Finally, gamers from all around the world can touch this classic version of a legendary series
This one used to be published exclusively for Japanese market in 1993 with the name: Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo. But the developers have proved a little generous this time since Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (DXC) contains other 2 versions that will be unlocked after finishing the main campaign. They are the original Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (once appeared on PS 1). Although the addition is surely welcomed, the most impressive part is still DXC that I will discuss below.
-----------------------------Returning to the ghostly castle---------------------------------
The context is five years before Symphony of The Night happens. Earl Dracula, revived once more by the wicked necromancer Shaft, attacks Richter Belmont's village and captures his fiancee Annette. The fate has forced the vampire hunter to make his way to Dracula's castle in Transylvania to rescue his beloved and destroy his arch enemy once and for all.
A feature that is retained from the original version is side-scrolling 2D scenes. Once again players have a chance to battle against Dracula's ghostly forces, especially the impressive bosses in different areas of the castle. There are many ways to reach the destination, the earl's room. You can also collect various weapons and "Heart" - an kind of energy help to unleash the power of your weapons. You also have option to control another character besides Richter, Maria Renard, who is freed from a hidden rooms.
Most of the time Richter uses his favourite weapon: the Vampire Killer whip, as in tradition of this Vampire Hunter family. Efficiently assisting him are some sacred "gears": silver dagger, the Holy Cross and holy water (quite common in this profession). As one of the most talented of the Belmont, in addition to normal attacks, Richter can use a special ability call Item Crash (# button) to bring down even toughest opponents. However, this one costs a lot of "Heart" so you surely want to save them.
The hidden character, Maria, is a 12 year old girl but don't think she is helpless. On the contrary, she is a powerful wizard specialized in summoning magic and can call on 4 sacred animals in Asian myth to support her in battle, besides her main weapon: a couple of doves. Besides, she also has an effective attack using musical notes! The success of DXC is to provide 2 character with drastically different combat styles. Maria's special attacks with 4 sacred animals are somehow even more powerful than Richter's. In general, playing her requires more speed and accuracy, since the girl, like any mage, is not of great endurance: she can die after 3 or 4 consecutive hits from enemies.
----------------------------Inheritance and Improvement-----------------------------------
Inheriting the classic game play of Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo, this version is roughly as difficult, expecting fluent control from the players, especially in boss-fighting acts. Hit point bar of both characters are small and there is hardly any item to replenish them, so it's not something serious if you die several times in an act. Another classic feature remains here is the design pattern in which playing scenes are separated from each other, you can only save your progress after finishing an act or at certain check points in each act. However, these points are usually far from one another, making game play more challenging. In the development of the whole series, this is the last version following this design. In Symphony of the Night, you will find Castlevania as an uninterrupted environment.
The major improvement of DXC is graphics. In-game background and items are much more detailed and indepth although they are still 2D. Conversely, cut scenes are all 3D, very impressive and expressive. Sound tracks are well-recorded and voice acting is suitable for character's personality.
----------------------------------------Beyond an adventure----------------------------------
DXC is really a special gift to Castlevania's fans all over the world. The first change to have an hand on this exclusive version is also the chance to immerse yourself into the world of the Vampire earl, and this time with the 3 most famous characters of the series: Richter, Maria and Alucard.