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IGN Castlevania Judgement review

I'm actually genuinely surprised about that score. I was expecting something much, much lower.

I don't think any score could make me think of those character designs as anything but abysmal, though.
 
Aru said:
Joke post ? SC4 is the weakest game in the series (not a bad game though).
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Did you miss SC3 or just block it out of your memory? Gameplay flaws aside, until SC4 spontaneously deletes my save, it's safely above SC3 in the rankings.
 
All this proves is that IGN doesn't know fighting games.

People who don't know fighting games at all just shouldn't review them. Just LOOKING at the game, you can SEE the flaws inherent to a design like this.

Like Richard said in the 1UP review, Konami really should learn from this. Capcom has made great strides in listening to what their customers want through playtesting and their fantastic community site; Konami should do the same sometime in the really near future.

It would be a disservice to both Castlevania and Konami to even consider purchasing this.

-A
 
A_Rival said:
All this proves is that IGN doesn't know fighting games.

Go check out 1up's much more accurate review of the game here:
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171390

People who don't know fighting games at all just shouldn't review them.

-A
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All this proves is that 1Up doesn't know fighting games.

Go check out IGN's much more accurate review of the game here:
http://wii.ign.com/articles/931/931583p1.html

People who don't know fighting games at all just shouldn't review them.



See, two can play that game. Anyway, this game isn't that good but it's not a D- for sure. It's a 7.5/8.0 game if there ever was one. More content and it would be a must buy. It's a decent game for CV fans, no more, no less. It reminds me of Bloody Roar in a sense. It's quick, fast and utterly simple but it's fun as hell. Sure's it all flash and no depth but it's a pleasure to play.
 
A_Rival said:
All this proves is that IGN doesn't know fighting games.

People who don't know fighting games at all just shouldn't review them. Just LOOKING at the game, you can SEE the flaws inherent to a design like this.

Like Richard said in the 1UP review, Konami really should learn from this. Capcom has made great strides in listening to what their customers want through playtesting and their fantastic community site; Konami should do the same sometime in the really near future.

-A
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Not everyone wants fighting games like Street Fighter.
 
Ah yes.
See, two can play that game. Anyway, this game isn't that good but it's not a D- for sure. It's a 7.5/8.0 game if there ever was one. More content and it would be a must buy. It's a decent game for CV fans, no more, no less. It reminds me of Bloody Roar in a sense. It's quick, fast and utterly simple but it's fun as hell. Sure's it all flash and no depth but it's a pleasure to play.
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Terrible art, graphics, and gameplay. I think the music is decent, but is that all you buy the game for? If so, maybe 7.5 is fine for you. I personally like to enjoy games when I play them, especially from the same people who just dropped the hot freshness that was Order of Ecclesia.

Not everyone wants fighting games like Street Fighter.
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Is this statement a joke? Are you just trying to poke fun at my avatar or something? Anyone with sense can pick this apart.

-A
 
haunts said:
Yeah but everyone likes fun games right?
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No offense, but it seems like you have a personal stake in defending the reviewer, so until more opinions roll in to compare and contrast it's hard to take yours at face value.
 
GrotesqueBeauty said:
No offense, but it seems like you have a personal stake in defending the reviewer, so until more opinions role in it's hard to take yours at face value.
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Sure, I can see that, so go check my impressions in the other thread before the review dropped. Ive gone into detail (many times) as to why the game isnt worth more than $30. As ive said (many times) if you are a castlevania nut you may enjoy it for a bit but the fighting system is pretty shallow, hit detection is insanely inaccurate, the camera is frustrating to deal with and some characters are so overpowered it makes the others not even worth playing.

Its jsut funny you have people who play fighting games on all levels trying to save you some money (not saying dont pick it up,b ut wait for it to drop to 20-30 bucks) and people just go off of one review from some reviewer on IGN.

Pedobear said:
The game is fun.
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Fighting games are fun when you can see both characters on the screen at the same time. :lol
 
Got mine today, but I'm wrapping up watching Indy, so it'll wait. In the mean time, some goodies from the manual.

