The Castlevania Thread

[Ed Oscuro]

Yeah, the site owner posts at the CVD now and then. Which guide do you mean? The eyeball, or the purple haired Trevor one (I admit that is rather strange)?

[Arasoi]

I meant the.. effeminate looking purple haired Trevor. Id guess the guide is unofficial, but I also wonder if theres some kind of crazy artwork in there like the cover.

Does that french site owner actually OWN all those guides?

We should ask him for scans :D

[Ed Oscuro]

He does. And no, they all appear to be glue bound, and I can speak from experience when I say you can't scan those without ripping pages out.

One of these days they'll make a scanner attachment that can scan inside a book open to only 45 degrees. Until then...

[Arasoi]

His game collection is pretty good too, though lacking some of the more oddball items.

I believe that blank looking Super Famicom cart is one of the ones you took to the store and plugged into the machine to flash a game on right? Interesting collectors item.

[Ed Oscuro]

I believe that blank looking Super Famicom cart is one of the ones you took to the store and plugged into the machine to flash a game on right? Interesting collectors item.
I don't see it. Link?

[Arasoi]

http://akumajo.free.fr/games.htm

Its under Wai Wai 2, at the bottom.

A lot of games were released like this orginally, including Rockman and Forte. Interesting stuff, I didnt know XX was released this way.

[Ed Oscuro]

Me neither! I wonder what other Konami games were released in such a manner...and now I'm hoping somebody has saved a ROM image of the files. Might not be any major differences, though.

[Arasoi]

Well, I know Rockman and Forte was identical in both box released and download format, Id assume XX is the same... hmm

[Arasoi]

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8b-49-en-15-Lament%2Bof%2BInnocence-70-3f1.html

Just wanted to point this great deal out to everyone. You can get a large Lament of Innocence Japanese promotional poster for under 12 dollars (including shipping)

I picked one up last night, and it appears they still have stock left.

[Rook_Jones]

I understand the desire to collect the old fashion way, digging through bins and looking through glass cases, wiping dirt off covers in a dirty swap meet box. Its fun to work to find your stuff.


I totally relate. Probably that's why I waited to buy a Famicom until I was in Japan.

How much did Dracula-kun go for? It's not that rare, is it? I've been looking for it. Mainly because of Galamoth, his short description of "wants to take over the underworld" just sets the imagination on fire...

Oh, and Arasoi, since you're a CV fan, I'm sure you've heard of Parovadius? (http://www.terriblehands.com/dyna/swf/compleet/parori.html)

[Arasoi]

Boku went for about 50, I think I have a photo of its condition on page 3, not too bad really. Im not sure on its rarity, it IS hard to find complete on EBay is all I know.

Yes Ive heard of Parovadius, I believe it wasa flash movie done by Eric Roman and starred a flying Slogra/Berrigan. (Correct me if Im wrong though :) )

[Rook_Jones]

Yeah, that's the one. He remade it in 2005, I hotlinked "parovadius" in the above post if you want to check it out.

[Arasoi]

Just picked up Vampire Killer (MD) mint for $145.

Yes.

[Ed Oscuro]

Yeah, that's the one. He remade it in 2005, I hotlinked "parovadius" in the above post if you want to check it out.
A while ago (actually over a year now, I think) Eric showed me a page in Japanese where somebody tried to suss out the meaning of all Eric's intentional misspellings and jokes.

Hillarious. Even if you kinda cringe to see somebody going "hey, that arse is making fun of our language!" Then again, it was too funny to care.

Congrats on the find, Arasoi.

[Arasoi]

Some interesting auctions on Yahoo Japan:

http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r25782735

Looks like an old game guide from 1986, for Akumajo Dracula and some other stuff. Funny cover art either way.

"Blah! Have some skittles!"

http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d63168972

An EXTREMELY rare and expensive Akumajo Dracula arcade board (Japanese Haunted Castle) with its overlays and manuals.

http://page5.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e55747190

http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m31501859

A couple of doujin music CDs, some of these can be fairly interesting to get.

http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f45188117

One of the various Akumajo Dracula Super Famicom (SC4) guides, this is one of the rarer red versions.

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/90612403

Another of the SFC Akumajo guides, a black cover guide.

[mills]

Arasoi, I have that Odi et Amo CD on my computer. It's a japanese band covering castlevania tunes with guitars, drums, keyboards, etc. VERY good cd, if you want it AIM me at "millsnes"

[Arasoi]

That was a great album, thank you for sharing that with me. Ill see about uploading it sometime within the week..

