Castlevaniais one of Konami’s longest-running franchises, with the first game in the series releasing back in 1986. Since then, the series has gone on to be a massive influence in the platformer genre,inspiring one half of the term “Metroidvania.”
Over its long life-span,Castlevaniahas undergone a massive number of changes, evolving from a basic sidescroller to a non-linear platform-adventure to even 3D action-adventure titles. Some of the most famousCastlevaniagames have been massive influences on other platformers, as well as their own series. Here are some of the most influentialCastlevaniagames in the series.
Like many long-running game franchises,Castlevaniasaw a reboot after over twenty years in the game industry. The reboot was subtitledLords of Shadow, and followed original character Gabriel Belmont in his quest to defeat the titular Lords of Shadow and resurrect his dead wife.
Lords of Shadowwas a big success for the franchise, despite departing heavily from its usual gameplay in favor of a more conventional third-person action-adventure style. The game saw two follow-ups,Mirror of FateandLords of Shadow 2, which struggled to replicate the success of their predecessor.
7Castlevania 64
WhileCastlevaniais mostly known for their 2D offerings, they have made plenty of forays into the world of 3D. The franchise’s first attempt at a 3D action-adventure game wasCastlevania 64for the Nintendo 64. The game follows Carrie Fernandez and Reinhardt Schneider as they venture into Dracula’s Castle to stop his resurrection.
ThoughCastlevania 64was criticized for its clunky gameplay, it was overall well-received, encouraging Konami to make more 3DCastlevaniagames in the future. While the franchise would still make plenty of 2D games, console entries likeLament of InnocenceandCurse of Darknesswould usually be 3D.
6Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse
The thirdCastlevaniagame is one of the first to feature a protagonist other than Simon Belmont: Trevor Belmont, Simon’s ancestor. Though Trevor is now more well-knownfor starring in the Netflix adaptation ofCastlevania, he made his first appearance inDracula’s Curseas the first man to ever defeat Dracula.
Dracula’s Cursewas the firstCastlevaniato feature multiple playable characters, with the mage Sypha Belnades, the thief Grant Danasty, and the half-vampire Alucard being his potential companions. While not every subsequentCastlevaniagame would feature multiple playable characters,Dracula’s Curseshowed that such a thing was possible.
5Castlevania 2: Simon’s Quest
The secondCastlevaniagame features Simon Belmont several years after his first slaying of Dracula, when he learns that he has been cursed to die. His only chance of survival is to recover all of Dracula’s body parts and resurrect him to dispel the curse.
Simon’s Questwas not well received at the time of its release, due to it being vastly different from its predecessor. It featured non-linear and role-playing elements, which would be used to greater success in games likeSymphony of the Night.
4Super Castlevania 4
The fourthCastlevaniais essentially a remake of the first game. It even follows the same story of Simon Belmont’s first attempt to defeat Dracula. Despite this, the game makes a lot of changes and improvements to gameplay, such as allowing Simon to use his whip to swing across gaps or block projectiles.
Super Castlevania 4is hailed as one of the bestCastlevaniagames of all time,and is considered a quintessential entry in classicCastlevania. While its popularity pales in comparison to games likeSymphony of the Night, there’s no doubt thatSuper Castlevania 4has had a large impact on the franchise as a whole.
3Castlevania: Rondo Of Blood
Rondo of Bloodis the last level-basedCastlevaniagame, featuring protagonist Richter Belmont as he journeys to Dracula’s Castle to save his beloved Annette. It is a little less linear than previous entries, though it lacks the adventure aspect of future games.
Rondo of Bloodmakes a lot of innovations to how futureCastlevaniagames would play. For example, it introduces the item crash mechanic, which allows Richter to use a much stronger version of a particular sub-weapon.Rondo of Bloodwould also becomethe basis for the anime adaptationCastlevania: Nocturne.
2Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow
Of the threeCastlevaniagames released on the Game Boy Advance,Aria of Sorrowwas easily the best. The game follows protagonist Soma Cruz, who is transported to Dracula’s Castle by way of a solar eclipse.
Aria of Sorrowintroduces more role-playing elements into the series than ever before. Soma can find and equip weapons and armor of all kinds. He also has the ability to steal enemy abilities by absorbing their souls, a now-iconic mechanicthat has been mirrored in spiritual successors likeBloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
1Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
As a descendant of Dracula, you must end the vampire bloodline. Can you rid the world of this unspeakable terror? Uncover the mystery of Castlevania and challenge an adventure as legendary as its name. Over 140 different enemies, bosses, and ghastly creatures. Awesome magical spells - transform into a bat, a wolf, or etheral mist. Hidden weapons, secrets, and characters…the largest Castlevania ever!
Castlevania: Symphony of the Nightis the most renowned title in theCastlevaniafranchise. The game follows the fan-favorite Alucard as he storms Dracula’s castle after its sudden reappearance not long after Dracula’s defeat by Richter.
Symphony of the NighttransformsCastlevaniafrom a level-based platformer to a non-linear sidescrolling action-adventure with role-playing elements. It essentially redefinedCastlevaniagames and pioneered the Metroidvania genre. While it’s arguable ifSymphony of the Nightis the greatestCastlevaniagame ever made, it is certainly the franchise’s most influential.
