History YMMV / CastlevaniaJudgment

* FirstInstallmentWins: Seemingly {{invoked|Trope}}. Aside from [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaOrderOfEcclesia Shanoa]] and [[OriginalGeneration the newcomer Aeon]], all of the characters in this game were introduced to the series before 2000, prior to when IGA became producer. References to the handheld {{Metroidvania}}s and the non-UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}} 3D games are sparse: Death's music comes from ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaLamentOfInnocence Lament of Innocence]]'', Trevor's ending foreshadows ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaCurseOfDarkness Curse of Darkness]]'' and most of the enemy models are taken from that game, Alucard's ending foreshadows ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaAriaOfSorrow'', and Eric's ending hints at a plot point introduced in ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin Portrait of Ruin]]''. By comparison, one only needs to look to the playable cast of ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaHarmonyOfDespair'', which sits at the other side of the representation spectrum.

* TheScrappy: Many of the heroes pulled out of time before their games have taken place are intentionally very flawed in an effort to retcon CharacterDevelopment into their stories, but not everyone considers this experiment to be a success...

* TheScrappy:

** As a result of Maria's Story Mode, [[UnusualEuphemism referring to large breasts as]] [[BuxomIsBetter a "sacred gift."]] What makes this especially ironic is the fact Maria was pretty busty herself in her artwork from ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaRondoOfBlood Rondo of Blood]]''.

* FirstInstallmentWins: Seemingly {{invoked|Trope}}. Aside from [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaOrderOfEcclesia Shanoa]] and [[OriginalGeneration the newcomer Aeon]], all of the characters in this game were introduced to the series before 2000, prior to when IGA became producer. References to the handheld {{Metroidvania}}s and the non-UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}} 3D games are sparse: Death's music comes from ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaLamentOfInnocence Lament of Innocence]]'', Trevor's ending foreshadows ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaCurseOfDarkness Curse of Darkness]]'' and most of the enemy models are taken from that game, Alucard's ending foreshadows ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaChroniclesOfSorrow Aria of Sorrow]]'', and Eric's ending hints at a plot point introduced in ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin Portrait of Ruin]]''. By comparison, one only needs to look to the playable cast of ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaHarmonyOfDespair'', which sits at the other side of the representation spectrum.

* CriticalDissonance: Critics '''''ABSOLUTELY''''' hated the game. Fans, on the other hand? They generally feel like it's underrated.

** Simon Yagami - Simon Belmont, for his striking resemblance to ''Manga/DeathNote'' protagonist Light Yagami. [[http://www.kotaku.com.au/games/2008/07/judge_castlevania_judgments_graphics_for_yourself-2.html See for yourself]].

* FirstInstallmentWins: Aside from [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaOrderOfEcclesia Shanoa]] and [[OriginalGeneration the newcomer Aeon]], all of the characters in this game were introduced to the series before 2000, prior to when IGA became producer. References to the handheld {{Metroidvania}}s and the non-UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}} 3D games are sparse: Death's music comes from ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaLamentOfInnocence Lament of Innocence]]'', Trevor's ending foreshadows ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaCurseOfDarkness Curse of Darkness]]'' and most of the enemy models are taken from that game, Alucard's ending foreshadows ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaChroniclesOfSorrow Aria of Sorrow]]'', and Eric's ending hints at a plot point introduced in ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin Portrait of Ruin]]''. By comparison, one only needs to look to the playable cast of ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaHarmonyOfDespair'', which sits at the other side of the representation spectrum.

--> '''Aeon (using his Hyper Attack against Eric):''' Jealousy of the whip does not excuse your arrogance with the lance.

** Sypha is also ''really'' hated in this game due to being an uptight {{hypocrite}} [[KnightTemplar who claims she is doing goodness]] [[VanHelsingHateCrimes by eliminating all children of the night]], yet in the same vein, she does not seem to care or acknowledge that [[DarkIsNotEvil some of those characters have good intentions and have nothing to do with Dracula]] (even going ''against'' him). What doesn't help her case is that the characters she antagonizes are [[EnsembleDarkhorse Cornell]] and Shanoa, who are far more well-liked than her. ''[[TheVamp Carmilla]]'' even calls her out on her hypocrisy.
*** What also doesn't help Sypha's case is that Shanoa is also part of the church. So technically, they're on the same side. Which basically means that she really is a huge {{hypocrite}}. The only silver lining in this is that this was supposed to be a take of past!Sypha before ''Dracula's Curse'', so her eventual fate was to be given a soup of humiliation by [[TakenForGranite being petrified by the Cyclops]], saved by Trevor, and [[CharacterDevelopment mellowed down once she felt calmer and matured up during the quest]]. But considering that in the original, she was amiable from get-go, that artistic liberty isn't helping much. Even the Pachislot version had her be more amiable. Thankfully, because of this, [[WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017 the usually profanity-littered Netflix version]] decided to just make her the GoodIsNotSoft [[OnlySaneMan Only Sane Woman]], having her rudeness toned down along with several moments putting her caring nature on display, coming off a lot more well-received than (or considered a good improvement over) this version.

* SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic: Probably the only thing every fan can agree on is that it has a damn good soundtrack. Hell, the version used for Simon's reveal in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate? This one.'' [[AwesomeMusic/{{Castlevania}} See the main page.]]
* BrokenBase: This game is probably one of the most controversial out of the ''Castlevania'' series. Flawed, horribly designed, wannabe-''[[VideoGame/SoulSeries Soul Calibur]]'' reject that ruined the franchise? Or a severely underrated classic that, though flawed, is still quite fun to play with, and people are just being too picky?
** The designs of the characters used to gain really negative reception, but some (particularly [[EnsembleDarkhorse Cornell]] and Aeon) are notable for being good. However, nowadays though most still complain about the designs, there are a good number who feel that the designs are actually alright and not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. The latter party also raise up the good point that the designs are that way due to Aeon pulling all of the characters from different eras in time.
** Of all the designs that are quite Base Breaking, Grant's design is this the most. Though initially highly disliked for looking like a [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Voldo]] ripoff and less like a pirate -- particularly citing he looks like a [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot mummy ninja]]. However, some fans have gotten used to and even warmed up to Grant's new design -- citing that Grant's old design was generic, and this new one looked badass and made him far more distinguishable as a character. They also point out two factors which explain why Grant looks the way he is: that being he was pulled from ''after'' his debut, so he could've either gone through a lot of hardships after the events of Dracula's Curse; or just get beaten badly by Dracula himself during said game he debuted in. Another argument defenders use (though rare) is that in the original Japanese, Grant was classed as a ''former'' pirate captain, but was now currently a rebel, a noble thief and an acrobat, so it's fair game for the character designer to do what they wanted with his design.
** Gameplay-wise, Maria is this. Is she seriously OP and easy to use? Or is she far too clunky and difficult to utilize?

** Golem. Anyone find it [[{{Irony}} ironic]] that the one character whose mere existence was overlooked turned out to be the one part most fans thought the game got ''right''?
** Cornell was another character that not a lot of people saw coming, and yet he is usually grouped with Golem as one of the things ''Judgment'' nailed. His redesign in particular is widely regarded as the best of the entire cast.
** Grant. Despite boasting a divisive design, his blend of entertaining personality, flashy gameplay, and unique story are considered some of the game's best. It also helps that this is the first time Grant has ever been featured alongside his compatriots Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard in some time.
** The new character that was introduced in this game, Aeon, was also well-received. Part of it is because his design is probably one of the best ones in the game, and his cryptic yet straightforward personality being intriguing. Being TheChessmaster and the BigGood also helps. And his theme music is awesome!

** As mentioned ad nauseam in this work's pages, the resemblance to ''Manga/DeathNote'' is easily noticed, and fans won't let go of making references to the manga:
*** ''Dracula Note'', ''Death Notevania'', ''Castlevania JustAsPlanned'', ''Akumajo Keikaku Doori'', ''VideoGame/PowerStone: The Death Note Version'' and ''Death Note: The Fighting Game''.
*** Castlevanians of Ottawa-region like to call the game as "[=CastlevaNote=]".
* FirstInstallmentWins: Aside from [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaOrderOfEcclesia Shanoa]] and [[OriginalGeneration the newcomer Aeon]], all of the characters in this game were introduced to the series before 2000, prior to when IGA became producer. References to the handheld {{Metroidvania}}s and the non-UsefulNotes/{{Nintendo 64}} 3D games are sparse: Death's music comes from ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaLamentOfInnocence'', Trevor's ending foreshadows ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaCurseOfDarkness'' and most of the enemy models are taken from that game, Alucard's ending foreshadows ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaAriaOfSorrow'', and Eric's ending hints at a plot point introduced in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin''.
** Compare to the playable cast of ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaHarmonyOfDespair''. It's at the other side of the spectrum.
* [[HarsherInHindsight Harsher]] and HilariousInHindsight: Maria's plotline being centered on comparing her bust to every other girl's felt scarily prophetic during a period in which ''Castlevania'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN0Te7uTi7o took a rather sexualised direction]].
** One more HarsherInHindsight -- when you use Aeon's Hyper Attack against Grant, he will end his trek through the glass with this: "Your tale will be passed down for eternity.” Rather notoriously, [[WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017 the Netflix adaptation of Castlevania 3]] saw Grant being AdaptedOut, which definitely makes Aeon’s assessment fall under the trope.

** As a result of Maria's story mode, [[BuxomIsBetter referring to large breasts as a "sacred gift"]]. What makes it especially ironic it's the fact that back at the ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaRondoOfBlood'' game artwork, she was pretty busty herself.
* RonTheDeathEater: Though not hugely grossed out or highly exaggerated compared to other characters (thankfully due to other games featuring him not being like this), Trevor gets a lot of flak and is accused of being a self-righteous asshole for what he says to Grant in Grant's story mode. Players felt that Trevor wasn't being fair to Grant by accusing him of feeling himself worthier for Sypha...despite the fact that considering Grant's tone and posture (he sounded sad, tired, and his head is bowed down), that might not have even been the case, and instead of challenging him to a fight, players felt that Trevor should've just talked to Grant to sort things out. Especially jarring since they're supposed to be best friends (though some can justify it's because back in the era where Trevor and Grant lived in, this was probably one way to settle things out). Players also felt that by the end of Grant's story, it's not Grant who broke apart their friendship, but Trevor himself, and that it was better that Grant distanced himself away from the two things that made him miserable (even though Grant ''did'' skip out from their wedding of his own free will due to his own jealousy and resentment that he DidNotGetTheGirl).
* TheScrappy: This incarnation of Eric is ''really'' hated due to him being a [[BrattyHalfPint smug and arrogant child]] who thinks he's superior to others. A lot of fans were also angry at this incarnation due to questioning ''why'' Eric Lecarde should even be a child in the first place. However, it seems that even the characters in-game disapprove of Eric and his arrogance, as Alucard firmly tells him off that the lance was only meant to accompany the whip, not be superior to it. Even ''[[BigGood Aeon]]'' takes a jab at Eric in his Hyper Attack against him.
--> '''Aeon (using his Hyper Attack against Eric)''': Jealousy of the whip does not excuse your arrogance with the lance.

** Sypha is also ''really'' hated in this game due to being an uptight {{hypocrite}} [[KnightTemplar who claims she is doing goodness]] [[VanHelsingHateCrimes by eliminating all Children of the Night]], yet in the same vein, she does not seem to care or acknowledge that [[DarkIsNotEvil some of those characters have good intentions and have nothing to do with Dracula (even going ''against'' him)]]. What doesn't help her case is that the characters she antagonizes are [[EnsembleDarkhorse Cornell]] and Shanoa, who are far more well-liked than her. ''[[TheVamp Carmilla]]'' even calls her out on her hypocrisy.
*** What also doesn't help Sypha's case is that Shanoa is also part of the church. So technically, they're on the same side. Which basically means that she really is a huge {{hypocrite}}. The only silver lining in this is that this was supposed to be a take of past!Sypha before ''Dracula's Curse'', so her eventual fate was to be given a soup of humiliation by [[TakenForGranite being petrified by the Cyclops]], saved by Trevor, and [[CharacterDevelopment mellowed down once she felt calmer and matured up during the quest]]. But considering that in the original, she was amiable from get-go, that artistic liberty isn't helping much. Even the Pachislot version had her be more amiable. Thankfully, because of this, [[WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017 the usually profanity-littered Netflix version]] decided to just make her GoodIsNotSoft with some sane and caring moments and tone down her rude moments as being the OnlySaneWoman, coming off a lot more well-received (or considered a good improvement) than this version.
** The incarnation of Maria here usually tends to trump both Eric and Sypha, despite not being turned into an arrogant version of herself, simply because she has the most 'anime-ified' design considered to be the worst offender, very awkward fighting style, and her storyline being considered the most ridiculous amongst all others and also completely OOC in its own way compared to her ''Rondo of Blood'' origin (she was cute, but she ''didn't obsess over the boobs of other ladies''). If most people get asked who's the most problematic character in ''Judgment'', Maria is usually first in line.

** Cornell, hailing from the obscure ''Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness''.
** Grant Danasty. This game was the character's first appearance in over a decade.

** Golem's own "Mama" finds the concept of it thinking for itself to be absurd. And even after Death affirms its sapience as close to achieving humanity, he tells it that it ''should'' be mindless. Given his strength, he potentially reaches IronWoobie levels.
** Cornell can be seen as one. He ''hates'' his beast form, yet he ends up stuck in it in the Time Rift. There, he tries to find a cure for his curse. Along the way, he not only tells Carmilla to get lost when she tries to convince him to join their forces since he is also a child of the night, but when he goes to Sypha who is part of the church, [[KickTheDog she nastily rebukes him and tells him she has no cure along with telling him to, as she put it, go to death.]] Though, Cornell interprets it as [[LiteralMinded actually going to Death]] rather than taking Sypha's obvious notion of telling him to go die. However, Cornell would most likely be an IronWoobie as well, since when he finally finds Death, Death offers him the cure in exchange of his allegiance to Dracula. Cornell refuses and declares that he'll find a cure himself.
** Grant as well can count. Considering the amount of crap he went through in [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaIIIDraculasCurse Dracula's Curse]] (i.e. his whole family, which could ''possibly'' be or include his crew, getting killed off; and getting cursed to be a rampaging demon that was locked in a [[ThatOneLevel clocktower]]); and how different he looks now (which could actually border onto FridgeHorror if you think about it), he also DidNotGetTheGirl. And who did he lose the girl to? His [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter best friend]]. He was so [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]] and [[LoveHurts heartbroken]], he didn't even attend their wedding. However, unlike most RomanticRunnerUp characters with Grant's [[DeadpanSnarker personality]] in mind, instead of wishing ill, siding with the bad guys, or trying to steal the girl, he instead tries to repair his homeland from all the crap ''that'' got from Dracula and his posse. In fact, we're unaware of Grant's heart being broken until his fated fights where he lets loose, but even then he seems more melancholic and tired than full-out angsting, which made him easier to sympathize with. This is very noticeable when he fights Trevor, to which he doesn't even seem angry or upset at him for being able to win Sypha's affections (in fact, most players found themselves hating Sypha and Trevor instead). But after beating Trevor, Grant finally [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy wishes good tidings to the couple and moves on]]. Adding that to how he's usually quite chipper, this would probably also make him an IronWoobie.

** Grant [=DaNasty=]. This game was the character's first appearance in over a decade.

*** What also doesn't help Sypha's case is that Shanoa is also part of the church. So technically, they're on the same side. Which basically means that she really is a huge {{hypocrite}}. The only silver lining in this is that this was supposed to be a take of past!Sypha before ''Dracula's Curse'', so her eventual fate was to be given a soup of humiliation by [[TakenForGranite being petrified by the Cyclops]], saved by Trevor, and [[CharacterDevelopment mellowed down once she felt calmer and matured up during the quest]]. But considering that in the original, she was amiable from get-go, that artistic liberty isn't helping much. Even the Pachislot version had her be more amiable. Thankfully, because of this, [[WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017 the usually profanity-littered Netflix version]] decided to just make her GoodIsNotNice with some sane and caring moments and tone down her rude moments as being the OnlySaneWoman, coming off a lot more well-received (or considered a good improvement) than this version.

*** What also doesn't help Sypha's case is that Shanoa is also part of the church. So technically, they're on the same side. Which basically means that she really is a huge {{hypocrite}}. The only silver lining in this is that this was supposed to be a take of past!Sypha before ''Dracula's Curse'', so her eventual fate was to be given a soup of humiliation by [[TakenForGranite being petrified by the Cyclops]], saved by Trevor, and [[CharacterDevelopment mellowed down once she felt calmer and matured up during the quest]]. But considering that in the original, she was amiable from get-go, that artistic liberty isn't helping much. Even the Pachislot version had her be more amiable.

* SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic: Probably the only thing every fan can agree on is that it has a damn good soundtrack. [[AwesomeMusic/{{Castlevania}} See the main page.]]

** Cornell, hailing from the obscure ''Castlevania 64''.

* SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic: Probably the only thing every fan can agree on is that it has a damn good soundtrack. Particular examples:
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djBu-Eot31E Darkness of Fear]]. The overall theme of the game, as well as Aeon's theme that is the perfect tune to describe an unknown yet dire situation.
** This game's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naJAtE3zpiI Clockwork]] is also a really great revamp of the original tune. More orchestral sounding, however with the fast tempo and soaring crescendo, it truly describes Grant in a nutshell. A flashy FragileSpeedster who, though a DeadpanSnarker, can be deadly when serious.
** Though Maria is more on the dislike side of the scale, her theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAVmOBaWN90 Slash]], is quite well done, too. Particularly the electric guitar that blasts after the initial orchestra sound, yet blending and fitting in quite well. Though it probably added more salt to those who disliked Maria as they felt that such a great rendition of the theme suited Richter who should've been in the game instead of her.
** Despite being TheScrappy to most people, Eric's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxc2l50u1M0 Iron Blue Intention]], is also well-received. With the heavy sound of the trumpet, and the slower tempo, it gives off a regal and grand sound -- particularly when the music picks up. The sound of the guitar strumming in the back is also a good nod to Eric's Spanish origins. Most thought that the theme would suit Eric if he were an adult or at least a teenager rather than a child.
** Let it be known that this game's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY6xo1Nk1H8 Vampire Killer]] is ''so goddamn awesome'', it directly followed Simon over to ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate''. Other featured remixes from this game include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BTnD9RwaME Dracula's Castle]], Mad Forest and Dance of Illusions.

** Cornell and ''especially'' Golem. Anyone find it [[{{Irony}} ironic]] that the one character whose mere existence was overlooked turned out to be the one part most fans thought the game got ''right''?
** Though his redesign is quite divisive, Grant was still positively received and considered one of the better characters in the cast with the best treatment. This is due to his personality (despite looking like that, he still acts like a laid-back and flippant swashbuckler) and his story being the least ridiculous, as well as being distinct.

* UnexpectedCharacter: Golem, a generic enemy from the games, is a fully playable character.

** Let it be known that this game's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuyD3hYBEG4 Vampire Killer]] is ''so goddamn awesome'', it directly followed Simon over to ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate''. Other featured remixes from this game include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BTnD9RwaME Dracula's Castle]], Mad Forest and Dance of Illusions.

* FridgeBrilliance: One of the biggest complaints from fans was that [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaChroniclesOfSorrow Soma Cruz]] wasn't part of the roster. However, if one plays through the game, they'd realize ''why'' that can't be possible. [[spoiler:Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula, and Dracula is already part of the roster. Aeon decreed that no two of the same being can be in the Time Rift or else time will be destroyed.]]

* BrokenBase: This game is probably one of the most controversial out of the Castlevania series. Flawed, horribly designed, wannabe-[[VideoGame/SoulSeries Soul Calibur]] reject that ruined the franchise? Or a severely underrated classic that, though flawed, is still quite fun to play with, and people are just being too picky?

*** Of all the designs that are quite Base Breaking, Grant's design is this the most. Though initially highly disliked for looking like a [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Voldo]] ripoff and less like a pirate -- particularly citing he looks like a [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot mummy ninja]]. However, some fans have gotten used to and even warmed up to Grant's new design -- citing that Grant's old design was generic, and this new one looked badass and made him far more distinguishable as a character. They also point out two factors which explain why Grant looks the way he is: that being he was pulled from ''after'' his debut, so he could've either gone through a lot of hardships after the events of Dracula's Curse; or just get beaten badly by Dracula himself during said game he debuted in. Another argument defenders use (though rare) is that in the original Japanese, Grant was classed as a ''former'' pirate captain, but was now currently a rebel, a noble thief and an acrobat, so it's fair game for the character designer to do what they wanted with his design.

* TheWoobie: Golem's own "Mama" finds the concept of it thinking for itself to be absurd. And even after Death affirms its sapience as close to achieving humanity, he tells it that it ''should'' be mindless. Given his strength, he potentially reaches IronWoobie levels.

* [[HarsherInHindsight Harsher]] and HilariousInHindsight: With ''Castlevania'''s [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN0Te7uTi7o current direction]], Maria's plotline being centered on comparing her bust to every other girl's is scarily prophetic.
** One more HarsherInHindsight -- when you use Aeon's Hyper Attack against Grant, he will end his trek through the glass with this: "Your tale will be passed down for eternity." Considering what's happening to the franchise now...

** As a result of Maria's story mode, [[BuxomIsBetter referring to large breasts as a "sacred gift"]]. What makes it especially ironic it's the fact that back at the Videogame/CastlevaniaRondoOfBlood game artwork, she was pretty busty herself.
* MostAnnoyingSound: Maria's constant high-pitched namedropping of TheFourGods quickly grows tiresome.
** Eric's smug, arrogant quips can get ''really'' grating.
** Playing through the various modes introduces the player to Dracula's teleport-happy AI, complete with repetitive taunts. "Where are you looking? Your tricks are useless!" Alucard has to fight him for his finale in Story Mode, but everyone can get a turn against him in Castle Mode.

** Let it be known that this game's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuyD3hYBEG4 Vampire Killer]] is ''so goddamn awesome'', it directly followed Simon over to ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'', and if the presence of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BTnD9RwaME Dracula's Castle]] remix is any indicator, ''Judgment's'' soundtrack might be getting a lot more exposure soon.

** Grant as well can count. Considering the amount of crap he went through in [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaIIIDraculasCurse Dracula's Curse]] (i.e. his whole family, which could ''possibly'' be or include his crew, getting killed off; and getting cursed to be a rampaging demon that was locked in a [[ThatOneLevel clocktower]]); and how different he looks now (which could actually border onto FridgeHorror if you think about it), he also DidNotGetTheGirl. And who did he lose the girl to? His [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter best friend]]. He was so [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]] and [[LoveHurts heartbroken]], he didn't even attend their wedding. However, unlike most RomanticRunnerUp characters with Grant's [[DeadpanSnarker personality]] in mind, instead of wishing ill, siding with the bad guys, or trying to steal the girl, he instead tries to repair his homeland from all the crap ''that'' got from Dracula and his posse. In fact, we're unaware of Grant's heart being broken until his fated fights where he lets loose, but even then he seems more melancholic and tired than full-out angsting, which made him easier to sympathize with. This is very noticeable when he fights Trevor, to which he doesn't even seem angry or upset at him for being able to win Sypha's affections (in fact, most players found themselves hating Sypha and Trevor instead). But after beating Trevor, Grant finally [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy wishes good tidings to the couple and moves on]]. Adding that to how he's usually quite chipper, this would probably also make him an IronWoobie.
* ContinuitySnarl: Cornell who is protagonist of Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness, has his game classified as Non-Canon in Castlevania's main timeline. Yet he was put in the events of Castlevania Judgment without any official explanation.

* CrowningMusicOfAwesome: Probably the only thing every fan can agree on is that it has a damn good soundtrack.
** Particular examples:
*** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djBu-Eot31E Darkness of Fear]]. The overall theme of the game, as well as Aeon's theme that is the perfect tune to describe an unknown yet dire situation.
*** This game's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naJAtE3zpiI Clockwork]] is also a really great revamp of the original tune. More orchestral sounding, however with the fast tempo and soaring crescendo, it truly describes Grant in a nutshell. A flashy FragileSpeedster who, though a DeadpanSnarker, can be deadly when serious.
*** Though Maria is more on the dislike side of the scale, her theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAVmOBaWN90 Slash]], is quite well done, too. Particularly the electric guitar that blasts after the initial orchestra sound, yet blending and fitting in quite well. Though it probably added more salt to those who disliked Maria as they felt that such a great rendition of the theme suited Richter who should've been in the game instead of her.
*** Despite being TheScrappy to most people, Eric's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxc2l50u1M0 Iron Blue Intention]], is also well-received. With the heavy sound of the trumpet, and the slower tempo, it gives off a regal and grand sound -- particularly when the music picks up. The sound of the guitar strumming in the back is also a good nod to Eric's Spanish origins. Most thought that the theme would suit Eric if he were an adult or at least a teenager rather than a child.
*** Let it be known that this game's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuyD3hYBEG4 Vampire Killer]] is ''so goddamn awesome'', it directly followed Simon over to ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'', and if the presence of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BTnD9RwaME Dracula's Castle]] remix is any indicator, ''Judgment's'' soundtrack might be getting a lot more exposure soon.

** Grant as well can count. Considering the amount of crap he went through in [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaIIIDraculasCurse Dracula's Curse]] (i.e. his whole family, which could ''possibly'' be or include his crew, getting killed off; and getting cursed to be a rampaging demon that was locked in a [[ThatOneLevel clocktower]]); and how different he looks now (which could actually border onto FridgeHorror if you think about it), he also DidNotGetTheGirl. And who did he lose the girl to? His [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter best friend]]. He was so [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]] and [[LoveHurts heartbroken]], he didn't even attend their wedding. However, unlike most RomanticRunnerUp characters with Grant's [[DeadpanSnarker personality]] in mind, instead of wishing ill, siding with the bad guys, or trying to steal the girl, he instead tries to repair his homeland from all the crap ''that'' got from Dracula and his posse. In fact, we're unaware of Grant's heart being broken until his fated fights where he lets loose, but even then he seems more melancholic and tired than full-out angsting, which made him easier to sympathize with. This is very noticeable when he fights Trevor, to which he doesn't even seem angry or upset at him for being able to win Sypha's affections (in fact, most players found themselves hating Sypha and Trevor instead). But after beating Trevor, Grant finally [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy wishes good tidings to the couple and moves on]]. Adding that to how he's usually quite chipper, this would probably also make him an IronWoobie.

** Cornell can be seen as one. He ''hates'' his beast form, yet he ends up stuck in it in the Time Rift. There, he tries to find a cure for his curse. Along the way, he not only tells Carmilla to get lost when she tries to convince him to join their forces since he is also a child of the night, but when he goes to Sypha who is part of the church, [[KickTheDog she nastily rebukes him and tells him she has no cure along with telling him to go to death.]] Though Cornell interprets it as [[LiteralMinded actually going to Death]] rather than taking Sypha's obvious notion of telling him to go die. However, Cornell would most likely be an IronWoobie as well, since when he finally finds Death, Death offers him the cure in exchange of his allegiance to Dracula. Cornell refuses and declares that he'll find a cure himself.

* FridgeBrilliance: One of the biggest complaints from fans was that [[VideoGame/CastlevaniaChroniclesOfSorrow Soma Cruz]] wasn't part of the roster. However, if one plays through the game, they'd realize ''why'' that can't be possible. [[spoiler:Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula, and Dracula is already part of the roster. Aeon decreed that no two of the same being can be in the Time Rift or else something bad will happen.]]