[walrusmonger]

Here is my collection (minus the castlevania: CoD whip, my japanese version of SotN for PS1, Castlevania:DoS and my copy of CoD that I didn't update the photo for)
Sadly I had to sell off my super mint Dracula X and my Rondo of Blood earlier this year to pay bills :(

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3668/walrusmongercvcollection7oy7xn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[mills]

:eek 2:

[Arasoi]

Thats a pretty nice collection, sad to hear you sold off your mint Dracula X (im on the lookout for one)

I see you have the Majesco re-release of Bloodlines too. Is your SCV4 the same? (you can tell by checking the bottom right corner of the back of the box)

[walrusmonger]

Nah, the SCIV is from 1991 and konami

[Synergy]

I have a couple slight off-topic questions for Arasoi, or anyone else that can answer them. I didn't see the point of making a separate topic since there's a nice 'Vania conversation going on here:

1) For Rondo of Blood, does it need the PC Engine to run, or can it boot with a Turbografx-16 here in the states?

2) If it does work on U.S. consoles, which model TurboGrafx do I need to run it?

3) How much do the different Turbografx models go for (TurboGrafx-16, Turbo Duo, PC Engine, etc.)?

I'm a total noob to the Turbografx systems, but as I mentioned in another thread, I'm really thinking about buying one just to play Rondo of Blood. :)

[walrusmonger]

I can kind of help you:

I bought a duo-r system (white turbo duo) for about $200 loose but in great shape (just to play rondo).

I played rondo to death for a couple of weeks, LOVED IT (easily the best castlevania besides SotN) and then sold the system. I wanted to keep the game but needed to sell my high priced games for bills (rondo, drac x, radiant silvergun, suikoden 2, etc) and really regret it.

Think about it like this: you can buy and play the game, get your kicks and resell the stuff for at least what you paid. The game is so good it doesn't depreciate and the same goes for the duo. It's much easier to just buy a working duo then to get ahold of the system and a cd drive, in my opinion.
good luck!

[Synergy]

(easily the best castlevania besides SotN)

It's a really, really tough call for me. I love all the Castlevania games, but my absolute favorites are Symphony and Simon's Quest, and choosing just one is like choosing an eye to gouge out. And now Rondo is quickly climbing the ladder right behind them.


Think about it like this: you can buy and play the game, get your kicks and resell the stuff for at least what you paid. The game is so good it doesn't depreciate and the same goes for the duo.

LOL Sweet, that's exactly what I was thinking. I knew it would cost a bit, but they're just going to appreciate in value, IMO.

[Arasoi]

Hm, Im not sure about a US CDROM system being able to boot it up. If theres a way to get Japanese CDROM2 games to boot in the system it should work, and I believe there is.

The best solution is a Duo overall, it has no region protection on CD games, and has the system card 3 built in.

As for price.. well those can be pretty steep. But I personally think its the best solution to all TG16/PCE needs.

Theres much more for Pc Engine than just Dracula X though. Theres a ton of great Japanese only games. Like the Japanese versions of Hellfire on CDROM2 (Hellfire S), Double Dragon 2 on Super CDROM2, an awesome conversion of Garou Densetsu Special(Fatal Fury Special) with its own special arrange tracks, etc etc.

I hope this helps, sorry for not giving better pricing information, but I dont really look into the original hardware much, just the Duo.

[christhegamer]

Jeez, I'd hate to see what he thinks is big @_@

[Arasoi]

XD

Dude for 2 days Ive thought your name was "Christ The Gamer" lmao..

Anyways, I said small because the rooms of doom put my collection to shame more or less. :)

[aaronpetrosky]

What's your favorite item out of there?

[Arasoi]

Not sure if you meant that for me or walrus but -

Out of my collection, my VS Castlevania complete kit.

Out of walrus's Id say the mint Dracula X that he sold XD

[Kitsune Sniper]

How much did Dracula-kun go for? It's not that rare, is it? I've been looking for it. Mainly because of Galamoth, his short description of "wants to take over the underworld" just sets the imagination on fire...

*cough (http://vice.parodius.com/trans/kiddrac.html)* 8-)

[Rook_Jones]

*cough*

Game translation patches, eh? Awesome, but I am actually looking for the real game (I'm in Japan, and they have no shortage of used game shops). I guess if I don't find it, that's where I'm gonna go, though. :P

And now I have another question. Where's the love for Olrox? Seriously. I mean, he did get a nice little mention in Dawn of Sorrow, but this guy who had a whole part of the castle that belonged to him needs more appearances...

