Castlevania (video game)
Encyclopedia
Castlevania, known as in Japan, is a console video game developed and published by Konami
for the Family Computer Disk System in Japan
in September 1986. A year later, in May 1987 it was ported
to cartridge format and released in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System
(NES) followed by a Europe
an release in 1988. It was re-released for the Family Computer (FC) in cartridge format in Japan in 1993. It is the first game in Konami's Castlevania
video game series.
The player takes control of Simon Belmont in the year 1691, who must defeat the vampire Dracula. A sequel, Simon's Quest
, was released for the NES a few years later.
Castlevania is a typical platform game
of the 8-bit era: the game is composed of six levels, which are played in a strictly linear progression. The player controls Simon Belmont throughout the game. The A Button allows Simon Belmont to jump just like other platformer games, such as Super Mario Bros.
, however he can only jump straight up, left, or right; there is no midair control. There are many stairs located throughout the levels, however rather than simply pressing left or right to step up them, you must hold up on the directional pad. His primary mode of attack is via his whip by pressing the B Button, which can be upgraded three times by obtaining special items throughout the course of the game which extend its length. In addition, various "sub-weapons" can be obtained which provide different means of attack. By breaking candelabra
and certain other items located throughout the castle, Simon collects hearts, which are then used as ammunition for the sub-weapon that he possesses. Simon can only carry one sub-weapon at a time. The player can use a sub-weapon by simultaineously pressing "up" and B on the controller. Whenever Simon receives damage, he is knocked back a distance, increasing the challenge as this may lead to him falling down into a pit below. He is not knocked back when on stairs.
Each of Castlevanias six levels conclude with a boss fight
: these bosses are generally taken from horror
literature or legend, and include a giant bat
, Medusa, a pair of mummies
, Frankenstein's Monster
and Igor
, the Grim Reaper
(this boss in particular is also infamous for being very difficult) and finally Dracula
(who transforms into a second and more powerful monster form after his first form is defeated).
s, handheld game console
s, home computer systems
, and mobile phone
s. The NES release of the game was adapted for video arcade
s both as a part of Nintendo's Play Choice 10 series and (with the addition of a two-player competitive play mode) the Nintendo Vs. System.
In 1990, versions of the title were released for the IBM PC compatible
, the Commodore 64
(both developed by Unlimited Software), and the Commodore Amiga (developed by Novotrade).
A ROM
version of the game was released for the Japanese Family Computer in 1993. The port omitted the name registration screen from the original Family Computer Disk System version (as well as saving) and included an "Easy" mode. In this mode, Simon begins with ten lives, enemies do less damage, the player is given more time, and, most notably, he is not knocked back by enemy's attacks: the player simply momentarily freezes.
In 2002, Konami released the first three NES Castlevania games for PC Microsoft Windows
as the Castlevania and Contra: Konami Collector's Series. This was later added to GameTap
in 2006.
In 2004, Castlevania was released for the Game Boy Advance
as part of the Classic NES Series
published by Nintendo
. The mock ending credits of the game, which are mostly puns on the names of veteran horror movie stars, were removed in this version. However, it does have the stage select feature.
In 2007, it was released through the Wii
Virtual Console
.
In 2002, Upstart Games ported a mobile phone version of the game from the original Japanese mobile game. That version was upgraded in 2004 with improved graphics, and was subsequently released in North America
and Europe
for multiple handsets. A third mobile phone version was produced in late 2004, with even better graphics, but has only been released in Japan as of early 2005.
Castlevania is slated for release on the Nintendo 3DS
, and may feature camera support, 3D support, or analog support. This release was featured amongst other games from the Nintendo Entertainment System
and Super NES
to be released for the 3DS on a tech demo called Classic Games at E3 2010.
The same plotline and setting are in other different games in the series on different platforms. This includes Vampire Killer
, Super Castlevania IV
, Castlevania X68000
, Castlevania Chronicles
, as well as the arcade game
game Haunted Castle
. While all of these games have similarities with Castlevania for the NES, including the original Japanese title, Akumajo Dracula. However, they are all completely different video games.
