"Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia" mixes up the series formula a bit and is an improvement over the last game, "Portrait of Ruin." Players control Shanoa, a woman with the ability to absorb and manifest glyphs as weapons and spells. She can use up to three at a time, and in combination they produce powerful special attacks.
The game is structured differently from most recent "Castlevania" titles. Instead of a single large castle to explore, Shanoa can visit different locations at will by selecting available places on a map of the game's world. Each area is self-contained.The graphics are in gorgeous 2-D, with exceptional animation and effects. Players may also notice that "Ecclesia" is tougher than the series has been in years — a welcome return to form in a series known for its challenge.
Nintendo DS; $29.99
Age rating: Teen
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