Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Review - A Bloody Good Crossover

Dunia Game - Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Review - A Bloody Good Crossover. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is a new DLC that pays homage to the classic Castlevania series, adding new weapons, enemies, bosses, and outfits to the roguelike action game.

Find out why it's a must-play for fans of both franchises in our review.

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Review - A Bloody Good Crossover

Dead Cells is one of the best roguelike action games ever made, thanks to its fast-paced combat, varied gameplay, and constant updates.

The latest DLC, Return to Castlevania, is a special treat for fans of the Castlevania series, as it brings some of its most iconic elements into the Dead Cells universe.

You can explore Dracula's castle, fight familiar foes, wield legendary weapons, and dress up as your favorite vampire hunters.

It's a crossover that works surprisingly well, as both games share a similar DNA of challenging and rewarding gameplay, Gothic atmosphere, and pixel art graphics.

Return to Castlevania is a short but sweet adventure that will make you feel like you're playing a new Castlevania game with a Dead Cells twist.

Gameplay: A Symphony of the Night

The gameplay of Return to Castlevania is largely the same as the base game, with some tweaks and additions to fit the Castlevania theme.

You start by talking to Richter Belmont in the Prisoner's Quarters, who will give you a whip and a sub-weapon, such as a dagger or a cross. You then enter a new door that leads you to the outskirts of Dracula's castle, where you will face new enemies, such as skeletons, bats, and zombies.

The castle is divided into several biomes, each with its own theme, layout, and secrets. You will also encounter new bosses, such as Medusa, Death, and Dracula himself, who will test your skills and reflexes.

The gameplay is fast, fluid, and fun, as you slash, whip, and dodge your way through the hordes of enemies. The whip is a versatile weapon that can hit multiple targets, deflect projectiles, and grapple onto ledges. The sub-weapons are useful for dealing extra damage, stunning enemies, or creating traps.

You can also find and unlock new weapons and skills, such as the Vampire Killer, the Holy Water, and the Stopwatch, which are inspired by the Castlevania series. The weapons and skills are well-balanced and varied, allowing you to experiment with different combinations and strategies.

The gameplay is not without its flaws, however. The difficulty level is quite high, especially for newcomers, as the enemies and bosses can deal a lot of damage and have tricky patterns. The game also has some RNG elements, such as the loot drops, the biome order, and the enemy spawns, which can make some runs easier or harder than others.

The game also has some technical issues, such as occasional lag, crashes, and bugs, which can affect the performance and the enjoyment of the game.

Presentation: A Rondo of Blood

The presentation of Return to Castlevania is impressive, as it captures the essence and the charm of the Castlevania series. The graphics are colorful, detailed, and animated, with a pixel art style that fits both games.

The environments are rich and diverse, with references and easter eggs to the Castlevania series, such as the clock tower, the library, and the throne room.

The character models are faithful and expressive, with outfits and animations that match their personalities. The effects are flashy and satisfying, with blood splatters, explosions, and sparks.

The sound design is also immersive, with realistic and impactful sounds of weapons, enemies, and environment. The voice acting is decent, with some familiar and new voices for the characters.

The music is the highlight of the presentation, as it features remixes and original tracks from the Castlevania series, such as Vampire Killer, Bloody Tears, and Dance of Illusions. The music is catchy, atmospheric, and epic, enhancing the mood and the tone of the game.

The presentation is not perfect, however. The graphics can be pixelated and blurry, especially on handheld mode, which can affect the visibility and the aesthetics of the game.

The sound design can also be inconsistent, with some sounds being too loud or too quiet, or missing altogether. The voice acting can also be cheesy, with some lines being poorly written or delivered. The music can also be repetitive, as some tracks are reused or looped too often.

Conclusion

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is a fantastic DLC that pays tribute to the Castlevania series, while adding new and exciting content to the Dead Cells game. The gameplay is challenging and enjoyable, the presentation is stunning and nostalgic, and the crossover is seamless and respectful.

The DLC is not very long, lasting about two to three hours, but it has a lot of replay value, as you can try different weapons, skills, and routes, or increase the difficulty level. The DLC is also not very expensive, costing only $4.99, which is a fair price for the quality and the quantity of the content.

If you are a fan of Dead Cells, Castlevania, or both, you should definitely play this DLC, as it will give you a bloody good time.