Why is Castlevania, one of Konami's biggest franchises, always on handhelds?

Seriously.

It'd be like Nintendo putting Mario exclusively on the DS. Considering what could be done with the power of today's consoles, it seems a shame to see it only appear on handhelds. What's the deal? Is it because of the sub-par 3D attempts on the PS2 (Lament of Innocence) and N64? Would a 2D version not sell as well on consoles as they would on the handhelds? The DS games are obviously selling great because they still continue to make them. Is the demographic between platforms so different that even the widespread appeal of Castlevania is lessened to such an extent that development on a console is not warranted? I find that hard to believe.

Most who love Castlevania grew up with it from its inception and all now play consoles, however it's now exclusively released only for a platform that is predominantly targeted towards the younger crowd who didn't grow up with it. I know it costs less to develop for a handheld, but I'd think a console version would bring in enough cash to sustain it. It's such a great series, and it's a shame it's being relegated to the bottom shelf in terms of potential due to hardware limitations. I'm coming to the point where I'm afraid Symphony of the Night will be the last great console Castlevania we'll ever see.

Thoughts?

because its way better in 2d sidescroller form

Because Konami realizes that they haven't had the most success with their 3D Castlevania's, so they support the handhelds as Nintendo/Sony are a little more lenient about putting 2D titles on those systems.

I think Konami announced a new Castlevania for consoles though didn't they?

I see this question all the time, and the answer is pretty much the same: because 2D thrives moreon handhelds. How often do you see a 2D game on consoles? I'm not Konami, but I'm pretty sure it was purely a business decision to put the games on the DS, where they would make the most money.

However, I think a 2D Castlevania would be perfect on PSN/XBL/WiiWare.

In this generation, there seems to be less of a market for 2d platformers as retail console games. The Wii has a few, but I can't think of any retail PS3/360 platformers. There's definitely a market for them on the downloadable side.

Well, there is going to be a new Castlevania game for the PS3/360. But to why Castlevania is mostly made on handhelds now, the 2D Castlevanias are the more popular games, and 2D games typically do better on a handheld device, so therefore Konami decides to put their castlevania games on handhelds.

Did you check any news at this past E3?MAILER_DAEMON

Lords of shadow looks very sick, but come on the last console Castlevania was in 2005.

[QUOTE="MAILER_DAEMON"]Did you check any news at this past E3?Ballroompirate

Lords of shadow looks very sick, but come on the last console Castlevania was in 2005.

Because they sell more on handhelds than on consoles?:|

I see this question all the time, and the answer is pretty much the same: because 2D thrives moreon handhelds. How often do you see a 2D game on consoles? I'm not Konami, but I'm pretty sure it was purely a business decision to put the games on the DS, where they would make the most money.

However, I think a 2D Castlevania would be perfect on PSN/XBL/WiiWare.

King9999

How to get a new Castlevania game on home counsels in three easy steps:

Step 1: Buy Gradius ReBirth on WiiWare

Step 2: Buy Contra ReBirth when it hits WiiWare on August in the U.S. and Europe

Step 3: Wait for the eventual release of Castlevania ReBirth on WiiWare :wink:

And there you have it. Wash, rinse, and repeat if you want Sunset Riders ReBirth, Stinger ReBirth, Salamander ReBirth, Parodius ReBirth etc...

Did you check any news at this past E3?MAILER_DAEMON

Well that pretty much negates my entire post. Guess I should do some research beforehand. Still, why can't they do another 2D?

Because that is where 2D platformers sell.

