During our coverage of Comic Con 2013 Genevieve got to speak with the creative minds behind the next chapter in the Castlevania series. Konami were amazing hosts during the show from the comfy suite, great food and town car, and amazing games, this was the place to be.
When one hears the word “producer” the image most are familiar with is the one of a financial backer of a movie or play. It brings to mind someone whose only real involvement in a production is economic, never emotional or hands-on. In a meeting with Dave Cox, producer of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, I learned that image was far from accurate.
From concept to programming to design, Cox was as hands-on as he could get, even sitting in on Robert Carlyle’s and Patrick Stewarts voice recordings for the game’s main protagonist, Gabriel Belmont and Zobek. When asked what he was most proud of in making this sequel, Cox said it was the story. In the first Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, players learned of the connection with the Belmonts and Dracula. In the sequel, fans are told to expect new twists and challenges for Belmont, who is weakened and yearning for release from his immortal bonds. “You can feel the weariness and emotion,” Cox said, “You’ll even hear Robert weep!”
Originally announced in 2012, Cox explained one of his biggest challenges in developing the game was deciding when they’ve done “enough” because technology is always changing. They had to stave off “feature creep”, the desire to add features that new technology just made available that they didn’t know they could do when they started designing two years ago. That being said, Cox was certain the game that will be released later this year will most likely be even more enhanced by the time the final version is released.
Cox wanted to improve on the previous game by giving it a more open play feel that allows exploration while keeping a scripted story line. Fans will be happy to know that this game doesn’t rely on quick time events like its predecessor, and the fixed camera was replaced by a 360 field and improved frame rate. Cox was especially enthusiastic about the artwork and I have to agree the attention to detail in the game’s scenes and backdrops is impressive. Cox explained that the Spain-based Mercury Steam artists and designers can’t help but draw inspiration from the architectural history of their surroundings in Madrid.
In Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, players control the game’s main protagonist Gabriel Belmont, now known as Dracula. In the demo we played, Dracula had to battle armored monsters and wargs .The combat system is based on the previous game but Gabriel’s weapons now include a Blood Whip, Void Sword and Chaos Claws. Combos are still strung together with strong direct attacks, and lighter attacks with more range. Dracula can collect blood from the enemies he fights. When the Void Sword is activated, Dracula can regain health when enemies are struck with it. Chaos Claws gives Dracula a pair of claws that will help him break through enemy defenses.
In addition to the release of LoS2 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, Konami will also be re-releasing Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate in HD for PS3 and Xbox 360. Cox stated they are looking into a PC version but shouldn’t expect a PS Vita version.
Editors Note
Gen went toe to toe with the gigantic boss of the demo we played as well as moped up several of the enemy minions that she encountered during her hands on play with the awesome game. She had skill and grace as she matched timed jumps with devastating attacks as the game has plenty of challenges. I wish we could show you video of the massive Titan she scaled while dodging arrows from flying bad guys and dealing with their minion’s ground attacks.
Suffice it to say she did an amazing job.
