Castlevania Order of Ecclesia - Nintendo DS

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for Nintendo DS is the third and final installment in the acclaimed DS trilogy, delivering a dark, polished, and challenging action-platformer experience. Developed by Konami, this entry introduces a new protagonist, Shanoa, and a fresh combat system that sets it apart from previous Castlevania titles while staying true to the gothic atmosphere and tight gameplay fans expect.

Set after the disappearance of the Belmont clan, the game follows Shanoa, a member of the Ecclesia organization tasked with defeating Dracula using the power of glyphs—magical symbols that replace traditional weapons and spells. The glyph system allows players to absorb abilities from enemies and the environment, equipping them on the fly for customizable, combo-driven combat. With over 100 glyphs to collect, players can tailor their playstyle to focus on melee, magic, ranged attacks, or elemental damage.

Order of Ecclesia breaks from the traditional Metroidvania layout by featuring multiple distinct areas instead of one massive interconnected castle. Players travel from village to forest to mountain and beyond, each with its own secrets, enemies, and platforming challenges. NPCs and side quests play a larger role than ever before, encouraging exploration and rewarding those who help restore the world ravaged by Dracula’s return.

The game is known for its difficulty, requiring careful timing, resource management, and strategic use of glyphs—especially during its epic boss battles. Visually, it blends detailed 2D sprite work with haunting backgrounds and a dramatic, orchestral soundtrack that enhances the dark tone of the story.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to Castlevania, Order of Ecclesia offers one of the deepest and most refined experiences in the franchise’s handheld history.