View source for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow


{{Redirect|Lords of Shadow}}


{{Infobox video game
| image = Castlevania Lords of Shadow.png
| caption = European box art
| developer = [[MercurySteam]]{{efn|[[Kojima Productions]] assisted on development. [[Climax Studios]] ported the [[Windows]] version.}}
| publisher = [[Konami]]
| director = Enric Álvarez
| producer = Jose Raluy<br />Dave Cox<br />[[Hideo Kojima]]
| artist = Juan Antonio Alcázar<br />Jose Luis Vaello
| writer = Enric Álvarez<br />Dave Cox<br />Eddie Deighton
| composer = Óscar Araujo
| series = ''[[Castlevania]]''
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|
 |[[PlayStation 3]]
 |[[Xbox 360]]
 |[[Windows]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list
  |title = {{nobold|October 5, 2010}}
  |'''PlayStation 3, Xbox 360'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|October 5, 2010<ref name="Computer&VG">{{cite web|title=LGC: Jericho dev shows Lords of Shadow|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=195658|publisher=computerandvideogames.com|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025044636/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/195658/lgc-jericho-dev-shows-lords-of-shadow/|archive-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref><ref name="ignrelease">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/18/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-dated|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Dated|publisher=IGN|date=August 18, 2010|access-date=August 18, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821235345/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/111/1114103p1.html|archive-date=August 21, 2010}}</ref>|EU|October 8, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=260731?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-News-RSS|title=Gamescom 2010: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow dated for Europe|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|date=August 18, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025180355/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/260731/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-dated-for-europe/?attr=CVG-News-RSS|archive-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>|AUS|October 19, 2010}}{{vgrelease|JP|December 16, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersyde.com/game_1869_en.html|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|publisher=Gamersyde|access-date=October 3, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012004638/http://www.gamersyde.com/game_1869_en.html|archive-date=October 12, 2010}}</ref>}}
  |'''Windows'''<br />[[Steam (service)|Steam]]{{vgrelease|WW|August 27, 2013}} Retail{{vgrelease|WW|August 30, 2013}}
  }}
| genre = [[Action-adventure]], [[hack and slash]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Castlevania: Lords of Shadow'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Castlevania: Lords of Shadow'''''|キャッスルヴァニア ロード オブ シャドウ|Kyassuruvania Rōdo obu Shadō}}}} is a 2010 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[MercurySteam]] and published by [[Konami]]. It was released on October 5, 2010, for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]], with a [[Windows]] version released on August 27, 2013.<ref name="pcport">{{cite web|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition heading to PC in August|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/05/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-ultimate-edition-heading-to-pc-in-august/|publisher=VG247|access-date=June 5, 2013|author=Nunneley, Stephany|date=June 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608061142/http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/05/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-ultimate-edition-heading-to-pc-in-august/|archive-date=June 8, 2013}}</ref> The game is a reboot of the ''[[Castlevania]]'' series. Set in Southern Europe during the [[Middle Ages]], the story focuses on [[List of Castlevania characters#Gabriel Belmont|Gabriel Belmont]] and his quest to defeat a malevolent order known as the Lords of Shadow and resurrect his wife. The player controls Gabriel in 3D environments as he uses melee skills to defeat enemies and solves [[puzzle video game|puzzles]] to move through the game.

The game was originally announced as ''Lords of Shadow'' with no connection to the ''Castlevania'' series mentioned. This was done to keep their plans to radically change the direction of the ''Castlevania'' [[mythos]] a secret and to prevent the announcement of the game from upstaging another series release, ''[[Castlevania Judgment]]''. [[Hideo Kojima]], creator of the ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series, helped produce the title. The music was composed by Spanish composer Óscar Araujo, who was acclaimed for his work on the game.

The game sold well and received positive reviews from video game publications. It was praised for new elements it provided to the franchise, with particular praise for its story, combat, visuals, music, and art direction. Konami requested that the development team produce more titles related to ''Lords of Shadow''. This includes two sequels titled ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate]]'' and ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2]]''.

