New Castlevania DS: My Shanoa

That’s not actually the name for Konami’s latest installment in the Castlevania franchise, but I think it should be. Looks like lead developer Igarashi has his own ideas, and the title will be called Order of Ecclesia. Sigh, fine.

Kombo.com has a few screens up, as well as a few vital details about the game. It will be on the Nintend DS, unsurprisingly, and the lead will be played by one of them girl-things. Kotaku made a note about this being the first time a female has starred in Castlevania. Don’t worry, Sonia. Just because Igarashi disowned you and the rest of the world has forgotten Castlevania Legends, it doesn’t mean I have.

Shanoa will be able to absorb and unleash destructive powers with something called the “glyph” system; if collecting is involved a la the Souls from Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, I know a few fans who will be happy to hear it.

The anime style used in Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin is gone as well, and in its place is the famous gothic works of Ayami Kojima (or a look-alike). The anime style didn’t work for Dawn of Sorrow because we were already familiar with Kojima’s designs, but I didn’t mind it too badly in Portrait of Ruin. After all, the game starred a couple of dumb kids, and that’s more or less how the anime style portrayed them. So to speak.

I’ve heard tell that Igarashi was responsible for turning Wind into Indiana Bones, which was definitely a radical departure from his previous character designs. *Cough.*

At first I was irritated with Shanoa’s character art because she fights in high heels. I can’t walk in high heels, and I’m tired of it being an obligatory part of a fighter-chick’s ensemble.

Then I realised my ire has no foundation because Alucard and Richter wear high heels as well.

(Image is copyright Konami)