Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles with pre-order bonus

[kainemaxwell]

I dunno if this was mentioned anywhere yet, but Castlevania fans should take a look.

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&product_id=B190427A

[MarkMan]

Great game... everyone should go buy it!

:)

My PSP GOTY already...

[RadiantSvgun]

So wait, do you get it when you preorder, or pick up the game?

[Apollo]

Probably (hopefully) when you pre-order

[77punk]

just the fact this game is coming out for something other than PC Engine CD is awesome... now i just need to find a psp.. off to the mall, maybe some kid dropped theirs?

[RadiantSvgun]

I called the store, and they said you get it with pick-up.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

I'm STILL wondering how Konami handled the original port of Dracula X. Does anyone know if in the American version kept the German narration at the beginning but with English subtitles (I hope)? What about the remakes narration?

[heybtbm]

Great game... everyone should go buy it!

:)

My PSP GOTY already...

The reviews I've read have been mediocre to downright negative. The main complaint is the punishing difficulty and the need to repeat entire levels whenever you die (ala the NES days). Also, you can only unlock SotN by completing the main game (which is almost impossible). Obviously I have no idea if this is truly the case, since I've never played it.

I'll still be buying the game on day 1. A "new" 2-D Castlevania should always be a must buy for any self-respecting gamer.

[RadiantSvgun]

Um, Castlevania games are difficult. So what? That is part of the fun. Dracula X was one of the harder ones, and I would be disappointed if it was easy.

[sirhansirhan]

Yeah, I am going to buy this game no matter what, and would like the little figurine because it's cool, but I've been burned so many times not getting pre-order bonuses when pre-ordering in stores, and it turns out that since the last time I ordered on gamestop.com they've started charging tax in my state, so between tax and shipping it is a noticeable amount more than if I just bought it in a store. I still haven't decided what to do...

Incidentally, I was at a GameStop yesterday, and the manager told me that both this and the Phoenix Wright doll are to be picked up when the game comes out, and that they won't be there before.

[Richter Belmount]

Dracula x was one of the easier ones.But Dracula X on the snes is a different story.

[walrusmonger]

yeah dracula x was one hand behind the back easy, lets hope that this game really is hard :)

and any self respecting castlevania fan will make it their best interest to obtain a slim psp with video out so they can play it on the big screen and through a booming sound system :)

[MarkMan]

The reviews I've read have been mediocre to downright negative. The main complaint is the punishing difficulty and the need to repeat entire levels whenever you die (ala the NES days). Also, you can only unlock SotN by completing the main game (which is almost impossible). Obviously I have no idea if this is truly the case, since I've never played it.

I'll still be buying the game on day 1. A "new" 2-D Castlevania should always be a must buy for any self-respecting gamer.

Well I have the game... played through it... etc... Those reviewers are eh.... weaksauce I guess... lol...

But really though, for 29.99... This is a great deal... even moreso if you're a fan of the series...

[G-Boobie]

I absolutely cannot wait for this game, but the 8 bit Simon Belmont?... I mean, I guess its free, so I can't complain.

Nothing beats the pre order stuff from Portrait of Ruin though.

As for the reviews being negative to middling, well yeah. This is a hard game, almost unforgivably so... Which makes sense, since it's a remake of an old pre-SotN Castlevania. The difficulty and controls are exactly where they're supposed to be, but they're the source of most of the complaints and bad reviews. I'm not surprised they didn't like it. That's just my cup of tea though :love:

If you don't enjoy the 8 bit and 16 bit era Castlevanias, you're probably going to be a bit disappointed in this game.

[Barbarianoutkast85]

I just pre-ordered mine a minute ago. Normally I dont pre-order anything, but I figured if I could get something else video game related I might as well, since I planned on picking it up anyway.

[TurboGenesis]

If you don't enjoy the 8 bit and 16 bit era Castlevanias, you're probably going to be a bit disappointed in this game.

I believe this is probably true of all the negative reviews. People of today are so stuck on the Symphony of the Night style of game play or "Metroidvania" game play if you will.

Rondo of Blood is pretty much the bridge that combine exploration of todays Castlevania and traditional classic Castlevania. I have complete the game with both Maria and Richter. I look forward to picking up my USA release of this game. I do wish this game would have come out at the proper time (mid 1990's) and then it would have much more appreciate. Since it is not Portrait Symphony of the Circle of Sorrow it is a junk game to many people. 'Oh Noz I die I have to play that whole level again this is too hard this is suxor. lamo.'

[Kid Fenris]

The reviews I've read have been mediocre to downright negative.