==Gameplay==
[[File:CV Combat Cross.png|thumb|left|The player character Gabriel can use the Combat Cross to swing across gaps.]]
''Lords of Shadow'' is a third-person action-adventure game in which the player controls the main character, [[List of Castlevania characters#Gabriel Belmont|Gabriel Belmont]].<ref name="LordsOfShadow">{{cite web|title=Kotaku – Kojima Taking On Castlevania With Lords of Shadow – E3|date=June 2, 2009|url=https://kotaku.com/kojima-taking-on-castlevania-with-lords-of-shadow-5274898|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010045137/http://kotaku.com/5274898/kojima-taking-on-castlevania-with-lords-of-shadow|archive-date=October 10, 2012}}</ref><ref name="GameplayTrailer">{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/videos/48935/Castlevania-Lords-of-Shadow-Gameplay-Trailer|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Gameplay Trailer in High Definition –|publisher=G4tv.com|date=September 27, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310080206/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/48935/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-gameplay-trailer/|archive-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref><ref name=JoyStiqPrev>{{cite web|last=Nelson|first=Randy|title=Impressions: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-preview|publisher=Joystiq|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412014746/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-preview|archive-date=April 12, 2010|access-date=April 9, 2010}}</ref> The combat involves a retractable chain whip called the Combat Cross. The player can perform up to forty unlockable [[Combo (video gaming)|combos]] with it.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/> The commands consist of direct attacks for dealing damage to single enemies, and weak area attacks when surrounded by them. It is also capable of interactions with secondary weapons, such as knives, holy water and other items which can be upgraded.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/> In addition, the Combat Cross's melee skills can be combined with the Light and Shadow magic system, which are spells aimed at defense and aggression, respectively.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/><ref name="IGNPrev"/> The whip is upgradeable<ref name=IGNPrev>{{cite web|author=Arthur Gies|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/04/09/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-eyes-on|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Eyes-On|publisher=IGN|date=April 9, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801215535/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/108/1082798p1.html|archive-date=August 1, 2010}}</ref> and can also be used to guard against an opponent's attack.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/>

The developers attempted to reach out to new audiences by distancing ''Lords of Shadow'' from previous ''Castlevania'' games, but kept some elements intact to not alienate franchise fans.<ref name="GC09Interview"/> For example, vampires and werewolves are recurring enemies in the game, but other existing enemies include trolls, giant spiders and goblin-like creatures. The enemies can be defeated for experience points, which can be used to purchase combos or to augment the player's abilities further.<ref name="VG247Interview"/> ''Lords of Shadow'' has large-scale bosses known as titans. The Combat Cross can be used to grapple onto their bodies and navigate them, and break the runes that animate the titan.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/><ref name="GC09Interview"/>

Similar to the original ''Castlevania'' titles, platforming and puzzles are a key component and are featured in fifty levels.<ref name="LordsOfShadow"/><ref name="GameplayTrailer"/> The player can control Gabriel to jump most distances, dash or hold his balance above fatal pits.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/> The Combat Cross can be used for exploration purposes like scaling walls, rappelling and swinging across gaps.<ref>{{cite web|author=Words: PSM3 UK|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/preview/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-producer-interview/a-20100323113925409046/g-2009060316201868024|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – producer interview, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow PS3 Previews|date=March 24, 2010|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615193023/http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/preview/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-producer-interview/a-20100323113925409046/g-2009060316201868024|archive-date=June 15, 2011}}</ref> Some sequences of the game require the player to solve physical puzzles or [[brain teaser]]s. Alternatively, moving certain objects can set off chain reactions and open paths to new areas. Activating switches can also assist against traps.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/> The player can explore the levels in order to find hidden items, which can increase health or magic abilities. These items are "gems"; there are three types, including life gems, light gems and dark gems. These can increase life endurance, light magical ability and dark magical ability, respectively.<ref name="GameplayTrailer"/><ref name=VG247Interview>{{cite web|author=@ 12:03 By Patrick Garratt|url=http://www.vg247.com/2010/02/22/interview-castlevania-lords-of-shadows-dave-cox|title=Blog Archive » Interview: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow's Dave Cox|publisher=VG247|date=February 22, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226120915/http://www.vg247.com/2010/02/22/interview-castlevania-lords-of-shadows-dave-cox/|archive-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref>

==Plot==

===Setting and characters===
Producer David Cox stated the game is a [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]] of the franchise.<ref name="Trailer1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/lords_of_shadow/preview-1975.html|title=Lords of Shadow Interview for PS3|publisher=VideoGamer.com|date=September 16, 2009|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324115313/http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/lords_of_shadow/preview-1975.html|archive-date=March 24, 2012}}</ref> The setting of ''Lords of Shadow'' is during "the end of days" in the year 1047.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=[[MercurySteam]]|publisher=[[Konami]]|date=October 5, 2010|platform=PlayStation 3, Xbox 360|quote='''Zobek''': This night in the year of our Lord 1047, marks the beginning of our journey together; a journey into darkness, into madness.}}</ref> The Earth's alliance with the Heavens has been threatened by a malevolent force known as the Lords of Shadow. A dark spell has stopped the souls of the deceased from leaving,<ref name="GTInterview"/> while evil creatures inhabit the dying land and attack living people.

