Release Date : Nov 16, 2006(Jpn), Dec 5, 2006(N.A) / Mar 9, 2007(EU), Mar 16, 2007(AUS)
Developer : KONAMI Digital Entertainment
Producer : IGA
Director : Satoshi Kushibuchi
Executive Producer : Hirotaka Ishikawa
Genre : Action
Voice : Partly Available
OST : Available
Platform : Nintendo DS
Language : English(N.A Edition)
Homepage : 悪魔城ドラキュラ ギャラリー オブ ラビリンス( http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_ds2/index.html )(May 2007 for Japanese)
Castlevania Series
It's the game which was released for Family Computer in 1986. It based on a novel, "Dracula", which was written by Bram Stoker in 1897. There are lots of games more than 20, that have already released, and will be release. It's the collection of horror style that Dracula is main subject, even Mummy Man, Medusa and Werewolf appeared, and there are lots of series rampantly, so there are a lot of mistakes between plots. However, it's a great masterpiece which have tons of fans by great gameplay, attractive characters, and poisonous points.
Castlevania(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
Platform : Nintendo Entertainment System(NES)
Plot : Mid-Europe where still remains the legend of Dracula, Transylvania. In the pst, Dracula has resurrected in the world, but he was destroyed by a hero, Christopher Belmont. Lost Count Dracula was waiting for passing 100 years while he was taking a rest at a countryside of Transylvania. The ceremony of Dracula's resurrection was held by heretics at an out-of-the-way priory, and finally, Dracula succeeded to resurrect. So Simon who was descended from Belmont lineage, took a whip which was hidden mysterious power of his father, entered into Dracula's Castle alone...
This is : This game was released a half year later after NES released, instead of main weapon of action game which was punch, kick or missile, it brought a whip for new weapon and gave unique feeling. Since this game, it became to represent of future Castlevania game. Castlevania is the game to announcement beginning of series, and lots of player got angry, because of terrible difficult gameplay, however this is also attraction to player. Especailly, soundtrack was very wonderful. Later, it has re-released for Amiga, Commodore 64, IBM-PC, GBA.
Vampire Killer(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
Platform : MSX 2
Plot : The same as Castlevania for NES
This is : It initially shares the same look as the first Castlevania game for NES, but the structure and the direction of items are very different. You can wield a cross for primary weapon, you must explore in order to find the key for the next stage. You start off every level with a minimal amount of hearts and basic weapon. So, it's so difficult.
Castlevania 2 : Simon's Quest (ENG) : ドラキュラ 2 : 呪いの封印(JPN)
Platform : NES
Plot : Simon thought that his torments were over when he defeated Dracula. What did not know was Dracula had placed a curse on him before their battle had ended, and slowly Simon would fall ill and die. One of the village elders told him that the only way to break the curse was to resurrect Dracula and burn him. Simon set forth to gather Drac's parts.
This is : The game that released in one year after first Castlevania released. It's not typical form of 2D scroll action game, which is type of stage-clear, it created new style of game like RPG, which to get scattered items, to move from here to there, and to clear the story. So somtimes you almost never know what the hell you're supposed to do. The only clues you can possibly get are by talking to the many townspeople found throughout the game. And change between the day and the night by time is also important point. It's still difficult, but you can enjoy it. And it influenced Symphony of the Night.
Haunted Castle(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
Platform : Arcade
Plot : Haunted Castle opens with our gruff barbarian hero getting married to his sweetheart. Before they can make it more than a few steps out of the chapel, lightning strikes and destroys the cross. The music turns fowl, and a vampire steals the lady from right under the heros' nose. The only thing left to do is to follow him into his demonic castle and rescue her.
This is : Castlevania was focused on the home market, having been introduced to gamers on the Famicom/NES and MSX. Perhaps wanting to break into a different market, Konami released an arcade version of their famous series. It was titled "悪魔城ドラキュラ" to release, but in North America, it was released Haunted Castle. The game mechanics are basically the same as the first Castlevania, but balance was destroyed. Actually Castlevania series are difficult, but it was keeps by its balance. However, the balance was destroyed, that's why it was more difficult. Although it was released in 1988, the graphic was not so great, but soundtrack was excellent Konami.