Besides being Count Orlock from Nosferatu...

[Arasoi]

Agreed. I really loved the reference and he was a fun boss, even though his second form ripped off Super Metroid a bit.

Perhaps he'll return for POR?

[aaronpetrosky]

That's awesome. Did you say you got the kit off ebay? and if so how much? it looks very cool.

[Arasoi]

I did get that kit off Ebay yeah. Those kits complete and in good condition go for around 100 dollars usually. One was up last month actually:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-NOS-NINTENDO-CASTLEVANIA-KIT-WITH-ARTWORK-NES_W0QQitemZ6281842951QQcategoryZ13718QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

Here we go.

[aaronpetrosky]

Ah thanks. I might have to get me one they are cool. I would of never thought to look for something like that.

[Arasoi]

I recommend it a lot, especially if you like Castlevania 1. I like the VS system palette differences in the game, and its increased difficulty option a lot. IMO its the best version of Castlevania 1 next to the original Famicom disk version.

[Rook_Jones]

Hey Arasoi, can you perhaps tell me why the Genesis version of CV: Bloodlines is so expensive in Japan? I saw it today in the box for no less than 8000 yen. Maybe it's one of those "rare in japan, but not in the US" things...

Oh I also saw CVIII for Famicom for 1100, but I decided to pick up Gradius II, Crisis Force, and Goonies first.

By the way, do you know how much Disk Systems usually go for?

[Arasoi]

Vampire Killer had a very low printing, its rare and pretty hard to find. 8000 yen is REALLY cheap for that game boxed. You could sell it for a mint.

1100 for Akuden? Grab it, thats cheap. Good choices though.

Im unsure on disk systems pricing, Id recommend getting a Sharp Twin, you could get one for cheap and get out of shipping to boot. Built in disk system, and no video problems.

[Ed Oscuro]

The A/V FC won't have video problems, either. Those just appeared when the A/V was haphazardly retooled for the U.S. market.

Great catch on the Crisis Force, Rick!

Oh, one other thing - it seems that Konami's Mega Drive titles around '94 tended to be rare. Not Rocket Knight Adventures, maybe, but Contra certainly is along with VK. Nothing else comes to my mind, though, maybe it's just those two games (which only happened to be from two of their best-known franchises - wtf?)

[GrandAmChandler]

Hey Arasoi, can you perhaps tell me why the Genesis version of CV: Bloodlines is so expensive in Japan?

Isn't it more violent in the Japanese version? I could be wrong on that....

[Ed Oscuro]

They should be the same - the U.S. Genesis version has blood and gore.

[Arasoi]

Yeah, only New Generation had censorship of the blood and gore. They even changed Eric Lecarde's death animation so the spear didnt impale him.

Thanks once again, Germany.

[Drunk Billionaire]

I cried when I saw those pics. very nice

[Rook_Jones]

Im unsure on disk systems pricing, Id recommend getting a Sharp Twin, you could get one for cheap and get out of shipping to boot. Built in disk system, and no video problems.


Unfortunately I already went and bought an '83 Famicom, and after buying that I can't justify buying another Famicom, attached disk system or not.


Vampire Killer had a very low printing, its rare and pretty hard to find. 8000 yen is REALLY cheap for that game boxed. You could sell it for a mint.

However, this was the American version.


The A/V FC won't have video problems, either. Those just appeared when the A/V was haphazardly retooled for the U.S. market.

A/V FC awareness came to me after I bought the '83 model. So, I'm gonna have to bite down on the RF problems once I get back...



Great catch on the Crisis Force, Rick!

Rook. LOL And thank you. :)

[aaronpetrosky]

What's the difference between the famicom Castlevania 1 and NES 1?

[Arasoi]

There were two Famicom releases of Akumajo Dracula (CV1), and each had differences from the NES version

The original release was on the famicom disk system in 1986, and had a save feature (an extra screen and a music track called "Underground")

The second release was on cartridge in 1993, and lacked the save feature. However, it had a difficulty switch of Easy or Hard, which the NES version did not have.



However, this was the American version.

Aha, explains why it isnt 15,000 yen or above. Thats ridiculous for the American version though, even over there. Im honestly surprised.

[mills]

Since this is castelvania thread. I wanna let you all know I'm looking for castlevania legends for gameboy, complete.

[aaronpetrosky]

Ah, I see. Thanks man!