The main character, Gabriel Belmont<ref name="GamingTargetInterview">{{cite web|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow stars Gabriel Belmont|url=http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=10221|publisher=Gaming Target|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930071109/http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=10221|archive-date=September 30, 2012}}</ref> (voiced by [[Robert Carlyle]] in English and [[Keiji Fujiwara]] in Japanese<ref name="Trailer1">{{cite web|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|url=http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/e3_2009/castlevania/|publisher=[[Konami]]|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204131913/http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/e3_2009/castlevania/|archive-date=December 4, 2016}}</ref>), is a member of the Brotherhood of Light, an elite group of holy knights who protect and defend innocent people against the supernatural creatures. Gabriel's wife Marie ([[Natascha McElhone]] / [[Kikuko Inoue]]<ref name="Trailer1"/>) was brutally murdered by one of them, and her soul cannot leave as it is trapped in limbo.<ref name="GTInterview"/> Because she is now neither alive nor dead, she realizes what is at stake and guides Gabriel to his destiny to save the world as he investigates the dark spell. He travels the destroyed land, meeting other characters, such as the oldest living member of his order,<ref name=JoyStiqPrev/> Zobek ([[Patrick Stewart]]
(who additionally narrates the game in English) / [[Mugihito]]<ref name="Trailer1"/>). Two masks referred to as the God and Devil Masks lie at the center of the plot, with the God Mask having powers to resurrect the dead.<ref name="GC09Interview"/> Gabriel intends to defeat the three factions of the Lords of Shadow in order to obtain the pieces of the God Mask and bring back his deceased wife.<ref name="GTInterview"/><ref name="GameInformerPrev"/>

===Story===
Gabriel is sent by the Brotherhood of Light to the Lake of Oblivion, where his deceased wife, Marie, tells him that Spirits who founded the Brotherhood said that the Lords of Shadow's power will save the world.<ref name="LOB">{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Lake of Oblivion}}</ref> Gabriel meets a man from the Brotherhood called Zobek, who states that a prophecy has been kept a secret by a select few, which tells of a pure-hearted warrior who will claim the Lords of Shadow's power to overcome evil. Zobek says that he and Gabriel must enter the lands of the Dark Lords in order to unite the Heavens with the world again, and that with this Gabriel can bring Marie back from the dead.<ref name="LOB"/> Gabriel defeats the werewolf chief Cornell ([[Richard Ridings]] / [[Banjō Ginga]]<ref name="E3Trailer"/>) and the vampire queen Carmilla ([[Sally Knyvette]] / [[Houko Kuwashima]]<ref name="E3Trailer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-castlevania-lords/700184|title=Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow Video Game, E3 2010: Trailer &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos|publisher=GameTrailers|date=June 6, 2010|access-date=October 5, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621080433/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-castlevania-lords/700184|archive-date=June 21, 2010}}</ref>) for the first two pieces of the God Mask on his journey, while learning that they were once two of the three founding members of the Order who fought the spawns of Satan in God's favor until they transformed into the Spirits, with power only second to God's. After they ascended to the Heavens, they left behind their dark sides, who were known as the Lords of Shadow.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Land the Lycans}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Land the Vampires}}</ref>

Gabriel departs for the Land of the Necromancers for the last part of the mask. There, Zobek appears before Gabriel with the Devil Mask over his face, and divulges that he is the Lord of the Necromancers and that he grew tired of the Lords of Shadow dividing the power amongst the three of them.<ref name="LON"/> Orchestrating the events of the story, he searched Hell for this power until an evil force entered him and expanded his knowledge of the dark arts, which allowed him to cast the spell that separated the Earth from the Heavens so that the Spirits would contact the Brotherhood.<ref name="LON"/> Zobek discloses he used the Devil Mask on Gabriel to kill Marie and that all he needed was for Gabriel to restore the power of the Spirits to avoid suspicion from them. Satan ([[Jason Isaacs]] / [[Tomokazu Sugita]]) emerges and takes the God Mask from Zobek, revealing himself as the mastermind who gave Zobek his powers so that Satan could have revenge on God and return to the Heavens.<ref name="LON">{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Land the Necromancers}}</ref> Gabriel confronts Satan and defeats him, releasing souls of the deceased from limbo. Gabriel discovers the God Mask cannot bring Marie back and that it only allows him to see through God's eyes. Marie tells him he has been given a new life to redeem himself before she departs with the God Mask.<ref name="Ending">{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Ending}}</ref>

The story is expanded in two DLC packs titled ''Reverie'' and ''Resurrection''. ''Reverie'' has Gabriel returning to Carmilla's castle to contain an ancient evil, the Forgotten One ([[Colin McFarlane]]), with the help of Carmilla's "daughter" Laura (Grace Vance / Yumi Sakura), who is also a playable character that assists Gabriel in some sequences of the DLC.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Abandoned Wing}}</ref> Before entering a portal into the Forgotten One's prison, Laura tells Gabriel he cannot enter it in his mortal form and dies after she has Gabriel drink her blood to use its powers to enter, turning him into a vampire.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Founder's Quarters}}</ref> During ''Resurrection'', the Forgotten One aspires to destroy the humans' world, but he is defeated by Gabriel who claims his power for himself. Corrupted by the Forgotten One's power, Gabriel destroys his Combat Cross and leaves through the portal.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|developer=MercurySteam|publisher=Konami|date=October 5, 2010|level=Dimensional Prison}}</ref>

