Castlevania Aria of Sorrow is set in the year 2003, and follows the story of Soma Cruz, who finds himself sucked through a portal into Dracula's castle during a solar eclipse. As he navigates the castle, Soma must uncover the true meaning behind the event and find a way out.
The game takes place in Dracula's castle, where all of the classic Castlevania elements are present. Players control Soma as he searches for a way out, encountering various enemies and bosses along the way. One unique feature is Soma's ability to absorb the souls of his defeated enemies, which can be used to enhance his abilities or provide passive stat boosts.
As players progress through the game, they can acquire new weapons and abilities by exploring the castle, finding items in chests, or purchasing them from vendors. The gameplay involves action and adventure elements, as Soma must fight his way through hordes of enemies and overcome obstacles to reach the next area. With the ability to trade souls with a friend's copy of the game, players can work together to explore the castle and uncover its secrets.