The Evolution of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness is an action-adventure game that was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles. Developed by Konami, it is the sequel to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and continues the story of the Belmont clan and the eternal battle against Dracula. The game takes place in the 1470s, three years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. The protagonist of the game is Hector, a former Devil Forgemaster who seeks revenge against his fellow Devil Forgemaster, Isaac, for betraying him and murdering his lover. The game explores Hector's quest for revenge and his journey through the dangerous and gothic world of Castlevania. One of the unique features of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness is the ability to forge new weapons and items using materials gathered from defeated enemies.

-Nerfed Transformation: Can no longer be used in Boss Rush. Disabled if using Berserker Mail. TP drains twice as fast during a boss fight;

Fixed; -Removed EXP change when reaching the level cap; -Subtitles are permanently removed; -Fixed Limit Breaker s inconsistent attack speed buff; -Fixed Pacific Brooch reducing DEF when loading the game. After all, Curse of Darkess is competing with heavy hitters like Devil May Cry, God of War, and Ninja Gaiden, all of which are superior on practically every level.

One of the unique features of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness is the ability to forge new weapons and items using materials gathered from defeated enemies. This crafting system allows players to create powerful weapons and equipment to aid them in their battles against the various monsters and bosses that populate the game world. The game also introduces a new "Innocent Devil" system, in which Hector can tame and raise demonic allies known as Innocent Devils.

Castlevania Enhanced Curse 2.0.1 - Curse of Darkness MOD

Changelog:
2.0.1 (Part 2):
-Fixed a bug that would trigger a Level Up loop on New Game+ after reaching Level 100.

2.0.1
-Fixed all bugs related to New Game+;
-Healing Ring automatically turns off when at full HP;
-Fixed bug that would make Hector stuck if changing weapon in midair;
-Fixed Autofill writing "Waterfall.mp3" rather than "Waterfall.wav";
-Valentian Mage didn't lose HP when using special moves. Fixed;
-Removed EXP change when reaching the level cap;
-Subtitles are permanently removed;
-Fixed Limit Breaker's inconsistent attack speed buff;
-Fixed Pacific Brooch reducing DEF when loading the game. Fixed the bonus being permanent if opening the menu.

2.0.0
It's so long I just made a video instead:

-Removed forced 4x Draw Distance and fog removal. You can still do it via the respective labels in the cheat table;

-Enemies with higher levels on early stages (E.g. Lv.90 Ghoul in Forest of Jigramunt) now have adjusted levels;

-Nerfed Transformation: Can no longer be used in Boss Rush. Disabled if using Berserker Mail. TP drains twice as fast during a boss fight;

-Miracle Coin now has a trigger rate of (0.5x LCK)% rather than LCK%. Cannot activate during Boss Rush;

Error:[string "local timer = createTimer(getMainForm())
. "]:6034: attempt to perform arithmetic on a nil value (global 'SCRNX')
Error:[string "local timer = createTimer(getMainForm())
. "]:5940: attempt to perform arithmetic on a nil value (global 'SCRNX')

-Manual updated: it will now tell the user to change button configuration via the emulator and not the game's options menu so as to adjust the new command inputs that otherwise would still require the original button combinations.

-Pumpkin I.D. bug fixed. The game would spawn infinite Devil I.D.'s, causing the Summon menu to disappear;

• 62 new command inputs for new techniques such as Focus, Transformation, Synergy etc.;
• A Weapon Proficiency mechanic that allows Hector to learn new moves as he fights with a specific Weapon Type;
  
• 2 new types of items: Magical Accessories and Artifacts, which respectively grant active and passive effects such as HP draining, faster run speed, faster evo crystal farming etc.;
• 69 new items: 22 new accessories, 15 artifacts, 5 new armors, 7 new helmets, 5 new consumables, 7 new skills, 7 extra weapons and a new pick-up item;
  
• Introduction of MP, TP (Transformation Points), SP (Synergy Points) and FP (Focus Points);
  
• Custom HUD taken from the beta version of the game;
  
• Color Filtering option to change the color lighting of the areas;
  
• A lot of new items in Julia's shop to make money actually worth spending;
  
• Some minor progression changes (Innocent Devil appearance changed, extra bosses are mandatory, Tower of Eternity is mandatory);
  
• New difficulty level called "Bloody Tears";
  
• New class option reminiscent of Circle of the Moon's alternate modes. Select from 8 different classes;
  
• New execution setting which makes it easier/harder to perfect guard and dodge attacks;
• Readjustments regarding multiple things (enemy levels, Innocent Devil's stats and skills, enemy drops and equipment stat boosts)
  
• Double boss fights;
• Some Innocent Devil skills are completely changed (e.g. Crystal Skull becomes Belnades Skull);
• A deadly Tower of Evermore;
• A third survival tower called Tower of Endurance;
  
• Custom deadly boss patterns on higher difficulties.

Be sure to check Enhanced Curse's manual for more information about how to install the mod and how to play it, along with some instructions on the new changes!

Download links:

Post by Veritas Volpe on Apr 8, 2022 13:02:10 GMT

Wow, gonna have a look, congratulations!

Would you help me with Lament of Innocence mod: I made the first mod for that game, I wish to make some little small changes, but don't know how to code. Here's the Thread:
castlevaniamodding.boards.net/thread/701/new-castlevania-lament-innocence-alchemist

Post by shuan on Apr 11, 2022 22:09:26 GMT

Wow, gonna have a look, congratulations!

Would you help me with Lament of Innocence mod: I made the first mod for that game, I wish to make some little small changes, but don't know how to code. Here's the Thread:
castlevaniamodding.boards.net/thread/701/new-castlevania-lament-innocence-alchemist

Although I will tell you that I have many more resources for Curse of Darkness compared to Lament of Innocence, so I won't be able to do stuff such as changing enemy placements (for now at least).

Post by Veritas Volpe on Apr 12, 2022 23:39:48 GMT

Don't need to worry, for start I just need to add the first whip as a drop. I found a tool that helps me made the changes I need. The only thing I wish is to add this whip as a drop (since we loose the first whip) and, if is in your capacity, to change the music. I can edit and render music fine with sony vegas, but I don't know how to put in the game.

If you want, I can pass to you this tool.

Post by shuan on Apr 13, 2022 14:12:15 GMT

Alright, I should be able to do that.
I'm sure you used Classic Game Hacking's tool to mod Lament of Innocence, I've used it too to get myself introduced to PS2vania modding, although yeah it does have its limitations after all.

Post by Veritas Volpe on Apr 13, 2022 23:34:27 GMT

I used this tool.

If you could add the leatherwhip as a drop choice for me, then I can choose the enemy. This tool have everything done already. If you want to play with the tool and add more options, feel free = )

We can talk about music later. This tool only works with the european version of the game.

Post by shuan on Apr 22, 2022 17:42:11 GMT

I used this tool.

If you could add the leatherwhip as a drop choice for me, then I can choose the enemy. This tool have everything done already. If you want to play with the tool and add more options, feel free = )

We can talk about music later. This tool only works with the european version of the game.

I checked the tool to see which limitations it had and I also played your mod on crazy mode. Video will probably be published tomorrow.

The hilarious thing that happened is that in the first 20 mins of gameplay I had a Death Ripper drop Solar Plate and I was pretty confused, but then I realized you put endgame drops for endgame enemies and crazy mode progression kinda gets chaotic.

As for the tool, I don't know how to edit it because I don't have the source code of it so I can't put new things to it. The alternative (which grants much more customization anyway. In the tool you can only change drops, but not add them to enemies who don't drop anything. There's no such limitation if you edit it manually via hex editing though) is to do ROM/RAM hacking with either Cheat Engine or HxD Editor. Surely I'll need to do both to check where the enemy stats are located in the game code.

