Lament of Innocence... that is a great title. A lot of Castlevania games have just really great titles. I mean, sure it's just three words, but it beats stuff like just adding another number or year to the game. I mean... stuff like Lament of Innocence, Symphony of the Night, Order of Shadows, the Castlevania games have most other games beat in title before you even open the case up. Lets see Grand Theft Auto beat that. What? It can't? Damn straight!

...

Oh yeah... the review...

Plot: Lament of Innocence is the prequel to the entire Castlevania series. You control Leon Belmont (No relation to Leon Scott Kennedy) who seeks to save his betrothed from a vampire who was viewing his anguish like some kind of sick game. Er... wait... why does that sound familiar? As Leon, you must expel the creatures of the night and unravel the mystery of Castlevania! Hold on... that's every... ah the hell with it.

Graphics: Lament of Innocence was the first 3D Castlevania title. As such, while Curse of Darkness could be compared to Dirge of Cerberus, this game is easier to compare to a PS2 Legacy of Kain game. Though it isn't the most beautiful damn thing you'll ever see, it isn't the ugliest damn thing you've ever seen. My big complaint is that this game is TOO comparable to a Legacy of Kain title. You have no real control over the camera, so sometimes you have to try and block attacks from an enemy that is in your blind spot.

Gameplay: This game has three point systems. Hit points, which are your remaining health, magic points which you use to perform magic and use ancient artifacts, and heart points which are used for items like Holy Water or Knives. Your only real weapon is a whip which can change it's element later in the game. But, since the whip has a long range and actually does massive damage on your undead victims, you actually can give yourself a lot of elbow room, attacking from outside of the enemies range, or locking them in a combo while they are still trying to stalk over to you. The whip has several uses, which also includes latching on to certain objects to pull yourself up. In combat, you have quick attacks, strong attacks, and items.

Sound: Not too bad, but it doesn't quite live up to what Symphony of the Night was capable of. The roars from the monsters was outdone by Devil May Cry, so you don't get a lot of neat stuff from them.

Difficulty: This game has a larger puzzle element than Curse of Darkness does, but that isn't saying much. But money is harder to scrape up, and armor is pretty benign. But since your magic items are your great equalizers, and you can drain MP from your enemies by blocking their attacks, you do have a foot to stand on. Still, it is a little difficult at times, and you may or may not encounter the game over screen early in the game.

Overall: For a game as old as it is, Lament of Innocence is awesome. Though some of you morons are all hyped up about how the PS3 has crap like Blue Ray, this game will be overlooked. But if you DO see this game, check it out. It is hard to find though. If you are the type that can play and enjoy a classic, pick up this classic Castlevania title. Just don't count on any happy ending from a game with this much of a gothic setting.

Final rating: 7/10