In a [[post-credits scene]] after the base game's ending, Zobek is seen alive during modern times, and has uncovered Gabriel living as a vampire called [[Dracula (Castlevania)#Lords of Shadow reboot series|Dracula]].<ref name="Ending"/> Zobek mentions the acolytes of Satan are preparing for his return and that they must stop him before he takes revenge on both of them. Before Gabriel disappears, Zobek tells him he will free him of his immortality if he helps him.<ref name="Ending"/>

==Development and release==
''Castlevania'' was rebooted due to Konami's concern over the poor sales of contemporary ''Castlevania'' games. The team wished to expand the franchise's fanbase with this installment.<ref name="edgeonline"/> A number of prototypes in parallel development competed to become the next ''[[Castlevania]]'' title. The game was originally greenlit as a ''Castlevania'' title, but later Konami told [[MercurySteam]] the game would be an original [[intellectual property]].<ref name="RiptenInterview"/> Konami eventually asked them to cease work on ''Lords of Shadow'' while it was still in its early stages, until David Cox showed the Japanese senior management the game and was offered help by video game designer [[Hideo Kojima]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/26/the-story-of-how-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-was-canceled-then-resurrected-dracula-style|title=The Story Of How 'Castlevania: Lords of Shadow' Was Canceled, Then Resurrected, Dracula-Style » MTV Multiplayer|publisher=Multiplayerblog.mtv.com|date=August 26, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930234331/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/26/the-story-of-how-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-was-canceled-then-resurrected-dracula-style/|archive-date=September 30, 2012}}</ref> Konami then chose the pitch for it as the next ''Castlevania'' entry.<ref name="IGNPrev"/><ref name="GTInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/konami-gamers-castlevania-lords/64375|title=Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow Video Game, Konami Gamers Night: Rebirth Interview HD &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos|publisher=GameTrailers.com|date=April 9, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413173759/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/konami-gamers-castlevania-lords/64375|archive-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref> The original concept for the game was to remake the first ''Castlevania'' starring [[List of Castlevania characters#Simon Belmont|Simon Belmont]], but it was later decided to make a reboot of the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nelson|first=Randy|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-began-as-remake-of-nes-original|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow began as remake of NES original|publisher=Joystiq|date=April 9, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013192626/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-began-as-remake-of-nes-original|archive-date=October 13, 2012}}</ref> ''Lords of Shadow'' still drew inspiration from earlier titles in the series, most notably ''[[Castlevania (1986 video game)|Castlevania]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], and ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]''.<ref name="GC09Interview"/>

Kojima's input included advising Cox's team to redesign some of the lead character, Gabriel, who he felt needed a "more heroic face".<ref name="1up famitsu">{{cite web|title=Kojima Discusses Castlevania Involvement|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116070732/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175024|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 16, 2013|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|first=Kevin|last=Gifford|date=July 1, 2009|access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref> Originally, Gabriel's design resembled a classic barbarian,<ref name="RiptenInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.ripten.com/2010/09/03/hands-on-with-the-final-version-of-lords-of-shadow-and-producer-david-cox-getsome|title=Everything You Need to Know About Lords of Shadow|publisher=Ripten|date=September 3, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509141829/http://www.ripten.com/2010/09/03/hands-on-with-the-final-version-of-lords-of-shadow-and-producer-david-cox-getsome/|archive-date=May 9, 2015|url-status=usurped}}</ref> before Kojima then advised the staff to refine him into a character that was more relatable to the player.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reed|first=Kristan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/02/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-preview|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Preview|publisher=IGN|date=June 29, 2010|access-date=November 12, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606190858/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/109/1093498p2.html|archive-date=June 6, 2010}}</ref> Cox mentioned that the voice acting provided by Robert Carlyle helped humanize Gabriel's character.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Laura|url=http://www.vg247.com/2010/09/23/castlevanias-gabriel-started-off-as-a-barbarian-says-cox/|title=Castlevania's Gabriel started off as a barbarian, says Cox|publisher=VG247|date=September 23, 2010|access-date=July 1, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506101420/http://www.vg247.com/2010/09/23/castlevanias-gabriel-started-off-as-a-barbarian-says-cox/|archive-date=May 6, 2012}}</ref> Kojima also oversaw the Japanese localization of the game, employing a number of voice actors from the Japanese versions of ''[[Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game)|Metal Gear Solid]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Laura|url=http://gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6273399&skipmc=1|title=Kojima teases weekend announcement – News at GameSpot|publisher=GameSpot|date=August 12, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|archive-date=October 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003081804/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kojima-teases-weekend-announcement-6273399|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cox stated that Kojima otherwise allowed MercurySteam a lot of freedom with the project.<ref name="GC09Interview">{{cite web|title=Lords of Shadow GC 09 Producer Interview|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gc-09-castlevania-lords/55713|publisher=Gametrailers|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606043611/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gc-09-castlevania-lords/55713|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> MercurySteam wanted to depart from the art style of the other games in favour of one that was darker. Cox said, "The old games had this boyish depiction of vampires and monsters and we wanted them to have a darker edge this time around."<ref name="GameInformerPrev">{{cite web|last=Ragnarok|first=Demon|url=https://gameinformer.com/games/castlevania_lords_of_shadow/b/ps3/archive/2010/04/09/preview.aspx|title=Lords Of Shadow Could Be The First Great 3D Castlevania – Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – PlayStation 3|publisher=GameInformer|date=April 9, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525043227/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/castlevania_lords_of_shadow/b/ps3/archive/2010/04/09/preview.aspx|archive-date=May 25, 2013}}</ref> VideoGamer.com drew comparisons between the art style and [[Guillermo del Toro]]'s work.<ref name="VGCReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/lords_of_shadow/review-3.html|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review for Xbox 360|publisher=VideoGamer.com|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406115545/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/lords_of_shadow/review-3.html|archive-date=April 6, 2012}}</ref>

