So when the Super Nintendo came out way back when this was one of the games that really hit us with the 16 bit bug. The look of the graphics had us all mesmerized by what the hardware could do. As we all know these early games were just the tip of the iceberg and everything got better but as far as we were concerned this was the end all be all for Castlevania games. There are a few flaws that got me however. But first what's different. The map of all the stages certainly looks better than previous games. The option of which way to go from Castlevania 3 is gone and the progression is the same as the original. The stage design however seems to pick right up from where number 3 left off. The backgrounds and overall levels are detailed and create an atmosphere that puts you into the game. The music also keeps the pace the series set for itself in the eight bit era and you will hear different versions of some tracks you have heard before. This trend will continue to this day. The graphics are better than before and rightfully so given this is the 16 bit era. Mode 7 makes some appearances here and the stage where you latch on to a hook using your whip like a grappling hook (we were waiting for this) and then the whole stage rotates 90 degrees left us with jaws a gaped. Then on top of this they hit us with a background that rotates like a cylinder. Ouch. The game play is classic Castlevania with the advent on being able to kind of lazy whip around and the whole Indiana Jones whip tricks. You can crouch and walk though this really isn't the most interesting focus of the game. The foes are classic Castlevania upgraded to then-current graphical standards and maintained the behavior they had in previous efforts. The bosses are hard but not impossible, and overall this game is easier then 1 and 3. There are random secrets hidden in the game that are welcome and amusing when found and I will leave it to people to find them on their own. The password system stays easy to use and keeps you from trying to always beat the game in a single sitting. My main disappointment in this game happens to be the absence of the spirit swap system in 3. This really made the game and helped to keep the game fresh on replays. The story elements are also missing and really it's Simon going to kill Dracula and that's about it. Despite this the game holds up even today on the VC. By the standards of today these first four games in the series are primitive. There was already a gameboy Castlevania and Dracula X/Rondo of blood would be out in a few years taking the series into a new direction. However I don't have a gameboy on me and Dracula X is kind of lame. Wanna Know why. Tomorrow we look at Rondo of Blood and see why.
Konami is responsible for many great series, but I think Castlevania rises above them all. NO other game has transcended the side-scrolling genre such as the Castlevania. The fantastic music, memorable bosses, great diff... Read Full Review
Konami has given us one of the best Castlevania games to ever come out. With the great graphics, music, and boses, this game makes it an instant classic for the SNES. Not only is Dracula in the game, but you also face De... Read Full Review