Which reviews are these? It's been well-received at most of the magazines.

http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/938141.asp?q=castlevania

[kazuo]

I called the store, and they said you get it with pick-up.

+1, it's with pickup.

I preordered mine a month and a half ago, when I first read about the bonus on Kotaku. :)

[swlovinist]

my soon to be had PSP slim with my soon to be HDTV....good times indeed!

[Aussie2B]

I wonder how many times it has to be said in this topic that Rondo is NOT a difficult game before people get the idea? :P I'd probably go so far as to say it's the easiest pre-SotN Castlevania, even beating out Castlevania IV. If it had traditional controls, it would probably be much harder, but both Richter and Maria are so nimble and swift that you can blow through most everything with ease. Unfortunately, the developers didn't seem to take that in mind much, so they neglected to take the time to build a challenging game around those controls.

Of course, it's still a brilliant game and worth playing even if it doesn't quite provide an adequate challenge. The same can be said of Symphony of the Night.

[kainemaxwell]

Just hope your Gamestop has enough pre-order Simons when the game comes out!

[Policenaut]

I sold the PSP a while back but you can bet, I'll grab it + the bonus, no matter what.

[Hwj_Chim]

I am buying a psp slim and a component cable just to play this game. To me this game is a godsend. Long live old school Castlevania.:hail:

[G-Boobie]

I wonder how many times it has to be said in this topic that Rondo is NOT a difficult game before people get the idea? :P I'd probably go so far as to say it's the easiest pre-SotN Castlevania, even beating out Castlevania IV. If it had traditional controls, it would probably be much harder, but both Richter and Maria are so nimble and swift that you can blow through most everything with ease. Unfortunately, the developers didn't seem to take that in mind much, so they neglected to take the time to build a challenging game around those controls.

Of course, it's still a brilliant game and worth playing even if it doesn't quite provide an adequate challenge. The same can be said of Symphony of the Night.

Your gamer nuts are certified hardcore. Or something.

[HYB]

This topic has been discussed in the CV thread constantly.

The 8-bit Simon is something every CV collector has. I ordered my japanese Konamistyle edition of the game a while back.

I'm missing the Simon myself still and I'm wondering if the finnish Gamestops carry it. I swear Gamestop is everywhere now.

I cannot wait to get this game and a psp. I'd appriciate it if the game was harder because I breezed through Symphony and most of the GBA/DS 'Vanias.

[Kitsune Sniper]

The reviews I've read have been mediocre to downright negative. The main complaint is the punishing difficulty and the need to repeat entire levels whenever you die (ala the NES days). Also, you can only unlock SotN by completing the main game (which is almost impossible). Obviously I have no idea if this is truly the case, since I've never played it.

I'll still be buying the game on day 1. A "new" 2-D Castlevania should always be a must buy for any self-respecting gamer.

Reviewers these days are pussies! They bitch when a game is pretty hard. :P

This'll be fine, so don't worry.

[Aussie2B]

Your gamer nuts are certified hardcore. Or something.

I don't happen to have any nuts, but I'll take that as a compliment nonetheless. :P

[G-Boobie]

I don't happen to have any nuts, but I'll take that as a compliment nonetheless. :P

It was meant to be(and with not a little self-referential irony)

[kainemaxwell]

So it's out and who has it?

[segagamer4life]

I will be picking my copy up at noon..... man I have been waiting a long while for this release... and with good reason, this has to be one of the best castlevania releases in a long time...

[klausien]

I too will be getting mine at lunch time. I still wish this was for PS2, but what can you do?

[heybtbm]

I still wish this was for PS2, but what can you do?

My thoughts exactly. I'll be picking this up today.

[mailman187666]

I'll also be buying it at lunch but I won't be able to play it till about 6PM tonight. I'll have it sitting in my car till I get outta work. Oh man I can't wait to try it.

[Werewolf]

Now this is a remake of the PC Engine CD or the Super Famicom/Super Nintendo version?

And if it is the PC Engine more importantly does it have the cool werewolf fight still, the one with the werewolf howling in the background then jumps to the foreground? That was not in the Super Nintendo Dracula X version :(

[mailman187666]

Now this is a remake of the PC Engine CD or the Super FamicomSuper Nintendo version?

And if it is the PC Engine more importantly does it have the cool werewolf fight still, the one with the werewolf howling in the background then jumps to the foreground? That was not in the Super Nintendo Dracula X version :(

It is the PC Engine version "Rondo of Blood' I just picked up the game and it says it right on the back of the box "never released in US". I thought it may have been the SNES version also but it definately is not. As far as the wolf thing, I am not sure because the game is sitting in my car till I get home.

[segagamer4life]

having played 20 minutes so far, its perfect, the controls the graphics, everything, so far so good..... this is as good as I could have ever hoped.

[norkusa]

Anyone have a save file with everything unlocked? I just want to play SOTN.

[theoakwoody]

Yes, once someone has played SOTN please write a comparison between the xbla version and the psp version.

[walrusmonger]

Picked it up in the afternoon, holy shit it's great. Would have been worth $39.99 or $49.99, but at $29.99 it's a steal!

[klausien]

Anyone have a save file with everything unlocked? I just want to play SOTN.

Geez man! This game is totally worth playing through to unlock the extras; even if you have played the original Rondo to death. I question some of the remixed music, but otherwise, its a great remake. I believe the secrets are all in the same place as they were in the original PCE version. A FAQ should do. I bet you need to save everyone to get the extra games. I do hope the original is in fact COMPLETELY the original though, translated of course!

[DDCecil]

Now this is a remake of the PC Engine CD or the Super Famicom/Super Nintendo version?

And if it is the PC Engine more importantly does it have the cool werewolf fight still, the one with the werewolf howling in the background then jumps to the foreground? That was not in the Super Nintendo Dracula X version :(

Actually the werewolf battle is on the SNES version (I was watching my bro play through it a few nights a ago). I believe you have to go through stage 4' to fight him.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Now that people got it, I wanna know how good the translation of the PC-E verison is, especially if they left the opening intact but just translated (meaning they kept the German voiceover)....

[Gamereviewgod]

Now that people got it, I wanna know how good the translation of the PC-E verison is, especially if they left the opening intact but just translated (meaning they kept the German voiceover)....

German voice intact.

Disappointed with the soundtrack. It just doesn't have the impact it used to. Played through a few levels and besides some game interrupting cinematics, it's the same game it always was. Boss intros, especially the werewolf, are incredible.

[swlovinist]

The original is on there, but is that from the get go? or do you have to unlock that too?

[Bloodreign]

I planned to play it just a couple hours, got absorbed and that couple hours turned into 9 hours, it's that good of a game, and I have still yet to play the original Rondo or even SotN.

Also like my Pixel Simon, even if it is the Simon's Quest Simon. :)

[Tron 2.0]

This topic has been discussed in the CV thread constantly.
The 8-bit Simon is something every CV collector has. I ordered my japanese Konamistyle edition of the game a while back.

Still it doesn't beat this simon figure.
http://www.cornerstorecomics.com/images/af_cv1_belmont_L.jpg
Wich can be bought here http://www.cornerstorecomics.com

If it's been linked all ready oh well just thought i throw that out.

[dairugger]

the wherewolf battle where he jumps from the background (after howling) into the foreground is in both dracula x's (pc-engine & snes).

[Werewolf]

I remember the SNES version being different with the werewolf stage that was on the PC Engine CD, or at least when I played it because I could've sworn that stage had a different boss from the PC Engine CD game... but than again it's been so long since I played either, I just remember being disappointed at the time :p

That's cool that it's in there though, can't wait to play this again :)

[mailman187666]

how do you unlock the original Rondo of Blood on there? I unlocked SOTN and Maria as a playable character, but I wanna check out the original. Somebody let me know how to unlock it please?

[heybtbm]

Very impressed so far. I never played the original pc-engine version, so I can't compare. Even so, it's obvious from the start that this is a quality game. The reviewers have one thing right...it's damn hard. I'm too use to the SotN style of Castlevania gameplay. If you die, you start at the beginning of the level. I still think I'll be able to finish and unlock SotN.

If you can't wait, there are already save files available to download at GameFAQ's.

This is a steal at $29.99.

[segagamer4life]

Anyone have a save file with everything unlocked? I just want to play SOTN.


from gamefaqs :


In Stage 2, while the minotaur is chasing Richter, immediately fall into the first hole in the ground. You will not die, but instead be taken into the sewers. Play the level out normally and defeat the boss. Afterwards, you will be taken to Stage 3' (this is different from the normal Stage 3!).

In Stage 3', whenever the path branches, taken the upper route. Make sure you obtain the "axe" subweapon sometime during the stage. Eventually, you will meet a skeletal snake that is attached to a wall. Nearby is a vine-like cage; use the axe to cut it. It now serves as a platform for Richter to jump to the upper ledges. Continue along the upper ledges until you see a breakable tombstone. Inside is the item that unlocks Symphony of the Night. Return to the main menu to play it.

