You control two adventurers; Lucian who is guided by the moon, and Aaron who is powered by the sun, to take on the forces of evil including vampires. What the game doesn’t have in common with its GBA brother is the sun sensor has been omitted and isn’t necessary in this version of the series. You now rely on the cycle of time and weather by using each characters ability in the correct situation for success. It is fair to mention that if you are die-hard Boktai fan, you can pop the GBA version in the GBA slot and use the sensor off either version of Boktai if you are so inclined.

The game’s look is very much a carbon copy of the GBA games with the exception of some menu options, slick FMV clips, and some bosses that utilize the DS’s 3D power. Otherwise, the game looks much like Boktai, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The ominous and dark theme still surrounds the game, the character and enemy design is well thought out, and the level design is varied even if the game is much shorter than either Boktai title. Toss in some cool touch screen mini game shooters and you have something that any fan of the series will enjoy immensely.

Audio also impresses with a few voice sound bites, great sound effects, and one brilliant score worthy of any Castlevania title. I would have liked to have a bit more voice acting, especially with the power of the DS, but I guess memory space for the cart is limited, so all is forgiven.

Lunar Knights does differ from previous Boktai games, as it is easily more action driven. Lunar Knights takes a bit from many genres here providing action, stealth, shooting, and role-playing elements throughout the game which keeps the game fresh as you seek out your final foe. The game also takes advantage of the DS beyond its powerful capabilities and uses the touch screen and microphone as well. Even cooler is the game not only borrows the vampire theme from Castlevania, but even elements of Metal Gear can be found as you can use the microphone to distract or lure enemies. Sure this takes away from Lunar Knights being totally original, but who cares…it’s cool!

The story will only provide a few handfuls of hours to complete, and even with a single card multiplayer battle mode, it’s too short. What is worse is the story line is very linear so replaying the quest is only an option for someone who just falls in love with the story.

So let us recap. Lunar Knights is not a follow up to Boktai, even though all signs point to yes and even uses the solar device from Boktai 1 or 2. The gameplay and story aren’t completely original and short. The game does look great and the soundtrack is extraordinary. Lastly, the game takes from Castlevania, Metal Gear, and any great action RPG which results in one fun if short ride. It is easy to say, if you like Boktai, vampires, or action RPGs then Lunar Knights is a must buy for you if you have a DS system. For me, it just felt like I have visited this Knight before.