Best Castlevania

[kainemaxwell]

Which do you think was the all-around best of the Castlevania series?

[digitalpress]

Like I just said in a very similar post, I liked 'em all except for II which was a bit too "RPG" for me.

But my favorite is Dracula X on the DUO, which, not unlike most DP polls, is NOT on the list. And the SNES version of the game was really weak by comparison. So ... my SECOND favorite was SoTN.

[kainemaxwell]

I usually go by the US relased titles seeing that's what ones the majority of us here have played.

[Raedon]

MY fav is SOTN for the SATURN! gaaaaaaa..

[ShinobiMan]

Even though SOTN will forever be a masterpiece of a game, Castlevania 3 will always remind me of fond memories as a kid... so that's my #1.

[retrogmr]

I'm with Joe; where the hell is the PC-Engine version??

The standard by which all others are measured :)

[mauigamer]

What made the Duo version great? I have only seen screen shots. What was different about it, etc?

[Dire 51]

Well, let's see... what made the Duo version great. There was a lot, let's see what I can list.

1. Near-perfect control and rock solid gameplay.

It doesn't get much better than that. It's classic CV gameplay all the way, and both Richter and Maria are extremely responsive to your commands. It introduced the whole "weapon-swapping" technique as well - in case you pick up a weapon you don't want, you can turn around and pick up the one you had, instead of it just vanishing forever.

2. Diverging pathways and hidden areas.

Kind of like Castlevania III in a sense, you could go in different directions depending on what areas you went to. All roads lead to Dracula, of course... and going down the different pathways was the only way to get 100% of the game completed. On top of that, you could go back and replay levels you'd already completed.

3. Play as Maria.

Once you find her (if you can find her... okay, it's really not that hard) you could play as her. Her attacks and item crashes were all unique - they haven't been reduplicated in any other CV. She added a bit of anime cuteness to the game.. plus her ending was actually a bit better than Richter's, imo.

4. Anime cutscenes

Sure the game had rock solid gameplay and near-perfect control, but the added cutscenes were the icing on the cake. Granted, they were just still scenes, but they were still beautiful.

5. Fantastic character design.

The different enemies and other characters had the most unique look to them... classic CV, but at the same time, very anime. In fact, most of them were reused in SOTN.

6. Incredible music.

Some of Konami's finest, by far. It's still the best CV soundtrack imo, even beating out SOTN. If you haven't heard it, you have to find a way to.

Oh, and one of my personal favorite things about the game - the first stage is a tribute to Simon's Quest, as you travel through one of the towns from it. You can even read the signpost just like you could in SQ - too bad what it says is in Japanese.

I also have to give a nod to both fights with Death. The one in the prologue was pretty sweet, but the one on top of the ship is just fantastic - especially when he rips off his first outfit and reveals his classic Death attire... and then creates his scythe out of thin air. Sweeet.

[Tetsu]

Although I love Super Castlevania 4 dearly, I actually prefer the Japanese version, Akumajo Dracula. It has the uncensored nudity and religious imagery that Nintendo took out of SC4. Not that I especially care for pixelated, nude statues or a cross here and there, but it's the principle of the thing. Also, the green slime in the dungeon stage is red blood in the Japanese game, which looks much cooler and scarier. The chain whip also sounds more whiplike.

[jaydubnb]

I'm stuck at a tie between SotN for the PS and Dracula X for the Duo....well, i think i may give the Duo version a sligh edge due to the better soundtrack, IMO....a CV game must have Bloody Tears!

Also, i believe that Dracula X was the debut of the "item crash".

[kainemaxwell]

Too bad no one brought Dracula X for the PC-Engine over and that Komami (or someone) is hogging the files for it.

Anyhow, I think the closest we got to Dracla X was the Richtor game of SotN.

[Raedon]

I think everyone would agree that the N64 Castlevania was a real big stinky pile of crap.

[Atariguy]

I've always loved Castlevania 2. It has the best soundtrack in a game, even to this day.

[kainemaxwell]

The N64 CV was crap but Legacy of Darkness kinda fixed the bad taste in everyone's mouths from it methinks.

[The32xMemorial]

I personally enjoyed the Nintendo 64 games... they were a lot of fun in their own right, IMO. Not a classic Castlevania and not really part of the series truth be told, but a fun couple of games nevertheless.