[heybtbm]

from gamefaqs :


In Stage 2, while the minotaur is chasing Richter, immediately fall into the first hole in the ground. You will not die, but instead be taken into the sewers. Play the level out normally and defeat the boss. Afterwards, you will be taken to Stage 3' (this is different from the normal Stage 3!).

In Stage 3', whenever the path branches, taken the upper route. Make sure you obtain the "axe" subweapon sometime during the stage. Eventually, you will meet a skeletal snake that is attached to a wall. Nearby is a vine-like cage; use the axe to cut it. It now serves as a platform for Richter to jump to the upper ledges. Continue along the upper ledges until you see a breakable tombstone. Inside is the item that unlocks Symphony of the Night. Return to the main menu to play it.

Nice. So you don't have to finish the game to unlock SotN? That makes things a lot easier. I'll have to try this tonight.

[segagamer4life]

how do you unlock the original Rondo of Blood on there? I unlocked SOTN and Maria as a playable character, but I wanna check out the original. Somebody let me know how to unlock it please?


thats what I am trying to find out...LOL...


scratch that, here goes:

from gamefaqs:

On the fourth stage near the end you come to a large wall with a stairway on the top right corner, break the bottom part of the stairway to reveal some bombs. Hit them to blow up the wall, follow the path along until you get to two spike things going up and down. Jump on the right hand one and use it to get to some platforms on the right, follow that through and break the candle thingy at the end of the platforms to unlock the original.

[mailman187666]

thats what I am trying to find out...LOL...


scratch that, here goes:

from gamefaqs:

On the fourth stage near the end you come to a large wall with a stairway on the top right corner, break the bottom part of the stairway to reveal some bombs. Hit them to blow up the wall, follow the path along until you get to two spike things going up and down. Jump on the right hand one and use it to get to some platforms on the right, follow that through and break the candle thingy at the end of the platforms to unlock the original.

nice, I really wanna see it in its original glory. I'm sure its pretty good but I never got a chance to play the PC Engine version of the game so I am all about seeing what it was like. I'm sure its just a more oldschool looking version of the main game for the most part.

edit: I just randomly thought of something that would be great. Make a PSP 8 bit castlevania trilogy with enhanced graphics like this one. Who would buy that????? not many people I'm sure ha ha ha.

[exit]

Grabbed this game last night after seeing this thread, I completely forgot about it coming out and I got to GS right before it closed. I've been playing it since I woke up and I really don't understand the complaints about the difficulty, it's pretty much the same as it's always been. I guess that this generation of gamers are just a bunch of pussies.

The game is really worth the $29.99 price tag, I would've easily paid higher for this with no second thoughts.

[RadiantSvgun]

Well, it looks like SOTN on this, is the psx version. I was having a streched hope that it was gonna be the Saturn version. However , it is different voice-wise and some other cosmetic things from the original psx version. I'd have easily paid 59.99 for this.

[mailman187666]

actually I noticed in SOTN, the script for the voice acting is different all together. It gives the same story but they use a different way to say it. They did away with the "What is a man, a miserable pile of secrets" or whatever they said in the beggining before. I'm not sure if all of the script is different or not, but so far in the beggining it is.

[exit]

In Stage 3', whenever the path branches, taken the upper route. Make sure you obtain the "axe" subweapon sometime during the stage. Eventually, you will meet a skeletal snake that is attached to a wall. Nearby is a vine-like cage; use the axe to cut it. It now serves as a platform for Richter to jump to the upper ledges. Continue along the upper ledges until you see a breakable tombstone. Inside is the item that unlocks Symphony of the Night. Return to the main menu to play it.

I would like to add that you do not have to get the axe, the cross, or book will do the trick just fine.

They could've easily sold SOTN separately and made a bundle off of it alone, it's nice to see that they actually want to give the player their monies worth.

[le geek]

Well, it looks like SOTN on this, is the psx version. I was having a streched hope that it was gonna be the Saturn version. However , it is different voice-wise and some other cosmetic things from the original psx version. I'd have easily paid 59.99 for this.

99% sure you can play as Maria...

Cheers,
Ben

[Blitzwing256]

still not the saturn version, maria has a TOTALLY differnt move set then she did in the saturn version, also the extra saturn areas aren't in this version. (not sure about the new items and the one new relic are or not)

[kazuo]

still not the saturn version, maria has a TOTALLY differnt move set then she did in the saturn version, also the extra saturn areas aren't in this version. (not sure about the new items and the one new relic are or not)

The tacked-on areas were worthless anyway, and Maria plays a lot better on the PSP than the Saturn.

[Kitsune Sniper]

They did away with the "What is a man, a miserable pile of secrets" or whatever they said in the beggining before.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ;_;

[G-Boobie]

Well, it looks like SOTN on this, is the psx version. I was having a streched hope that it was gonna be the Saturn version. However , it is different voice-wise and some other cosmetic things from the original psx version. I'd have easily paid 59.99 for this.

You really don't want the Saturn version; it's not as broken as some people say, but it's inferior to the PSX version even with Maria playable and the two extra areas. I bought it, played it for a few hours, and put it down for good.

I love this compilation though; it's running close to the Orange Box in terms of sheer bang for the buck. God bless the Castlevania team at Konami; they have the best fan service around I think.

[spoon]

Anyone else told that they didn't have any figures in stock yet? They said they would call me when they came in. WTF? Sounds shady to me.

[mailman187666]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ;_;

its true, the conversation between them is different. But hey....Any changes to one of my favorite games (that I already own for every system its on) is a good change to me. I'll take it.

[swlovinist]

The figures came in with the game in shipment, at least here in Washington. Caution: They are coming in small numbers, like only if you preordered it. I was the only one to preorder the game and only one figure was sent to the store. The Gamestop near me was real cool, and made sure that I got the figure, which I let them know was coming with it before the game shipped. My figure will remain on my shelf till the end of time....

[norkusa]

Anyone else told that they didn't have any figures in stock yet? They said they would call me when they came in. WTF? Sounds shady to me.

The employees most likely kept them or gave them away to people that didn't pre-order. They do that a lot at my GS/EB's and it's one of the reasons why I quit shopping there.

[Dingo]

I work at the GameStop that I reserved my copy at and I can say that the figures haven't come in there as of today. From what I'm hearing, a lot of stores didn't get the figures in the same shipment as the games (which doesn't make sense), but I do know that it is possible as I watched the store manager unpack all of the boxes that came in that day. As for them taking them, it does happen so that is always a chance.

[segagamer4life]

On the gamefaqs website, it shows 3 unlockable versions, Sotn, Dracula x and RoD, anyone know if this is true, I am currently trying to unlock dracula x, but you have to do it as lightweight Maria.....

[G-Boobie]

On the gamefaqs website, it shows 3 unlockable versions, Sotn, Dracula x and RoD, anyone know if this is true, I am currently trying to unlock dracula x, but you have to do it as lightweight Maria.....

No, there are only 2 unlockable versions.... The 'play the original game' tip is actually how you unlock Symphony of the Night. Mr. Socks is a liar.

But hey; two unlockable classics is still pretty great, right?

[mailman187666]

No, there are only 2 unlockable versions.... The 'play the original game' tip is actually how you unlock Symphony of the Night. Mr. Socks is a liar.

But hey; two unlockable classics is still pretty great, right?

are there any more unlockables besides SOTN, original RoB, and Maria in the game? besides all of the music tracks of course. I would love for there to be even more hidden suprises in this umd.

[segagamer4life]

No, there are only 2 unlockable versions.... The 'play the original game' tip is actually how you unlock Symphony of the Night. Mr. Socks is a liar.

But hey; two unlockable classics is still pretty great, right?

yeah damn that mr.socks... anyway, the two unlockables are MORE than enough for me, and couple that with the 3d ver and soundtracks.... AWESOME AWESOME game Kudos to you konami!

[Cinder6]

Just out of curiosity, how do you unlock Maria in SotN? I haven't seen it confirmed, but I'm assuming you have to clear 169% and enter "Maria" as your name. Is that right?

*ponders how fast he could do that*

I'm looking forward to comparing this Maria with the one from the Saturn version (which is, actually, my favorite version of the game).

[segagamer4life]

Just out of curiosity, how do you unlock Maria in SotN? I haven't seen it confirmed, but I'm assuming you have to clear 169% and enter "Maria" as your name. Is that right?

*ponders how fast he could do that*

I'm looking forward to comparing this Maria with the one from the Saturn version (which is, actually, my favorite version of the game).



nope its even easier than that, in level 2, right when the beast starts to chase you, the third candle you hit, gives a key, grab it and fall down the first hole, this would be the water area, go all the way to the right, and see a locked door, use the key, by using the button for the projectile weapon, this will unlock the door, and take you to a cut scene featuring maria, and thus she will be playable from now on.

[Cinder6]

Yeah, I know how to unlock Maria in RoB, but how do I do it in SotN, which I've also unlocked?