A brand new daybreak of Castlevania began 20 years in the past, as Daybreak of Sorrow first launched on the Nintendo DS in Japan on twenty fifth August 2025.
Following on immediately from the ultimate Castlevania GBA title, Aria of Sorrow, Daybreak of Sorrow had large footwear to fill; a shift in artwork path and the implementation of the contact display screen meant that it is wasn’t as nicely beloved as its predecessor, however the recreation finally kick-started one other handheld trio that, arguably, is the best period for the sequence.
Moreover the Magic Seal system — the place you needed to memorise and draw a seal after beating a boss to defeat them — that is all very acquainted Castlevania stuff. The Tactical Soul system from Aria makes its return right here, however the true draw is the power to point out the fortress map on the highest display screen so you possibly can observe your progress as you go.
Going down within the yr 2036, Soma Cruz returns because the protagonist, and as soon as once more he makes an attempt to cease the resurrection of Dracula. Now, if you happen to’ve performed Aria, you realize the large twist, so we’ll hold that beneath wraps.
However that is in any other case extra strong Castlevania RPG motion, with a wide range of weapons and enemies to deal with. Oh, and a few wonderful sprite work. Soul and merchandise drop charges are completely busted although… oh nicely!
The sport was included in final yr’s wonderful Castlevania Dominus Assortment, which additionally brings Portrait of Break, Order of Ecclesia, and a full remake of Haunted Fort (alongside the unique arcade launch). That model additionally largely fixes the Magic Seal system — as in, you need to use button prompts or simply rewind if you happen to mess up. We completely did not do the latter. Nope.
Anyway, come have a good time the Daybreak of Sorrow (the sport, not the precise daybreak of sorrow… we hope you are all blissful) within the feedback, and share your recollections with the sport down under. Is it your favorite DS entry? Inform us!
