Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate Hot

As many know, I love me some Castlevania. It is indeed one of my favourite video game series of all time. I've been a little saddened that since Mercury Steam have taken over the reigns of the franchise, it's looking ever more likely that the storyline of old has been abandoned as has the classic continuity, and this game, Castlevania's debut on the 3DS, is tieing directly in to Lords of Shadow 2. Being a massive return to the side scrolling platform affair that the Castlevania's are best known for, I was very much anticipating this game. The bottom screen is used as a minimap (whatelse?) while the top displays the 3D visuals, it wasn't long before the 3D was switched off however as it really added nothing to the experience. The graphics are a strange blend, the game feeling much like Dracula X Chronicles on the PSP with 3D character models and stages, but 3D simply isn't precise enough as the wonderful 2D games, and the collision detection, though good, is always going to be off a little. Maddenly, the game insisted during my short playthrough on throwing few enemies at you, but making them a lengthy process to kill. Classic Metroidvania's had plentiful enemies requiring a reasonable about of skill, and some well placed timing. Mirror of Fate simply had you battering them for an over lengthy duration until they become stunned so you can finish them off with a battle ending grab attack. It's strange, as it attempts to translate the long, duke-out style matches of Lords of Shadow in a completely different environment, and presents in a way that only makes you wish for the Castlevania of old. It's a shame as I was massively looking forward to this game, maybe the final product will surprise.