Joachim Mode

Joachim Mode is an unlockable mode in Castlevania: Lament of Innocence which allows you to play as the titular Joachim, a minor antagonist within the game. Joachim Mode is most notable for it's wildly different playstyle from the protagonist, Leon Belmont, as well as the fact that Joachim Mode was the only playable "evil" character for ages.

The playstyle of Joachim Mode features him levitating several floating swords, known as Symbiotic Swords, with different attack modes that can be used. Joachim does also have Special Attacks which make him invulnerable. He is also immune to Paralyze, Poison, and Curse, and there are items found throughout the game that increase his HP, MP, DEF, or his Attack Power.

Attacks:

Joachim's attacks are slower than Leons, but he has better range and up to 5 swords can be used at a time.

His swords have two modes that can be changed by pressing the triangle button on your controller. These two modes are either swords circling around him, or swords trailing behind him. The swords circling him deals less damage, but allows for more attacks, while the one that trails behind him deal more damage but tend to focus on one enemy at a time. His attacks can also be charged when you hold down square. This increases the sword size as well as the damage output.

MP Consuming Attacks:

When the swords are circling Joachim, they spin rapidly and point outward. This damages surrounding enemies and is generally good if you're in a room with a lot of really annoying assholes.

When the swords are behind Joachim, they form instead into a circle pointing in front of him and he fires an energy beam that pushes him back. I only ever use it if I need to get out of a tight spot though, I prefer the first special attack.

Notable Changes to Joachim Mode

Most notably would likely be that Joachim Mode doesn't let you use other weapons, items, or equipment. They were nie enough to open all the secret doors from the start, with the exception of the Forgotten One's door. Floating blocks also appear to compensate for the fact that Joachim does not have the same jump ability as Leon is granted from the whip. The Rosario item is replaced with Bloody Skull, though they have the same effect.

What Does Joachim Mode Mean As A Story

Joachim is a complicated character. As narrative foils, it makes sense that the alternate mode to Lament of Innocence would be Joachim. Both him and Leon seek revenge and desire to be free from Walter's sick games.

Joachim Mode itself, though, features Joachim getting revenge. The idea of this feels apt, especially because of the treatment Joachim faces at the hands of Walter. However, Joachim is also power hungry, and this must not be forgotten.

At the end of the game, Joachim is seen having taken Walter's throne, becoming the new ruler of the night, and one can imagine that he too would leash cruelty upon the world as well, though perhaps not to the personal and horrifying degree that Walter had done. When I contemplate Joachim mode itself however, it feels a bit like a madman's power fantasy. It also feels as though Joachim's understanding of the castle, and his prior usurpation attempt have led him to this time succeed.

Ultimately, the use of Joachim as a foil for Leon Belmont works best here, as we get the prior understanding that Joachim is also trapped and toyed with as if a plaything, and through the Joachim Mode we also get to experience the revenge that Joachim deserves. Both of these endings end with disastrous consequences, one for a specific bloodline, and the other likely for a good chunk of humanity.