14+ characters
10+ stages running the gamut between plain melee stages and obstacle-filled danger zones.
Wiimote + Nunchuck, Classic Controller, or Cubetroller.
10 subweapons, including most of the old favorites.
Character-specific Story mode (1P, initially only Simon and Alucard are selectable, others unlocked as you complete stories. Can earn equip-able accessories, art for the gallery, music for the player, etc.)
Arcade mode (1P)
Castle mode (1P only, kill Dracula)
Versus mode (2P or CPU)
Survival (1P)
Training mode (practice)
Tutorial mode (beginner, intermediate, advanced guides)
Accessories (accessorize your characters)
Gallery (art and music)
Connect to DS (gain instant access to Shanoa and Aeon, both of which can also be unlocked via Story mode)
WiFi menu (friend battles, rivals battles, normal matches, ranked matches)
 
haunts said:
Its jsut funny you have people who play fighting games on all levels trying to save you some money (not saying dont pick it up,b ut wait for it to drop to 20-30 bucks) and people just go off of one review from some reviewer on IGN.
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I'm guessing that it's because Bozon isn't really known for inflating scores, and there is a 3 point margin between his review an your friend's. That's pretty substantial. I don't doubt that the flaws you've pointed out are present to some degree; it's just that a D- (4.5 equivalent) seems pretty low barring the game being half a step from entirely broken. I mean, that score is in shovelware territory, not flawed but you might still enjoy it if you like Castlevania territory. With only two reviews up the question becomes whether IGN's score is insanely high, 1up's is insanely low, or the truth is somewhere in the middle. Since 1up is perceived to have something stuck in its craw when it comes to Wii games I don't think it's surprising that the review is raising eyebrows. Now, if your buddy's review ends up being echoed across the board his low opinion of the game will be vindicated, but what if the opposite proves true?
 
GrotesqueBeauty said:
I'm guessing that it's because Bozon isn't really known for inflating scores, and there is a 3 point margin between his review an your friend's. That's pretty substantial. I don't doubt that the flaws you've pointed out are present to some degree; it's just that a D- (4.5 equivalent) seems pretty low barring the game being half a step from entirely broken. I mean, that score is in shovelware territory, not flawed but you might still enjoy it if you like Castlevania territory. With only two reviews up the question becomes whether IGN's score is insanely high, 1up's is insanely low, or the truth is somewhere in the middle. Since 1up is perceived to have something stuck in its craw when it comes to Wii games I don't think it's surprising that the review is raising eyebrows. Now, if your buddy's review ends up being echoed across the board his low opinion of the game will be vindicated, but what if the opposite proves true?
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I guess I come from the school of thought to not put much weight in the actual score but just read the review and see if it sounds like something you can enjoy. Personally, with all games, I've read reviews that read a lot different than the score so it can be a bit confusing.

And really the whole point of me posting about the 1up review in the first place is that people were coming out and saying this dude dosent know anything about fighting games or whatever but ive actually seen him play in person and hes good.
 
haunts said:
Sure, I can see that, so go check my impressions in the other thread before the review dropped. Ive gone into detail (many times) as to why the game isnt worth more than $30. As ive said (many times) if you are a castlevania nut you may enjoy it for a bit but the fighting system is pretty shallow, hit detection is insanely inaccurate, the camera is frustrating to deal with and some characters are so overpowered it makes the others not even worth playing.

Its jsut funny you have people who play fighting games on all levels trying to save you some money (not saying dont pick it up,b ut wait for it to drop to 20-30 bucks) and people just go off of one review from some reviewer on IGN.



Fighting games are fun when you can see both characters on the screen at the same time. :lol
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So wait, we're supposed to listen to you because a review that you helped with agrees with your opinion of the game? That's the worst logic ever.
 
Whoa. I just connected my Wii and DS games, and got way more than the two unlockables mentioned in the Judgment manual.

Skull Spider accessory
Wings of Darkness accessory
Character Shanoa
Shanoa's story
Shanoa's voice data
Character Aeon

I'm guess it's because I used my 100% Ecclesia clear file.
 
Mejilan said:
Whoa. I just connected my Wii and DS games, and got way more than the two unlockables mentioned in the Judgment manual.

Skull Spider accessory
Wings of Darkness accessory
Character Shanoa
Shanoa's story
Shanoa's voice data
Character Aeon

I'm guess it's because I used my 100% Ecclesia clear file.
Click to expand...
I got all this too but then my ds froze, I shut it off, and I lost my ecclesia save... so now I have to replay it

I've been playing this game for a good hour and a half now, having a lot of fun.

I added you, here's my fc:

Matt
5155-6445-4536
 
On the one hand, the game doesn't seem very good. On the other hand, fighting game fans are some of the most elitist, narrow-minded wankers in the hardcore gaming community, so it's really hard to take their reviews at any sort of sane face value.

But it's Castlevania...

But the character designs....

god, I just don't know.
 
Get it, it's pure fanservice that comes with a pretty fun, light fighting game along with it. The characters make sense once you've seen them fight in game a few times.
 
