Any fan of Castlevania or side-scroller will most definately enjoy this title.

User Rating: 10 | Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles PSP
By RaySplasher | Review Date:
Castlevania, started in 1986, is one of the longest running video game series in history, next to Mega Man, Metal Gear, Ninja Gaiden, Super Mario, Metroid and Contra. 21 years later and over 20 titles later on different platforms, the lastest incarnation arrives on the Playstation Portable. When I was 3 years old, I remember my older brother playing Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest on the NES. I don't he think he ever finished it, but at that time it was very entertaining to watch him play. Yet, not many things you can do when you are 3 years old anyway. I have grown up playing video games and it's a big part of my life, next to my girlfriend, martial arts, and anime. Recently, I was able to play Rondo of Blood through "interesting means." The sound wasn't all there and it ran kinda choppy. Now that I have this title, I am truly glad to own and play it. Rondo of Blood's story is as follows: Dark Knights have resurrected Dracula and he wrecks havoc on Wallachia, causing some women to be kidnapped in the process. Richter Belmont, whose family have been fighting Dracula for years, intervenes and embarks on a mission to destroy the evil Dracula has left in his wake, as well as destroying Dracula himself. Initially, you will start playing the remake version of Rondo of Blood. The graphics, music, and sound have all been remixed and does a very good job on its presentation on the PSP. Along the way, you will have a fun time unlocking content, from the 2 games to different music tracks. I won't spoil anything for you so go play it!

There are 2 games that you can unlock: The original Rondo of Blood on the PC-Engine (Turbo Grafx 16 CD in japan) and Symphony of the Night.

Having played the original in some format, this version is exactly the same as it was on the PC-Engine. Difficult gameplay, alternate paths and bosses, as well as some maidens to rescue lie in the version. The remake is easier since you can have some control in your jump, but not present in the original. You have the option of choosing Japanese or English language voiceovers, and although the voiceovers are a little cheesy, you won't have to figure out what they are saying in Japanese.

Symphony of the Night has a lot of new improvements. New voice acting, redone sprites, and the ability to play as Maria. However, I played the Sega Saturn Version and I was very upset that Konami did not add any of that content to the PSP. No more Maria being able to collect 999 hearts, using the classic sub-weapons such as the Axe or Cross, or using her kicking moves, no more Underground Garden or the Cursed Prison to explore, and some other things I noticed as well.

10 items that was in the Saturn version for Alucard aren't present in the PSP version. That means no Alucard Spear. :( Also, no Boots of Godspeed for Alucard as well (Relic for Alucard that allows him to run twice as well).

For Richter, no alternate costume and no automatic backflip when the slide kick is executed when it strikes anything.

However, there is a boss battle for when you fight Maria as Alucard.

Another drawback that I have is the 4:3 borders for playing Symphony of the Night and the original Rondo of Blood. They are quite annoying and that can not be changed.

Otherwise, this game is a very good investment for those who are die-hard Castlevania fans. I noticed that I died less in the remake than the original title. You will truly enjoy this title and you should get this game NOW!!!!

Other Helpful Reviews for Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

Load Comments (0)