Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate HD

The main pros of the game

• Rich Narrative: The game expands on the lore of the Castlevania series, providing a complex story involving the Belmont family, themes of betrayal, and the cyclical nature of good versus evil.
• Multiple Playable Characters: Players can experience the game through different characters (Simon, Alucard, and Trevor Belmont), each with unique abilities and storylines.
• Visual Aesthetics: The environments and character designs are appreciated, with some users noting the cool art style and improved graphics compared to the original 3DS version.
• Nostalgic Elements: Many fans of the franchise find enjoyment in the return to a 2D Metroidvania style, reminiscent of classic games in the series.
• Engaging Combat: Some players enjoyed the combat mechanics, despite criticism of their execution, finding them fun and satisfying at times.

The main cons of the game

• Gameplay Mechanics: The combat system is criticized for being clunky and not translating well from the 3D gameplay of the previous Lords of Shadow titles. Users noted issues with controls, stiffness, and repetitive combat.
• Level Design: Many reviews pointed out that the game has linear and small maps, lacking the expansive exploration and backtracking elements typical of successful Metroidvania titles.
• Boring Boss Fights: Boss encounters are often described as tedious, with excessive health points and drawn-out phases that detract from the overall experience.
• Underwhelming Soundtrack: The music was frequently described as disappointing and not fitting for a Castlevania game, lacking the iconic themes present in earlier titles.
• Technical Issues: Some players reported bugs, particularly with sound and visual performance, which detracted from the overall experience.

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

• Depth of RPG Elements: Users noted the lack of significant RPG mechanics such as equipment systems, character upgrades, and meaningful progression that would enhance the Metroidvania experience.
• Exploration Incentives: The game does not adequately reward exploration or backtracking, with many collectibles feeling unimportant and not providing substantial benefits to gameplay.
• Player Choice: The leveling system was criticized for removing player agency, with automatic unlocks for abilities instead of allowing players to choose their upgrades.
• Variety in Combat: Players expressed a desire for more diverse combat options and character abilities, as the characters felt too similar in playstyle.

Summary

• Overall, while Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate HD has its strengths, particularly in storytelling and visual design, it suffers from gameplay and design issues that may disappoint fans looking for a true Castlevania experience.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025