If there has ever been a game that'll get a huge spread of review scores, it's this one. The camera is junk (at times), the character designs are very different from the source material, and it's a blend of simple combos and an action/fighter design.

I'm a huge fan of fighting games (grew up on Street Fighter), but I also dig games like Power Stone, and I've gotta say Judgment gives me a pretty big Power Stone vibe. In fact, for actual balance, I think Judgment has more, or at the very least an equal amount. Power Stone is ALL about getting the transformations. In Judgment, the supers will kill you pretty damn quick (instantly for some), but that's far from the only way to win. 'Vania could learn a thing or two about level interaction though. Sliding over tables and jumping from level to level could be fun if done right.

No 1UP vs. IGN bout needed. The camera can be ass, and if you don't like the style, I can see hating this game. Especially if you want more than what is basically Smash Bros. with a few more moves. This isn't SC or SFII; it's a Wii-exclusive fighting game, with the audience in mind. Some people will dig it (I was suprised I did, since I normally get pissed when people screw with Castlevania), others won't.

In the end though, I enjoy it for what it is. Not a deep fighter, but a fun one for what it's trying to be. A sequel could be way better though, and that camera needs fixing.
 
Bozon-IGN said:
If there has ever been a game that'll get a huge spread of review scores, it's this one. The camera is junk (at times), the character designs are very different from the source material, and it's a blend of simple combos and an action/fighter design.

I'm a huge fan of fighting games (grew up on Street Fighter), but I also dig games like Power Stone, and I've gotta say Judgment gives me a pretty big Power Stone vibe. In fact, for actual balance, I think Judgment has more, or at the very least an equal amount. Power Stone is ALL about getting the transformations. In Judgment, the supers will kill you pretty damn quick (instantly for some), but that's far from the only way to win.

No 1UP vs. IGN bout needed. The camera can be ass, and if you don't like the style, I can see hating this game. Especially if you want more than what is basically Smash Bros. with a few more moves. This isn't SC or SFII; it's a Wii-exclusive fighting game, with the audience in mind. Some people will dig it (I was suprised I did, since I normally get pissed when people screw with Castlevania), others won't.

In the end though, I enjoy it for what it is. Not a deep fighter, but a fun one for what it's trying to be. A sequel could be way better though, and that camera needs fixing.
Click to expand...

Boz. <3
 
Mejilan said:
Whoa. I just connected my Wii and DS games, and got way more than the two unlockables mentioned in the Judgment manual.

Skull Spider accessory
Wings of Darkness accessory
Character Shanoa
Shanoa's story
Shanoa's voice data
Character Aeon

I'm guess it's because I used my 100% Ecclesia clear file.
Click to expand...


Any other secret characters? Like, say, Soma Cruz? =D
 
EmCeeGramr said:
What do YOU think about Skate It?
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I haven't played it too much, sadly.

From the time I did put in (basically what amounts to a hands-on session) I've got this worked out:

-Board isn't accurate enough. (downhill in general works better with the "carve" design of the balance board)
-I wouldn't play Wii-mote only - just not my thing in a game with this much depth.
-A classic controller mode would have been nice. Trick stick for the win on 360 (love me Skate.)
-Seems like a decent "other-system-to-Wii" conversion; it's a deep game.
-Demolished enviornment is an excuse to not have huge worlds with lots of peoople, but at least it's a pretty awesome excuse. :lol

Really need to play it more. Seemed like fun, but I don't think I could have given it over SSX Blur, which I really got into. But again, more time needed for sure.
 
Back on topic, there are a bunch of new videos of matches on IGN:

Shanoa vs. Carmilla: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_ShanoaCarmilla_111808.html
Simon vs. Trevor (lol IGN calls him Ralph, nice reference): http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_SimonRalph_111808.html
Carmilla vs. Alucard: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_CarmillaAlucard_111808.html
Eric Lecarde vs. Golem: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_EricGolem_111808.html
Golem vs. Death: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_GolemDeath_111808.html
Death vs. Maria: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_DeathMaria_111808.html
Aeon vs. Eric Lecarde: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14262760/castlevania-judgment/videos/cvj_AeonEric_111808.html

(don't ask me why the videos are so low-res)

I like how they have unique intro dialog based on the characters, and some of the specials are actually pretty cool (especially Aeon's).
 
EmCeeGramr said:
I like how they have unique intro dialog based on the characters, and some of the specials are actually pretty cool (especially Aeon's).
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They also seem to have unique special attack dialog as well, as pointed out last page. Can't wait to get my copy this weekend-ish. Anyone know about how many copies of Judgement were shipped?
 
