NES – Castlevania
March 8, 2008 - 12:27 am - Posted by Sean
It’s interesting to go back and play the original Castlevania – the game that started it all.
I was particularly impressed with the soundtrack, which manages to be both melodic and haunting – a tall order for the NES.
You assume the role of a vampire hunter attempting to slay Dracula in his castle.
Initially armed with only a whip, you’ll find special weapons which are unleashed by pushing up on the directional pad while pressing the attack button.
These include knives, axes, holy water, crosses, and a magical watch that temporarily freezes foes in their tracks.
Establishing the formula that will continue for all of eternity, you’ll slash torches to reveal hearts, leap between ledges, and battle legions of evil creatures from skeletons to zombies to jumping fish-men.
Castlevania’s simple, arcade-style gameplay is compelling but slightly tainted by its preponderance of cheap hits.
Being touched by a little bat can send you plunging into the nearest abyss, and many traps spell instant death.
Castlevania’s graphics are better than you might expect, with meticulously detailed walls that look properly aged.
On the downside, some of the creatures are not well defined, and smaller creatures can be hard to discern. But despite its rough edges, Castlevania is a fun game that stands the test of time.