Castlevania: LOS XBL demo out now

By Wesley Yin-Poole Published 4 October, 2010

Vampires! Whips! Twilight?

An Xbox 360 demo for MercurySteam's excellent action game Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is available to download now.

Queue it up so it's ready when you get home over at marketplace.xbox.com. But be warned: it's 1.6GB.

A PlayStation 3 demo is already available to download from the PlayStation Store.

Christian Donlan awarded Konami's 3D re-imagining a superb 8/10 in Eurogamer's review. Full game's out in the UK this Friday. A video showcasing the first 15 minutes is below.

Picture of Wesley.

About Wesley Yin-Poole

Wesley is Eurogamer's news editor. He likes news, interviews, and more news. He also likes Street Fighter more than anyone can get him to shut up about it.

Read more articles from Wesley by visiting the Wesley Yin-Poole archive page.

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Comments (59) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • TheElfishGene #1 2 years ago

    In the interests of pedantism it's actually 1.6 Gig
    Edited by TheElfishGene at 04/10/10 @ 16:16

  • randompanda #2 2 years ago

    Link to the Eurogamer review's wrong.

  • Jonathan_Fakenham #3 2 years ago

    I already preordered this. Let's just wait until Friday.

  • BBIAJ #4 2 years ago

    Awesome demo, glad I pre-ordered it, just a shame we're not getting the Limited Edition that the American's are privy to... :o(

  • Lord_Gremlin #5 2 years ago

    I thought the demo was garbage, especially combat system. Compared to Bayonetta, God of War 3, Ninja Gaiden 2 this game just... Pathetic.

  • Kazzahdrane #6 2 years ago

    Liked the demo, if I hadn't bought DR2 this would be getting purchased on Friday. One for next month!

  • wyp100 #7 2 years ago

    @TheElfishGene and randompanda

    Thanks and thanks. Fixed.

  • HisDudness #8 2 years ago

    Astro-Creature: I thought Dante's Inferno already held that title!

  • SG79 #9 2 years ago

    No no no, the vampires here suck blood, not....... you know.

  • JahB #10 2 years ago

    @HisDudness

    at least Dante's Inferno was entertaining. Judging from the demo, LoS is just another generic ripoff. What a blow to that license...

  • SG79 #11 2 years ago

    Well, the demo is on both stores and it resembles Castlevania taken into 3D. GOW did not invent QTE or the long range whip-like weapon or even giant boss battles, in fact, we had 3D Castlevanias that did it before. They just had other issues in execution, namely level design and pacing that kept them from being genuinely good.

    As excellent as GOW games were, they were nothing original, and the creators know it. Why everything is ultimately compared to it when Jaffe himself said he looked at DMC and Onimusha for inspiration is beyond me.

    Dante Inferno deserved the lashing because it copied the GOW formula to a tee. The narrative, the brutality etc. and took a step backwards and was a mere "enter an area, fight, move on" mold. It was dreadful.
    Edited by SG79 at 04/10/10 @ 17:05

  • BillPoon #12 2 years ago

    I'm not sure how anyone can hate on this demo. It has a talking horse with a Transylvanian accent! Can you imagine the possibilities?

  • Gambit1977 #13 2 years ago

    A 'superb' 8?
    What's a 9...and a 10?

  • darkmorgado #14 2 years ago

    @BillPoon

    It's just a shame it's not called Ed. That would have been the icing on the cake.

    And yeah, it seems weird when people are saying "it's a God of War ripoff" when God of War was ripoff itself, of games that were influenced heavily by... Castlevania.

    So it's ripping off a game that has its origins in the game that is supposedly ripping it off?

    /boggle

  • darkmorgado #15 2 years ago

    @Gambit1977

    Excellent and revolutionary, respectively, I guess. I know the old description for EDGE labelled a 10 as "revolutionary".

  • GamesConnoisseur #16 2 years ago

    Played PS3 demo and thought it was interesting, but was not awed as I was with Batman, but still rounds it charming enough to think it's ll do well.

  • DarkMoon #17 2 years ago

    I don't mind if it's a rip off of a rip off. As long as I'm having fun and enjoying it! Isn't that what matters? My only complaint is how come europe doesn't get a limited edition?

