Akumajo Dracula X: Gekka no Yasokyoku

It took me 4 days to pass this game because I couldn't put it down. However, I'm still not tempted to say it's the best Castlevania game out there. It's among the best, but not thee best. I would honestly have to give the crown to Castlevania 3: "Dracula's Curse", starring the less known Belmont, Trevor (whom Casper Van Dien can portray in a movie).

This was a very fun Castlevania game, in the spirit of those on the NES, Sega Genesis and SNES, but with a bit more game play depth to it. Basically it looks like the Castlevania games on the SNES with the graphics on the characters improved a bit and the background more so. The music is also improved in this one as there are some really stand out pieces in sections of the game. It is a challenge too, but not overly so. Basically, there are no parts of the game where you are watching in stunned belief at all the enemies and such thinking the game is impossible, like in the older games. Even if the odds look insurmountable, you can find a way around it. The game is not perfect though as there are some things that could have been done to make the game even more enjoyable.

The story starts out with Richter Belmont about to face off against Dracula. This is basically a recap battle showing the final battle from the game Castlevania X or something to that effect for the SNES or the other game that it was based off of for a computer gaming system only sold in Japan. Suffice to say, I want to play that game, but it is rare and expensive. After the battle is won, you see Alucard (Dracula's son) storming the castle. He seems unbeatable, until the Grim Reaper takes away all his powerful equipment. Now Alucard must navigate his way through the castle fighting monsters of all kinds so that he can gain abilities and equipment that will help him win the day. From time to time you cross paths with a woman named Maria who is looking for Richter...who has disappeared. Alucard sees him at one point, but it seems he is the lord of the castle now! The fighting is different than previous Castlevania games in that you use a sword and can also use a shield. Though no matter how powerful a shield I got, it never seemed to deflect anything. You could also use potions, buy armor and things that one is more accustomed to seeing in a role playing game. You also have the ability later to change into different things such as a wolf, a bat and mist. You can change into mist and basically bypass any really difficult areas later in the game. So there are many different aspects to the game, but it still feels like you are playing Castlevania. I can see where the Metroid references come from, but how many Metroid games actually followed this format? I believe only Super Metroid followed it to a tee.

I enjoyed this game, but there are some improvements that could of been made. First, is the fact there is spoken dialog in this game. I am not going to complain about how bad it is (though it is not top notched), I am simply going to say it needed more. Basically, they did not really keep the story advancing and at times it was simply Alucard moving from room to room and then coming across a boss out of the blue. There needed more interaction between Alucard and other characters to keep the player up to date on the story. The game also has a cheap ending that one can easily get by accident if one is not entirely sure what to do. Basically, the game can end without a final showdown with Dracula. And as good as the music is, the song they play during the credits sounds like it came from a romantic drama.

Overall, this game was a fun game to play. It had more to it than your standard Castlevania, while not overstaying its welcome like so many games of today do. The music is good (I especially enjoy the piece right at the beginning as Alucard dominates early on) and the game play is simple to pick up. This one is as good as my other favorite Super Castlevania IV, and could of been even better had it made a few tweaks.

Sure it's sort of an old game But hey its most likely the fan favorite of all CASTLEVANIA games. This game is so much different from all the other CV games such as Game play, Graphics, And Most of all Sound Voice And Score(music). These features make this game so great as it should be. Sure the Voice Acting can get cheesy at some points in the game but the INCREDIBLE game play makes up for all the flaws. The controls are outstanding and you can actually jump across a pit in this one as opposed to all the other NES CV GAMES! (a little inside joke to all CV players) But anyway this is probably the best CV game that KONAMI has released in a long time. So go buy this title or rent it today you wont be displeased. I know I wasn't!

There is are many words to describe this title: classic, masterpiece, flawless. But it is only done justice in the phrase above. Castlevania is everything a great video game should be. It has amazing graphics, incredible sound, an easy to use control system, a multitude of secrets, a highly involving storyline, high replay value, and, most important of all, an addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more.

Many people ignored this title because it was in 2D. While the huge game area would have been amazing to see in 3D, it also might have created camera and control problems that would have only hampered the game play quality. Using a 2D interface makes for a much cleaner and "user-friendly" game, especially at the time when this game was released, a time when 3D gaming was an aspect that had yet to be perfected.

I could go on and on about this game. It was one of the few games I've played that actually lures me back after I've beaten it. While Metal Gear Solid and Goldeneye have done this too, it has only been for a little while, to relive some of my favourite moments. Castlevania, however, still has unexplored elements to it. I have had the game for two years and have yet to see EVERYTHING, to defeat EVERY enemy and obtain EVERY item.

It's a shame this game is a rare find. It is a definite collector's item, and if you see it pick it up. Did I forget to mention that it also merges RPG and action-adventure gaming elements seamlessly, giving fans of both genres something to love? I would like to end my review with a challenge to all video game developers out there: Make a better game than this. Trust me, you'll DIE trying.

This is the best Playstation game I have ever played, and by far the best of the Castlevania series.

Great music, spectacular gameplay, a recommendation to anyone.

Also a unforgettable storyline and alot of replayability.

10 out of 10.