's Top 200 Games list. In August 2008, Nintendo Power
listed it as the 14th best Nintendo Entertainment System
video game. The re-release of the game on the Virtual Console
for the Nintendo Wii
was rated a 7.5 by IGN
, saying that the graphics show their age after 20 years, but the soundtrack is famously creepy and the game is still atmospheric and challenging.
Konami
is a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
for the Family Computer Disk System in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in September 1986. A year later, in May 1987 it was ported
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
to cartridge format and released in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
(NES) followed by a Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an release in 1988. It was re-released for the Family Computer (FC) in cartridge format in Japan in 1993. It is the first game in Konami's Castlevania
Castlevania
Castlevania, known as in Japan, is a video game series created and developed by Konami. The series debuted in Japan on September 26, 1986, with the release of for the Family Computer Disk System , followed by an alternate version for the MSX 2 platform on October 30...
video game series.
The player takes control of Simon Belmont in the year 1691, who must defeat the vampire Dracula. A sequel, Simon's Quest
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, known in Japan as , is an action-adventure role-playing platform game produced by Konami. It was originally released for the Family Computer Disk System in Japan 1987 and for the Nintendo Entertainment System in North America in 1988. It is the second Castlevania...
, was released for the NES a few years later.
Gameplay
Platform game
A platform game is a video game characterized by requiring the player to jump to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles . It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps...
of the 8-bit era: the game is composed of six levels, which are played in a strictly linear progression. The player controls Simon Belmont throughout the game. The A Button allows Simon Belmont to jump just like other platformer games, such as Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros.
is a 1985 platform video game developed by Nintendo, published for the Nintendo Entertainment System as a sequel to the 1983 game Mario Bros. In Super Mario Bros., the player controls Mario as he travels through the Mushroom Kingdom in order to rescue Princess Toadstool from the antagonist...
, however he can only jump straight up, left, or right; there is no midair control. There are many stairs located throughout the levels, however rather than simply pressing left or right to step up them, you must hold up on the directional pad. His primary mode of attack is via his whip by pressing the B Button, which can be upgraded three times by obtaining special items throughout the course of the game which extend its length. In addition, various "sub-weapons" can be obtained which provide different means of attack. By breaking candelabra
Candelabra
"Candelabra" is the traditional term for a set of multiple decorative candlesticks, each of which often holds a candle on each of multiple arms or branches connected to a column or pedestal...
and certain other items located throughout the castle, Simon collects hearts, which are then used as ammunition for the sub-weapon that he possesses. Simon can only carry one sub-weapon at a time. The player can use a sub-weapon by simultaineously pressing "up" and B on the controller. Whenever Simon receives damage, he is knocked back a distance, increasing the challenge as this may lead to him falling down into a pit below. He is not knocked back when on stairs.
Each of Castlevanias six levels conclude with a boss fight
Boss (video games)
A boss is an enemy-based challenge which is found in video games. A fight with a boss character is commonly referred to as a boss battle or boss fight...
: these bosses are generally taken from horror
Horror fiction
Horror fiction also Horror fantasy is a philosophy of literature, which is intended to, or has the capacity to frighten its readers, inducing feelings of horror and terror. It creates an eerie atmosphere. Horror can be either supernatural or non-supernatural...
literature or legend, and include a giant bat
Bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera "hand" and pteron "wing") whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. By contrast, other mammals said to fly, such as flying squirrels, gliding possums, and colugos, glide rather than fly,...
, Medusa, a pair of mummies
Mummy
A mummy is a body, human or animal, whose skin and organs have been preserved by either intentional or incidental exposure to chemicals, extreme coldness , very low humidity, or lack of air when bodies are submerged in bogs, so that the recovered body will not decay further if kept in cool and dry...