At the opposite end of that spectrum, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, which has both a huge name behind it and was generally critically acclaimed as one of the best DS games to date, has not sold well at all for a big name DS game. (I have a DS and I don't have it myself. :P )

Well, from what I know it's a lot of reasons. First is, Castlevania doesn't see too well in Japan but does well in the west. Secondly, they never had success with a 3D Castlevania especially with games like God of War and Devil May Cry as its competition. And thirdly, Iga, the guy behind the Castlevania series, is really good with making 2D games but hasn't proved himself with 3D. So I think that's why Kojima and another development team came on board and took over the 3D Castlevania game. Last time I heard, Iga was hard at work developing a 3D Castlevania for consoles but I guess Konami didn't like how it was turning out. I always theorized that Castlevania can be great as a God of War game. The whip can basically act like Krato's Chaos Blades, etc. I guess I was sort of right on this. Looks like Kojima saw the potential in Castlevania being like a God of War or even Dante's Inferno type of action/adventure game. I trust Kojima's expertise but the guys behind Clive Barker's Jericho is making it. Let's hope it turns out well.ASK_Story

maybe because the Castlevanias that are 3D have never really outshined any of the 2D versions.

Unlike Metroid, Mario, Zelda, etc.

but i wouldn't say the 3d ones are bad, coz i haven't played them and my friends love em

[QUOTE="ASK_Story"]Well, from what I know it's a lot of reasons. First is, Castlevania doesn't see too well in Japan but does well in the west. Secondly, they never had success with a 3D Castlevania especially with games like God of War and Devil May Cry as its competition. And thirdly, Iga, the guy behind the Castlevania series, is really good with making 2D games but hasn't proved himself with 3D. So I think that's why Kojima and another development team came on board and took over the 3D Castlevania game. Last time I heard, Iga was hard at work developing a 3D Castlevania for consoles but I guess Konami didn't like how it was turning out. I always theorized that Castlevania can be great as a God of War game. The whip can basically act like Krato's Chaos Blades, etc. I guess I was sort of right on this. Looks like Kojima saw the potential in Castlevania being like a God of War or even Dante's Inferno type of action/adventure game. I trust Kojima's expertise but the guys behind Clive Barker's Jericho is making it. Let's hope it turns out well.Rekunta

[QUOTE="Rekunta"]

[QUOTE="ASK_Story"]Well, from what I know it's a lot of reasons. First is, Castlevania doesn't see too well in Japan but does well in the west. Secondly, they never had success with a 3D Castlevania especially with games like God of War and Devil May Cry as its competition. And thirdly, Iga, the guy behind the Castlevania series, is really good with making 2D games but hasn't proved himself with 3D. So I think that's why Kojima and another development team came on board and took over the 3D Castlevania game. Last time I heard, Iga was hard at work developing a 3D Castlevania for consoles but I guess Konami didn't like how it was turning out. I always theorized that Castlevania can be great as a God of War game. The whip can basically act like Krato's Chaos Blades, etc. I guess I was sort of right on this. Looks like Kojima saw the potential in Castlevania being like a God of War or even Dante's Inferno type of action/adventure game. I trust Kojima's expertise but the guys behind Clive Barker's Jericho is making it. Let's hope it turns out well.ASK_Story

I still don't think he's associated with Castlevania :P. Kojima(and Miyamoto) nominally supervised Twin Snakes, but TS wounded up sucking as bad from a game design perspective as Dennis Dyack's games usually do, despite the nominalinvolvement of two game design legends (both of who had projects on their plates which were consuming most of their attention).

That being said, despite the track record of Mercury Steam, I don't think Castlevania is doomed to mediocrity since some teams get better as time goes on (I love Uncharted, but the first Naughty Dog game I played was Way of the Warrior, which was a 4th rate MK clone).

[QUOTE="Ballroompirate"]

[QUOTE="MAILER_DAEMON"]Did you check any news at this past E3?MAILER_DAEMON

Lords of shadow looks very sick, but come on the last console Castlevania was in 2005.

In this generation, there seems to be less of a market for 2d platformers as retail console games. The Wii has a few, but I can't think of any retail PS3/360 platformers. There's definitely a market for them on the downloadable side.

k_smoove

[QUOTE="k_smoove"]

In this generation, there seems to be less of a market for 2d platformers as retail console games. The Wii has a few, but I can't think of any retail PS3/360 platformers. There's definitely a market for them on the downloadable side.

OneWingedAngeI

[QUOTE="ASK_Story"][QUOTE="Rekunta"]Kojima? As in MGS Kojima? I didn't know he was affiliated with the Castlevania series in any way.

