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The concept of mortality, a nightmare for most, becomes a cruel irony for Dracula, the protagonist of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. Having traded his humanity for immortality, he now yearns for the release of death. This sequel explores Dracula’s struggle with his past and his reluctant return to battle against an ancient evil.

Combat Refined

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 significantly improves upon the combat system of its predecessor. While the core mechanics remain, the impact of each strike feels far more substantial. The visceral connection between Dracula’s attacks and his enemies is palpable, from the satisfying crunch of the Shadow Whip to the weighty stagger of a well-placed blow.

Dracula wielding the Shadow Whip

The combat system also introduces a new layer of depth by tying character progression directly to combat execution. Instead of simply unlocking new moves with experience points, players must now master them in battle. This innovative approach encourages players to explore the full range of Dracula’s arsenal and rewards skillful play.

New Tools of Destruction

Replacing the Light and Shadow Magic of the previous game, Lords of Shadow 2 introduces the Void Sword and Chaos Claws. These new weapons add a fresh dynamic to the combat, with the Void Sword offering life steal and the Chaos Claws providing armor-piercing power. Each weapon has its own unique move set and strategic applications, further enhancing the depth of the combat system.

Dracula using the Void Sword

This duality of function encourages strategic switching between weapons, keeping the combat engaging and challenging. The game also features consumable relics that offer temporary boosts, further diversifying the player’s options without becoming overpowered.

Dracula using the Chaos Claws

A More Cunning Enemy

The enhanced combat system is complemented by a more intelligent and challenging enemy AI. Gone are the days of mindless fodder. Enemies now actively dodge attacks, utilize shields, and employ coordinated tactics, forcing players to adapt and strategize. This elevated level of enemy behavior creates a more dynamic and engaging combat experience.

Dracula facing a group of enemies

Visual and Auditory Excellence

Lords of Shadow 2 retains the stunning visuals of the series, showcasing intricate gothic architecture, detailed character models, and atmospheric lighting effects. The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, with haunting melodies that evoke a sense of melancholy and dread. The voice acting, featuring the talents of Robert Carlyle and Patrick Stewart, remains a highlight.

Dracula in a gothic setting

A Disappointing Setting

Despite its strengths, Lords of Shadow 2 suffers from a jarring juxtaposition of modern and gothic settings. The modern world feels bland and uninspired, diluting the atmosphere and disrupting the overall tone. The open-world elements are also poorly implemented, consisting of interconnected linear areas rather than a truly open environment.

Modern day setting in Lords of Shadow 2

Stealth and Interface Issues

The stealth sections feel underdeveloped and repetitive, serving as little more than filler. Furthermore, the PC version’s interface is poorly optimized for keyboard and mouse controls, displaying Xbox 360 button prompts even when using a different input method.

Dracula in a stealth section

Conclusion

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 delivers a refined combat experience and impressive presentation, but its flawed setting, underdeveloped stealth mechanics, and poor PC interface hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the game offers moments of brilliance, its shortcomings ultimately tarnish what could have been a truly epic conclusion to the Lords of Shadow saga.