  • man.the.king #18 2 years ago

    @Astro-Creature

    "Most shameless God of War rip off I have ever seen LOL
    It's not even slightly like GOW, it's almost IDENTICAL. "

    You say it like it's a bad thing.

    In my book, if something is able to ape GOW well, then that's a good thing. Pre-ordered the Limited Ed :)

    For the record, I own and have played GOW Collection and GOW III Ultimate Ed (complete with a small Pandora's Box), so am quite familiar with GOW.
    Edited by man.the.king at 04/10/10 @ 17:41

  • Vyggo #19 2 years ago

    Demo was a bit short and not that great, but I still came out interested. I might pick games like this (and Enslaved) up when they are cheap, or rent it for a week.

  • layleeloo #20 2 years ago

    You havn't been missing much.

  • layleeloo #21 2 years ago

    @Astro-Creature & man.the.king.

    You guys are obviously oblivious to history. Im no Castlevania fanboy (I think the new demo is pretty pants tbh), but you do realise God of War was a rip off of Castlevania don't you? 3D Castlevania was done before God of War of which GOW nicked Castlevania ideas so actually GOW is a shameless IDENTICAL rip off of Castlevania. Not the other way round.
    Edited by layleeloo at 04/10/10 @ 18:14

  • AnsemsApprentice #22 2 years ago

    I'm not a fanboy of any kind, I'm just warning people that the frame-rate drops a hell of a lot more on the 360 version. I noticed it immediately, and there is a delay or something when you move Gabriel. I cancelled my 360 Pre-order and ordered it on PS3 instead.

    That's how noticeable it was to me any way. It's not unplayable but, I'd much rather have the smoother version. Lots of combat after all, and there were only a few werewolves on screen when I noticed the drops. I can't imagine what it must be like when there are bigger enemies, and more of them.

    If you have both consoles, compare the demo's and decide for yourself but I think the PS3 version is a lot better, to my surprise.
    Edited by AnsemsApprentice at 04/10/10 @ 18:27

  • layleeloo #23 2 years ago

    @AnsemsApprentice. Not surprising thought is it due to Castlevania's relationship with Sony. I havn't read that its been optimised for PS3 but it stands to reason that like Burnout, it would be a leader on the PS3. Which would be a nice change considering most games are optimal on the 360 bar a few. (I do have both machines as you can see in my collection before the fanboys jump on me! haha).

  • darkmorgado #24 2 years ago

    That's how noticeable it was to me any way. It's not unplayable but, I'd much rather have the smoother version. Lots of combat after all, and there were only a few werewolves on screen when I noticed the drops. I can't imagine what it must be like when there are bigger enemies, and more of them.

    It looked pretty smooth on the vid that EG posted earlier, and that was 360.

  • Tallon4 #25 2 years ago

    Just played both demos 2 times in a row but the PS3 demo runs a lot smoother and is way darker which is a good thing

  • darkmorgado #26 2 years ago

    Just played both demos 2 times in a row but the PS3 demo runs a lot smoother and is way darker which is a good thing

    That's why my TV comes with adjustable brightness and contrast.

  • Goodfella #27 2 years ago

    Several reviews (including Gamespot) have stated that the frame rate is not as stable on the 360 version.

    That's a fact folks, don't start negging!

  • Tallon4 #28 2 years ago

    @Darkmorgado:
    I've got a calibrated Pioneer Kuro so don't worry settings are wrong :p
    Edited by Tallon4 at 04/10/10 @ 19:22

  • darkmorgado #29 2 years ago

    I'm getting it on 360 anyway, mainly because I just prefer the pad, and I like the neatness of having my multiplatform achievs in one place. I *nearly* got enslaved for PS3, on the basis that I thought the devs would have used the PS3 as the dev lead given their experience, but again I decided to go for the 360.

    Oh well, there's LBP2 coming soon, so my PS3 will see some loving again :-)

  • darkmorgado #30 2 years ago

    @Tallon4

    But my point was that, even if it isn't as dark on one platform, you can just adjust the settings, either on your TV or in the game (I noticed on the EG vid there is a calibration tool before you start playing).

