Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

The main pros of the game

• Visuals: Many users praised the game's graphics, particularly the gothic environments of Dracula’s Castle, which were described as stunning and atmospheric.
• Combat System: The combat was generally well-received, with players appreciating the fluidity and variety offered by different weapons (Void Sword, Chaos Claws, Shadow Whip). The tactical depth added through switching between these weapons was highlighted as a positive aspect.
• Story Elements: Some reviews noted that the narrative, while flawed, had moments of emotional weight and interesting character development, especially in the interactions between Dracula and his son, Trevor.
• Exploration: The game features Metroidvania elements, allowing players to unlock abilities and explore interconnected environments, which some found satisfying, particularly in the castle sections.

The main cons of the game

• Weak Narrative: A significant number of reviews criticized the story for being disjointed, convoluted, and lacking coherence. The tonal shifts between the dark themes and the modern setting were often described as jarring.
• Stealth Sections: The mandatory stealth segments were widely panned as frustrating and poorly implemented, detracting from the overall gameplay experience. Players felt that these sections undermined the power fantasy of playing as Dracula.
• Inconsistent Design: Many users noted inconsistencies in design between the gothic castle and the modern city, with the latter being described as generic and tonally out of place.
• Lack of a Full World Map: The absence of a comprehensive map made backtracking cumbersome and hindered exploration.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Better Level Design: Players expressed a desire for more intricate level design that encourages exploration and discovery, rather than linear pathways and repetitive environments.
• Improved Stealth Mechanics: Users wished for a more engaging and well-integrated stealth mechanic, as the current implementation felt forced and unnecessary.
• More Compelling Boss Fights: Some reviews indicated that boss encounters lacked the epic scale and creativity expected from a Castlevania game, with many feeling anticlimactic.
• Enhanced Soundtrack: Several players noted a lack of memorable music compared to previous titles in the series, which diminished the overall atmosphere of the game.

Summary

• In summary, while Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 has its strengths in visuals, combat, and some narrative elements, it suffers from significant issues in storytelling, design consistency, and gameplay mechanics, particularly with stealth sections. Many fans of the series found it a disappointing follow-up to its predecessor.

Summary generated on: October 28, 2025