Vampire Killer

This game is one of my favorite video games of all time, as it's one of my favorite entries in the "Castlevania" series and games for the "Genesis" console. This was the first and only game that was ever released on the Genesis console and it's an awesome one.

The plot is the typical kind from Castlevania which is on a countess trying to resurrect Dracula again along with the forces of darkness trying to rule over the land. But here it's different as we see the head vamp is female but the biggest change is the setting doesn't take place in the past, but it moves forwards in time as it takes place in the 1900s. In a way this was the first game that really brought the series into different timelines. But what I like about this plot line is this time it's more of a globetrotting adventure which is cool, it's sort of Castlevania doing "Indiana Jones."

The graphical presentation is very good, it's not as great as the one for Castlevania 4 for the SNES but it's still good enough in my book. I really like the dark fantasy gothic structure you see but most importantly the layout of the levels. And each of the levels are different as each are based on a regional location. Really like the variety in monsters but I really like that they used some different types of monsters from the realm of horror and fantasy, mainly ones from Greek Mythology like the Minator as well as Harpies which keeps the bump in the night roster colorful.

The gameplay is great as usual, in this game you have two different characters to play as, whom are both decendents of the Belmont family. One is of course armed with the trademark weapon the chain whip and the other is armed with a spear, both characters play about the same just with different weapons. Personally, I play as the character with the chain whip because that's my favorite weapon in the franchise.

You can whip and thrust in the usual directions left and right, but you also are able to attack in other directions like diagonal. I even like that with the whip you can use it as a grappling hook, where you can hit the celing and then swing like "Indiana Jones" or "Batman" from point A to B.

You have the usual power ups but one thing that is different is there is this power up where you are supercharged and depending on which your armed with when you whip or thrust you produce a fireball. This over course have been common in some of the other "Castlevania" games over the years but it's still a cool feature. However, the only bad news is it's a temporary one because if you get hit once you lose the ability, so make sure you don't get hit.

The boss battles are solid, their each beatable and kind of easy (I said kind of), but each battle is always different which really keeps things fresh and you guessing as you never sure how it will go down next. And the difficulty in the game is at a medium level, it's not too hard but not too easy as there is a trick spot or two, it is "Castlevania" after all.

And of course, one of my absolute favorite features is the music itself which is just excellent, it's the kind of music I would love to download onto my iPod, may 'be even play at a Halloween party. Each of the tracks are memorable I just love the music all of them are practically my favorite tracks though if I must pick favorite it's the First, Second, and Forth level tracks.

Overall this is another very solid entry in the series, if you're a Castlevania fan it's another entry worth including as it just bleeds with excitement and fun.

Rating: 4 stars

This is the only entry I know of, of the Castlevania series on the Sega Genesis. So first, let me say that if you have a penchant for disliking the Sega Genesis, this Castlevania game may not be for you. It has the Genesis' style of play and music and look that a lot of people just do not care for. Me, I enjoy the way Genesis games look and how they play so I am enjoying this entry into the series. It does things a bit differently than Super Castlevania IV introducing a couple of new heroes into the mix while the Super Castlevania IV for the SNES was essentially a remake of the very first Castlevania game. You get to travel Europe on your quest to defeat Dracula this time, as the game occurs during World War I.

The story has a niece of Dracula trying to revive her uncle. You take the controls as either John Morris or Eric Lacarde to try and save the day. Each has their own reasons for fighting against the evil. John Morris a descendant of the Belmont family battles because it is his duty while Lecarde battles to save his love. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, though by far I have found Lecarde is the best of the two. Morris uses a whip, so one tends to go with him as he uses the more traditional weapon. However, you will find that Lecarde's spear is much more destructive and he does a cool super jump that really sets him apart from Morris. The only thing Morris does is swing across gaps, and trust me there are not enough areas you can even swing across to make him all that useful. There is one section where you have to jump up a long passage and avoid these eyes that shoot lasers that you can bypass as Morris, and this is the only area I found him useful.

The areas you go through vary a good deal. You start off in Romania, in the ruins of Dracula's castle. This area looks the most like your standard Castlevania fare. The next stage is Greece and you will be doing a lot of stuff in the water here. The next is the leaning tower of Pisa which has an epic battle on the top that makes me dizzy. After that you are off to a munitions factory in Germany, a château in France and finally a castle in England. The backgrounds look good, but as I said earlier they have a Genesis look to them.

The monsters range the gambit from things you have seen in previous Castlevania games, to a few unique monsters here and there. They of course have the Medusa heads, and that is one enemy I would not mind seeing left off the monster roster. The bosses all pretty much differ from those found in Super Castlevania IV, with the exception of the knight found at the end of the first level. Usually you have a boss in the middle of the stage and at the end. During the second stage though you will encounter three boss type characters in a row during the middle of the stage.

So this game is fun, that is for sure. It is also hard, very hard. Of course, it would be a cinch if they would not limit the number of continues you have which make the password essentially useless. With practice though I find myself getting farther and farther in it, making it all the way to the final level where the screen is totally messed up and disorientating. This one gives you the option of selecting between two heroes, though they really should of given Morris something more as he is so weak compared to Eric. This game though is fun and it is most certainly a Genesis game, the only Castlevania Genesis game.

The Castlevania series is one of the most different adventure video games! The characters, the action, and the sure thrill of adventure makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!

Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the Sega Genesis system! The backgrounds are really beautiful!

Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!

Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!

Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!

Overall: I have always loved Castlevania: Blood Lines! If you like excellent adventure games that has Dracula, Werewolves, Ghosts, and more then I strongly recommend you play this game!

To purchase this video game check out Amazon.com!