Soma Cruz
The protagonist, a high-school student who can absorb and use the souls of defeated monsters.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move Soma |
|---|---|
A | Jump |
B | Use weapon |
L | Back dash |
R | Use equipped Guardian Soul |
D-pad Up | Enter doors, stairs, or interact with certain objects |
Select | Open the map |
Start | Open the status or pause screen |
Control notes
Soul categories and equipment are selected from the status menu.
Some movement and progression options depend on acquired souls.
How it plays
How does Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow play?
The game uses a side-scrolling perspective across a large, interconnected castle. Soma explores rooms, defeats monsters, collects weapons and armor, and searches for abilities that open previously inaccessible areas.
Combat is based on a primary weapon and three soul categories: Bullet, Guardian, and Ability. Defeated enemies may yield souls, while bosses and story events expand Soma’s options. Save rooms, warp rooms, shops, equipment, and multiple endings structure progression.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow?
Build a flexible soul set rather than relying on one attack. Test new souls against different enemy types, since some provide useful movement, defense, or elemental advantages.
Explore methodically and revisit earlier rooms after gaining new abilities. Keep several weapon and armor options available, use status-resistant equipment when needed, and save before major boss encounters.
For the best ending, complete the required castle objectives and confront the true source of the crisis rather than ending the story after the first apparent victory.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Mina Hakuba
Soma’s close friend and the daughter of the Hakuba shrine family.
Genya Arikado
A mysterious government agent who guides Soma and conceals his connection to Dracula.
Graham Jones
A charismatic cult leader who believes he is destined to inherit Dracula’s power.
Julius Belmont
The latest Belmont vampire hunter and the man who defeated Dracula in 1999.
Yoko Belnades
A magic user who assists Soma and researches the supernatural events in the castle.
Hammer
A former soldier who operates a shop and supplies Soma with equipment.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockDefeat the game and meet the required ending conditions to unlock Julius Mode from the main menu.
Documented unlockClear the game to unlock additional replay and challenge features, including Boss Rush Mode.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the enemy encyclopedia and soul collection to identify monsters worth farming.
- 2
Save frequently; some rare souls have low drop rates.
- 3
Check suspicious walls and ceilings for breakable passages and hidden rooms.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A polished handheld Metroidvania with excellent exploration, soul collecting, and replay value.
Its castle design and progression are strong, although some rare soul drops require patience.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0