One of the best games I have played this generation. Looking forward to Lords of Shadow 2.

User Rating: 8 | Castlevania: Lords of Shadow PS3
Wow, this game is great. Most games this gen are shooters, shooters, shooters, and mediocre RPG's. Well, that just made this game shine even more. It was a breath of fresh air.

GAMEPLAY:
At first it does start out God of War-ish, but as soon as you unlock new moves, collect relics, gain both sets of magical powers, unlock magical power combos, and get fairies, dark crystals, and holy water the battle system becomes much more than God of War-ish. (Not trying to bash on God of War btw, it's a great game too) This game is so fluid in everything it does. You can link just about any attack together to make any assortment of combos you want. The countering is flexible and works great. Platforming works well,there are a few bosses that require climbing (like Shadow of Collosus) Controls are top notch. I have no complaints with gameplay.

STORY:
Great storyline. Plus you have Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier in X-Men) narrating and as a character in the game. For me, the story didn't pick up until after chapter 2, but after that it's decent. Unique style of narration makes it very easy to follow the story too. Story lasts about 15-20 hrs long.

ONLY COMPLAINTS:
I think this game may be to linear in level design. I don't want this game to be an open world, but maybe just a little more open to allow more exploration while you look for light, shadow, and life gems. And the way Zobek tells the player how Gabriel is "filled with rage" but throughout the story, you never really see his "anger and rage."

CONCLUSION:
Overall, it's a great game that any owner of 360 or PS3 should play. Everything about this game is solid. From controls, to gameplay, to story it's solid. If this game was a little less linear in level design to allow more exploration, and if Gabriel actually showed this "anger and rage" Zobek is so intent on telling us is inside him, I would have easily gave this game a 9.0. Go buy this game.