, Frankenstein's Monster
Frankenstein
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel about a failed experiment that produced a monster, written by Mary Shelley, with inserts of poems by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Shelley started writing the story when she was eighteen, and the novel was published when she was twenty-one. The first...
and Igor
Igor (fictional character)
Igor is the traditional stock character or cliché hunch-backed assistant or butler to many types of villain, such as Count Dracula or a mad scientist, familiar from many horror movies and horror movie parodies, the Frankenstein series and Van Helsing films in particular.-Origins:Dwight Frye's...
, the Grim Reaper
Death (personification)
The concept of death as a sentient entity has existed in many societies since the beginning of history. In English, Death is often given the name Grim Reaper and, from the 15th century onwards, came to be shown as a skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak with a hood...
(this boss in particular is also infamous for being very difficult) and finally Dracula
Count Dracula
Count Dracula is a fictional character, the titular antagonist of Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula and archetypal vampire. Some aspects of his character have been inspired by the 15th century Romanian general and Wallachian Prince Vlad III the Impaler...
(who transforms into a second and more powerful monster form after his first form is defeated).
Versions and re-releases
Castlevania has been ported to a variety of different video game consoleVideo game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
s, handheld game console
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
s, home computer systems
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
, and mobile phone
Mobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
s. The NES release of the game was adapted for video arcade
Video arcade
An amusement arcade or video arcade is a venue where people play arcade games such as video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, merchandisers , or coin-operated billiards or air hockey tables...
s both as a part of Nintendo's Play Choice 10 series and (with the addition of a two-player competitive play mode) the Nintendo Vs. System.
In 1990, versions of the title were released for the IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible computers are those generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT. Such computers used to be referred to as PC clones, or IBM clones since they almost exactly duplicated all the significant features of the PC architecture, facilitated by various manufacturers' ability to...
, the Commodore 64
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
(both developed by Unlimited Software), and the Commodore Amiga (developed by Novotrade).
A ROM
Read-only memory
Read-only memory is a class of storage medium used in computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM cannot be modified, or can be modified only slowly or with difficulty, so it is mainly used to distribute firmware .In its strictest sense, ROM refers only...
version of the game was released for the Japanese Family Computer in 1993. The port omitted the name registration screen from the original Family Computer Disk System version (as well as saving) and included an "Easy" mode. In this mode, Simon begins with ten lives, enemies do less damage, the player is given more time, and, most notably, he is not knocked back by enemy's attacks: the player simply momentarily freezes.
In 2002, Konami released the first three NES Castlevania games for PC Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
as the Castlevania and Contra: Konami Collector's Series. This was later added to GameTap
GameTap
GameTap is an American online video game service established by Turner Broadcasting System . Dubbed by TBS as a "first of its kind broadband gaming network", the service provides users with classic arcade video games and game-related video content...
in 2006.
In 2004, Castlevania was released for the Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
as part of the Classic NES Series
Classic NES Series
The Classic NES Series in North America are a series of Game Boy Advance games that were originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System emulated on the Game Boy Advance...
published by Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
. The mock ending credits of the game, which are mostly puns on the names of veteran horror movie stars, were removed in this version. However, it does have the stage select feature.
In 2007, it was released through the Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
Virtual Console
Virtual console
A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between...
.
In 2002, Upstart Games ported a mobile phone version of the game from the original Japanese mobile game. That version was upgraded in 2004 with improved graphics, and was subsequently released in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
for multiple handsets. A third mobile phone version was produced in late 2004, with even better graphics, but has only been released in Japan as of early 2005.
Castlevania is slated for release on the Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
, and may feature camera support, 3D support, or analog support. This release was featured amongst other games from the Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
and Super NES
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
to be released for the 3DS on a tech demo called Classic Games at E3 2010.
