 Similar to the original Castlevania titles , platforming and puzzles are a key component and are featured in fifty levels . The player can control Gabriel to jump most distances , dash or hold his balance above fatal pits . The Combat Cross can be used for exploration purposes like scaling walls , rappelling and swinging across gaps . Some sequences of the game require the player to solve physical puzzles or brain teasers . Alternatively , moving certain objects can set off chain reactions and open paths to new areas . Activating switches can also assist against traps . The player can explore the levels in order to find hidden items , which can increase health or magic abilities . These items are " gems " ; there are three types , including life gems , light gems and dark gems . These can increase life endurance , light magical ability and dark magical ability , respectively . 