The Castlevania Adventure(ENG) : ドラキュラ伝説(JPN)
Platform : Game Boy(GB)
Plot : Dracula who was thought that he was destroyed, resurrected again. So Christopher Belmont set off to destroy him. Since Dracula resurrected this time, it starts a rumor that Draulca resurrect once every 100 years. Christopher Belmont defeated Dracula again, but the other nightmare is beginning...
This is : It was released when Game boy came out. This settled how to develop Castlevania series for portable. New hero, Christopher Belmont appeared, and it has four stages. It brought the weapon upgrade, but there is no special weapon, so that's why you couldn't feel fun so well.
Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse(ENG) : 悪魔城伝説(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : NES
Plot : Mid-age Europe in 15th century. A holocaust of Count Dracula began. The Eastern Church which was sure that Count was vampire, sent out a punitive force to defeat Count, but nobody survived. So they asked Trevor Belmont who was descend from Belmont lineage, to destroy him. When he fights, he had the help of three brave fighters : Grant DaNasty, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard, son of Dracula. Finally, they defeated Dracula. Belmonts that townpeople were afraid of them because of their great power, walk being hero from this time. Before Simon's adventure, Dracula and human being start to fight since this series.
This is : It was the
3rd and the last title to appear on the NES. It was typical stage-clear
type, but there are different courses towards the end of the game, you
can choose which root you go. And also, you can get some companies,
except main character Trevor, Sypha who has powerful magic spells,
Grant who can climb on walls and move, and Alucard who was the son of
Count, and got against him. The strategy how you clear the game is
depends on which character you choose, so you won't feel bored.
Gameplay in this game was the one of the best in the series. It was
much better than second one on the NES.
Castlevania 2: Belmont's Revenge(ENG) : ドラキュラ伝説 2(JPN)
Release Date : Jul 12, 1991(JPN)
Platform : GB
Plot : Dracula was not destoyed. Although he lost his body, his soul was still in the world. And he waited to kidnapp Soleiyu, who was son of Christopher, for resurrection of his body, and revenge to Belmont family, and he tried to control and to achieve his goal.
This is : It was the second title on the Game Boy. In this game, sub-weapon system was added, and the stages extended to seven. It included function of restart unlimitedly and password for beginner. It referenced failed first one, so it was getting better than first one. Graphic also improved, and more detailed. Sound also was nice. You don't need to be frustrated less than predecessor.
Super Castlevania 4(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
Release Date : Oct 31, 1991(JPN)
Platform : Super NES(SNES)
Plot : The same as Castlevania
This is : It's the first title on the SNES which was new generation machine. Despite it has fantastic effect which was zoom-in and zoom-out of feature of SNES and obvious advancement in graphics and sound, the gameplay deteriorated a little bit. Especailly there were no multiple paths or characteres like in Castlevania 3, so it was more simple. Control also changed that you can whip in any of the 8 directions, and also use the whip to latch onto certain hooks and swing across enemies. It was easier than before, but it was not so bad gameplay.
Castlevania Chronicles(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
Release Date : Jul 23, 1993(JPN)
Platform : X68000, Playstaion(PS)
Plot : The same as Castlevania
This is : Castlevania series has been released for PC in the past. And, in 1993, it was remaked for X68000 which was high ability computer of Sharp. The X68000 was a popular personal computer in Japan, because of powerful graphic and sound. That's whay there are lots of nice games such as SNES or MD which are popular in the game market. Although it's a remake game from first title, the first level and last level were the same as original, and rest of levels, just took over setting up, and changed little bit. The system is the same as original, but you can whip to upward when you jump in mid-air, and there are special items like healing your heart. Actually this machine was maniac machine, so difficulty was also so high. It's hard to get it nowadays. It also was remade for Playstaion that the title was "Castlevania Chronicles"
No release(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラX : 血の輪廻(JPN)
Release date : Oct 29, 1993(JPN)
Platform : PC-Engine CD-Rom
Plot : Once again, Count Dracula comes back. He tried to cover the world in darkness again. He met a new person of Belmont who named Richter. Dracula kidnapped Annette, her sister Maria, and a few other villagers. Richter set forth on his long journey. when Richter rescued Maria, she swore she would become a vampire hunter too, and joined the Belmont on his quest, and slayed Dracula yet again.
