English
Aria of Sorrow features a 2D side-scrolling style of gameplay where the player controls the onscreen character from a third-person perspective to interact with people, objects, and enemies. Like previous games in the series and most role-playing games, characters level up each time they earn a set number of experience points from defeating enemies; each "level" gained increases the character's statistics, thus improving their performance in battle.[11] Statistic examples include hit points, the amount of damage a character can receive; magic points, which determine the number of times a character can use magical attacks; strength, the power of a character's physical attacks; and intelligence, the power of a character's magical spells.[11] Upon encountering an enemy, the player can use a variety of weapons to attack and defeat the enemy. Despite the game being set in 2035, the available weapons are largely medieval, including swords, axes, and spears; though a handgun is available.[7] These weapons differ in their damage output, the range of the weapon, and the speed of the attack.[7] Items and other accessories can be found by defeating enemies or by purchasing items from the game's shop.[11]
Similar to previous games in the series, Aria of Sorrow is set within Dracula's castle, which is further subdivided into several areas that the player traverses.[5] These areas feature different components, such as different enemies, varying terrain characteristics, and a unique piece of theme music. Similar to most platform games, progression between areas is limited by the abilities the player currently has.[12] While the method in which the player progresses through the game is initially linear, the player's options become more diverse as the number of character abilities increases.[5]
Tactical Soul
Aria of Sorrow introduces a new ability system, Tactical Soul system, to the Castlevania series. It involves absorbing the souls of enemies in order to gain additional abilities.[13] Except for human enemies and the game's final opponent, all souls can be absorbed by the player.[14] The rate at which enemies' souls are obtained varies between enemies.[15] Players can trade souls between two Aria of Sorrow cartridges using two Game Boy Advance consoles and a link cable.[5]Souls provide a variety of effects, and are separated into four categories: Bullet, Guardian, Enchant, and Ability souls.[16] The player can only have one type of Bullet, Guardian, and Enchant soul equipped at any given time. Bullet souls are Soma Cruz's replacement for Sub Weapons in this game, and enable the player to consume a set amount of magic points to use an ability, often some form of projectile.[16] Guardian souls provide continuous effects, including transforming into mythical creatures and summoning familiars.[14] Guardian souls continually drain magic points so long as they are activated. Enchant souls are continuously active so long as they are equipped, and provide increases in statistics or other innate abilities—such as the ability to walk on water.[6] Ability souls give the player innate abilities, which are often required to traverse certain areas of the castle.[16] Because the souls are automatically activated and stay active unless the player specifically disables them, they do not consume magic points.