The developers claimed to avoid the use of [[quick time event]]s during combat, stating that they distracted the player from the action, but the game features many instances of them.<ref name="GameInformerPrev"/><ref name="Christian Donlan">{{cite web|author=Christian Donlan|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-28-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-review|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow PlayStation 3 Review Page 1|publisher=Eurogamer|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324012847/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-28-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-review|archive-date=March 24, 2013}}</ref> When the game was 60% complete, MercurySteam was aiming for 30 [[frames per second]] performance, as opposed to 60 frames, which the company said was not a priority at that stage.<ref name="GC09Interview"/> The game reached gold status following an announcement on Twitter made by David Cox on September 9, 2010. The game's two [[downloadable content]] (DLC) episodes, ''Reverie'' and ''Resurrection'', were released in February 2011 and June 2011 respectively to explain the twist from the story's ending.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-reverie/xbox-360-96131|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Reverie – Xbox 360|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=March 2, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701070537/http://www.ign.com/games/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-reverie/xbox-360-96131|archive-date=July 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/games/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-resurrection|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Resurrection|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=November 12, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121082844/http://www.ign.com/games/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-resurrection/xbox-360-96137|archive-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> David Cox referred to these DLC chapters as "a mistake."<ref name="edgeonline">{{cite web|author=Christian Donlan|url=http://m.edge-online.com/features/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-a-titanic-series-overhaul/|title=Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2 – a titanic series overhaul|publisher=Edge|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=June 9, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205003258/http://m.edge-online.com/features/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-a-titanic-series-overhaul/|archive-date=December 5, 2013}}</ref>

A port for [[Windows]] was announced in June 2013 with the subtitle of "Ultimate Edition". The downloadable content chapters are also included within the game. It was released through [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on August 27, 2013, and in retail on August 30, 2013.<ref name="pcport"/>

===Audio===
{{Infobox album
| name       = Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Soundtrack
| type       = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist     = Óscar Araujo
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = October 5, 2010 (North America)
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Video game soundtrack]]
| length     =
| label      =
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}

The game's musical score was written by Spanish composer Óscar Araujo using a 120-piece orchestra. It also features previous ''Castlevania'' musical themes.<ref name="1up Dave Cox">{{cite web|title=Lords of Shadow Was a Castlevania Game All Along|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175699|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605030318/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175699|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2011|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|first=Sam|last=Kennedy|date=August 21, 2009|access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref> A soundtrack CD was also included in limited editions of the game, with twenty tracks in total.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-collector-s-edition-spotted-181144.phtml|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow collector's edition spotted|publisher=Destructoid|date=March 16, 2006|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114164625/http://www.destructoid.com/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-collector-s-edition-spotted-181144.phtml|archive-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2010/08/18/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-special-collectors-edition-announced.htm|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow special collector's edition announced|date=August 19, 2010|publisher=Video Games Blogger|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014151240/http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2010/08/18/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-special-collectors-edition-announced.htm|archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> In October 2013, specialist label Sumthing Else Music Works issued the soundtrack in a more widely available CD release while selling a digital format of the previously issued tracks that were featured on the CD that came with collector's editions of the game alongside additional material exclusive to the digital release. Araujo was nominated by the [[International Film Music Critics Association]] for breakout composer of the year for his work on ''Lords of Shadow''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moviecitynews.com/2011/02/international-film-music-critics-association-2011-nomineess|title=International Film Music Critics Association 2011 Nomineess Movie City News|publisher=Movie City News|date=February 12, 2011|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729144947/http://moviecitynews.com/2011/02/international-film-music-critics-association-2011-nomineess/|archive-date=July 29, 2012}}</ref> He won "Best Original Score for a Video Game or Interactive Media."<ref name="filmmusiccritics.org">[http://filmmusiccritics.org/2011/02/ifmca-announces-its-2010-winners-for-scoring-excellence IFMCA announces its 2010 Winners for scoring excellence] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301004356/http://filmmusiccritics.org/2011/02/ifmca-announces-its-2010-winners-for-scoring-excellence/ |date=March 1, 2011 }}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline        = <big>Track listing</big>
| title1          = Besieged Village
| length1         = 4:23
| title2          = The Warg
| length2         = 3:26
| title3          = Hunting Path
| length3         = 2:28
| title4          = The Dead Bog
| length4         = 2:31
| title5          = The Swamp Troll
| length5         = 5:03
| title6          = The Ice Titan
| length6         = 4:12
| title7          = Labyrinth Entrance
| length7         = 3:17
| title8          = Waterfalls of Agharta
| length8         = 2:45
| title9          = Agharta
| length9         = 1:27
| title10         = Cornell
| length10        = 4:12
| title11         = Maze Gardens
| length11        = 3:19
| title12         = Castle Hall
| length12        = 4:09
| title13         = The Evil Butcher
| length13        = 4:10
| title14         = Laura's Mercy
| length14        = 1:38
| title15         = Carmilla
| length15        = 2:03
| title16         = The God Mask
| length16        = 1:18
| title17         = Belmont's Theme
| length17        = 2:53
| title18         = The Last Battle
| length18        = 6:09
| title19         = The End
| length19        = 5:47
| title20         = Love Lost
| length20        = 1:27
}}

''Lords of Shadow'' features voiced dialogue by a professional cast recorded in [[London]], an aspect which has been acclaimed by the gaming press. The cast includes Robert Carlyle and Patrick Stewart. The part of Gabriel was originally going to be offered to [[Gerard Butler]], but he was not available.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yoon|first=Andrew|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/david-cox-on-rebooting-castlevania-for-a-new-generation|title=David Cox on rebooting Castlevania for a new generation|publisher=Joystiq|date=September 23, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107031215/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/david-cox-on-rebooting-castlevania-for-a-new-generation/|archive-date=November 7, 2012}}</ref> The cast would make their own contributions to the characters during the recordings. David Cox mentioned that "What could have been an 'in and out' voiceover job for them [the voice actors] wasn't. Instead, their love of the script and praise saw them developing their characters and working through the motivations for them".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/09/24/castlevania-lord-of-shadow-interview/|title=Castlevania: Lord Of Shadow Interview – PlayStation.Blog.Europe|publisher=Blog.eu.playstation.com|date=September 24, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227025130/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/09/24/castlevania-lord-of-shadow-interview/|archive-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (PS3) 85/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow for PlayStation 3 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=May 26, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429165934/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/castlevania-lords-of-shadow|archive-date=April 29, 2013}}</ref><br />(X360) 83/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow for Xbox 360 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=May 26, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604193031/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/castlevania-lords-of-shadow|archive-date=June 4, 2013}}</ref><br />(PC) 81/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-ultimate-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Ultimate Edition for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=December 7, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731134416/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-ultimate-edition|archive-date=July 31, 2017}}</ref>
| OC = 70% recommend<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Castlevania: Lords of Shadow'' |url=https://opencritic.com/game/13808/castlevania-lords-of-shadow}}</ref>
| 1UP = B<ref name="1UP review" />
| CVG = 9.2/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=267010|title=Xbox Review: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004005806/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=267010|archive-date=October 4, 2010}}</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|author=Valay|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/castlevania-lords-shadow-review|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906163013/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/castlevania-lords-shadow-review|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2012|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review|publisher=Edge Magazine|date=September 29, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref name="Christian Donlan"/>
| Fam = 9/10, 8/10, 9/10, 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/title/27/reviews|title=キャッスルヴァニア 〜ロード・オブ・シャドウ〜|language=Japanese|accessdate=September 15, 2025|work=[[Famitsu]]}}</ref>
| G4 = 4/5<ref>{{cite web|last=Monfette|first=Christopher|url=http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/62175/Castlevania-Lords-of-Shadow/review/|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow for Xbox 360 – Reviews|publisher=G4tv|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311111502/http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/62175/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/review/|archive-date=March 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/videos/48948/Castlevania-Lords-of-Shadow-Review|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review in High Definition –|publisher=G4tv|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310080220/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/48948/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-review/|archive-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gameinformer.com/games/castlevania_lords_of_shadow/b/xbox360/archive/2010/09/28/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-review.aspx|title=Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow Review – Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Xbox 360|publisher=GameInformer|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525025833/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/castlevania_lords_of_shadow/b/xbox360/archive/2010/09/28/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-review.aspx|archive-date=May 25, 2013}}</ref>
| GSpot = 7.5/10<ref name="GSpot review" />
| GSpy = 4/5 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/lords-of-shadow/1125381p1.html?RSSwhen2010-10-04_153000&RSSid=1125381|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review – Page 1|publisher=GameSpy|date=October 5, 2010|access-date=June 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706031825/http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/lords-of-shadow/1125381p1.html?RSSwhen2010-10-04_153000|archive-date=July 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GRadar = 9/10<ref name="gamesradar">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/review/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-super-review/a-2010092715431798073/g-20090603161718647020|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow super review, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review, Xbox 360 Reviews|publisher=Games Radar.com|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226005528/http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/castlevania-lords-of-shadow/review/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-super-review/a-2010092715431798073/g-20090603161718647020|archive-date=December 26, 2010}}</ref>
| GT = 7.9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-castlevania-lords/705390|title=Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow Video Game, Review &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos|publisher=GameTrailers|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117105440/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-castlevania-lords/705390|archive-date=January 17, 2012}}</ref>
| IGN = 7.5/10<ref name="IGNReview">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-review|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review|last=Hatfield|first=Daemon|date=September 29, 2010|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=November 1, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605162518/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/112/1124296p1.html|archive-date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name="VideoGamer.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/lords_of_shadow/preview-2390.html|title=Lords of Shadow Interview for Xbox 360|publisher=VideoGamer.com|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324120224/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/lords_of_shadow/preview-2390.html|archive-date=March 24, 2012}}</ref>
| OPMUK = 9/10<ref name="computerandvideogames.com"/>
| OXM = 9/10<ref name="OXM" />
| PSM3 = 94%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266823|title=PS3 News: Castlevania Lords of Shadow review: YET ANOTHER 90+|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|date=September 27, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001091526/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266823|archive-date=October 1, 2010}}</ref>
| VG = 9/10<ref name="VGCReview"/>
| award1Pub = ''[[GamesMaster]]''
| award1 = Gold Award<ref name="C&VG"/>
| award2Pub = ''[[Xbox World 360]]''
| award2 = Star Player Accolade<ref name="C&VG">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266241&skip=yes|title=News: Castlevania Lords Of Shadow review scores smash 90% barrier|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=September 23, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926094011/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266241&skip=yes|archive-date=September 26, 2010}}</ref>
| award3Pub = Film Music Critics Association
| award3 = Best Original Score for a Video Game or Interactive Media<ref name="filmmusiccritics.org"/>
}}

