Sporting what could be the best video game soundtrack ever, and a huge 2D world to explore, SOTN owns my soul.
The graphics are excellent, amping up what 2D was beforehand. With far more detailed backgrounds and the overall great look of the castle, fans of 2d will not be disappointed. The music is downright phenomenal; many tunes are so memorable that you'll find yourself humming them while not playing...at least I do. If it's not the best soundtrack, it is definitely in my top handful.
Most of the bosses are big, detailed, and quite simply a whole lot of fun to look at. However, many are pushovers, as long as you are properly leveled-up while facing them. The game is light on challenge but that doesn't keep the player from feeling compelled to explore the enormous castle and build up on experience.
The game has around 15-20 hours of playtime the first venture through. It's a game that you'll want to keep playing over and over for years to come. You can tell that it modeled itself after Super Metroid, as I'm sure many have heard. Just like that game, this one is so soaked in atmosphere, that you can literally feel it. Though the previous Castlevanias were for the most part awesome, the style introduced by SOTN makes the series so much more. If you're in the mood for a gothic adventure or are simply a Castlevania fan who somehow hasn't played this gem yet, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is easily one of the top games on Playstation and of course, of all-time.