Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a critically acclaimed entry in the long-running Castlevania series, released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003. Developed by Konami, the game takes place in the year 2035, thirty-six years after Dracula had been defeated by the Belmont clan and his powers sealed in a solar eclipse. The game's protagonist is Soma Cruz, a Japanese exchange student who finds himself unexpectedly enveloped by Dracula's castle. Soma soon discovers that he possesses the ability to absorb the souls of defeated enemies, granting him access to their abilities and powers. This unique "Tactical Soul" system adds an RPG-like element to the game, allowing players to customize Soma's abilities by collecting and equipping various souls. In addition to the innovative soul system, Aria of Sorrow features a non-linear castle exploration experience, with multiple interconnected areas and secret passages. The game's level design encourages backtracking and exploration, with new areas and power-ups becoming accessible as Soma acquires new abilities. The game's soundtrack, composed by Michiru Yamane, is widely praised for its atmospheric and haunting melodies, which perfectly complement the game's gothic horror setting. The visuals, while limited by the Game Boy Advance's hardware, are detailed and intricate, with impressive sprite work and background detail. Aria of Sorrow's challenging gameplay, deep customization options, and compelling narrative have cemented its status as a standout entry in the Castlevania series, often cited as one of the best games in the Game Boy Advance library.