Soma Cruz
The protagonist, a young man who can absorb and control the souls of monsters.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow Pad | Move Soma |
|---|---|
A | Jump |
B | Attack with the equipped weapon |
X | Use the equipped soul ability |
Y | Perform a back dash |
L | Use the equipped defensive or movement ability when available |
R | Use the equipped secondary ability when available |
Touch Screen | Draw glyphs to seal defeated bosses |
Start | Pause and open the game menu |
Control notes
Button functions can vary with the currently equipped ability.
Touch-screen glyphs are required for specific boss finishes.
How it plays
How does Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow play?
The game is viewed from a side-scrolling perspective. Soma explores a connected castle, defeats monsters, collects equipment, and searches for abilities that open previously inaccessible routes.
Combat uses weapons, sub-weapons, and enemy souls. Souls provide offensive attacks, defensive effects, movement abilities, and passive bonuses. The castle contains shops, save rooms, hidden rooms, bosses, and branching paths.
Touch-screen glyphs must be drawn to seal certain bosses after their health is depleted. Completing the main story can unlock additional modes and challenges, including Julius Mode and Boss Rush Mode.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow?
Explore methodically and revisit earlier rooms whenever a new movement or traversal soul is obtained. Save frequently, especially before boss rooms, and keep several weapon types available because enemy resistances vary.
Use the enemy encyclopedia and soul effects to identify useful abilities. Some common enemies have valuable passive or movement souls, so farming them can make later areas easier.
For bosses, learn attack patterns before spending healing items. During the final encounter, draw the required glyph accurately and quickly when the seal appears.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Mina Hakuba
Soma’s close friend and a member of the Hakuba shrine family.
Genya Arikado
A mysterious government agent who guides Soma and conceals a powerful supernatural identity.
Yoko Belnades
A knowledgeable magic user who assists Soma and operates a shop in the castle.
Julius Belmont
A veteran vampire hunter and the latest prominent Belmont warrior.
Hammer
A soldier who establishes a shop and provides equipment and services.
Celia Fortner
A cult leader who seeks to create a new dark lord.
Dmitrii Blinov
One of Celia’s followers, able to imitate enemy abilities.
Dario Bossi
A fire-focused cult member and rival who challenges Soma.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockComplete the main game to unlock Julius Mode.
Documented unlockComplete the main game to unlock Boss Rush Mode.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Carry healing items and visit the shop regularly.
- 2
Check walls and ceilings for breakable sections and hidden rooms.
- 3
Experiment with soul combinations instead of relying only on weapon damage.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A strong Nintendo DS entry that successfully adapts the exploration and progression of the modern Castlevania formula.
The touch-screen boss seals are distinctive, though some players find them less satisfying than the traditional combat.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0