Maria Renard's Journey Through the Castle
This walkthrough focuses on playing as Maria Renard, a powerful ally who becomes playable after being rescued by Richter Belmont. Maria offers a distinct playstyle, relying on speed, agility, and her unique animal summons.
Maria's primary attack is a rapid flurry of kicks, which can be chained together for sificant damage. Her secondary attack involves summoning spectral animals: the Tiger, the Dragon, and the Bird. Each summon has its own properties and is best used in different situations.
Stage 1: The Village Outskirts (Maria's Perspective)
Maria begins her journey in the Village Outskirts. Her speed allows her to navigate this stage with ease. Focus on using her kick combos to dispatch the early enemies like skeletons and bats. When facing multiple enemies, her Bird summon can provide a useful defensive screen or attack from above.
Stage 2: The Forest Path
The Forest Path presents more challenging terrain and enemies. Maria's agility is key here. Her Tiger summon is excellent for dealing with tougher ground enemies like the Werewolves, as it can stun them and deal sificant damage. Be mindful of the jumping wolves and use your kicks to counter their lunges.
Stage 3: The Castle Entrance
The Castle Entrance features more complex platforming and armored enemies. Maria's Dragon summon is ideal for clearing out groups of enemies or hitting airborne foes from a distance. Her double jump and wall jump abilities are crucial for navigating the vertical sections of this stage.
Stage 4A/4B: The Castle Interior/Underground Lake
Depending on the path taken, Maria will face different challenges. In the Castle Interior, focus on using her speed to dodge the numerous traps and enemies. Her Tiger summon is effective against the larger, slower enemies. If you take the Underground Lake path, her Bird summon can help clear out the aquatic threats from a safe distance, and her kicks are useful for quick jabs against mermen.
Stage 5: The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a test of Maria's aerial prowess. Her double jump and wall jump are essential for navigating the moving gears and platforms. The Dragon summon can be used to hit enemies on distant platforms or to clear out groups that are blocking your path. Be cautious of falling hazards and time your jumps precisely.
Stage 6: The Underground Lake (if not taken earlier)
If you reach the Underground Lake with Maria, her agility will be a sificant advantage. Her kicks can be used to quickly dispatch mermen as they emerge from the water. The Bird summon is also very useful here for providing aerial support and keeping enemies at bay. Remember that water slows movement, so be deliberate with your steps.
Final Stages and Dracula's Castle
As Maria progresses through the later stages, her combination of speed, powerful kicks, and versatile summons makes her a formidable force. Her ability to chain attacks and utilize her summons strategically allows her to overcome even the most difficult bosses and enemies. Her unique playstyle offers a fresh and exciting way to experience the entirety of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood.