Konami Expands Castlevania Collection on PC
After nearly three years since the release of the Castlevania Advance Collection on PC, Konami has finally unveiled the next installment of the beloved franchise. This latest update brings a trio of titles originally launched on the Nintendo DS in the late 2000s—Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia—into the digital realm of PC gaming. For fans of the series, this addition marks a significant milestone, as it now allows access to a total of 16 classic 2D Castlevania games on Steam.
While the wait may seem lengthy, one could argue that time is a mere trifle in the grand narrative of Dracula, who awakens for a revelry only once every century or two. Thus, the anticipation surrounding these titles feels more like a brief interlude than an extended hiatus. The inclusion of these games alongside the Game Boy Advance titles and the Anniversary Collection creates a comprehensive library for enthusiasts eager to relive the gothic adventures.
However, amidst the excitement, a lingering question remains in the minds of devoted fans: Where is the port for Castlevania Judgment? This 3D fighting game, released for the Nintendo Wii in 2008, has garnered a rather infamous reputation. Critics have not held back in their assessments, with GamesRadar labeling the gameplay as “not in any way fun” and GameSpot declaring it a “sloppy cash-in” devoid of value for fans of the franchise.
Yet, despite its less-than-stellar reception, the notion of adding Castlevania Judgment to the Steam library has an undeniable allure. It raises eyebrows to consider that while Konami successfully brought the iconic Symphony of the Night to the PlayStation 4 in 2018, a PC version remains conspicuously absent. Furthermore, the lack of a modern PC adaptation of Harmony of Despair, a co-op experience that blends Castlevania with Diablo-style gameplay, leaves many wondering about the potential revenue left untapped.
Fans are left to ponder the decision to include the less favorable port of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, known as Dracula X, in the Advance Collection while the original Rondo of Blood remains elusive. While the excitement for the newly added DS titles is palpable, there is a sense of disappointment regarding the absence of certain beloved games from the lineup.
In the end, the addition of these DS classics is a welcome development, particularly for those who hold Dawn of Sorrow dear to their hearts. Yet, the hope for a Castlevania Judgment port lingers, as fans continue to express their desire for a more complete collection that honors the legacy of this iconic franchise.
Update: 27 Aug 2024