Nobody mentioned Bloodlines for the Genesis. How sad! Has anyone played it? The music isn't up to the standards of the CD and SNES versions, but the gameplay is tight, fast, and Konami-difficult. I'd say it's right behind the TurboDuo and PSX games, ahead of the SNES games. I haven't had the pleasure of the GBA yet.

[Daniel Thomas]

My favorite Castlevania has always been Simon's Quest. This was such a popular game between my friends, even though it took almost two years for me to finally beat the thing (I always respected the fact that the instructions gave nothing away). Of course, once you solved the blue crystal/kneel-at-the-lake mystery (which really was the lynchpin that kept us stuck), things aren't so tough.

Another thing I love about Simon's Quest (other than the terrific music) was the world that was laid out before you. The dark forests, the haunted graveyards, the villages with their Renaissance Bavarian designs, all those people who would feed you bad advice -- now there was an innovation!

It seems ironic to me that Konami revitalized the Castlevania franchise by returning to its pseudo-RPG elements with Metroid -- eh, Symphony of the Night. Too bad that the recent Castlevanias are likely the only ones anybody knows about anymore. Don't emulators come prepackaged with computers yet? And why the hell not?

BTW, I remember cracking on my old zine years ago that Bloodlines was the Star Trek 5 of the Castlevania series. It seems, if anything, I was too kind on that game.

[hydr0x]

am i stupid or is castlevania: chronicles (ps) missing?

[game_trek]

My vote goes to Casltevania III. This game took everything from Castlevania I added more levels and characters and variation. Also the music for this game is simply awesome!

[game_trek]

I've always loved Castlevania 2. It has the best soundtrack in a game, even to this day.

Castlevania II: Great game. Great music BUT! I think part III would give it a run for the money. You dont think so?

[SoulBlazer]

I love the classic NES Castlevanias, and Super Castlevania 4 was a awsome game, but no one has mentioned the GBA one's yet -- sweet. :) Classic gamestyle and play, not the SoN style that I did'nt care for too much (although there are aspects of that in here). Espeicly the newest one, Auria of Sorrow. Can't wait to see how the PS2 game looks. (drool)

[Drexel923]

i am also one of the few who liked the n64 games...but i think that SOTN is the best one. i do enjoy the whole series though.

[Kess]

Symph of the Night, duh! Nothing even comes CLOSE to the legacy of SotN.

[captain nintendo]

i havent played all of the games currently in the series but. when it comes
to fun factor....i just cant seem to remember having more fun playing
the original 8 bit nes Castlevania....( as far as that series is concerned)

[Odin]

I chose Simon's Quest. Granted, I haven't played some of the later games in the series (ie, the much praised SOTN).

[vision89]

My favorite has always been Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest. This game was so original and had a great soundtrack. The whole night and day aspect was great, as well as all the rpg elements, not to mention the story was very original for its' time. Although I'd have to give SOTN a near second. If I hadn't grown up playing Simon's Quest I'd probably choose SOTN as my favorite. I'm currently playing Harmony of Dissonance and can't wait to start Aria of Sorrow.

[RetroYoungen]

I picked the first Castlevania. After all, for a series to be as legendary as Castlevania is, it has to start with one amazing game, am I right?

...plus it's the only one I'm even somewhat remotely good at. I don't think I can actually beat ANY of them... :embarrassed:

[Miguel_The_Machine]

Castelvania for NES it started it all!!!!!!!!!!!

[whoisKeel]

i voted the first one, i just never tire of it. but where is chronicles? i think it is better than both snes games. there is not one forgettable moment in that game. IV is a mixed bag imo, there are some great stages, but also alot of stages that i just don't care for. it also suffers from horrid slowdown and lack of challenge.

[oesiii]

I voted for the original because it's the one I've had the most experience with. I wonder if I should have voted at all because I haven't spent more than 10 minutes on the other ones.

And you forgot the excellent X68000 version, Dracula, which I have played a bit more.

http://www.emulatronia.com/reportajes/x68000/x68-dracula.htm

[stevec1636]

SOTN hands down, no question... and we all keep waiting for a new one like it :(

[stevec1636]

SOTN hands down, no question... and we all keep waiting for a new one like it :(

[dmhawkmoon]

Like I just said in a very similar post, I liked 'em all except for II which was a bit too "RPG" for me.

But my favorite is Dracula X on the DUO, which, not unlike most DP polls, is NOT on the list. And the SNES version of the game was really weak by comparison. So ... my SECOND favorite was SoTN.

I can hear the can of worms opening up...

I like the SNES one better! *hides*

No I don't rom them, I've played the real things on my actualy systems. I thought the level design on the Duo one fluctuated to horrible at a few points, especially on the extra levels. The SNES one just feels a lot more polished...

[AMG]

CastleVania: SOTN is my all time favorite. It's CastleVania meets Metroid with an RPG zing. Classic gaming right there.


Close 2nd goes to CastleVania 3.

[Kejoriv]

I liked the first one. I still play it alot to this day.

~Kejoriv

[NintendoMan]

I picked the fist castlevania for the NES, its the best to me. The nintendo 64 versions are next. I have never played the ones for the playstation, and never will since I hate sony.
They need to start making them for the gamecube, they do for the gba, but dont understand why not for the bigger system.

[cr0n0]

Even though I love almost all Castlevania games (not counting the N64 versions), my favorite is Symphony of the night. I am dying to play Rondo of Blood (dracula X-PC engine)!! I have heard the soundtrack and it is simply stunning. But I still give a slight edge to the SOTN music. That's my opinion though...

[Packerfan66]

Simon's Quest ! This was the first Castlevania I played and it still seems special when I play through it. I love PSX castlevania and I still haven't played Rondo of blood. Anyone know if the rom's are easy to find for Rondo of blood. I think the next GBA Castlevania needs to be a little different instead of having a huge castle to go through I wish they would have multiple castles like Simon's quest and allow you to roam the country side.

[cr0n0]

the roms are hard to find for this game. Try a newsgroup. I found them there but unfortunately I have been unable to play the game since I do not have a burner or much less the famous Nero, which is needed to burn it properly. I am able to listen to the soundtrack though.

[Kim Possible]

SOTN. Although my heart is truly with Castlevania (the first one). I love that game so much! I can play it every day. I've beaten it a zillion times and yet I can always pop it in and run it again. So it was a split decision for me. SOTN may be one of the best games I have ever played (same can be said for Castlevania). So I decided to vote for the bigger game, SOTN.

That said, I wanted to ask a few questions about the original Castlevania. (I searched the forums for a thread about this, but the search resulted in 26+ pages for Castlevania topics and I don't have that kind of time, so if the information is already here somewhere and you can point me to it, we can save some time, no?) :)

Is there a comprehensive list of the secret "treasures" in the game?
I've read the Castlevania Dungeon backward and forward, but they don't mention much (the Easter Island treasure and few other secrets). I'm talking about the treasures that pop up out of the floor when you do something (like kneel in the bottom right ledge of the Merman area). I think I have found them all, but want to double check myself.

What is a good "finishing" score for the first 18 stages?
I can get near 300K, but cannot break that number. What do you usually score?

Am I wrong in thinking that the holy water is the best secondary item in the game? It kills everyone but Drac and the big bat in Stage 3 with complete ease.

Thanks! :)

[Nez]

Rando is damn fun but I havent played it enough for it to recive my top spot.

That honor gos to SOTN who could ask for anyhting more?

[slip81]

Not that I especially care for pixelated, nude statues

Are you kidding?! That was the selling point for me LOL

all kidding aside though, SOTN is not only my fav Castlevania, but probably my fav PSX game as well

[Sibs]

I would have to say SOTN is my favorite mainly because I'm a big fan of the Metroid style exploration in games and I'm also a big fan of RPG's and RPG elements. A close second would go to Super Castlevania IV, which IMO, is the most polished of the Castlevania games.

[cracked8ball]

SOTN hands down. It's one of my favorite games of all time.

[Neonsolid]

Gone.

[Psycho Mantis]

I'd go with dracula x. Not only does it have great music, it also has great gameplay that always makes me come back for more.

[racecar]

castlevania >SOTN< was the best one that i have played so far also the GBA title are pretty good too

[racecar]

castlevania >SOTN< was the best one that i have played so far also the GBA title are pretty good too

[Black_Tiger]

Dracula X PCE is so far better than any other 'Castlevania' because of the most important aspec of any game, let alone Vampire Killer/Akumajo/Dracula: gameplay.

I like the graphics, music, variety and animation, but thats not what makes it great.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Where's CastleVania Chronicles for PS1/Akumajo Dracula for Sharp X68000??

PC Engine rules them all

yet SOTN is a beauty


Yet WHERE THE HELL IS CASTLEVANIA BLOODLINES?! @_@

[GamblinMonkey]

SOTN, it's in my top-ten video games of all time. I'm not sure if there can ever be another Castlevania to compare to it. In fact, that was 2-D gaming at is finest, and will probably never be outdone.

[NESaholic]

Since i only collect nes games i can choose outta 3, i choose the first, still the coolest to play, never get tired of it, laso 2 and 3 are very cool too, but the first is the best. :D

[spider-man]

My favorite is the underrated bloodlines for the genesis, followed by castlevania 3 and sotn.

[GamecubeFreek]

Castlevania 3 is the best game in the series, followed closely by SotN, then by Bloodlines.

[Bloodreign]

I go with Castlevania 3, it was the first game with multiple selectable characters (after you save them of course), lots of stages, kickbutt music, branching paths, plus the fact it was the last NES CV ever made.

[SMB]

I liked Lament of Innonence alot but it isn't my favee Castlevania game, but I will go with the original for NES, just because it was so original back when.

[Jibbajaba]

I went with the crowd and said SOTN. Probably the original Castlevania would be next, just because it got the whole thing started. Aria of sorrow is great in that it feels like a portable version of SOTN. SOTN is not only the best Castlevania game I ever played, it is one of the best games period.

Chris

[Tron 2.0]

CastlevaniaSOTN all the way 'while Dracula-X would be second and, Super Castlevania IV would by my third choice.

[Tron 2.0]

CastlevaniaSOTN all the way 'while Dracula-X would be second and, Super Castlevania IV would by my third choice.

Note: when i mean Dracula-X Rondo Blood.... i mean the PCE version not the SNES one

[AlexKidd]

I own every castlevania game released in the U.S. and i'd have to say that symphony of the night is not only my favorite castylevania but in my top 5 games of all time. Of the older ones I prefer Castlevania 3 and bloodlines to the snes ones. Aria of Sorrow is probably the best handheld one but is a bit too similar to symphony of the night. Sadly, i have never played dracula x for turbo duo. Im sure its a great game but probably not worth buying the expensive system for it.

[MegaDrive20XX]

1. CastleVania 3: Dracula's Curse
2. CastleVania Bloodlines
3. Super CastleVania 4

[James]

Dracula X for the SNES shouldn't be on the poll. It should read Dracula X (PCE), but otherwise your poll is quite good.

I despise Dracula X for the SNES that should have never come about, it's an abomination and not only does it not make any sense but it doesn't even fit with any of the Castlevania Timelines. Dracula X for the SNES is by far the worst in the series and Dracula X for the PC Engine is by far the best in the series (How could that happen too identically named games at opposite ends of the spectrum with similar story elements?) with Symphony of the Night being just barely second (I would count it as first but it isn't a traditional Castlevania game, still fucking amazing and addictively fun though and the best PSX game in my opinion). I, III and IV are my other favorites, II was kind of weird. Personally I think all the GB/GBA Castlevania's are mediocre and not the most fun except for Circle of the Moon, that one was pretty good. I kind of like the Genesis version although I always get stuck at the rising tower level. There are numerous different versions of Castlevania I for many many systems; I like the NES one the best followed by the Amiga version simply because of its look, the controls in that version do suck though unfortunately. Haunted Castle for the Arcades is fun but terribly difficult to get anywhere in; right up there in difficulty with Super Mario Bros. 2 (Famicom Disk System, not Doki Doki Penguin Land, or The Lost Levels) I haven't played Lament of Innocence yet for some bizarre reason. Contrary to reviews and many opinions I actually enjoyed the N64 Castlevania’s although you have to play through both games in order to get a good experience out of them, they are both different yet similar but seem to fit together perfectly. I do admit those two particular games could have used more polish and probably should have waited a little longer too be released. Castlevania Resurrection would have been the most amazing game ever, too bad it got canned. If anyone wants info on it they should read MrP's detailed description of the game and why it got cancelled right here:

http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/2/canceled-page1.htm

Personally I think Konami has lost their way with the series. If they want to make an amazing comeback I think they should outsource a new game to Ubi-Soft or Silicon Knights or some other amazingly good development studio. Then we would have the Ultimate Holy Grail of Castlevania games, well except for Dracula X (PCE), I don’t think that one will ever be topped just released(hopefully: Castlevania Anniversary Collection, fingers crossed). :-P

[FurinkanianFrood]

Castlevania 3 is probably the best proper Castlevania game, followed closely by DracX(PCE) and Bloodlines.

I'm not a big fan of the whole Action RPG evolution of the series, not that I didn't still enjoy those games immensely.

1. Castlevania 3
2. DracX (PCE)
3. Bloodlines
4. AkuDracula X68000
5. Castlevania
6. SC4
7. Castlevania 2
8. Circle of the Moon
9. Aria of Sorrow
10 SOTN SAT
11. SOTN PSX
12. Castlevania Adventure 2
13. HofDissonance
14. DracXX
15. Vampire Killer (MSX)
16. 2nd N64
17. LOI (PS2 thingy)
18. 1st N64
19. Castlevania Legends
20. Castlevania Adventure
21. Haunted whatsis arcade game (I played it once in a long gone arcade.... once was enough)

[James]

Castlevania 3 is probably the best proper Castlevania game, followed closely by DracX(PCE) and Bloodlines.

I'm not a big fan of the whole Action RPG evolution of the series, not that I didn't still enjoy those games immensely.

1. Castlevania 3
2. DracX (PCE)
3. Bloodlines
4. AkuDracula X68000
5. Castlevania
6. SC4
7. Castlevania 2
8. Circle of the Moon
9. Aria of Sorrow
10 SOTN SAT
11. SOTN PSX
12. Castlevania Adventure 2
13. HofDissonance
14. DracXX
15. Vampire Killer (MSX)
16. 2nd N64
17. LOI (PS2 thingy)
18. 1st N64
19. Castlevania Legends
20. Castlevania Adventure
21. Haunted whatsis arcade game (I played it once in a long gone arcade.... once was enough)

Haunted Castle is what your looking for. And yes it is ridiculously hard and not much fun, it didn't do too well. I play it on MAME every now and then just to piss myself off I guess. That game had no continues either.

[DiabloNeonX]

My top 3 favorite all time Castlevania games...

1) Symphony of the Night
2) Aria of Sorrow
3) Simon's Quest

[cr0n0]

I have finally played Dracula X for the TG16PC and I find the game awesome, but my vote for the best still goes to SOTN. But I do find DX to feel more like a Castlevania in the old school term. Great game.

[Tatsu]

I voted for Castlevania SotN but I do have a soft spot in my heart for the original Castlevania. Finally I got the new GBA version of it and made it to The Death end boss. Now that's a sucker and I can't imagine how I should beat him. I wasn't even able to hit im once before I've died. Anyway, Castlevania is my favourite series ever. I hope they'll release the third NES part also as GBA game so I can finally play it.

[AtariBuff]

I voted for SotN which I own for the PAL PS1 in a limited edition set with art book and the regular release.
The limited edition costed me a bit of money, I got the regular on a flea for like $6. :D

[Eldergod]

I definitely enjoyed the GBA titles the most. Definitely the best GBA purchases I ever made.

[frost69nyc]

Symphony of the Night by far...you thought it was over and then the whole castle flips over...totally mint, and like the lab area in Resident Evil 2, you think you've beaten the game and it gives you a whole second part to play.

[Alucard]

I think SoTN is but the 4th is a very close second. SoTN is actually the first one I ever played.

[mills]

Castlevania 2 was so confusing, i love CV IV, and CV III

[Gemini-Phoenix]

What? No Castlevania The New Generation???

I love Dracula X (SNES) but have to say Symphony Of The Night on the PS1 has got to be the best of the bunch.

Those N64 ones are just appaling though...

[walrusmonger]

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4919/pibbscv2fp.th.jpg (http://img68.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pibbscv2fp.jpg)

These are my ranks, top=best, bottom=worst.

my drac x for snes, castle iv for snes and legacy of darkness n64 will be here soon enough for me to rank.

[sealboy6]

I really like all of them, especially Symphony of the NIght. The ones that, I guess, I like the most are the ones for the Game Boy Advances. I loved all three of them, and they were so much fun to play. I would play them at home, on the road, anywhere. Great games.

[VG_Maniac]

Well, Symphony of the Night is obviously the best Castelvania. However, my personal favorite will probably always be Super Castlevania IV. :)