Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia's female lead breaks mold

Now out in stores, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is apparently more than just another Castlevania. According to 1up, that's thanks in part to the game's unique female protagonist:

The game's lone new heroine, Shanoa, represents a massive deviation from the series' whip-crackin', all-male Belmont bloodline -- she's a dutiful, emotionless acolyte who wields amazing magical abilities in lieu of a flail. Her clever "glyph" powers completely redefine the nature of Castlevania combat.

Way to go, Shanoa, not only for being a heroine, but for breaking the mold!