This is : The game which was first title in the series for CD-ROM. So that time, many fans were expected it, because of high volume voice, effect of animaion, and BGM. New character, Maria made this game more unique, and it was one of simple game in the series, and easy to play. The title, X means, it's 10th game in the series.
Castlevania : Bloodlines(ENG) : バンパイアキラー VAMPIRE KILLER(JPN)
Release Date : Mar 18, 1994(JPN)
Platform : Mega Drive, Sega Genesis
Plot : Not long after the death of Dracula, a witch practicing black magic accidentally resurrected Elizabeth Bartley. She was, in fact, the niece of the Count Dracula, and decided to try to raise her uncle. She begins the first World War in order to harvest souls for her dark purpose, and John Morris, along with his long time pal Eric Lecarde, knew that they had to stop Bartley and Dracula once again.
This is : The game that was only one of the series for MD. When you start, you can choose your character. Being that the MD is a bit less powerful than the SNES, the graphics have taken a bit of a step backwards. But Bloodlines still manages to look amazing for a MD title. It has, a difficulty level select, the type of ending you get depends on how hard you set the game to be, limited continues, but the password system is still present. Its gameplay makes one of the best action games on the MD.
Castlevania: Dracula X(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラXX(JPN)
Release Date : Jul 21, 1995(JPN)
Platform : SNES
Plot : The same as PC-Engine CD-Rom Version.
This is : The game was remade of one of the best series, 悪魔城ドラキュラX : 血の輪廻(JPN) as 悪魔城ドラキュラXX. Though graphic, control and plot were the same, level structure was different, control was uncomfortable, and the graphics are pretty bad, because they remade from CD-Rom to SNES. The level design is just flat out dull, so these made this game not good.
Castlevania Legends(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 漆黒たる前奏曲(JPN)
Release Date : Nov 27, 1997(JPN)
Platform : GB
Plot : Several hundred years after Leon first encounters Dracula. Perhaps thinking the Belmont clan is long extinct. Dracula comes out of hiding and sets out to cover the world in darkness. What he didn't know was that a descendent of Leon still existed. Sonia Belmont. She was successful in defeating Dracula, but her powers were so strong that the people of Romania feared her, and thus had the Belmonts exiled from the land of Translyvania.
This is : Soul Weapon System which you get the power of soul when you defeat the stage-boss, and Burnning Mode that turns you invincible for several seconds, mixed here. There are six levels in total, and in order to make the game a little more interesting, you have to collect a variety of "hidden" items, but you hardly use the special items that you collect, because of the great power of Soul Weapon. There was something not to relate in the story, so it's been retconned and is not part of the official timeline. It's not too bad, but just feels rather dry, dull, and lack of the flavour that previous have.
Castlevania : Symphony of the Night(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラX : 月下の夜想曲(JPN)
Release Date : Mar 20, 1997(JPN, PS), Jun 25, 1998(JPN, Sega Saturn)
Platform : PS, Sega Saturn(SS)
Plot : Four years after Richter's battle with the Count, a Dark Priest named Shaft, was hungry for ultimate power and thought he could achieve this with the help of Dracula. He set forth to resurrect Drac yet again. But first he would remove a major obstacle in his path, Richter Belmont... He placed a spell upon Richter and actually managed to get him to side with evil. This large shift in power caused Alucard to awaken from his slumber, and he defeats Dracula yet again. After this battle, Richter settles down and passes the Vampire Killer to the Morris family. But nobody knows why.
This is : The game that the main character is Alucard who has appeared for a while on NES series. It was action RPG, because of level and experience, but sadly, the character usually use a sword or an axe instead of whip. It is certainly a departure from most of its predecessors, and one of the best videogames ever made. Amazing 2D graphic, and well animated sprite, varied music style and gorgeous sound track, attractive character Alucard, incredibly smooth controls and its gameplay, and depth and replay value, these made this is the best of the series.
