "Requiem"(from Devil's Castle Dracula X: Rondo of Blood), which is used in the first phase of the final battle. Also included are some original pieces such as "Fate to Despair", "Awake", and "Proof of Blood". The soundtrack was prepared by Sotaro Tojima.

Critical reception and legacy

Circle of the Moon was positively received, selling a total of one million copies in the month following its North American and European release, 500,000 of which in Japan.[26] It was rated the 108th best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games list.[27] On the review aggregate site Metacritic, it is the twelfth-highest rated Game Boy Advance title.[23]

Craig Harris of IGN called Circle of the Moon "one of the best playing Castlevania games released", calling the gameplay "very long and extremely challenging without being frustrating or a chore to zip through". However, he noted that due to the dark graphics, the game was "difficult" to see, and that the character animations looked as though "they've been ripped out of a GBC development".[3] Gamespot.com gave it 9.6 out of 10.[17] GamePro rated the game 5.0, their highest rating, stating that it closely mirrored the most highly acclaimed Castlevania, Symphony of the Night with its rich graphics and branching story.[18] Gaming Target heavily praised the smoothness of the animations, though too cited a lack of replay value and dark graphics. In addition they gave praise to the game's DSS system, describing it as the best new feature of the title. [20] RPGamer also praised the new system, calling it a "breath of fresh air" when combined with the existing ideas from previous entries in the series, though in contrast felt the game had significant replay value due to its various additional modes and the strengths/weaknesses related to each that required new strategies. Despite their criticism of the plot and recycled elements, they summarized the title as "Konami's Second Symphony".[21] GameSpy stated that while the graphics were a problem, they more readily attributed the issue to the Game Boy Advance itself than the game, adding "it's a horror game about Dracula, don't you want ample light around you anyway?" They also praised the game's music and sound effects as appropriate for the title, though criticized the lack of decent artificial intelligence on the part of the enemies.[19]

Despite the game's success, series producer Koji Igarashi, who had not been involved in its production, was highly critical of the game. When developing follow up title Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, he cited in an interview several flaws he felt should have been rectified in Circle of the Moon's design, primarily its control scheme and the dark appearance of the graphics on the Game Boy Advance. He additionally criticized the DSS card system, stating that it "did not match with the world Castlevania had established over a long period of time", though admitted he felt it was a good system.[28] In 2002, Circle of the Moon was removed from the series timeline,[29] a move met with some resistance from fans.[30] Igarashi noted the reason for the removal as not due to his non-involvement with the games, but instead the intention of the game's development team for Circle of the Moon to be a stand-alone title.[31] However since that time, later timelines distributed with preordered copies of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin noted the game's presence, as did one featured in Nintendo Power for a preview of Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. However, unlike other games mentioned Circle of the Moon's events were not described.

