The current state of video games leaves a small void in some gamers. Sometimes you just want to pick up a game and play. Not have to worry about loading 5 different profiles or fishing for a game in the purgatory of gamer lobbies, Castlevania lets you just pick up them sticks and play now, not 15 minutes from now. Many of the XBLA games are way too juvenile and bare. SOTN however combines a rare breed of a game that can be played right away but still in depth and complete where it will satisifies the sophsticated palettes of today’s gamers. This game has it all. The boss battles are hard enough where you have to try and use strategy but not impossbile and of controlller throwing capacity. There is also character development that actually pertains to the game play. Collecting weapons and spells and knowing when to use them is basically what character developement is supposed to do and not roaming around towns engaging in meaningless conversation like most RPG’s do today. Finally, the graphics are true to the PS1, but look polished on a HDTV. Overall, this is probably the best XBLA game to date. Even though it is last, last gen, 10 bucks for a game that has high replay value and an addicting story line is absolutely fair market value. I mean someone had the balls to charge 60 bucks for Eragon.

You can now download Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points (as long as they haven’t already been stolen from you), or $10 for those keeping score. The download weighs in at 95.32MB, making it the largest Xbox Live Arcade game to date. The rules were going to be bent for this game, but since Microsoft upped the limit to 150MB before it’s release, it’s no big deal for anyone.

You can also grab yourself a theme for 150 MS Points and gamerpics for 100 MS Points should your little heart desire.

It seems that XBLA is seriously stepping up the releasing of quality games available for download. On Wednesday March 21st at 2:00 AM in the east coast, the 12th installment of the unforgettable vampire chronicles will be up for a modest 800 microsoft points. There will be 12 acheivements totalling 200 points that can be obtained and unlocked. You get to be Alucard, the half brother of Dracula that no one lets the children near on the holidays, as you venture to his dad’s castle where shenanigans will certainly ensue. The game will be high definition supported as well as widescreen and enhanced graphics. Also, pour out some of your Bud 40 oz for Konami for keeping the game to only 10 bucks. They could have easily asked for 15 or more.