Castlevania, Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ黙示録, 悪魔城ドラキュラ黙示録外伝(JPN)
Release Date : Castlevania - Mar 11, 1999(JPN), Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness - Dec 25, 1999(JPN)
Platform : Nintendo 64(이하 N64)
Plot
Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness - Through the necromancy of his followers, Dracula is once drawn back into land of the living earlier than usual. However, his body is not fully regenerated. After destroying local villages, he begins to kidnap children, looking for a suitable soul. It is then when man-beast Cornell steps in and attempts to stop this plan. He is not entirely successful. This game has also been retconned.
Castlevania - Eight years down the road, a man of Belmont lineage named Reinhart Schneider, and a small girl, descendent of Sypha named Carrie Fernandez, investigate the missing children from the local village. A gun-wielding knight named Henry joined them, but he was one of the children Cornell freed several years prior, to rescue other village kids that are still remaining. This game has also been retconned.
This is : It dealt with another story which was about resurrection of Dracula. It's the first title to use 3D gaming. Japanese title, 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 黙示録 was released in North America, titled Castlevania, and Japanese title, 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 黙示録外伝 was also released in North America, titled Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness. This games have also been retconned. You would be annoied more than fun by uncomfortable control, and both have the same structure.
Castlevania : Circle of the Moon(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : Circle of the moon(JPN)
Release Date : Mar 21, 2001(JPN)
Platform : Game Boy Advance(GBA)
Plot : The dark priestess Carmilla seeks the return of her master, Lord Dracula. Using the life power of the captured vampire hunter Morris Baldwin, two young disciples, Hugh Baldwin and Nathan Graves, must not only save him but stop yet another resurrection of the evil lord Dracula.
This is : Ever since 月下の夜想曲 and the series fo N64, Konami considered whether they make the series in only 3D from now on, or not. One of the answer was this game that it was the first title fo GBA. Howver, it was not exactly following game of 月下の夜想曲. The system was, action RPG like 月下の夜想曲, to adopt lots of things from 月下の夜想曲, and also to adopt Dual Setup System which can get an ability after combination two cards. It was included elements which collect map and items, it shows traditional gameplay of Castlevania.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance(ENG) : Castlevania : 白夜の協奏曲(JPN)
Release Date : June 6, 2002(JPN)
Platform : GBA
Plot : 50 years since Simon lifted from the curse of Dracula. His grandson, Juste Belmont has a fate to fight against remaining of Dracula. One day, Maxim who has left for training for 2 years came back to the village with wounds. He said that Lydie who was their friend, was kidnapped, so they arrived a castle which had never mentioned it on any literatures before. The story start from this on.
This is : It was the second title for GBA, From this game, the title was unified Castlevania which was the title for English. There was quick-save which was features of portable, and it showed beautiful background to use GBA spec. Generally, game speed was fast. It adoped the Spell Fusion which was Weapon System, you search down spell books when you use any of the six special weapons it will create a special effects. There were plenty of neat attacks, but there is its lack of originality and lack of hidden stuff.
Castlevania : Aria of Sorrow(ENG) : Castlevania : 暁月の円舞曲(JPN)
Release Date : May 8, 2003(JPN)
Platform : GBA
Plot : In 2035, Japan. There was a shrine near a village where Soma who was a highschool student in 18 years old. He went up an altar in shrine where was to relate with Japanese myth, with Mina Hakuba who was the only daughter of the shrine's caretaker, to see the solar eclipse. However, the stairway leading up to the shrine felt longer than usual, and they felt something was there, finally, when they passed a pole in front of the shrine, their senses began to dim quickly...
This is : The third title for GBA. There was unusual setting up that was Japanese future. In system, it has "Tactical Soul System" to base on the previous system. It is, collecting monster's soul and gainning access to their ability. And also, you can use the connectivity of GBA to trade it or to share it with another players, it was called "Soul Trade System"
Castlevania : Lament of Innocence(ENG) : Castlevania(JPN)
Release Date : Nov 17, 2003(JPN)
Platform : Playstaion 2(PS2)
Plot : In midieval Europe, it was the time of the crusaders. The church focused on fighting against heretics, and the knights became the protectors of the peace. One of them, Leon Belmont was famous for a person who feared nothing and whose combat abilities were second to none. But his fiance, Sara was kidnapped and has been taken away by a vampire who lives in the forest known as Eternal Night. He gave up his sword and his title to find Sara himself.
