December 31^st, 2004 (3:30pm) - In their February issue, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) has given readers a first look at Castlevania DS for Nintendo’s dual-screened handheld, the Nintendo DS. Although we cannot present readers with images of the game at the current time, we can provide some of the first details regarding, what should be, one of the Nintendo DS’ most anticipated games.

Castlevania DS will continue the Game Boy Advance series of Castlevania games, being a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. Yes folks, Castlevania DS is 2D platformer in the style of its GBA predecessors.

Many of the characters from Aria of Sorrow will return, including its protagonist Soma Cruz, who, from the looks of it, once again will be the game’s main character. In addition, the game will feature more weapons, more souls (which give players unique powers) and more enemies on screen at a single moment. Also, Soma can even summon an army of Archers to do as he wishes (or as players wish).

Of course, Castlevania DS will attempt utilize many of the Nintendo DS’ unique features. The top screen of the dual-screened handheld with feature the game’s map and the condition/health of their character. The bottom will, of course, feature all the 2D action. The stylus will be used "seal" the souls of the game’s bosses once their HP reaches zero. Also, the game will utilize the Nintendo DS’ wireless functions, allowing players to trade souls and customized maps. Koji Igarashi, the game’s producer/director, has stated that he also hopes to include a versus multiplayer mode, but the inclusion of that gameplay feature depends on time restrictions.

In regards to that soul capturing system for the game’s bosses, in order to do this players will have to pay attention to how a set order of lines appear on screen then correctly draw the shape to capture the boss’ soul (which I’m assuming is similar to casting spells in the PC hit Black & White). If players fail to draw the shape correctly, the boss will regain some health and the battle will continue.

Technically, the 2D visuals of Castlevania DS are being compared to the PlayStation classic Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, however, Igarashi has said that he hopes to push the game’s visual appearance beyond that of Symphony of the Night. In addition, the development teams hopes to make full use of the Nintendo DS’ music and audio capabilities, which are significantly better than the capabilities of the Game Boy Advance. Series composer Michiru Yamane will supervise the music production and even pen a few key tracks herself.

We hope to have more information regarding this sure-to-be Nintendo DS blockbuster sometime soon. Until then, pick up the February issue of EGM to see the first images of the game in action.