CarnageHeart

I still don't think he's associated with Castlevania :P. Kojima(and Miyamoto) nominally supervised Twin Snakes, but TS wounded up sucking as bad from a game design perspective as Dennis Dyack's games usually do, despite the nominalinvolvement of two game design legends (both of who had projects on their plates which were consuming most of their attention).

That being said, despite the track record of Mercury Steam, I don't think Castlevania is doomed to mediocrity since some teams get better as time goes on (I love Uncharted, but the first Naughty Dog game I played was Way of the Warrior, which was a 4th rate MK clone).

Man, that sounds discouraging. I hope Kojima is at least more involved this time. We don't want a Clive Barker's Castlevania, if you know what I mean! Although you may be right. Kojima has MGS Rising and the new PSP game he's directing himself. Does he have too much on his plate already to supervise Castlevania?

But it makes me wonder what happened with Iga. There's some news lately that he's still with Konami and working on a project, but obviously not with this Castlevania. I wonder what happened there?

Because, like Metroid, its at its best as a 2d sidescroller.

Because they can get away with making 2d handheld games. Every one knows the Castlevania is at its best and most popular as a 2d game, and for some reason, people would tend to stay away from 2d console games.

We don't want a Clive Barker's Castlevania, if you know what I mean!

ASK_Story

There is a PS3/360 Castlevania onthe way. I don't see, however, how the 2D Castlevania will benefit much from going to consoles. I like the series as it is. I also prefer platformers on handhelds, tbh. I also think the DS is dominating this generation in terms of games I simply enjoy playing, even though the consoles are more powerful on a technical standpoint. Stronger technology does not equal better games.

There is a PS3/360 Castlevania onthe way. I don't see, however, how the 2D Castlevania will benefit much from going to consoles. I like the series as it is. I also prefer platformers on handhelds, tbh. I also think the DS is dominating this generation in terms of games I simply enjoy playing, even though the consoles are more powerful on a technical standpoint. Stronger technology does not equal better games.

calvinsora

Not always, true, but then again they're not limited by inferior technology either and the potential for better games is there. If you don't see how 2D Castlevania benefits from consoles, go play SotN, which came out 12 years ago. Most still regard it as the best Castlevania ever made, if not Dracula X. Another 2D version on today's consoles would be simply amazing. From a gamer's standpoint, it makes no sense to limit such a series to only one platform, and a HANDHELD at that. Business wise....hey, what can I say? Better safe than sorry, right? Konami wants to play it safe with a successful formula, fine.....but it will come at the cost of letting their best franchise stagnate. There's no reward without risk.

I'm very happy they have faith enough to develop LoS and are taking a chance (although I'd still prefer a 2D game), and sincerely hope it does well, as it will send Konami a message that we want this series to expand beyond the DS, 3D or not. It's Castlevania, and I'm a bit surprised people defend it being solely on the DS for all these years.

We don't want a Clive Barker's Castlevania, if you know what I mean!

TC a new gamer? Most of the Castlevania games have been released on consoles then on handhelds. And I mean no offense by my first comment, just asking that in case you truly are a new gamer, I like having new gamers sit on my knee so I can tell them about the glory days :D:D

TC a new gamer? Most of the Castlevania games have been released on consoles then on handhelds. And I mean no offense by my first comment, just asking that in case you truly are a new gamer, I like having new gamers sit on my knee so I can tell them about the glory days :D:D

Sacif

No, I have been gaming since '82. I know many have been on consoles, I'm talking more recently.

[QUOTE="Sacif"]

TC a new gamer? Most of the Castlevania games have been released on consoles then on handhelds. And I mean no offense by my first comment, just asking that in case you truly are a new gamer, I like having new gamers sit on my knee so I can tell them about the glory days :D:D

Rekunta

No, I have been gaming since '82. I know many have been on consoles, I'm talking more recently.