This is : It was the first title for PS2. It shows unique atmosphere and backstory well, and various of effect for attacks of whip. And it has "Effective Orb System" which combine any of subweapon and ORB that you can attack more fantastic. It was 3D action game taking over from N64, it's one of the best action game in PS2. Character designer is Ayami Kojima, composer is Michiru Yamane.
Castlevania : Dawn of Sorrow(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 蒼月の十字架(JPN)
Release Date출 : Aug 25, 2005(JPN)
Platform : Nintendo DS(NDS)
Plot : In 2035, Japanese solar eclipse. It changed Soma's life who was just highschool student. After this, one year passed. Life continues as normal, one day, a cult member named Celia challenged Soma during the day. He defeated it, but he worried about whether Mina would be involved in this, so he just infiltrated into the cult himself. But it was the plan to resurrect Dracula again to take away Soma's soul which was takes over Count's soul.
This is : This is first title for NDS, and Aria of Sorrow's following. They developed the Tactical Soul System which was the system of Aria of Sorrow, more than Aria of Sorrow, so you could make new weapon after combining collected soul and weapon. However, after Symphony, there was nothing to be getting better than before, and although the game was fun, nothing was there.
Castlevania : Curse of Darkness(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 闇の呪印(JPN)
Release Date : Nov 24, 2005(JPN)
Platform : PS2
Plot : 3 years since Trevor defeated Dracula. The Lord Dracula left a demonic curse that enshrouded all of Europe in misery and torment. There was one man who had lost his fiance by a witch-hunt, named Hector. He had previously been part of Dracula's clan as a Devil forgemaster, but he has betraied 3 years ago. He noticed that Issac, once a dear friend, accused Hector's lover of witchcraft, and had her burned. He set off to revenge.
This is : It was the second title for PS2, and was 3D action game of free-camera. You can control your own devil called Innocent Devil, and it's easy to play the game. It brough back many of the RPG elemens more than before, and the story also has several themes. It has pretty good gameplay, and control. It is also available for XBOX, and character designer is Ayami Kojima, composer is Michiru Yamane.
Reference
: Welcome to the Castlevania Dungeon( http://castlevania.classicgaming.gamespy.com/dungeon.html )
: 悪魔城ドラキュラシリーズ総合サイト
( http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula/ )
: Castlevania Lore
( http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/castle.html )
Plot
The
year is 1944. The world is filled with chaos. The second global war
holds the entire world in its grip of terror, creating hatred and fear
along with countless numbers of lost souls. The agony and hatred of
those souls summon the castle of evil. The castle that has appeared
many times throughout history ony to bring terror and destruction upon
its surroundings, the castle of the dark lord, Dracula... The demonic
castle. Castlevania 2: Belmont's Revenge(ENG) : ドラキュラ伝説 2(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : GB
Plot : Dracula was not destoyed. Although he lost his body, his soul was still in the world. And he waited to kidnapp Soleiyu, who was son of Christopher, for resurrection of his body, and revenge to Belmont family, and he tried to control and to achieve his goal.
This is : It was the second title on the Game Boy. In this game, sub-weapon system was added, and the stages extended to seven. It included function of restart unlimitedly and password for beginner. It referenced failed first one, so it was getting better than first one. Graphic also improved, and more detailed. Sound also was nice. You don't need to be frustrated less than predecessor.
Super Castlevania 4(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : Super NES(SNES)
Plot : The same as Castlevania
This is : It's the first title on the SNES which was new generation machine. Despite it has fantastic effect which was zoom-in and zoom-out of feature of SNES and obvious advancement in graphics and sound, the gameplay deteriorated a little bit. Especailly there were no multiple paths or characteres like in Castlevania 3, so it was more simple. Control also changed that you can whip in any of the 8 directions, and also use the whip to latch onto certain hooks and swing across enemies. It was easier than before, but it was not so bad gameplay.
