Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The true test of a game's quality is determined by how well it has aged. More often than not, the first playthrough will be looked upon favourably, simply because the player doesn't know what to expect. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night makes for an incredible first impression, that much is certain. Over time, however, its weaknesses have become apparent. Alucard's solo adventure suffers from mediocre level design and uneven boss fights. Still, in terms of ambition, it remains unsurpassed. Though tarnished, this gem retains its brilliance because it offers so much freedom to anyone who plays it.