You really have to hand it to Poncle; they’ve supported the base game of Vampire Survivors exemplarily. Following a brilliant base game and a string of DLC packs like Tides of the Foscari, they’ve now released another, and it’s arguably their most ambitious yet.
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania features the largest map in the game’s history, alongside a plethora of new characters and weapons. But is it any good? Well, to put it simply, yes, it absolutely is. Go buy and play it now. But do me a favour and come back to finish reading this review, okay?
Excellent. Now, let me explain why you should purchase Ode to Castlevania.
Firstly, the aforementioned map is colossal. In a first for the game (at least in my experience, having played all the previous DLC), it features locked doors that can only be opened with keys typically held by formidable bosses. Fighting these bosses while fending off swarms of minions is no easy feat. The difficulty has been significantly ramped up too, which is a welcome change. While certain characters can breeze through the early stages in the base game, Ode to Castlevania demands more careful strategy and resource management.
Speaking of weapons, this DLC introduces a vast arsenal, along with a host of new characters. As an homage to Castlevania, whips feature prominently, with eight different variations. The Belmont clan, renowned for their whip-wielding prowess, is represented with new characters and a unique mechanic: the ability to change their starting weapon. To do so, you’ll need specific items, such as a Morning Star to unlock whip-swapping for the Belmonts.
In addition to whips, the DLC includes elemental magic spells inspired by games like Portrait of Ruin and Harmony of Dissonance, adding a fresh dimension to the gameplay. Magic weapons like Alucard’s Sword, projectiles, and glyphs further expand your arsenal. Most of these weapons can be evolved, which you’ll undoubtedly need to do to survive the challenging new content.
The game’s presentation will be familiar to Vampire Survivors veterans. For newcomers, it features a retro-inspired aesthetic with a pixel art style. You control a tiny character navigating a sprawling map, battling hordes of enemies to level up and unlock new abilities. The sheer speed and chaos of the on-screen action, with countless enemies and projectiles filling the screen, remain impressive.
While the visuals might appear simplistic, the magic of Vampire Survivors lies in its addictive gameplay loop. It’s the closest thing to gaming crack I’ve encountered and every time I finish a DLC, I have to force myself to take a break, only to be lured back in when new content arrives.
The soundtrack deserves special mention too. It’s a loving tribute to the iconic music of the Castlevania series, with remixed and reimagined tracks that perfectly capture the atmosphere and intensity of the action.
It all means that Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania is a testament to Poncle’s dedication and creativity. The sheer amount of content packed into this DLC is remarkable, and the addictive gameplay loop will keep you hooked for hours.
If you haven’t played Vampire Survivors, I almost envy you, as I’d love to experience it for the first time again. And with its budget-friendly price and wealth of content, there’s no reason not to dive in – whether that be the base game or this Ode to Castlevania expansion.Â
Support these talented developers and see what they create next.
Vampire Survivors Pays Homage to Castlevania in an Epic New Expansion – https://www.thexboxhub.com/vampire-survivors-pays-homage-to-castlevania-in-an-epic-new-expansion/
Buy Ode to Castlevania – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/vampire-survivors-ode-to-castlevania/9PJ45LT2RX05
Buy the Vampire Survivors base game – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/vampire-survivors/9PD5BM2Z8C4L/0010