Castlevania Chronicles(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : X68000, Playstaion(PS)
Plot : The same as Castlevania
This is : Castlevania series has been released for PC in the past. And, in 1993, it was remaked for X68000 which was high ability computer of Sharp. The X68000 was a popular personal computer in Japan, because of powerful graphic and sound. That's whay there are lots of nice games such as SNES or MD which are popular in the game market. Although it's a remake game from first title, the first level and last level were the same as original, and rest of levels, just took over setting up, and changed little bit. The system is the same as original, but you can whip to upward when you jump in mid-air, and there are special items like healing your heart. Actually this machine was maniac machine, so difficulty was also so high. It's hard to get it nowadays. It also was remade for Playstaion that the title was "Castlevania Chronicles"
No release(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラX : 血の輪廻(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : PC-Engine CD-Rom
Plot : Once again, Count Dracula comes back. He tried to cover the world in darkness again. He met a new person of Belmont who named Richter. Dracula kidnapped Annette, her sister Maria, and a few other villagers. Richter set forth on his long journey. when Richter rescued Maria, she swore she would become a vampire hunter too, and joined the Belmont on his quest, and slayed Dracula yet again.
This is : The game which was first title in the series for CD-ROM. So that time, many fans were expected it, because of high volume voice, effect of animaion, and BGM. New character, Maria made this game more unique, and it was one of simple game in the series, and easy to play. The title, X means, it's 10th game in the series.
Castlevania : Bloodlines(ENG) : バンパイアキラー VAMPIRE KILLER(JPN)
 |
 |
Release Date : Mar 18, 1994(JPN)
Platform : Mega Drive, Sega Genesis
Plot : Not long after the death of Dracula, a witch practicing black magic accidentally resurrected Elizabeth Bartley. She was, in fact, the niece of the Count Dracula, and decided to try to raise her uncle. She begins the first World War in order to harvest souls for her dark purpose, and John Morris, along with his long time pal Eric Lecarde, knew that they had to stop Bartley and Dracula once again.
This is : The game that was only one of the series for MD. When you start, you can choose your character. Being that the MD is a bit less powerful than the SNES, the graphics have taken a bit of a step backwards. But Bloodlines still manages to look amazing for a MD title. It has, a difficulty level select, the type of ending you get depends on how hard you set the game to be, limited continues, but the password system is still present. Its gameplay makes one of the best action games on the MD.
Castlevania: Dracula X(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラXX(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : SNES
Plot : The same as PC-Engine CD-Rom Version.
This is : The game was remade of one of the best series, 悪魔城ドラキュラX : 血の輪廻(JPN) as 悪魔城ドラキュラXX. Though graphic, control and plot were the same, level structure was different, control was uncomfortable, and the graphics are pretty bad, because they remade from CD-Rom to SNES. The level design is just flat out dull, so these made this game not good.
Castlevania Legends(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 漆黒たる前奏曲(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : GB
Plot : Several hundred years after Leon first encounters Dracula. Perhaps thinking the Belmont clan is long extinct. Dracula comes out of hiding and sets out to cover the world in darkness. What he didn't know was that a descendent of Leon still existed. Sonia Belmont. She was successful in defeating Dracula, but her powers were so strong that the people of Romania feared her, and thus had the Belmonts exiled from the land of Translyvania.
This is : Soul Weapon System which you get the power of soul when you defeat the stage-boss, and Burnning Mode that turns you invincible for several seconds, mixed here. There are six levels in total, and in order to make the game a little more interesting, you have to collect a variety of "hidden" items, but you hardly use the special items that you collect, because of the great power of Soul Weapon. There was something not to relate in the story, so it's been retconned and is not part of the official timeline. It's not too bad, but just feels rather dry, dull, and lack of the flavour that previous have.
Castlevania : Symphony of the Night(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラX : 月下の夜想曲(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : PS, Sega Saturn(SS)
Plot : Four years after Richter's battle with the Count, a Dark Priest named Shaft, was hungry for ultimate power and thought he could achieve this with the help of Dracula. He set forth to resurrect Drac yet again. But first he would remove a major obstacle in his path, Richter Belmont... He placed a spell upon Richter and actually managed to get him to side with evil. This large shift in power caused Alucard to awaken from his slumber, and he defeats Dracula yet again. After this battle, Richter settles down and passes the Vampire Killer to the Morris family. But nobody knows why.
This is : The game that the main character is Alucard who has appeared for a while on NES series. It was action RPG, because of level and experience, but sadly, the character usually use a sword or an axe instead of whip. It is certainly a departure from most of its predecessors, and one of the best videogames ever made. Amazing 2D graphic, and well animated sprite, varied music style and gorgeous sound track, attractive character Alucard, incredibly smooth controls and its gameplay, and depth and replay value, these made this is the best of the series.
Castlevania, Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ黙示録, 悪魔城ドラキュラ黙示録外伝(JPN)
 |
 |
Platform : Nintendo 64(이하 N64)
Plot
Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness - Through the necromancy of his followers, Dracula is once drawn back into land of the living earlier than usual. However, his body is not fully regenerated. After destroying local villages, he begins to kidnap children, looking for a suitable soul. It is then when man-beast Cornell steps in and attempts to stop this plan. He is not entirely successful. This game has also been retconned.
Castlevania - Eight years down the road, a man of Belmont lineage named Reinhart Schneider, and a small girl, descendent of Sypha named Carrie Fernandez, investigate the missing children from the local village. A gun-wielding knight named Henry joined them, but he was one of the children Cornell freed several years prior, to rescue other village kids that are still remaining. This game has also been retconned.
This is : It dealt with another story which was about resurrection of Dracula. It's the first title to use 3D gaming. Japanese title, 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 黙示録 was released in North America, titled Castlevania, and Japanese title, 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 黙示録外伝 was also released in North America, titled Castlevania : Legacy of Darkness. This games have also been retconned. You would be annoied more than fun by uncomfortable control, and both have the same structure.
Castlevania : Circle of the Moon(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : Circle of the moon(JPN)
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Platform : Game Boy Advance(GBA)
Plot : The dark priestess Carmilla seeks the return of her master, Lord Dracula. Using the life power of the captured vampire hunter Morris Baldwin, two young disciples, Hugh Baldwin and Nathan Graves, must not only save him but stop yet another resurrection of the evil lord Dracula.
This is : Ever since 月下の夜想曲 and the series fo N64, Konami considered whether they make the series in only 3D from now on, or not. One of the answer was this game that it was the first title fo GBA. Howver, it was not exactly following game of 月下の夜想曲. The system was, action RPG like 月下の夜想曲, to adopt lots of things from 月下の夜想曲, and also to adopt Dual Setup System which can get an ability after combination two cards. It was included elements which collect map and items, it shows traditional gameplay of Castlevania.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance(ENG) : Castlevania : 白夜の協奏曲(JPN)
Platform : GBA
Plot : 50 years since Simon lifted from the curse of Dracula. His grandson, Juste Belmont has a fate to fight against remaining of Dracula. One day, Maxim who has left for training for 2 years came back to the village with wounds. He said that Lydie who was their friend, was kidnapped, so they arrived a castle which had never mentioned it on any literatures before. The story start from this on.
This is : It was the second title for GBA, From this game, the title was unified Castlevania which was the title for English. There was quick-save which was features of portable, and it showed beautiful background to use GBA spec. Generally, game speed was fast. It adoped the Spell Fusion which was Weapon System, you search down spell books when you use any of the six special weapons it will create a special effects. There were plenty of neat attacks, but there is its lack of originality and lack of hidden stuff.
Castlevania : Aria of Sorrow(ENG) : Castlevania : 暁月の円舞曲(JPN)
Platform : GBA
Plot : In 2035, Japan. There was a shrine near a village where Soma who was a highschool student in 18 years old. He went up an altar in shrine where was to relate with Japanese myth, with Mina Hakuba who was the only daughter of the shrine's caretaker, to see the solar eclipse. However, the stairway leading up to the shrine felt longer than usual, and they felt something was there, finally, when they passed a pole in front of the shrine, their senses began to dim quickly...
This is : The third title for GBA. There was unusual setting up that was Japanese future. In system, it has "Tactical Soul System" to base on the previous system. It is, collecting monster's soul and gainning access to their ability. And also, you can use the connectivity of GBA to trade it or to share it with another players, it was called "Soul Trade System"
Castlevania : Lament of Innocence(ENG) : Castlevania(JPN)
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Platform : Playstaion 2(PS2)
Plot : In midieval Europe, it was the time of the crusaders. The church focused on fighting against heretics, and the knights became the protectors of the peace. One of them, Leon Belmont was famous for a person who feared nothing and whose combat abilities were second to none. But his fiance, Sara was kidnapped and has been taken away by a vampire who lives in the forest known as Eternal Night. He gave up his sword and his title to find Sara himself.
This is : It was the first title for PS2. It shows unique atmosphere and backstory well, and various of effect for attacks of whip. And it has "Effective Orb System" which combine any of subweapon and ORB that you can attack more fantastic. It was 3D action game taking over from N64, it's one of the best action game in PS2. Character designer is Ayami Kojima, composer is Michiru Yamane.
Castlevania : Dawn of Sorrow(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 蒼月の十字架(JPN)
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Platform : Nintendo DS(NDS)
Plot : In 2035, Japanese solar eclipse. It changed Soma's life who was just highschool student. After this, one year passed. Life continues as normal, one day, a cult member named Celia challenged Soma during the day. He defeated it, but he worried about whether Mina would be involved in this, so he just infiltrated into the cult himself. But it was the plan to resurrect Dracula again to take away Soma's soul which was takes over Count's soul.
This is : This is first title for NDS, and Aria of Sorrow's following. They developed the Tactical Soul System which was the system of Aria of Sorrow, more than Aria of Sorrow, so you could make new weapon after combining collected soul and weapon. However, after Symphony, there was nothing to be getting better than before, and although the game was fun, nothing was there.
Castlevania : Curse of Darkness(ENG) : 悪魔城ドラキュラ : 闇の呪印(JPN)
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Platform : PS2
Plot : 3 years since Trevor defeated Dracula. The Lord Dracula left a demonic curse that enshrouded all of Europe in misery and torment. There was one man who had lost his fiance by a witch-hunt, named Hector. He had previously been part of Dracula's clan as a Devil forgemaster, but he has betraied 3 years ago. He noticed that Issac, once a dear friend, accused Hector's lover of witchcraft, and had her burned. He set off to revenge.
This is : It was the second title for PS2, and was 3D action game of free-camera. You can control your own devil called Innocent Devil, and it's easy to play the game. It brough back many of the RPG elemens more than before, and the story also has several themes. It has pretty good gameplay, and control. It is also available for XBOX, and character designer is Ayami Kojima, composer is Michiru Yamane.
Reference
: Welcome to the Castlevania Dungeon( http://castlevania.classicgaming.gamespy.com/dungeon.html )
: 悪魔城ドラキュラシリーズ総合サイト
( http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula/ )
: Castlevania Lore
( http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/castle.html )
Plot
Source : Instruction Booklet(Castlevania : Portrait of Ruin)
The Score of Web Magazines
< The Score of 1UP( http://www.1up.com/ ) >
< The Score of GameSpot( http://www.gamespot.co.kr/ ) >
< The Score of GameSpy( http://www.gamespy.com/ ) >
< The Score of Gaming Target( http://www.gamingtarget.com/ ) >
< The Score of GameZone( http://www.gamezone.com/ ) >
< The Score of IGN( http://www.ign.com/ ) >
< The Score of Yahoo Video Games( http://videogames.yahoo.com/ ) >
by Young
I have wanted to play this game for a long time. Actually, Im not good at action game, exactly, game of scroll-style, so I might have longing for action game. Viewtiful Joe which I have played a few month ago is good example I think.
This time I played is Castlevania is very popular series game. However, my history of video game is not so long, so, of course, I have no chance to play this series before, and it's my first time to play castlevania series.
After I played it, I investigated about related games.... I was surprised that there are lots of games in this series and long-tradition. However, unfortunately, I couldn't know which one is better than before, or worse than before. If I want to judge any games whether they are good or not, I should play them. The review which was somebody written, it's good for reference, it can't be an important reason to judge games.
Anyway, this game is, sure, the attractive game, and can realize its fame.
Game Data Room
Graphic : ★★★★
Sound : ★★★★
Scenario : ★★★☆
Value : ★★★☆
Total : ★★★☆