In all fairness, it's an improvement over Lament of Innocence - occasionally there are slopes or bends, so it doesn't feel as straightlaced. Additionally, almost all of the levels take place outside of a castle, so at least there's a bit more variety in scenery. That doesn't ever stop it from being drab or boring. Most of the levels are most linear, except for an occasionally fork. Sometimes you'll end up going in circles - you wouldn't know it if you didn't check the map. There are almost no distinguishable elements to any of the stages. There are almost no landmarks. In the horribly barren town stage, I was excited at the sight of a mere fountain. You can't jump on it or anything - if you try, you're met by an invisible wall. You can't jump off cliffs - apparently Dracula's curse has a thing against suicide. In the first level, you see candles on the wall, but you can't destroy them, like any Castlevania fan is programmed to. You can't even get close to them - some boundary stops you from getting close. This might not sound important, but there isn't a single time where the level designs don't feel restrictive. There is no sense of adventure, no sense of beauty in traversing through the land of Valachia. There is also no run button, which in itself is a problem. If the game was fun to explore, then you wouldn't even need a run button. But when you're stuck traipsing from one end of the hallway the other, holding "forward" on the analog stick and watching the distant door slowly draw closer, you begin to realize that the designers simply did not, for the lack of a better word, care. They know the level designs suck, and seemingly do not give a damn.

These creatures can fight alongside Hector, providing assistance and abilities that complement his own skills. The Innocent Devils can be upgraded and evolved, making them even more formidable allies in battle. In terms of gameplay, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness follows the Metroidvania style, with players exploring a large interconnected world that is filled with secrets, hidden areas, and challenging enemies. The game features a nonlinear progression, allowing players to tackle different areas and bosses in any order they choose. Visually, the game boasts impressive graphics for its time, with detailed character models, lush environments, and atmospheric lighting that enhances the gothic ambiance of the Castlevania universe. The soundtrack of the game also received praise for its haunting melodies and atmospheric compositions. Overall, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness offers an engaging and challenging experience for fans of the Castlevania series and action-adventure games in general. With its deep crafting system, unique Innocent Devil mechanic, and immersive world, it remains a beloved entry in the long-running franchise..

Reviews for "The Influence of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness on the Castlevania Series"

1. John - 1 star

I found Castlevania: Curse of Darkness to be a major disappointment. The storyline felt weak and unoriginal, and the characters lacked depth. The gameplay itself was tedious and repetitive, with little variety in enemy types or environments. The visuals were lackluster, and the graphics looked outdated even for its time. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and frustrated with this game.

2. Emily - 2 stars

I was excited to play Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, being a fan of the series, but sadly, it let me down. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it difficult to truly enjoy the combat. Additionally, the level design felt uninspired, and there was little sense of exploration or discovery. The lack of a compelling narrative further detracted from the overall experience. While it had its moments, Curse of Darkness failed to capture the magic and charm of previous Castlevania games.

3. Mark - 2.5 stars

As a long-time fan of the Castlevania series, I had high hopes for Curse of Darkness, but it fell short of my expectations. The gameplay mechanics felt dated, and the combat lacked intensity and fluidity. The voice acting was subpar, making it difficult to connect with the characters and the story. The game also suffered from repetitive enemy encounters and a lack of variety in the environments. While it had some redeeming qualities, Curse of Darkness failed to deliver the quality experience I was hoping for.

4. Sarah - 1.5 stars

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness was a major letdown for me. The whole experience felt uninspired and boring. The level design was forgettable, and the combat lacked depth and excitement. The story felt convoluted and confusing, failing to engage me on any level. The graphics were lackluster, and the character models seemed oddly stiff and lifeless. Overall, I found this installment of the Castlevania series to be a disappointing entry that did not live up to its predecessors.

The Lore and Mythology of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness