Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia/Gameplay

Glyphs
Unlike previous Castlevania games, Shanoa's main attacks are glyphs. She has three glyphs: main glyph, sub glyph, and back glyph. Main and sub glyphs are attacks, while back glyphs are usually supportive. Each glyph uses a certain amount of MP, but MP recharges quickly when not attacking. Each glyph is also associated with a specific attribute.

Glyphs can be obtained in several ways. Some randomly appear after an enemy is defeated. Some can only be absorbed when an enemy is using a glyph. Others can be found in statues. Glyphs are absorbed by holding.

By pressing and either  or, a glyph union will be performed, which is a stronger attack. Glyph unions cost hearts instead of MP.

Attribute Points
Attribute points are gained when enemies are defeated with glyphs. There are six attributes: slash, strike, fire, ice, lightning, darkness, and light. The more points gained, the stronger the glyphs become.

Status
There are three status effects that Shanoa can experience.
 * Poison : Drains HP and lowers stats.
 * Curse : Drains MP.
 * Stone : Shanoa becomes immobile. Keep tapping the Dpad to break free.

Items
A variety of items can be found throughout the game. Shanoa can equip a head gear, body gear, leg gear, and two accessories. There are also several use items that replenish either HP, MP, or hearts. Many use items don't have a functionality other than a requirement for quests.

Chests
Throughout the game are six kinds of chests that contain various items. Wooden chests contain a random common item. Green chests contain a random rare item. Each map has a set pool of items which the wooden and green chests randomly select from. Wooden and green chests can be opened again after revisiting a map. The other chests can only be opened once. Red chests usually contain max up items. Gold chests contains relics. Blue chests are hidden and can be revealed by pressing.