The E3 hype train has now officially started chugging out of the station, as Konami unveiled late last night, among a few other things (including an INCREDIBLE batshit insane trailer for Metal Gear Revengeance. We’ll get to that.), a 4 minute trailer for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2.
The original game was a genuinely well-done, consistent bit of action gaming for 99% of its 10-ish hours. Then the post-credits scene happened. And shit got real. Unfortunately, it seems like we’re not taking that jaw-dropper of a twist to its ultimate conclusion, least not at first, but we’re still in pretty amazing territory, picking up where LoS 1‘s DLC left off, with Gabriel Belmont now fully taking up his mantle as Dracula. The synopsis below is from the newly launched website for the game.
“In Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, the origin of Dracula and his legendary connection with the Belmonts was revealed. In Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, fans can expect thrilling new twists and challenges. In this shocking conclusion to the Lords of Shadow saga, Dracula returns once again, weakened and yearning for release from his immortal bonds. Facing a new and powerful threat, the vampire lord must reacquire his old powers – and only his castle holds the key. However, the famed Belmont clan also seek his ultimate destruction.”
The interesting word in there is “conclusion”. Konami quitting while they’re ahead is unlike them (see Metal Gear, DDR, and we’re one more weaksauce title away from seeing the bottom of the Silent Hill barrel), so the fact that they’ve got an endgame in mind is definitely a good thing. However, this game not fulfilling the promise of the last game’s post-credit scene would represent a vast universe of missed opportunities. Regardless, Konami doesn’t have a whole lot to fix here. More Lords of Shadow is a good thing no matter what happens. And the trailer certainly promises the kind of kickassery they delivered in the first. Also: ALUCARD.