During its development, ''Lords of Shadow'' was placed on several lists for most anticipated video games. ''[[GameTrailers]]'' ranked it at number 7 for "Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2010."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-gt-countdown/60431?type=flv|title=GT Countdown Video Game, Top 10 Most Anticipated Games Of 2010 &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos|publisher=GameTrailers|date=January 21, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209010826/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-gt-countdown/60431?type=flv|archive-date=February 9, 2010}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' placed ''Lords of Shadow'' at number 26 for 100 Most Anticipated Games of 2010, stating that "This could be a megaton release." ''[[1UP.com]]''{{'s}} top 50 most anticipated games of [[E3 2010]] ranked ''Lords of Shadow'' at number 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/29607|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005082945/http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/29607|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 5, 2011|title=1UP's Most Anticipated Games of E3 2010 Part 4 Video from GameVideos|publisher=1UP.com|date=June 1, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref> Despite the heavy anticipation, Cox noted there was still a small number of fans who did not like the game's transition to the 3D format. He stated, "Fair enough, some people aren't going to like what we're doing and we accept that but generally what we're trying to do is bring the fans with us ... there's no point in going back and making the same game again – the point is to make a clean break and move forward with the series."<ref name="VideoGamer.com"/>

Reaction to ''Lords of Shadow'' was highly positive.<ref name="computerandvideogames.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266653|title=News: Castlevania: LOS gets ANOTHER 9/10 review – in OPM|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|date=September 26, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930161712/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266653|archive-date=September 30, 2010}}</ref> ''1UP.com''{{'s}} review praised how the game took elements from other series and executed them well.<ref name="1UP review">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3181679|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721024718/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3181679|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2011|title=Castlevania LOS Review for PS3, XBOX 360 from|publisher=1UP.com|access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref> ''GamesRadar+'' drew favorable comparisons to other action games it has given a perfect score, including ''[[God of War III]]'', ''[[Bayonetta (video game)|Bayonetta]]'' and ''[[Dante's Inferno (video game)|Dante's Inferno]]'', while praising it for being "huge in scope, length, and depth, and it's polished with obvious love and passion".<ref name="gamesradar"/> ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' lauded the size of the game's content, writing "... [it] is big. Actually, big's too little a word. It's monolithic... From the ''[[Resi 4]]'' mood of the scarecrow puzzle to the unexpected oddity of the music box level, this is a game that seemingly hasn't heard of DLC – and decides to offer you immense value for money instead." The publication concluded it was otherwise a success.<ref name="OXM">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266613|title=News: Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow review – 9/10 in OXM|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames|date=September 25, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928023254/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=266613|archive-date=September 28, 2010}}</ref> Other reviews noted that it was derivative of other games and that it was unlike the classic ''Castlevania'' series.<ref name="IGNReview" /> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'s}} review calls the game "a good start for a series in need of some new blood – so to speak – it's just unfortunate so much of it comes from other games and not an original source."<ref name="GSpot review">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/castlevanialordsofshadow/review.html|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Review for Xbox 360|publisher=GameSpot|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003131349/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/castlevanialordsofshadow/review.html|archive-date=October 3, 2010}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' found the combat repetitive but felt the puzzles and platforming provided good pacing.<ref name="IGNReview" /> ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'s}} Tim Turi praised its boss battles, its magic-based combat system, and its story.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Ranking The Castlevania Bloodline|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/04/04/ranking-the-castlevania-bloodline.aspx|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|last=Turi|first=Tim|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=December 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507064948/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/04/04/ranking-the-castlevania-bloodline.aspx|archive-date=May 7, 2013}}</ref> GameZone ranked it as the sixth best ''Castlevania'' title. The staff praised the developers' success at bringing ''Castlevania'' to 3D.<ref>{{cite web|title=Happy 25th Birthday Castlevania: The Ten Best Games in the Series|url=http://www.gamezone.com/originals/2011/09/27/happy_25th_birthday_castlevania_the_ten_best_games_in_the_series|work=GameZone|last=Workman|first=Robert|date=September 27, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211205017/http://www.gamezone.com/originals/2011/09/27/happy_25th_birthday_castlevania_the_ten_best_games_in_the_series|archive-date=December 11, 2013}}</ref>

