Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow | GBA | Emulated | RetroArch

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003, is the third and arguably best Castlevania entry on the system. Set in the year 2035 (yes, the future!), it follows Soma Cruz, a high school student who gets sucked into Dracula’s castle during a solar eclipse. But here’s the twist—Soma can absorb the souls of enemies, gaining their powers and attacks.

This soul system adds incredible depth to gameplay and allows for customized builds, making every playthrough different.

Why it rocks:

🦴 Tactical Soul System – over 100 enemy souls to collect and use

🧛‍♂️ Non-linear Metroidvania exploration with RPG elements

⚔️ Weapon variety, from swords to guns to giant hammers

🔁 Replay value with multiple endings and New Game+

🎵 Incredible soundtrack and atmosphere, gothic as ever

🧩 Secret bosses, hidden weapons, and tight level design

🎨 Crisp, clean pixel art that pushed the GBA hardware

Whether you're showing off boss fights, farming souls, or exploring Dracula’s castle, Aria of Sorrow is a must-see and a must-play for any Castlevania fan.