Soma Cruz
The protagonist, a teenager with the power to absorb and use monster souls.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move, crouch, and navigate menus |
|---|---|
A | Jump |
B | Attack with the equipped weapon |
Start | Pause the game and open the status screen |
Select | Open the map |
Control notes
The supplied platform is the original Game Boy Advance version.
Soul and movement-ability inputs are omitted where button assignment may vary by manual or configuration.
How it plays
How does Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow play?
The game uses a side-scrolling perspective and takes place in one interconnected castle. Soma must search rooms, defeat bosses, collect equipment, and uncover a way to stop the forces gathering inside the castle.
Enemies can yield Tactical Souls that grant projectile attacks, transformations, defensive effects, or passive bonuses. New movement abilities open previously inaccessible areas, while weapons, armor, accessories, experience levels, and soul combinations support different play styles. The main campaign is joined by optional modes and endings determined by key discoveries and equipped souls.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow?
Explore methodically and revisit rooms after gaining movement abilities. The map is essential for identifying unexplored passages, suspicious dead ends, and areas blocked by new powers.
Experiment with Tactical Souls instead of relying on one setup. Keep healing items and a ranged soul available, learn boss attack patterns, and upgrade equipment whenever the castle’s shops or treasure rooms provide better options. Pay close attention to major story clues, because the ending depends on specific soul-related discoveries.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Genya Arikado
A mysterious government agent who guides Soma and conceals his connection to Dracula.
Mina Hakuba
Soma’s close friend, whose presence motivates his efforts inside the castle.
Julius Belmont
A Belmont warrior who fought Dracula and appears as an important ally.
Graham Jones
A charismatic cult leader who believes he is the reincarnation of Dracula.
Yoko Belnades
A witch and member of the Belnades family who assists Soma with magical knowledge.
Hammer
A former soldier who operates a shop and provides useful services.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Save frequently, especially before boss rooms and major story events.
- 2
Use the enemy encyclopedia and soul list to track missing abilities.
- 3
Try different soul combinations because passive bonuses can change the value of otherwise modest weapons.
Community discussion
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