  • darkmorgado #31 2 years ago

    @android123

    While normally I would balk before even thinking of agreeing with you, (and pointing out here that I haven't played the demo on my PS3), I have to admit I have seen no problems with 360 framerate. If there are, then they are slight enough that they wouldn't worry me.

    I guess this is one for the face-off

    /shrugs

  • AnsemsApprentice #32 2 years ago

    Well that's what I've observed. I'm still playing both demos right now, and the 360 one just isn't as smooth. This will be the only multi-platform game to date I have ever purchased on the PS3. What can I say, we all perceive things differently I guess.

  • gillri #33 2 years ago

    @AnsemsApprentice

    Me too first ever multi plat on PS3, it just feels like more of a PS3 game to me

  • Goodfella #34 2 years ago

    Oh God, android again.

    Just read the Gamespot review, they have played the full game and clearly state, and I quote, " It's also worth noting that while the PlayStation 3 version maintains a steady frame rate, the Xbox 360 version occasionally hiccups during action sequences and cutscenes."

    I couldn't give a crap really owning both systems but for you attempt to turn it round in the 360's favour and say the 360 version is smoother is f**king laughable.

    Edited by Goodfella at 04/10/10 @ 19:39

  • Tallon4 #35 2 years ago

    @Darkmorgado: I see your point, but with that basic tool it's gets darker indeed but you hardly see anything anymore, while the PS3 version is darker but still everything is perfectly visible.

    Don't know if you understand, kinda hard to explain in English because I'm Dutch :)
    Edited by Tallon4 at 04/10/10 @ 19:38

  • Tallon4 #36 2 years ago

    Cox can say all he like, but DF will prove him wrong :)

  • darkmorgado #37 2 years ago

    @Tallon4

    I get what you're saying, which (if I understand correctly) seems more to do with actual depth of colour than brightness itself (such as when you get reviews of Blu-rays saying about "really rich blacks";).
    Either way, I'm not so pedantic as to let something like brightness or the occasional framerate dip influence my choice of platform. I'm far more influenced by things such as the controller I find more comfortable, my friendslist, etc - so for me, multiplatforms (with very rare exception) are 360 every time.

  • Tallon4 #38 2 years ago

    @Darkmorgado: Don't worry, I'm not trying to sell you the game for PS3 :)
    I was just commenting on the graphics. I like the 360 controller too...but for this kind of game the PS3 triggers are not that bad. The don't have that much 'travel' and I get the feeling I can dodge faster on my PS3 demo.

    Maybe I'm crazy, but the rain effect on PS3 also seems more convincing.

    Anyway, I hope you enjoy your game. I was not trying to make you angry. Sorry if it seemed that way.

  • TRUTH #39 2 years ago

    Just played on 360, got the demo first on PS3 last week - couldn't notice any difference - there were the odd rare frame drop (when a killing) in both but very rare.

  • darkmorgado #40 2 years ago

    @Tallon4

    No no, not at all :-) I enjoy a bit of banter! If anything I think I may have confused Android123 as he always accuses me of being a Sony fanboy. It must blow his mind to see me showing preference towards the 360. I can imagine him right now, rocking in a corner, whimpering "but... but.. but..."

    ;-)

  • darkmorgado #41 2 years ago

    I'm just glad you've come across from the dark side and finally understand how great the 360 is.

    Lol, mate I have always held a preference for the 360. I only use my PS3 for exclusives and Blu-Rays. But just because I like Demon's Souls but think Fable 2 is overrated youve always accused me of being a fanboy.

    The funny thing is, I am accused of being a Sony fanboy as much as I am of being a 360 fanboy, and again for the Wii. If you are getting the same insult from every group, then on balance you must be pretty even.

