If you loved the Netflix Castlevania show (which actually took visual cues from this game) and want to see a tragic hero’s fall from grace, buy this game. If you are a fan of Dark Souls or God of War (2018) and want to see a predecessor’s DNA, buy this game.

Just remember: Turn off the gamepad vibration (it glitches sometimes), save the Resurrection DLC for last, and prepare to cry when you hear the main theme during the credits.

For decades, the Castlevania franchise was synonymous with 2D side-scrolling action, Gothic horror, and the legendary music of Michiru Yamane. However, in 2010, Spanish developer MercurySteam took a colossal risk. They took the whip-wielding Belmont clan out of Dracula’s hallway and into a sprawling, cinematic 3D world. The result was Castlevania: Lords of Shadow .

Most importantly, the frame rate is unlocked. On a modern gaming PC, you can play the entire game at a silky smooth 60 FPS (or higher). This transforms the combat. The original game ran at 30 FPS on consoles, which made timing parries and dodges slightly sluggish. At 60 FPS, the Combat Cross feels responsive and crisp.