I've only been playing the Castle mode so far and I'm enjoying it. It isn't bad, it's not even 'not that bad', it's good...not that good, but about the standard for what you'd expect from an anime fighter. Similar to Naruto PS3 (Naruto PS3 is way better, but same general style).

I've been using the Gamecube controller and there are some funky controller issues here, and the options to change it aren't enough. So far the best part about the game, and probably what will have me continuing to enjoy it, are how awesome the stages are. The core gameplay may be shallow anime fighter with limited moveset and heavy Soul Calibur influence, but the stages are something else, man. One has you fighting on a bunch of clock gears that are layed and constantly spinning, so you can knock someone to a bottom one and suddenly they will automatically be turning left as your on a higher level on a gear going right. The stage 'gimmicks' (their phrase, not mine) are awesome. As corny as what I'm about to say seems, it does feel like you're fighting the middle of Castlevania with the respawning zombies coming out of the ground to fight you and your opponent.

The bad is the camera, but it's a really weird case here because not all stages have camera problems. Sometimes it's pulled back to be more Power Stone like and it works fine; then other times it's really close like Naruto PS3, but they don't have the smooth character positioning and all that that Naruto has, so you end up with situations where the entire screen is covered by your opponent hitting you while you can't see.

Just keep in mind what you're getting when you buy this. It is a shallow anime fighting game where the 'depth' is basically an advanced form of rocks paper scissor.

Actually, the worst is that alternate costumes are just re-skins. Whoa, Alucard with black hair and wearing the same shit? so amazing! It's not like he already has a classic design we could have put in there.
 
Linkzg said:
Actually, the worst is that alternate costumes are just re-skins. Whoa, Alucard with black hair and wearing the same shit? so amazing! It's not like he already has a classic design we could have put in there.
Click to expand...

Ugh. Brawl did this too, save for Wario. So much wasted potential there... Not that I expected anything different.

Do you get anything by connecting Dawn of Sorrow or PoR to the Wii or is it just OoE? I assume it's only OoE seeing how [I think] the game would have to be pre-programmed to work with Judgement.
 
Well, you can dress your characters up like in Soul Calibur, but it's all really 'wacky stuff'. My alt costume for Trevor has him wearing sunglasses over an eyepatch.
 
Yeah, I've decided that 1up pretty much doesn't like the Wii in general. I don't really listen to their review scores for Wii games.

That said, I'm still most likely going to skip this.
 
Is there a soundtrack coming out for this? I love Castlevania music and what I've heard so far sounds pretty damn good.
 
Htown said:
Yeah, I've decided that 1up pretty much doesn't like the Wii in general. I don't really listen to their review scores for Wii games..
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That doesn't make any sense at all for several hundred reasons.
 
Gamecube controller?

SOLD here as well... I haven't bought a Wii game in months and don't ever really consider buying at full price but gotta give Konami props for giving gamers the GCN controller option. For a majority of games on Wii there is no excuse not to include that option.
 
viewtiful_dru said:
Definitely gonna get this. Eventually.




LOL, did you play SC3?
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Yes, and it's my favorite game in the series.
Great speed, awesome content... The best PS2 era fighter.

SC3 > SC1 > SC2 > SC4.
 
I can't believe they chose Golem over a Gaibon/Slogra combo. That would've been REALLY awesome, like a vicious, sharp-toothed version of the Ice Climbers.
 
So the game is rent worthy ?
Maybe I'll try it when it launches in Europe.

But only if I don't have any other game to play :P
 
Andrex said:
Aeon's an original Judgement character with mastery over time, probably brought in to explain why these characters are all fighting eachother.
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If it's a character with time-related abilites, they should've used St. Germain from Curse of Darkness instead, I thought he was a pretty cool character with unique design and all.

germain-full.gif
 
Any serious Wii owner knows that 1up reviews have to be completely ignored.
1up needs more brown on the games they review for them to receive stellar ratings.
 
Flying_Phoenix said:
I don't see what you mean. I mean here I'll go look through IGN Nintendo and see a game that they rated 7.5 and it should be just "decent" and not a big deal of a game at all or something very well hyped.

EDIT - Yeah this game is just as good as Animal Crossing: City Folk.
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I think he's referring to that it's not IGN Xbox, which adds around 1-2 extra points for just being Xbox. Or HD. Either way, IGN Wii takes about some amount of pointage off, not a lot.
 
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