''[[Xbox World 360]]'' awarded the game the "Star Player Accolade" in 2010.<ref name="C&VG"/> ''[[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]]'' also gave it the "Gold Award."<ref name="C&VG"/>

The game was a commercial success. By November 2010 Konami had shipped one million copies in North America and Europe. Despite not achieving a high rank on the sales chart, Konami was satisfied with the game's sales considering the budget it had and the staff's intentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-22-castlevania-los-ships-a-million|title=Castlevania: LOS ships a million|publisher=Eurogamer|date=November 22, 2010|access-date=May 24, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907050901/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-22-castlevania-los-ships-a-million|archive-date=September 7, 2013}}</ref> The game also became the best-selling ''Castlevania'' game, which resulted in Konami's request to produce more titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-20-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mercury-steams-mission-to-be-the-next-naughty-dog|title=Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mercury Steam's mission to be the next Naughty Dog|publisher=Eurogamer|date=February 20, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529121255/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-20-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mercury-steams-mission-to-be-the-next-naughty-dog|archive-date=May 29, 2013}}</ref> Because of the game's success, ''Lords of Shadow'' is seen as the start of a possible second [[golden age of Spanish software]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=deBFx7QAwsQC&pg=PA613|title=Encyclopedia of Video Games: M-Z|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|isbn=978-0313379369|last=de Rio|first=Alberto Flores|year=2012|pages=613, 614|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013329/https://books.google.nl/books?id=deBFx7QAwsQC&pg=PA613&redir_esc=y|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobbyconsolas.com/industria/2015-comienza-segunda-edad-oro-software-espanol-603|work=[[Hobby Consolas]]|title=2015: ¿Comienza la segunda edad de oro del software español?|last=Alcolea|first=Alejandro|date=December 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021826/http://www.hobbyconsolas.com/industria/2015-comienza-segunda-edad-oro-software-espanol-603|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Sequels==
On May 29, 2012, [[Nintendo Power|''Nintendo Power'' magazine]] revealed a sequel to ''Lords of Shadow'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] was in development by MercurySteam, titled ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate]]''. The game takes place 25 years after ''Lords of Shadow'' and features [[2.5D]] gameplay. It follows [[Trevor Belmont]], [[Simon Belmont]], [[Alucard (Castlevania)|Alucard]] and Gabriel Belmont at different points in history.<ref name="Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate Announced For Nintendo 3DS">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-fate-announced-for-nintendo-3ds/|date=May 29, 2012|title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate Announced For Nintendo 3DS|publisher=Siliconera|url-status=live|access-date=August 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801203506/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-fate-announced-for-nintendo-3ds/|archive-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref>

On May 31, 2012, Konami announced the sequel at [[E3 2012]], ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2]]''. The game stars Gabriel as Dracula while he seeks to regain his lost powers in order to fight the Belmonts and the return of Satan. ''Mirror of Fate'' has a climax that sets up the events of ''Lords of Shadow 2''.<ref name="Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Confirmed for 3DS-IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/29/castevania-mirror-of-fate-confirmed-for-3ds|title=Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Confirmed for 3DS|publisher=IGN.com|date=May 29, 2012|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416025418/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/29/castevania-mirror-of-fate-confirmed-for-3ds|archive-date=April 16, 2013}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.konami.jp/castlevania}}

{{Castlevania series}}
{{MercurySteam}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow}}
[[Category:2010 video games]]
[[Category:3D platformers]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Castlevania games|Lords of Shadow]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Hack and slash games]]
[[Category:Metroidvania games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:Video game reboots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Spain]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Hideo Kojima]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Video games set in Europe]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 11th century]]
[[Category:MercurySteam games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Castlevania: Lords of Shadow|access_date=2026-02-28}}