Castlevania Dominus Collection Review – Rediscovering Forgotten Gems
Castlevania is a legendary franchise, and Konami is gradually bringing much of its legacy to modern platforms. The latest release in this effort is the Castlevania Dominus Collection, which focuses specifically on the handheld Castlevania games originally released for the Nintendo DS. These titles made use of the DS’s dual-screen hardware to introduce a unique twist to the series. Though these games were somewhat underrated and not often ranked among the franchise’s best, their arrival on modern platforms gives fans a fresh opportunity to experience them, revealing their true value as some of the finest entries in the series.
Castlevania Dominus Collection brings together three classic games—Order of Ecclesia, Portrait of Ruin, and Dawn of Sorrow—into one package, complete with hidden secrets. Now available on all major platforms, these titles can be enjoyed without the need for emulation or tracking down an old DS system. Despite their age, these games remain enjoyable to play today, though they do feature a steeper difficulty curve. The addition of quick save and load features makes them far more accessible to newcomers, enhancing their appeal.
First, let’s discuss the collection itself. I was impressed by the overall presentation, especially the sleek and polished user interface. The main menu allows you to choose between the three primary games, while additional tabs—Extra, Gallery, and Music—offer bonus content for fans to explore. The Extra section includes two games: the Japanese-only releases of Haunted Castle and Haunted Castle Revisited. While I appreciated their inclusion, I found it difficult to engage with them, likely because I am not as fond of the classic gameplay design these titles embody.
Konami has packed this collection with a wealth of additional content, including artwork for each of the games and full music tracks. One particularly useful feature is the ability to switch between different regional versions of the games, which may contain subtle differences that long-time fans will notice and appreciate. Another nice touch is the option to swap the confirm and cancel buttons, a customization feature that is rare but thoughtful for players who prefer different control setups.
These games, originally designed for a dual-screen setup with touchscreen support, are well-suited for portable systems like the Steam Deck. I found it easy to use the touchscreen for actions like drawing, while still relying on traditional controls for most of the gameplay. The dual-screen layout has been thoughtfully adapted into three viewing modes. The main screen is prominently featured, with two smaller side windows that usually display menus or maps. These additional windows are always visible but never feel intrusive. This setup is similar to what you might experience when emulating Nintendo DS games, making the transition smooth for those familiar with DS emulation.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how each game in the collection felt distinct, even though they shared similar gameplay mechanics. The storylines are different, with each game introducing a new protagonist. Order of Ecclesia, the first game, stars Shanoa, a member of Ecclesia who is chosen to wield the power of Dominus to banish Dracula. However, after an unfortunate event, she loses her powers. The game introduces a Glyph system, which provides new abilities for Shanoa and serves as a means for her to regain her lost strength.
The second game, Portrait of Ruin, features a dual-protagonist setup, which adds an interesting dynamic to puzzle-solving and exploration. This system enhances the combat by introducing new mechanics that revolve around the interplay between the two characters. Although it lacks some of the charm and uniqueness of Order of Ecclesia’s Glyph-based combat, it makes up for this with a greater focus on exploration and puzzles. The two protagonists, Jonathan and Charlotte, each have distinct personalities, which are developed further as the story progresses.
The final game, Dawn of Sorrow, is arguably the best of the collection. It brings back Soma Cruz, a familiar character from Aria of Sorrow. Although the story is engaging, and you don’t need to have played the previous game to enjoy it, the real highlight is the combat. Dawn of Sorrow offers a wide variety of combat options, making gameplay more diverse and enjoyable. I also appreciated the Magic Seal system, which feels particularly intuitive on a touchscreen device like the Steam Deck, adding to the overall experience.
Konami has done an excellent job bringing this collection to modern platforms. It serves as a reminder of how remarkable the Castlevania series was at its peak, as these games represent some of the best the franchise has to offer. While Symphony of the Night is often credited with establishing the foundation for this new era of Castlevania, it took several iterations to refine and perfect the formula.
Unfortunately, by the time these handheld titles were released, many fans had grown weary of the familiar gameplay design. As a result, despite their quality, the games did not achieve the level of commercial success they deserved. The fatigue around the series at the time likely contributed to the lower sales, even though these games represent some of the franchise’s finest work.
Castlevania Dominus Collection Game Information
- Price: $19.99
- Publisher: Konami
- Developer: Konami
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