[Ed Oscuro]

"Underground" actually *does* live on the NES cart, along with some unused graphics (that weren't used in any version), but there's no way to access it normally (at least without cheat codes).

[Arasoi]

Ed is correct, the programmers only removed the save screen in the NES version, but left the track in.

You can hear it in an NSF player with the CV1 NSF, its the 54th track/sound code.

http://www.zophar.net/nsf/castleva.zip

Makes me wonder if a game genie code would turn the save screen back on, or make it accessible somehow in the NES version. It obviously wouldnt work, but itd be interesting.

http://manaexe.com/poopydoodles/CVCollection/drac2_savescreen.gif

[Arasoi]

I scanned a few things today, one of them being my Curse of Darkness store promo disc. I just thought Id share the scans. It came in a mini CD case with a special shaped front.

http://manaexe.com/poopydoodles/CVCollection/front.jpg

Front cover, spine identifier, and a small piece that curves back around inside the case.

http://manaexe.com/poopydoodles/CVCollection/insert.jpg

Inside insert portion.

http://manaexe.com/poopydoodles/CVCollection/game_disc.jpg

And the game disc.

[MarioMania]

Why didn't Konami release Castlevania on the Game Gear

[aaronpetrosky]

Probably because they were smart enough to know that Gamegear was gonna suck.

[Arasoi]

Lol. Well, I liked the system a lot. Im kind of sad they didnt release one on there. It basically would have been a Master System release (effectively).

Imagine playing that on the TV with a GG-MS adapter? Fun stuff.

[MarioMania]

Probably because they were smart enough to know that Gamegear was gonna suck.

It dosn't suck, If they made one it might of been a Mini Version of Bloodlines

[aaronpetrosky]

I never liked gamegear, even when I was younger. A year or 2 ago I wanted to give it a chance because I figured I didn't when I was younger. I bought one and a few games and it didn't appeal. I even looked at the different games for it and they didn't look too appealing.

I'm not much a fan of handhelds to begin with but I don't remember gamegear even being popular?

[CosmicMonkey]

Well if we're gonna talk about Castlevania games that never were, how about the 32X and Dreamcast games?

There was a French matey who was apparently selling a CD-R containing what was playable of the DC game. If that's true, then he must have a Katana or a GD-R of the game? Who knows? I'd love to know what did exist of this game though.

As for the 32X version, I've seen sprites that were apparently from the 32X game, but that's it. I'm not sure if they were ever confirmed as 100% 32X though.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Probably because they were smart enough to know that Gamegear was gonna suck.

It dosn't suck, If they made one it might of been a Mini Version of Bloodlines

Could have been as bad as MegaMan on GG...

[MegaDrive20XX]

Arasoi, you scurre me man! you'll make Ed Oscuro and Kurt Kalata cry like the man who just lost his dog in the hidden room in 6-2 :(
Actually, there are tons of people out there who have more CV games than I do (I just have dupes of a number of them, and no plans to sell them right now). As far as jealousy, nah, I'm over that.

Right now I'm working on Contra stuff, anyhow. Though I could go for a DXX Holy Bible, as well as the guides to the FC CV games...

I still scurred :(

[Ed Oscuro]

There was a French matey who was apparently selling a CD-R containing what was playable of the DC game. If that's true, then he must have a Katana or a GD-R of the game? Who knows? I'd love to know what did exist of this game though.
One of my pet peeves: people with awesome prototypes that just buy it and disappear into the woodwork. If I had that Bloodlines prototype you could bet I'd get it dumped.

I can understand it for games that are pretty much the same as the finished product, but something as radically different as the Bloodlines proto (with the blimp stage) or the Dreamcast Castlevania needs to be made available.

[Arasoi]

The owner of that BLoodlines prototype actually posts on these boards, and has quite a large castlevania collection with many rare items.

Currently trying to get this person to mail me some pics of their collection to post here, Should be a treat =)

[MarioMania]

Does Dracula X for the PC Engine..Play on the Turbografx-16 CD or do you need a Card for it

[Arasoi]

From what I understand the CD games have no region protection on them at all, and all the Super CDs will play fine in a US TG16CD system, as the System card 2 is built in. Problems only arise when you want to play Arcade Card games such as Garou Densetsu Special and Art of Fighting. THose require an arcade card, which wasnt released in the US.

Anyway, Dracula X should theoretically play fine.

