When people hear the name “Castlevania,” they’re reminded of a long string of games that have consistently failed to bring back the thrill that the first game gave them. Not so much with the newest release: Lords of Shadow. Lords of Shadow was released for the Xbox 360 and for the PS3 back in October of 2010 and has brought fans back into the lore they all know and love.

In Lords of Shadow, you play as Gabriel Belmont, a warrior of the Brotherhood of Light sporting red armor, a combat cross and hair that would make Billy Ray Cyrus feel ashamed. He has been sent out by the Brotherhood to attempt to speak with his wife, who had been killed when evil consumed the land. After a brief conversation with her ghost, he heads out on a mission to dispose of the Lords of Shadow, who hold the power to stop this evil.

With its awesome graphics, epic cut scenes, gripping story, surprise ending and voice acting by British actor Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard of Star Trek), many people have forgiven Konami for their previous failures and have become exceedingly engrossed in the game. With some unlockable cheats, the replay value is fairly decent. However, there have been some complaints with it. For one, as many people have stated, the gameplay is very similar to that of God of War. Having played a little of God of War and Dante’s Inferno, another game with similar mechanics, I would have to agree with this group of gamers. Another critique, one that I would voice especially, pertains to Gabriel’s change by the end of the game. At the time you fight Satan, the final boss, Gabriel’s past sins are apparently forgiven, even up to the point where he’s brought back to life in order to finish Satan off. Yet, by the time you reach the end of the game, Gabriel has become a gloomy, emotional recluse (if you watch the surprise ending, you could probably guess why). What I don’t understand is why Gabriel, after receiving so much grace, mercy and forgiveness, would convert into such a dark character.

Perhaps the story will have a chance to redeem itself fairly soon. I am sure some of you have been wondering why I chose to write an article on a video game that is already four months old. The reason is that in April of 2011, new downloadable content (DLC) will be available for Lords of Shadow. This will include one level where you get to return to the castle in the land of the vampires. There is also a continuation of the events in the epilogue. Who knows? Maybe Gabriel will get a chance to fix his new, dark personality.

All in all, I have to give this game two thumbs up. It had a great story, the controls were easy to pick up and there is still something for fans to look forward to. And did I mention that Patrick Stewart is in it?