The option is afforded to plug in a GameCube controller or Wii Classic Controller as alternatives; unfortunately, neither of these fare much better. The Classic Controller has the benefit of a better form factor, but the loose control sticks and cushy buttons are far from ideal for fighting. Digging out an old GameCube controller is your best bet, although even here you'll find it to be less capable that desired. Castlevania Judgment falls short of its potential due to a poor, irreconcilible choice--there's no way that a game with as many types of attacks can be easily managed with the available controls.

Other problems are at play here too--imbalances among the roster of characters, sparse competition when venturing online, unnecessary clutter in the stages. None of these, however, trump the control issue. You won't have a desire to play long enough to uncover these other flaws because the controls are such a turn off. Konami should have known that control would be a sticking point in bringing Castlevania Judgment to the Wii, which makes it less a mistake and more an ill-advised shortcoming. The night of fun has long passed for this underwhelming game and the morning heralds a test that it doesn't have the chops to really pass with flying colors.

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