References

  1. ^ a b c http://www.mobygames.com/game/gameboy-advance/castlevania-circle-of-the-moon/release-info
  2. ^ Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (23 October 2007). Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles. Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. Japanese: 悪魔城の城主、邪心の神、ドラキュラ伯爵の復活であった。 Konami translation by Ken Ogasawara: Dracula, lord of darkness, master of the devil's castle, walks among us.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Harris, Craig (June 14, 2001). "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon". Ign.com. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  4. ^ a b Konami (2001). Castlevania: Circle of the Moon – Instruction booklet. p. 20–21.
  5. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Nathan: We have to find Master / Hugh: I'll go. He's my father. Nathan, you'll be in the way. Just get out of here. / Nathan Graves: I want to find Master as much as anybody.
  6. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Necromancer: Child, before I finish you, I will tell you some news. Your precious Master is already in our power. / Nathan: What!!! / Necromancer:That old man will feed us with his soul. The rite has been prepared and we only await the full moon.
  7. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Nathan: Hugh! Are you alright? / Hugh: What are you doing here? Are you trying to take my glory? / Nathan: Wha? What are you talking about? I just want to save Master. / Hugh: You're in the way! I will defeat Dracula myself and then...
  8. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Hugh: Damn! Who asked you for help! / Nathan: I couldn't just leave you there, could I? / Hugh: Don't think that you defeated it. It was the power of that whip. / Nathan: Hugh.../ Hugh: You could never beat me in training. Never once! But father named you the successor and gave you the Hunter Whip. Your parents and my father banished Dracula together and those fond memories clouded his judgment. Don't forget that!
  9. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Camilla: The one who was with you...he was more honest with himself. Even MY MASTER approves of him. (giggle) / Nathan: What? What have you done to Hugh?
  10. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Hugh: I am superior to you. I will defeat you to prove myself to father. / Nathan: You are being controlled by...Camilla? No... by Dracula!
  11. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Nathan: Stop Hugh! I don't want to hurt you! Hugh!!/ Hugh: Nathan? (moan) I' I'm... I'm alright now. / Nathan: You are yourself again.
  12. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Hugh: Nathan, I'm sorry. I was envious of you./ Nathan: ? / Hugh: When father named you the successor, I was afraid I was worthless. I wanted...needed the recognition. / Nathan: Enough. / Hugh: That probably was the dark weakness that father saw...in my soul. Why he chose you. / Nathan: Stop it Hugh! / Hugh: It's alright. Even I realize now that father was right in his decision. Don't make me embarrass myself further. Allow me self-pity for now. Help father now. I am entrusting his return to you. / Nathan: I accept.
  13. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Dracula: What an emotional display. But don't' fool yourself. Even you must have darkness upon your soul. / Nathan: What? / Dracula: To be superior. To be honored for your singular accomplishments. / Nathan: ! / Dracula: ...to be loved by all...to get the glory even at the expense of others. That is what your friend craved. I just increased that desire, that power. / Nathan: You despicable blight! How dare you toy with his soul. I'll get you for that.
  14. ^ KCEK (2001-06-08). Circle of the Moon (Game Boy Advance). Konami. Morris: Chase him! Don't let him escape! Urgg... / Nathan: !! /Hugh: I'll take care of father. You go after him. / Nathan: ...right. Get Master to safety. / Hugh: Nathan, banish Dracula and then make sure you get out. / Nathan: I will.
  15. ^ a b c "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon Reviews and Articles for Game Boy Advance - GameRankings". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  16. ^ Fitzloff, Jay. "Game Informer Online". Game Informer. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  17. ^ a b c Jeff Gerstmann (June 7, 2001). "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon". Gamespot.com. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  18. ^ a b Staff (2001-06-12). "Review: Castlevania: Circle of the Moon". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2008-06-21. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  19. ^ a b Bub, Andrew. "Reviews: Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (GBA)". GameSpy. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  20. ^ a b Noad, Derek (2001-06-18). "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon review". Gaming Target. UGO.com. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
  21. ^ a b Alley, Jake. "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon review". RPGamer. Crave Online. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
  22. ^ "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (gba: 2001): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  23. ^ a b "All Games By Score". Metacritic.com. Retrieved 2008-02-08.
  24. ^ "Castlevania: Circle of the Moon for Game Boy Advance - MobyGames". MobyGames. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  25. ^ "IGN Game Boy: Games, Cheats, News, Reviews, and Previews". IGN.com. Retrieved 2009-07-10.
  26. ^ Harris, Craig (2001-07-23). "Castlevania Breaks Half a Mil". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 2010-02-24.
  27. ^ "NP Top 200". Nintendo Power. Vol. 200. February 2006. pp. 58–66.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  28. ^ Minkley, Johnny (2002-07-18). "Konami's vampire Harmony". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2010-02-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ "CASTLEVANIA" (in Japanese). Konami. 2002. Retrieved 2007-05-19.
  30. ^ Staff. "55. Koji Igarashi". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 2010-02-25.
  31. ^ Kalata, Kurt (2006-07-26). "Tales from The Crypt: Castlevania's 20th Anniversary Blow-Out" (HTM). 1UP.com. Retrieved 2007-05-19.
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