As a remake of the original game that started it all, Castlevania Chronicles works pretty well as a nostalgic throwback to the roots of the popular series. However, fans weaned on later offerings, namely the recent DS/GBA crop inspired by Symphony of the Night, might find Castlevania Chronicles to be a bit lacking in depth.
Gameplay 7
Graphics 7.5
Sound 8
Difficulty Medium
Concept 7
Overall 7.0
Carl Williams writes, "Retro gaming fans that were gaming on the Nintendo Entertainment System surely remember the first Castlevania game. Konami was in rare form with this release and gamers showed their appreciation with each new release by buying the sequels and giving free word of mouth advertising. In 2001 Konami brought over to North American Playstation owners a little title called Castlevania Chronicles. This was originally a Sharp X68000 release (see our second issue for more information on this gaming computer). What was Castlevania Chronicles anyhow?"
Eurogamer:
"Castlevania is a series with heritage. Since its introduction in 1986 it's rarely skipped a year, with 40 released titles spanning consoles, PC's and arcades. Over nearly 30 years, the backbone remains the same. The plot is an eternal repetition of the need for the Belmont clan (and occasional affiliates) to destroy Dracula who, against all odds, keeps getting resurrected in all manner of bizarre circumstances. Features and details may change, or occasionally be absent, but they're indelible parts of the series, always remembered, always returning.
Perhaps Castlevania's most polished and revered trait is its music. Stylistically phenomenal from the very beginning, nearly every title in the 28 year history is an aural delight. When Konami released an 18 CD soundtrack set in 2010, it didn't even have room for every great piece that's graced the series. Behind these iconic tracks is the work of some talented composers. "
1UP - Twenty-five years ago, on September 26, 1986, Konami launched a brand new game in Japan that would go on to become one of the longest continuously running franchises in the medium's history. Akumajou Dracula -- roughly translating to "Demon Castle Dracula," which became "Castlevania" in the West in accordance with Konami's weird obsession with pun-laden localization in the '80s -- was actually two different games on two different platforms.