The same plotline and setting are in other different games in the series on different platforms. This includes Vampire Killer
Vampire Killer
Vampire Killer, known as in Japan, is a platform-adventure game produced by Konami and released in for the MSX2 computer platform in Japan, Europe, and Brazil. It was never released in North America. It was in development around the same time as the Nintendo Entertainment System game...
, Super Castlevania IV
Super Castlevania IV
Super Castlevania IV, known as in Japan, is a platform game developed and published by Konami and the first Castlevania game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was originally released in 1991 and later re-released on the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console in 2006...
, Castlevania X68000
Castlevania Chronicles
Castlevania Chronicles, known in Japan as , is a platform video game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and released for the PlayStation video game console in 2001...
, Castlevania Chronicles
Castlevania Chronicles
Castlevania Chronicles, known in Japan as , is a platform video game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and released for the PlayStation video game console in 2001...
, as well as the arcade game
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
game Haunted Castle
Haunted Castle (arcade game)
Haunted Castle, known as in Japan, is the first arcade game in the Castlevania series, released by Konami in 1988. It was later re-released on the PlayStation 2 exclusively in Japan, as part of the Oretachi Game Center Zoku collection....
. While all of these games have similarities with Castlevania for the NES, including the original Japanese title, Akumajo Dracula. However, they are all completely different video games.
Audio
Track listing| Disc 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin-right:-1em;"> | |||
| # | Japanese title (Romanization) | English title | Length |
| 01. | Beginning -The Legend of Devil's Castle Dracula Music- | 3:22 | |
| 02. | Bloody Tears -Dracula II Music- | 1:18 | |
| 03. | Renewed Resolution | 6:01 | |
| 04. | Desperate, Decisive Battle | 6:21 | |
| 05. | Ralf, Crisis! | 3:36 | |
| 06. | Darkness & Tension | 4:17 | |
| 07. | Escape From Underground | 2:30 | |
| 08. | Last Battle | 7:52 | |
| 09. | Ending | 2:30 | |
| 10. | Message of Darkness | 0:42 | |
| 11. | Within These Castle Walls | 0:44 | |
| 12. | Bloody Tears | 1:05 | |
| 13. | The Silence of the Daylight | 0:58 | |
| 14. | Dwelling of Doom | 0:59 | |
| 15. | Monster Dance | 0:58 | |
| 16. | Last Boss | 0:37 | |
| 17. | Game Over | 0:05 | |
| 18. | A Requiem | 1:59 | |
| 19. | Underground | 0:30 | |
| 20. | Prologue | 0:08 | |
| 21. | Vampire Killer | 1:15 | |
| 22. | Stalker | 1:14 | |
| 23. | Wicked Child | 2:06 | |
| 24. | Walking on the Edge | 1:43 | |
| 25. | Heart of Fire | 2:12 | |
| 26. | Out of Time | 1:21 | |
| 27. | Nothing to Lose | 1:33 | |
| 28. | Poison Mind | 0:32 | |
| 29. | Black Night | 0:57 | |
| 30. | Voyager | 0:56 | |
| 31. | The Silence of the Daylight (Town Stage BGM) | 1:14 | |
| 32. | Bloody Tears (Street -day time- Stage BGM) | 0:49 | |
| 33. | A Requiem (Ending BGM) | 1:36 |
Reception
Castlevania was rated the 22nd best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo PowerNintendo Power
Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo of America, but now run independently. As of issue #222 , Nintendo contracted publishing duties to Future US, the U.S. subsidiary of British publisher Future.The first issue published was...
's Top 200 Games list. In August 2008, Nintendo Power
Nintendo Power
Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo of America, but now run independently. As of issue #222 , Nintendo contracted publishing duties to Future US, the U.S. subsidiary of British publisher Future.The first issue published was...
listed it as the 14th best Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
video game. The re-release of the game on the Virtual Console
Virtual console
A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between...
for the Nintendo Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
was rated a 7.5 by IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
, saying that the graphics show their age after 20 years, but the soundtrack is famously creepy and the game is still atmospheric and challenging.