[MarioMania]

Sweet..Was the PC Engine a true 16-bit system, I heard 8-bit..Was it more powerful then the Genesis & the SNES

[Arasoi]

Ive heard conflicting reports. It had two processors, one is what I believe to be 16 bit, custom developed by Hudson. It could display 512 colors, not quote up to par with the SNES. However, its sprite handling was pretty impressive and it had a nice library of CD games. Definetely one of my favorite systems.

[MarioMania]

Could Dracula X: Rondo of Blood be done on the Sega CD or the 32X

[Arasoi]

The pallete would look a bit different on Sega CD, but it could be done. More Easily on 32X CD, it could retain all the original colors and have the redbook audio tracks as well.

For the record..

http://www.eidolons-inn.net/segabase/32X-Castlevania5.html

This information is completely false. The 32X game was originally SOTN, until it was moved to PSX.

[MrSmiley381]

WHY WAS THIS THREAD NOT BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION BEFORE?

Big Castlevania fan I am. I have all the US released console stuff, missing a few boxes and manuals, etc.

I hope you've beaten the original Castlevania by now. If you haven't, for shame.

I'm not sure how I can defend my hardcore status against you. Like, whoa. Crazy. What do I have to do to beat that? Cosplay as Richter? I've done that, actually.

Damn. I don't think I can argue against this.

YOU, GOOD SIR, ARE CURRENTLY MORE HARDCORE CASTLEVANIA THAN I AM. I GUARANTEE IT.

I will step down for once and let you take this. Congrats.

[MarkMan]

I have a lil Castlevania collection as well, I love the series, had a question, you think a Castlevania Curse of Darkness press box would be worth much? Konami shipped out a big box to press with the Castlevania artwork on it and inside was some flyers, a shirt, press releases, and a copy of the game. I also have some of the more recent press builds of the games.

Long live Castlevania fans :)

[Arasoi]

I hope you've beaten the original Castlevania by now. If you haven't, for shame.

I'm not sure how I can defend my hardcore status against you. Like, whoa. Crazy. What do I have to do to beat that? Cosplay as Richter? I've done that, actually.

Thank you for your kind words :) The original CV, yes Ive beaten it. I prefer VS Castlevania with the dipswitch on hard, its more challenging. Plus I like the different pallete more now.

Ive never cosplayed, youve got that up on me XD


you think a Castlevania Curse of Darkness press box would be worth much? Konami shipped out a big box to press with the Castlevania artwork on it and inside was some flyers, a shirt, press releases, and a copy of the game. I also have some of the more recent press builds of the games.

Long live Castlevania fans :)

THose sound pretty interesting, I have a store promo version but not anything that extensive. I think those items would be worth a good amount, if you're selling PM me and lets work out a deal for sure :)


On another note, would you guys be willing to post up your collections? Mills, Residentvania and walrusmonger have already, I always like to see a nice CV collection!

[MarkMan]

Arasoi, sorry I don't think I'm willing to part with them as of yet. Just wanted to do an interest/value check on them. I'll keep you in mind if I ever think about parting with them though.

I'll try to take some pictures when I get back in town this weekend. I don't have as much as you guys that already posted though. :)

Do you guys have the shitty Castlevania comic/TPB too? God that was horrendous but I still bought it lol.

Does anyone have a pic of the promo whip that Konami sent out with Lament of Innocence? I've never seen a pic of it, always wondered lol.

I heard Konami USA made it because Iga would walk around the offices in Japan and when he visited in the US with a whip attached to his belt lol.

[Arasoi]

Those whips are being sold on the US Konami website in the Konamistyle store, they are fairly cheap bullwhips with a Castlevania sigil sewed on.

I thought them rather shoddy really. Id post a pic but the store is closed for the4th of July. (The european store sites dont appear to be up at all)

[Rook_Jones]

Well Arasoi I'm sorry to dissapoint you but in the end I forewent the CVIII for 1100 yen and went with Hammerin' Harry (I forgot the JP name) instead, which was 1000 yen. I decided the music on the NES version of CVIII was already awesome enough. :D

[Arasoi]

Aw man, thats too bad. But, I have to compliment your selection on the following items:

-Gradius II
-Crisis Force
-Rockman 3 (Ive got a RM3 cart as well, its hard to resist when MM3 is your favorite childhood game)
-Getsufu Maden
-Parodius
-Ninja Ryukenden III

Nice haul, dude. =)

[aaronpetrosky]

Arasoi, what do you think is the hardest Castlevania game? I would say Castlevania 3.