We’ve set out to find the best Castlevania games ever created. As you probably know, the offerings in the series are immense and each of them has something unique to bring to the tablet. We’ve listed out some of the most popular and most loved titles below and we’ve even thrown in brief summaries about them. Releases here are as old as 1989 and they’ve been on almost every gaming platform back in the day like the NES, Arcade, GBA, PS2, PSP, Xbox and a lot more.
1. Super Castlevania 4:
Super Castlevania 4 came about in the year 1991 and it was the first in the series to arrive on the SNES console. Following its wide popularity, Nintendo ported the release to its Virtual Console platform for the Wii and Wii U systems. Gameplay here is pretty much the same as what it was back on the NES, but with upgraded 16-bit graphics.
Set in Transylvania in the year 1691, this side-scrolling platform title follows vampire hunter Simon Belmont as he journeys to slay Dracula. Here, you’ll be presented with one of the finest audio tracks we’ve heard on the SNES.
2. Rondo of Blood:
Rondo of Blood made its entry into the market in 1993 and it was designed for the PC Engine. Konami developed this release to feature anime cut-scenes and real voice. A Virtual Console port was also made available in 2008. Like its counterparts, this one is also set in the fictional universe.
This title follows Richter Belmont a direct descendant to Simon Belmont, who explores the castle in search of Annette who’s kidnapped by Shaft. Since Rondo of Blood was arcade only back in the day, a remake for the PSP handheld was launched in 2007 under the name The Dracula X Chronicles, while a modified version was introduced for the SNES in 1995.
3. Symphony of the Night:
Symphony of the Night is the direct sequel to Rondo of Blood and instead of a member from the Belmont family, you’ll control Alucard, the (half-human) son of Dracula. This title made its appearance in 1997 and it was launched for the PlayStation console. In spite of the system supporting 3D graphics, Konami settled for the same 2D side-scrolling experience as in previous releases.
However, role-playing elements were seen as new additions. Here, you can equip items and increase different stats. The title doesn’t follow a linear storyline. Instead, Alucard can road the castle freely, albeit certain locations can only be accessed by shape-shifting into a wolf, bat and mist. Like its predecessor, Symphony of the Night also had different versions and releases for the Sega Saturn, PSN, PSP and XBLA.
4. Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse:
Dracula’s Curse is the third installment in the series and also the final release for the NES console. It went official back in 1989 and in 2008, Nintendo brought it over to its Virtual Console platform for the Wii. This title is in fact, the prequel to the original and it dates back to the year 1476 where Count Dracula has Europe overrun with monsters.
The Church calls for the assistance of Trevor Belmont who sets out to put an end to Dracula. Players will be able to select a companion from three choices, namely the sorceress Sypha Belnades, the pirate Grant Danasty or Dracula’s half-human son Alucard. Unlike its predecessors, this side-scroller doesn’t have a liner storyline and choices made in the game will lead to different endings.
5. Curse of Darkness:
In Curse of Darkness, the series was presented with a new protagonist named Hector who’s a Devil Forgemaster that previously served Dracula during the events of Castlevania 3. Set three years later, Hector’s fiancee Rosaly is accused of witchcraft and is burned alive. Upon learning that a known Forgemaster called Isaac was behind the tragic event, Hector seeks revenge and sets out to lift the unholy curse that has put most of Europe in peril.
Curse of Darkness features 3D gameplay instead of side-scrolling platformer. Also, once you finish the main story, you can play as Trevor Belmont. The title was launched back in 2005 for the PS2 and Xbox consoles.
6. Aria of Sorrow:
Aria of Sorrow was revealed for the GBA handheld in 2003 and it’s the third installment for the device. Unlike its predecessors and counterparts which were set a few decades back, this one takes place in the year 2035. Dracula has been sealed away from 1991, but his powers are prophesized to be brought down to his incarnation, Soma Cruz, who’s the protagonist of the title.
You’ll once again set foot in Dracula’s castle with 2D side-scrolling gameplay and there are role-playing elements onboard as well. Tactical Soul is the new ability system where players can absorb the souls of enemies to gain their powers.
7. Dawn of Sorrow:
Dawn of Sorrow acts as the direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow. Here, all of Dracula has been defeated and his powers are now in the hands of his reincarnation, Soma Cruz. A year later, a cult seeks the resurrection of the dark lord and attempt to kill Soma. In order to put a stop to them, the protagonist once again journeys to the castle.
The Tactical Soul is present here as well, along with the Magic Seal system which lets you draw different patters with the help of the DS stylus to kill monsters. Another noteworthy addition is a multiplayer mode in which you and a friend can race against the clock on pre-rendered levels.
Conclusion:
So, do you see your favorite release on our best Castlevania games lineup? If not, do let us know which titles you’d recommend in the series and why.