Castlevania Appreciation Thread

[nightrnr]

(Granted, all but the original LoS are available via a single download code - so physical media purists beware!)
And hey, if nothing else, maybe if Konami sells enough of this Castlevania Collection, they'll release a GBA/DS collection one day, complete with DLC-only games Harmony of Despair and Adventure Rebirth included.

...a fan can dream, can't he?

That would be neat, I hope it happens one day, but I'm pretty well set on the DS/GBA games anyhow.

Thanks for the info on the LOS release. Had no idea it was out. I already have the 3DS game, but haven;t played it for wanting to play LoS on PS3 first. Maybe now's the time to get it (although the DLC only does kinda' irk me; tell me, what's the advantage of physical media again? ).

--EDIT--
Actually, I think I'll pass and just get a used copy of the original for my PS3. As stated, I already have the 3DS game (even if visuals are enhanced for PS3, I'd rather play the original version), and the other DLC I can wait on.
I doubt that the new collection even comes with a manual.

[Gamerforlife]

I'm glad Mirror of Fate is getting spread around more with the HD release and the Collection. My thoughts have returned to this game after finishing Batman Arkham Origins Blackgate, which is a very similar game in what it's trying to be and I feel like Mirror of Fate was much more successful in providing a quality, handheld, 2d spinoff of a major console franchise (which I'm sure Lords of Shadows will become). Blackgate actually makes me like Mirror of Fate even more than I already did.

[KalessinDB]

I have little Castlevania experience. Don't even own any of the NES games. Shameful, I know.

I've been thinking about starting Circle of the Moon sometime soon. Good game?

Good game, but I would not make it your starting point. For one, don't even think about playing it on a GBA. It was their first attempt at putting one on the GBA, and it's very dark with no "halo" on your main character like they added in the later GBA editions. This means he blends in with the background a little too much. Much less of an issue if you're playing it on a Gameboy Player, but still worth noting.

Also, it is HARD. Like, it's Nintendo Hard. Don't get me wrong, I expect my Castlevania to be challenging, but I felt like I was about 8 again playing Circle of the Moon. My opinion, it's the hardest of the Metroidvania types by far. If that doesn't scare you though, go for it, like I say it's a great game.

I personally see 4 types of Castlevania: Original, Metroidvania, 3d (meaning the N64/PS2/oXbox ones), and the brand new GoW-type that has started with Lords of Shadow.

My personal suggestions for starting points: Original-type CV? Super 4 on the SNES. Metroidvania? Symphony, no question, whether you do PSX, PSP, or whatever remake. 3d Castlevania? I'm gonna go with Lament of Innocence.

[noiseredux]

I was going to say the same thing about Circle - really good game as long as you don't play it on original GBA. It's just way too dark. Remember, that was a launch title and I just don't think they had quite realized the limitations of the screen at the time. But yeah, it is a good game.

I also agree with Symphony of the Night... that to me is one that really really deserves all the praise it gets. Just an incredible game.

Also, over the weekend I received a package from foxhound, and am happy to report that I am finally a proud owner of Castlevania Bloodlines.

[Ziggy]

I've been wanting to replay Bloodlines, that was a good addition to the classic lineup.

[noiseredux]

Asslevania



http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/628123

[Scissors Shrimper]

Good game, but I would not make it your starting point.
</reasons>

Another thing I'd like to add is that starting with the peak of the series would only make it harder to get into the rest that cannot possibly live up to it.

[brunoafh]

I've been wanting to replay Bloodlines, that was a good addition to the classic lineup.

You said it. Honestly I have a hard time deciding where I rank Bloodlines in the classic lineup. All I know is that it would rank near the top with the original and Rondo of Blood.

[Ziggy]

Yeah, I have a hard time placing it in my personal rankings as well.

[pierrot]

So, Castlevania Rebirth is surprisingly tough. I got really annoyed by stage 5, and gave up after dying at the mid-boss when he had one point of health left.

I know it's supposed to be a remake of the GameBoy game, but at the same time it really feels like Konami took every opportunity to model the structure of the game after the original Castlevania; while also completely beefing it up with some really great platforming. I really like this game, and I'm sure a lot of that feeling is brought on by listening to the incredible FM synth style soundtrack, right now. The remix of New Messiah is masterful.

Lots of great things: Love multiple paths in my 'Vanias; All the necessary sub-weapons are here, and have practical applications; Tons of hidden items; Level design is really pretty incredible all around. I like the bosses, and I think they're designed pretty well, with good attack patterns, but they are a bit easy in most cases, so far. If there's one thing that bothers me, it's the control. It's not nearly as perfect as Bloodlines, or Rondo of Blood in that regard. Christopher is also a bit too slow turning around at times—or he's ignoring my inputs, I'm not sure which—and there's some odd delay in input with the whip at times that really makes some frustrating sections even more frustrating. I wish it were possible to jump onto staircases, as well.

I was planning on beating it tonight, but knowing Death was up ahead, I had flashbacks of the original Castlevania in stage 5; decided I couldn't put off the packing I need to do, and—why am I playing so many games this month!