Well even so the number that have been brought to consoles compared to the number on handhelds is still very much lop-sided to that of consoles, since many of the titles are re-released on handhelds.

The very nature of Metroid-vania games like the recent castlevanias make them perfect for portable gaming. Who wants to sit in their living room and use a giant HD TV to play a 2D sidescrollin castlevania?

The very nature of Metroid-vania games like the recent castlevanias make them perfect for portable gaming. Who wants to sit in their living room and use a giant HD TV to play a 2D sidescrollin castlevania?

fiscope

Why not? Castle Crashers is a 2D sidescroller much like Castlevania and that's featured on both PSN and XBLA.

as lot of other people has said, it lends itself really well to that kind of platform, quick fixes, it is simplistic, easy to play for 15-20 mins at a time, and it is a really great game ^^

The new one for home consoles are gonna be interresting, that series is kinda cursed in that aspect :s

It would be cool to see a 2D castlevania on consoles, but if it doesn't happen, oh well. All of the GBA and DS castlevanias were fun and enjoyable, and as long as a game is fun and enjoyable, I don't care which platform it was released on.

[QUOTE="calvinsora"]

There is a PS3/360 Castlevania onthe way. I don't see, however, how the 2D Castlevania will benefit much from going to consoles. I like the series as it is. I also prefer platformers on handhelds, tbh. I also think the DS is dominating this generation in terms of games I simply enjoy playing, even though the consoles are more powerful on a technical standpoint. Stronger technology does not equal better games.

Rekunta

Not always, true, but then again they're not limited by inferior technology either and the potential for better games is there. If you don't see how 2D Castlevania benefits from consoles, go play SotN, which came out 12 years ago. Most still regard it as the best Castlevania ever made, if not Dracula X. Another 2D version on today's consoles would be simply amazing. From a gamer's standpoint, it makes no sense to limit such a series to only one platform, and a HANDHELD at that. Business wise....hey, what can I say? Better safe than sorry, right? Konami wants to play it safe with a successful formula, fine.....but it will come at the cost of letting their best franchise stagnate. There's no reward without risk.

I'm very happy they have faith enough to develop LoS and are taking a chance (although I'd still prefer a 2D game), and sincerely hope it does well, as it will send Konami a message that we want this series to expand beyond the DS, 3D or not. It's Castlevania, and I'm a bit surprised people defend it being solely on the DS for all these years.

I have played SotN, and it really is a good game. However, AoS remains my favorite Castlevania game. Anyway, I still don't see what would significantly change having the 2D Castlevania come to consoles. It sure would be great to give it a go (and not as a downloadable game), but having it on handhelds has its advantages. Sure, it isn't as powerful as consoles, but instead, you can play games on the go, not to mention being able to use the dual screens efficiently.

The very nature of Metroid-vania games like the recent castlevanias make them perfect for portable gaming. Who wants to sit in their living room and use a giant HD TV to play a 2D sidescrollin castlevania?

fiscope

Are you kidding? I'd kill to be able to play Castlevania (especially a 2D one) on my HD-TV with an awesome sound system. How can you appreciate the amazing animation and music on a handheld with a tiny screen and garbage speakers as much as you'd be able to on HD with a sweet audio setup? Do you think the music and graphics ofSotN would be nearly as good on the DS as it is on the PSX? I really can't see how you find playing this series on a handheld preferabale to playing it on a console. I would MUCH rather be sitting onmy couch relaxing, not having my hands cramped up and my eyes straining to see straight playing the DS all the time.

They'd be a great fit for the digital download services like XBL. They could start by taking something like Aria of Sorrow or Circle of the Moon and work in some voice acting and spruce up the graphics. (heck even Super 4 or Rondo) They also have a great original Metroidvania game they could make, as they still have yet to cover the events of the battle of 1999 in a game. It's only referenced in Aria. Hopefully they're planning something to help promote Lords of Shadow next year.

The handheld games don't sell enough copies to justify the risk of releasing a much more expensive version on consoles. I think they really only keep making them because of the critical acclaim and the developers' passion for making them. I doubt that they bring in much cash.