...what. The core gameplay mechanics (you know, what they use to define genres) are the same. The exploration, the movement (2D side-scroller), the basics of combat, etc. are the same. It merely refers to any 2D side scroller with an emphasis on exploration and an action-adventure gameplay. The bas...

^ The exploration is like a Metroid game. The actual gameplay is of its own. I think the RPG elements have a greater impact on the gameplay (IE being able to level, cast spells, cheese your way through battle with items, etc.)

Nah. The Castlevania games are not so stale and have their own panic buttons.

Re: The new Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks trailer.

Is that a whip I see? Instant 5/5 just for that.

Order of Ecclesia is a bit difficult in comparison...
[spoiler]except the battle with Death. He's a joke in Order of Ecclesia.[/spoiler]I find the music and stage design is better in Portrait of Ruin but I'll take Order of Ecclesia's gameplay and story any day.

We have that. Need more. Portrait of Ruin is fun. the character art is awful Heh, picked it up again yesterday... Started a new game, fell in love with the game again... I play the game with the japanese voices, sounds soooo much better imo. Dunno why, but I don't think the character art is that bad...