The newest installment in the legendary Castlevania series comes to the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system with an entirely new storyline and main character Hector, one of two Devil Forgemasters, who had once refined his skills under Dracula.

Disillusioned with the ideals of his mentor, Hector fled Vallachia to pursue a more normal life, leaving Dracula vulnerable to the Belmonts. Now, three years after Dracula was defeated in battle, the magic power of the curse released upon his death has infected all of Europe. As the continent succumbs to pestilence, heresy and mob violence, Isaac a former friend and fellow Devil Forgemaster suddenly appears. Believing their master's death was a result of Hector's betrayal, Isaac implicates his friend's beloved in a deadly witch trial. Fueled by revenge, Hector sets off on a journey to his former home, which is now completely morphed in dark magic, to confront Isaac.

Features:
* The Castlevania series, which has always portrayed the battle between the Belmont family and Dracula, introduces an entirely new hero in its latest installment, the Devil Forgemaster

* Utilize the unique new skills of Devil Forgery to develop and enhance "Innocent Devils" allies that will help to conquer enemies, evade traps and solve challenging puzzles

* Strong RPG and adventure game elements featuring character growth based on accumulated experience points

* Experience a deep storyline that unfolds against a backdrop of beautifully rendered, expansive environments.

* Increased number of unlockable features to enhance replayability

* Features an entirely new original musical score from Michiru Yamane
Created by award-winning producer Koji Igarashi

NCS Game Notes
* The date is 1476 in Valachia - Dracula wages war on humanity and appears to be dominant until a true blooded vampire hunter named Simon Belmont rises to the dark lord's challenge. Three years have passed since the passing of Dracula and the invocation of his curse...

* In the intro to the game, Hector runs to a castle and yells out for Isaac to appear. He's been tracking Isaac for a long time. As the story goes, Hector betrayed Dracula and he wants to exact revenge for the death of his woman Rosaly. Isaac has summoned a demon by his side and he shares the summoning power with the hero Hector which is known as devil forging power. After threatening to torment Hector, Isaac and demon walk off into the darkness and Hector has to descend into darkness and reclaim his cursed power once more in order to battle Isaac.

* Control is handled through the L-Analog stick and the "O" button allows Hector to perform a jump or double-tap it for a double jump. The SQUARE button unleashes a side stroke from Hector's sword.

* The beginning of the game is boring and tedious if Hector leaves the castle to explore outside for a bit. Hector runs around with no enemies to fight and only purple torches to hold his interest. At the end of a run along a cliff, he eventually is able to pick up a potion. One potion. Hactor wears a red sash which billows out from the left side of his waist. When he jumps, the sash shimmers and catches the light.

* If Hector proceeds inside the castle, he'll battle a one armed ogre who attacks with a cudgel in its right hand while a chain dangles from where its left arm used to be. Pitiful and yet dangerous, Hector can slice from behind the behemoth and kill it with about 8 strokes. Once dead, it self-immolates and disappears.

* Saving game data in Curse of Darkness is a fairly elaborate affair. Hector sits on a throne in comtemplative manner and gossamer wings from the throne wrap around him while loosened feathers flutter to the floor.

* Skeletal warriors and wolves appear with a blur of black smoke from the ground. They're no threat but Hector will eventually enter a room in the castle which is filled with skeletons and a purple ogre which presents more of a challenge than the rank and file beasts.

* Hector later wins a new friend that is reminiscent of Tinkerbell from the Peter Pan mythos. The friend is called an "Innocent Devil Infant Fairy" and is named Raji by default. It possesses little wings and a Tinkerbell-like sprinkling of dust as it hovers. I.D.s have the ability to open up treasure chests and restore HP or heal status ailments. If Hector is hurt when the I.D. is bound to him, it will dive at Hector and heal him with a yelp of seeming glee. The I.D. will also automatically open up chests.