after the player completes the game with either the bad ending or the best ending, julius mode, similar to that in "aria of sorrow" is unlocked. in storyline terms, julius mode follows the assumption that soma succumbed to his dark power and became the new dark lord. a new game can then be started from the main menu in julius mode. in julius mode the playable characters include julius belmont, yoko belnades, and alucard. each character has a weapon and assorted unique abilities. although these abilities remain static throughout the entire game, the characters' statistics can improve by acquiring enough experience points to level up. the castle layout and enemies are the same except for the final battle, which is against soma.