We take a look at the Chapter 7 and Yoko Belnades DLC for Castlevania Harmony of Despair.
Chapter 7 DLC Review
Castlevania is a franchise that has always been an interesting one to follow. From their 2D side-scrolling masterworks, to their attempt at a fighting game, Konami always has experimented with incorporating different themes and genres into the series. With the recently release of Lords of Shadow, it’s also easy to forget that an XBLA Castlevania offering was recently released as well. Castlevania: Harmony of Despair is one of the more interesting entries in the franchise as it focuses on looting more than actual adventure. While we’ve already had the review of the game here though, there is a new chapter to the story. The DLC.
Castlevania: HoD’s new DLC incorporates a Pyramid level reminiscent of the same level in Portrait of Ruin. Also included in this DLC pack are 2 new enemies, a handful of new items, and a new spell for Charlotte. A quick rundown of some of the new available collectibles include:
Spell: Delta Spark – Charlotte fire green triangles in front of her foes for damage
Soul: Mummy – Soma extends a bandaged hand outward
Item: Royal Crown – Head wear for all characters raising INT, MND, LCK, DEF, and some resistances
Hidden Item: Vic13 – The hidden item in this level
There are a few more, but there are a couple more gems. Also, some Chapter 6 drops now drop more frequently such as the Valmanway and Winged Boots making Chapter 7 ideal for farming.
So, is the Chapter 7 DLC worth actually paying and playing? For fans of the game that love playing speed runs and farming, this is a nice addition and worth the 400 :MSPoints: to pick up. The only complaint I had was that Shanoa was once again shafted in regards to no additional glyphs, but hopefully more DLC will arrive to fix that problem.
Yoko Belnades Character Pack DLC
While Castlevania: Harmony of Despair has been out for a bit, fans have been chomping at the bit to see some new characters enter the fray. Finally after some issues to get some characters added, Konami has responded with 2 new characters. They are Julius Belmont and Yoko Belnades. For the purpose of this, I’ll be speaking specifically about the new character of Yoko Belnades.
Yoko is not one of the most prominent characters of the Castlevania universe. However is you turn your Castlevania bibles to Soma, chapter 4, “And Yoko of the Belnades clan, did doth approach Soma and say, I am here to help. I shall teach you seals”. Yoko originally appeared in Aria of Sorrow for Gameboy advance offering advice to Soma, and later returned in Dawn of sorrow as a shopkeeper of sorts to assist Soma in releasing and changing collected souls. Afterwards she can be unlocked as a playable character with much of the same move set she possesses in Castlevania HD.
Yoko’s move set is quite basic in her latest out. Armed with 3 spells, a melee, and back flip, her arsenal may seem lacking. Her three spells though, once maxed, can do some serious damage. Her first spell, Holy Flame, is very similar to a fire blast that originates at her hand and can usually hit twice if timed correctly. Secondly, her Holy Lighting spell shoots small orbs of electricity that chase down foes and can multi-hit as well. Finally her Blue Splash spell shoots spears of ice in multiple directions depending on the level of the spell.
While Yoko’s spells may be impressive, she is unable to change her melee weapon, the Belnades staff. While her melee attack can do decent damage, it is still a slow attack and its range is extremely close. This should only be used to conserve MP or for weaker enemies that can be taken out with a couple hits. Also another interesting thing is that when crouching, she will kick as her melee attack. However, the damage done does not change going from normal to crouching attack.
Unfortunately, Yoko does have some hindrances that are apparent in her latest outing. Her spell book is only her initial 3 starting spells with no new spells to be obtained. Also she is unable to change weapons at all. She is also missing the ability to do a jump kick meaning that she cannot reach some areas of the levels.
While all these things may seem like hindrances, Yoko can be transformed into a damage dealing machine when put into capable hands. With 3 easily leveled spells and a decent MP recovery rate, Yoko can be a valuable asset either alone OR to a team and should be overlooked.
If interested in this character, Yoko can be downloaded from XBL for 240 :MSPoints: here.
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