After the highly unexpected and absolutely gobsmacking brilliant four seasons of Castlevania, we now get a sequel in Nocturne. We can rejoice with the Belmonts back at the wheel, so let's dive in.
Castlevania was a revelation. Instead of getting a bit of nice fan service that stayed close to its rather simple videogame narratives, we were treated with an emotional rollercoaster of a plot that was perfectly paced, dripping of incredible character development and jawdropping animation, that even touched on subjects like depression or life's bigger question. The slow, mysterious build up was just phenomenal, and the blood superb.
Now, although Nocturne does not disappoint, it lacks that surprise depth of its predecessor. The story is kinda cool, touching upon divine Gods and Godesses, and throwing in some ancient myths, but it doesn't have the same brilliant pacing and the build-up is just less interesting.
However, the animation still has the same sheen, and the music is very good, with sound effects being even better. And the characters do have good depth and development, and some really good twists, all helped by the new later setting of The French Revolution.
And that's why it still shines. The 'feel' is very much intact of the original, and the new setting gives it the freshness it needed to be a good follow up. It's just a lot quicker on the action.
So, in short, it's fun and looks great. Let the whip crack for the return of the Belmonts.
