Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow review

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is the action pick for collectors who want a game to explore rather than a set of levels. Konami's description on Nintendo's UK page sets it in 2036, with Soma Cruz entering a cult's base, a replica of Dracula's Castle, to stop Dracula's return. You leap across chandeliers, fight through rooms of traps and beat a run of bosses, while collecting the souls of fallen enemies to gain new attacks such as the Bullet Soul. The DS wireless link lets friends swap items. A used cartridge lists at $72.99 at DKOldies before sales. Konami's Steam page for the Castlevania Dominus Collection, released August 27, 2024, includes Dawn of Sorrow alongside Portrait of Ruin and Order of Ecclesia, which is the cheaper route if you only want to play.

Who it is for

Action fans who like exploring a large map and collecting powers.

Price

Used DS cartridge from $72.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $72.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• 2D side-scrolling action set in 2036
• Soma Cruz faces a cult planning to revive Dracula
• Collect the souls of defeated enemies to gain new attacks
• Boss fights, traps and a replica of Dracula's Castle
• Wireless item swapping with friends

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Soul collecting gives a reason to fight every enemy
• Strength: Konami re-released it in the Castlevania Dominus Collection in 2024
• Strength: Self-contained single-player game
• Weakness: Regular used price of $72.99
• Weakness: Item swapping needs a friend with a second DS and cartridge
• Weakness: Dense map can feel confusing early on

Key facts

• Publisher: Konami
• Developer: Konami
• EU release: September 29, 2005
• Players: 1
• Setting: The year 2036

Where it ranks

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is No. 6 in our Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time verdict.