Castlevania has proven to be quite popular on the GBA, what with its third iteration arriving later this year. Strangely enough, this is the first time a Castlevania game has been set in the future, namely the year 2035. The young protagonist of the title is not related to the legendary Belmont clan, but is instead your average blue pimpcoat-wearing, high school teenager. Soma Cruz was getting ready to watch the Solar Eclipse when he loses consciousness. As he comes to, he discovers he is in a mysterious, ancient castle that he has never seen nor heard of before.

As he traverses the haunted halls and fights the undead minions, Soma will be able to collect weapons and armor, just as in the previous Metroid-esque Castlevanias to hit the GBA. This time, however, he will also be able to collect enemy souls, and then use them in battle. Players will be able to trade their captured creatures with others via a link cable, taking a page from the ever popular Pokémon series. It appears that Soma will be able to use these enemy Souls as weapons, summons, and perhaps even magic.

The strangest thing about this latest Castlevania is the size of the supporting staff. There is a plethora of 'main characters' and it is unknown how they will be affecting the game. One thing that will intrigue Symphony of the Night fans is the man mysteriously referred to as "Genya Arikado", one who has a striking resemblance to the legendary Alucard, the son of Dracula. (Albeit with his hair dyed black.) Let's hope he's a playable character.

The animation and music in Aria of Sorrow have both been greatly improved from the media that has been released. With the return of the SOTN composer, Michiru Yamane, one can only imagine the soundtrack that is in store for gamers.

With the game being released on May 6th, it isn't long for ravenous Castlevania fans to wait.