  • Tallon4 #42 2 years ago

    @Darkmorgado : ah I see :)

    I must say the respond of Android is really hilarious as well.
    English people sure have a great sense of humour :)


    Must say that I don't care which console to play on if the games are identical. I just wanna play the game, no matter on what console.
    Edited by Tallon4 at 04/10/10 @ 20:12

  • darkmorgado #43 2 years ago

    @Tallon4

    We do, but I think perhaps in Android123's case you are confusing a sense of humour for simple idiocy

    ;-)

  • jackdoe #44 2 years ago

    That is a large as hell demo. It may actually be larger than the PS3 demo. Maybe they didn't gimp the FMV for the 360 and maintain the same bitrate across the PS3 and 360. Would help explain why the game comes on two discs for the 360.

  • darkmorgado #45 2 years ago

    Must say that I don't care which console to play on if the games are identical. I just wanna play the game, no matter on what console.

    Yeah, I broadly agree. Like I said before though, I just find the 360 pad more comfortable (PS3 is too small for my hands, and I don't like the triggers), and all my friends are on 360 along with having all my achievs in one place. Last PS3 game I bought was Modnation Racers. Looking forward to Infamous 2, LBP2 and KZ3 (which looks more interesting than the second, which I didn't like). On 360 I am looking forward to Fable 3, DR2: Case West (huge DR fan) and all the multiplatform stuff. And the Wii - Zelda, Kirby, etc.

    Platforms be damned - it's the GAMES I am passionate about.

  • Goodfella #46 2 years ago

    @dm

    Exactly, it's all about the games, these console fantards should just f**k off.

  • Tallon4 #47 2 years ago

    @Darkmorgado and Goodfella: Damn right. The games are all that matters !

  • spekkeh #48 2 years ago

    Is this a proper demo, or simply the first few minutes of the game? I'm already pretty confident on buying the game, so would hate to spoil the opening sequence for myself (by having to play it again).
    Edited by spekkeh at 04/10/10 @ 23:15

  • darkmorgado #49 2 years ago

    @spekkeh

    It seems like it's basically the opening level of the game - so no, not really representative of the game as a whole.

  • SteveHolt #50 2 years ago

    I didn't like the demo, much to my surprise. 2nd tier beat'em all, hate the camera, and the horse section is pointless. Stunning presentation, though.

  • darkmorgado #51 2 years ago

    Sigh, look at some sad little troll negging me for no reason. Have I done something to upset you, troll? Or is this some idignation at me dissecting your points, or your stupid attempt to get one back because you are the one of many people who've been banned for targeting me?

    Grow a pair, and stand up and be counted.
    Edited by darkmorgado at 05/10/10 @ 00:14

  • darkmorgado #52 2 years ago

    @SteveHolt

    Negged you, but only because I think it is unfair to judge a 20 hour + game based on a demo that is clearly just the opening level which will always have some overly-conspicuous handholding and have most of the mechanics locked away.

  • digoutyoursoul #53 2 years ago

    Goodfella: "Exactly, it's all about the games, these console fantards should just f**k off"

    n4g is the worst, its the mos eisley of gaming websites

    played both versions, noticed no difference at all.

  • RKOwned #54 2 years ago

    Still would like to see a Comparison of the final game even though I already sent for the PS3 version from gamefly.

  • TRUTH #55 2 years ago

    Both versions on the demo seem just about the same, the odd drop of frame happened on both consoles - never at the same time and very rarely (i played x4 on PS3, X3 on 360)...I know this is a demo, but I hope it's more then hack and slash. Hope the adventure, rpg elements, puzzles solving is more expanded rather then non stop hack and slash.

  • Half-assed #56 2 years ago

    Is this better than Robot Unicorn Attack?

  • kinky_mong #57 2 years ago

    Just played both demos 2 times in a row but the PS3 demo runs a lot smoother and is way darker which is a good thing

    I found the 360 demo too dark in the first bit of the demo and could barely see the enemies half the time, I don't see how being darker would be a good thing?

    Anyway I found the demo very underwhelming and it has put me off buying the game this weekend, and instead I'm holding off until it's much cheaper.

    I played the Enslaved demo last night as well and was equally underwhelmed.

  • RKOwned #58 2 years ago

    Anyone else notice 360 demo was maybe a bit darker?

  • TRUTH #59 2 years ago

    No I didn't, even then just put the brightness slightly higher at the game setting at the beginning (masks).