The Art of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Book Review

Whilst scanning the sale section at Forbidden Planet, London, I picked up the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Art Book by Martin Robinson for £4.99. The book usually cost £30 so it was a heck of a discount, but was it worth it even at this low, low price?

The Castlevania videogame series has always been a bit of a sumptious visual feast, and this stunning art book delves deep into the Lords of Shadow trilogy's artistic soul. I played and completed the original LoS, played a little of LoS 2 but fell off after the whole 'you're a rat' insta-kill stealth section early on but I never got around to the handheld offering Mirrors of Fate on the 3DS as I never owned the system. Whatever the case though, the sheer artistry of the game from MercurySteam was clear from that first game this art book highlights the intricate details and the sheer imagination that went into their creation.

Art Directors Juan Antonio Alcazar Redondo, Jose Luis Vaello Bertol and Rafael Jimenez Rodriguez show and explain how they masterfully created the gothic mood in the settings, captured the grotesque beauty of the creatures, and personified the cursed legacy of the intricately designed Belmont clan.

The heavy stock pages are filled with high resolution printings of the gorgeous concept art and sketches that show the evolution of the design to the final game. The commentary included beside the artwork provides invaluable insights into the developers' minds. We learn about the influences that shaped the game's art style, from classic horror films to gothic literature as the developers openly discuss their design choices, explaining the reasoning behind specific monster behaviors and the challenges they faced in bringing these creatures to life. The influences of Guillermo Del Toro, Goya, Spanish architecture and the Spanish light are freely explained.

One particularly interesting aspect is the acknowledgment of the intentional homages to games like Shadow of the Colossus. The book clarifies that the similarities in certain boss encounters were not accidental but rather a conscious effort to pay tribute to a game that had a profound impact on the development team.

With crisp, full-page spreads showcasing the artwork, this book is a must-have for any Castlevania fan. It's a visual treat that offers a deeper appreciation for the artistry that has made the series so iconic.