Castlevania Games Collection
Since its debut in 1986, Castlevania has defined the gothic action-platformer genre, blending vampire lore, challenging gameplay, and symphonic soundtracks. Developed by Konami, the series follows the Belmont clan and their allies in a centuries-long battle against Dracula. Its mix of exploration, RPG elements (in later titles), and iconic boss fights has earned it a cult following.
Classic Era (1986–1994)
The NES originals (Castlevania I–III) established core mechanics like whip combat and sub-weapons (Holy Water, Cross). Super Castlevania IV (SNES) refined controls, while Rondo of Blood (PC Engine, 1993) introduced branching paths and playable Maria.Metroidvania Revolution
Symphony of the Night (1997, PS1) revolutionized the series with:- Open-world castle exploration
- RPG progression (leveling, equipment)
- Alucard as protagonist
This formula inspired later titles like Aria of Sorrow (GBA) and Dawn of Sorrow (DS).
3D Experiments & Modern Titles
While Castlevania 64 (1999) struggled, Lament of Innocence (PS2) and Curse of Darkness refined 3D combat. The 2010s saw reboots like Lords of Shadow, and the Netflix anime (2017–2021) expanded the franchise's reach.Legacy
Known for:- Gothic aesthetics and Koji Igarashi's direction
- Memorable music (e.g., Bloody Tears, Vampire Killer)
- Influence on Metroidvania genre (Hollow Knight, Dead Cells)
Why It Endures
Castlevania balances tight platforming, atmospheric storytelling, and replayability—whether through speedrunning classics or discovering SOTN's inverted castle.🎮All Castlevania Retro Games
The foundational vampire-hunting action game where players control Simon Belmont through Dracula's castle. Features the iconic Vampire Killer whip and sub-weapons like holy water and throwing axes.
1987
Action-AdventureThe second installment in the Castlevania series introduces RPG elements to the franchise. Players control Simon Belmont as he searches for Dracula's body parts to break a curse in this nonlinear adventure with a day-night cycle.
This prequel to the original Castlevania features branching paths and multiple playable characters - Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, Grant Danasty, and Alucard - in the 15th century battle against Dracula's resurrection.
The only Castlevania title released for Sega Genesis, featuring two playable characters with unique weapons and abilities battling Dracula's forces across Europe during World War I.
2001
Action-AdventureThe first Castlevania on GBA introduces the Dual Set-Up System (DSS) with 100+ card combinations for customizing attacks. Features non-linear exploration in Dracula's castle with protagonist Nathan Graves, a vampire hunter trained by the Belmont clan.
2002
Action-AdventureThe second GBA Castlevania stars Juste Belmont, grandson of Simon Belmont, featuring a dual-castle mechanic with parallel worlds. Introduces spell combinations and faster-paced combat while refining the DSS system from Circle of the Moon.
2003
Action-AdventureSet in 2035, this GBA masterpiece introduces Soma Cruz - a reincarnation of Dracula with the power to absorb enemy souls. Features the revolutionary Tactical Soul system with 112 collectible abilities that transform gameplay.
2005
Action-AdventureThis compilation includes two acclaimed Game Boy Advance titles: 'Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance' and 'Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow'. Experience both gothic adventures in one cartridge with enhanced connectivity features.
A reimagining of the original Castlevania with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players control Simon Belmont through 11 stages of gothic horror, featuring the revolutionary 8-directional whip attack and Mode 7 effects.
A reimagined version of PC Engine's Rondo of Blood for SNES, following Richter Belmont's quest to rescue Annette and Maria from Dracula's castle with refined combat and branching paths.
1999
Action-AdventureCastlevania for Nintendo 64 is a 3D action-adventure game that brings the vampire-hunting legacy into the third dimension. Players control Reinhardt Schneider or Carrie Fernandez through Dracula's castle, featuring dynamic camera angles and the series' signature whip combat.
1999
Action-AdventureAn expanded version of the N64 Castlevania, featuring new characters Cornell (a werewolf) and Henry Oldrey alongside returning protagonists. This edition adds new levels, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and additional story content bridging the original game's events.
2006
Action-AdventureA 2D action-adventure game in the Castlevania series featuring dual-character gameplay with Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Orlean battling through haunted paintings in Dracula's castle during World War II.
2005
Action-AdventureCastlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is an action-adventure game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS. It is the sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and continues the story of Soma Cruz as he battles dark forces in Dracula's castle.
1997
Action RPGCastlevania: Symphony of the Night is a 1997 action RPG that redefined the Castlevania series. Players control Alucard, Dracula's son, exploring a massive, nonlinear castle filled with RPG elements, platforming challenges, and iconic gothic horror enemies.
The first Castlevania on Game Boy follows Christopher Belmont in 1576 against Count Dracula. Introduces whip power-ups that evolve from Chain Whip to Morning Star, with GB-exclusive mechanics like falling platforms and candle-based checkpoints.
1998
Action-AdventureThe third and final Castlevania game for Game Boy, featuring Sonia Belmont - the first female Belmont protagonist - in her battle against Dracula in 1450 Transylvania.
Christopher Belmont's quest to rescue his son Soleiyu from Dracula in this non-linear Game Boy sequel. Features four explorable castles with unique themes and the debut of the magical Belmont weapon system.