Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced today that Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Following the success of two previous Castlevania titles Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin on Nintendo DSâ„¢, the third installment introduces fans of the franchise to a female lead character and an updated combat system. Produced by legendary Castlevania producer Koji "Iga" Igarashi, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is poised to set a new standard for side scrolling action on the DS.

In Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, players take on the role of heroine Shanoa, member of the Ecclesia, an organization that has sworn to defeat the evil forces of Dracula. Players must learn to absorb and apply the all-new Glyph attack system to defeat Dracula and his horde of demons. While battling Dracula and his minions, players can unleash more than 100 different special attack combinations in more than 20 different exterior environments, ranging from forests to the ocean.

Utilizing the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS, players can choose to compete head-to-head, or trade items and equipment they have accumulated while exploring the environments. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia also packs replay value in one package, giving players the chance to unlock multiple endings as well as continuously discover a variety of items and experiment with new moves during combat.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB and available on Nintendo DS for $29.99.