Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is a video game created and published by Konami Interactive. It was developed just for the PlayStation 2 gaming console from Sony and was launched in 2005. It is classed as an action adventure title with a medieval and fantasy setting that is played from a third person perspective.

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is the prequel that aims to explain the back story on which all the other Castlevania games are based. It basically sets the stage for the continuous showdown between the Belmont family and the vampire Dracula. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the inspiration of the team that created the game and the translation into 3D is very important to the series.

The player is cast in the role of Leon Belmont, a one time Baron for the King. Sara, the girl he was supposed to marry, is kidnapped and then taken to a big castle, which Leon is forced not to attack. He resigns his post and goes to the castle alone, before being stopped by Rinaldo, a one time vampire-hunter himself.

The gameplay is actually hack-and-slash and light role playing. The player gains new abilities and collects relics and orbs. The relics allow the player to have special skills necessary to solve certain puzzles, while the orbs enable offensive or defensive powers. The bosses in the game will usually require two or three attempts before they can be killed, because of how tough they are.

GAMEPLAY HINTS

Invincible Jar

Defeat the Mirage Skeleton. It is a rare drop, so keep trying. The foe is located in the first floor of the castle before you meet the final Boss.

Jade Mask

Successfully complete the game with Leon. The Jade Mask will appear in Rinaldo's shop for 999 gold.

Jewel Crush

In the first man-eater room in the Garden Forgotten By Time, get him over to the left of the screen. Open him up, then jump up onto a balcony which leads into a room giving you the Jewel Crush, as well as opening a lock on the Red Key Door.

Keys

In each level, there are keys to unlock hidden doors. The keys are located in the following levels:

Anti-Soul Mysteries Lab: Red Phoenix Lock, Yellow Dragon Key
Garden Forgotten By Time: Blue Dragon Lock, Red Phoenix Key
The House Of Scared Remains: Yellow Dragon Lock, White Tiger Key
The Dark Palace Of Waterfalls: Black Turtle Lock, Blue Dragon Key
Ghostly Theater: White Tiger Lock, Black Turtle Key

Here's a trailer: