Dracula/Castlevania-Series Overview Part 3/4-2001-2003

In 2001, the first of several Game Boy Advance titles were released. Akumajo Dracula/Castlevania: Circle of the Moon was an early title for the new system. Reception and sales were fairly positive, and the game is mostly seen as a solid entry in the series, albeit a fairly short and somewhat boring entry.

Circle of the Moon returned to the "Metroidvania" style of gameplay that was popularized in 1997's Symphony of the Night. Unlike classic entries in the series, in "Metroidvania" games, you explore various parts of a large castle and unlock various areas of the castle and gain abilities and powers to take on stronger enemies. While taking influence from SOTN, Circle of the Moon was far more unique from SOTN compared to later GBA "Vania" games.

The following year would see the release of the second GBA Castlevania game. This time, the title would no longer be called "Akumajo Dracula" in Japan. The series would be mostly called "Castlevania" from now on in Japan and other territories. Concerto of Midnight Sun/Harmony of Dissonance was the most overt homage to SOTN to date. Featuring very similar visuals, enemies, and sprites, the game was mostly met with favourable reviews when compared to SOTN.

Despite its stellar visual presentation and solid gameplay, the game was criticized for being unoriginal and having a very jarring and low-quality soundtrack. Series mastermind Koji Igarashi was quoted as saying "we sacrificed the audio-quality for the graphics" in HOD. While the music is solidly composed, the fidelity definitely remains in question and can be distracting.  Positive reviews and decent sales in the West meant that a third game for the GBA would be produced, despite lackluster Japanese sales.

In 2003, the third and final GBA "Vania" game would see release. Aria of Sorrow/Minuet of Dawn is often considered to be the best portable Castlevania game ever released. Despite the positive reception, sales of the game were quite low in Japan. However, brisk sales in North America ensured that the main entries of the series would remain on Nintendo's portables for several years to come. The main character, Soma Cruz, and his futuristic story would see a sequel in the next portable game in the series.

Despite the limited success of the 3D N64 games, Konami would again make an attempt to bring the long-running series into 3D in 2003. Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (Castlevania in Japan) was a mixed bag. Set in 1094, you take control of Leon Belmont, a ancestor of the clan of Belmonts that we all know and love. The game is largely a backstory to the events leading up to the eternal conflict between the Belmonts and Dracula. The game was met with a mixed reaction. Critics were quick to cite problems with the awkward camera, repetitive gameplay, boring level design, and "Devil May Cry" inspired elements. Many saw the game as moving too far away from the original direction(s) of the series. Few talk about the game today. Like the other 3D entries in the series, the majority of Vania fans prefer the 2D entries of the series.

The history of the N64-Part 2-1998-2002

Released in late 1998, The Legend of Zelda (Zelda no Densetsu): The Ocarina of Time was met with universal acclaim. Regarded by many as the greatest video game of all time, the legacy of the game has persevered, even today. An international smash success, the game solidified the legacy of the N64 in addition to the already stellar Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye 007, and many others. Although the N64 lagged behind the PS1 at home and abroad, Nintendo die-hards found plenty to love on the platform. The game was originally planned for the soon-to-be released N64DD add-on. However, delays in the 64DD saw the game be released on a normal cartridge. Ocarina is an amazing game. The game has since been remade for the Nintendo 3DS.

Originally intended for release with the 64DD, Nintendo would release the "Expansion Pak" in 1998 in Japan. While many games made use of the added 4MB of ram, it would be Donkey Kong 64 that would be the first game that would require the memory expansion.

Like their Banjo-Kazooie series, Rare developed a solid 3D platformer in Donkey Kong 64. Visuals were vivid and detailed and even gave the new Sega Dreamcast a run for its money. The N64 became the default home to 3D platformers at the time. A slew of similar games would see release on the system. Rare certainly made their mark on the platform. The N64 also became associated with children, a reputation that has followed Nintendo to this day.

While Nintendo had largely spent most of the N64 era releasing new entries in old IPs, Nintendo would shake things up with Super Smash Brothers in 1999. A four-player fighter, it took the fighting genre and added platforming elements. The Smash series has gone on the be one of Nintendo's most successful properties with each new Nintendo console bringing a new entry selling millions. Today, the game is quite valuable.

Like the Famicom and Super Famicom, Nintendo would finally release disk-based add-on in 1999. Teased since 1996, the 64DD is largely considered to be a massive flop. Selling only 15,000 units (Japan-only), few actually own the system. With a fairly limited offering of original titles, the add-on was largely positioned as a hybrid games machine/internet device with its Randnet internet service. Featuring a 28.8k modem, it brought internet access to the N64.

Despite having few complete games (mostly creative games/expansion packs), the 64DD would see Doshin the Giant and its sequel. A god game a la Black and White, Doshin is a highly sought-after game for its scarcity, originality, and weirdness. Although the game would see release on the GameCube in Europe and Japan, the original version is in high-demand among those lucky enough to have a 64DD. Today, a used 64DD can run upwards of $1000 on the second-hand market.

As the N64 entered its twilight years, some major titles would see release in 2000. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Mujua no Kamen in Japan) was the sequel to Ocarina. Much darker and shorter than Ocarina of Time, it was met with less universal acclaim than Ocarina. Making use of the Expansion Pak, the game was gorgeous and highly detailed. Despite its graphics, the N64 would start to show its age against Sega's Dreamcast and the soon-to-come PS2.

The year 2000 also brought such N64 classics as Perfect Dark, Pokemon Stadium, and a great port of Resident Evil (Biohazard) 2. In 2001, a small stream of AAA titles would grace the aging system. Paper Mario, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and a port of Megaman Legends (Rockman Dash) would see release. In 2002, only a single game would see release in North America. With the release of the GameCube in 2001, the N64 was effectively dead.

While the GameCube had some great games, it was considered a commercial disappointment. While the Wii was a commercial hit, its never-ending shovel-ware brought the platform a dubious reputation for many. With the commercial failure of the Wii U, the legacy of the N64 as the last truly great home Nintendo console is all but guaranteed.

Dracula/Castlevania-Series Overview-Part 2 of 4-1991-1999

1991 would see the release of Akumajo Dorakyura/Super Castlevania IV for the newly released Super Famicom/SNES. A reworking of the original NES/Famicom game, you once again took up your whip as Simon Belmondo/Belmont in an effort to rid the land of the evil Dracula.The game is widely regarded as the strongest entry in the pre-"Metroidvania"(this will be discussed shortly) titles.

Besides the fantastic visuals and symphonic soundtrack, the game introduced some great game-play elements. Specifically, Simon could move his whip in eight different directions for the first time. This allowed for great flexibility and control over your weapon in comparison to past entries in the series. This innovation would largely be abandoned in later entries in the series, much to the disappointment of fans of the game.

While CIV/AD is a challenging game, it is not even close to being as difficult as the 8-bit games. I found the game to be quite a pleasure to play, as it does not test the upper limits of the players' patience and sanity. While I would not agree that this game is the strongest entry in the series, I would argue that it is the most accessible and mainstream for many. Perhaps this explains the games enduring legacy. 

1993 would see the release of "Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo", better known as "Rondo of Blood". Released for the PC Engine CD in Japan only, the game is also regarded by many to best the best classic entry in the series. Featuring CD music, anime-style cut-scenes, and solid game-play, it remains my personal favorite. See my review for more on the game itself. Sadly, Rondo would not see official English released outside of Japan until the Wii Virtual Console. 

Along with Contra, Konami sought to give Sega some love in 1994. Released on the Megadrive/Genesis, "Vampire Killer"/Castlevania: Bloodlines is widely regarded as one of the best Sega Megadrive/Genesis games of all time. Taking control of either Eric Lecarde or John Morris. Taking a vacation away from the Belmonts/Belmondo's, the game was somewhat experimental. Eric Lecarde uses a staff rather than a whip. Joh Morris plays more like a traditional Belmont character. Famous for its difficulty, I did find the game to be quite a challenge compared to the SNES/SFC SCIV/AD. 

The game is quite visually impressive for the aging Sega hardware. Fans of the series will find a lot to like here, although I would argue that the game is certainly weaker than both Rondo and SCIV. Today, the game will cost you quite a lot of money. Like Contra: Hard Corps, it was a late Megadrive/Genesis release and is therefore harder to find and in demand.  






After a few years of relative inactivity, 1997 would see the release of one of the most monumental video games of all time. Dracula X: Nocturne in the Moonlight (Symphony of the Night in the West) was a sleeper hit that has kept growing and growing in fame and regard over the last 19 years. A 2D game in a era of 3D transitions, it was certainly a bold move. Widely regarded as the best entry in the series, few can say anything negative about this absolute masterpiece. 




"Metroidvania" refers to the dramatic shift that SOTN brought to the series. No longer were games linear. Hunting for items and unlocking door and passages to complete the game became standard with SOTN. For many, this was a needed change. However, it split the series into two distinct periods and styles. With the GBA and DS, most games would be "Metroidvania" games. 

Despite low expectations from Konami for sales, the game soon became a major hit for the PS1.A revised Sega Saturn version would be released the following year (in Japan only) in 1998. SOTN proved that 2D was not dead. Most agree that SOTN was the pinnacle of Dracula/Castlevania and that its heights have not been reached ever since. To love video games is to love SOTN, a must-play for anyone who remotely enjoys the series. 

Despite the massive success of the 2D SOTN, Konami would finally take the series into 3D with Akamajou Dracula Mokusjiroku(Apocalypse). Better known as Castlevania (64), the game has largely been received in a negative light since its release in 1999. Commonly criticized for its poor camera and chunky visuals, the game is rarely discussed when referring to the glories of the series. In the game, you take control of either Carrie or Reinhardt on their mission to take down Dracula once again. Game-play primarily consists of smashing endless arrays of skeletons with a mix of platforming and puzzle solving. Many sections of the game feature only background noise and lack the epic background music of so many other entries in the beloved series. 



 

Despite its obvious shortcomings, the game is not quite as awful as many have said. It is a fairly generic early 3D game with frustrating controls and a fair amount of difficulty in later levels. The game is definitely an acquired taste, and longtime fans of the series could be easily put off by the radical changes to the series at this point. 

Released later in 1999, Akamajou Dracula Mokusjiroku: Gaiden-Legend of Cornell(Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness in the West) was an expanded version of the first N64 game. The game adds the story of Cornell in addition to the original stories of Carrie and Reinhardt. In addition, it features a knight named Henry in a short campaign. Graphics were improved, new monsters were added, and some alternative levels were also added. Seeing as it contains all of the content from the first N64 game, many felt ripped off for having to buy the game twice.Today, the game is one of the more expensive N64 games and can cost over $60 just as a loose cart. The game did little to cement the validity of Dracula/Castlevania going 3D and was fairly poorly received.  

The History of the N64-Part 1-1995-1997

Released on June 23rd, 1996, the Nintendo 64 (N64) is considered by many to be the last truly great Nintendo home console. Coming off the heels of the immensely successful Super Famicom/Super Nintendo, hype and expectations were high. With the Sega Saturn and Playstation already in home arounds the world, Nintendo had a lot of catching up to do.

The story of the N64 begins with Nintendo's partnership with American company Silicon Graphics (SGI). In 1993, SGI successful marketed the hardware to Nintendo for what would soon become the N64. SGI also helped Nintendo and Rare develop the hardware needed for the arcade game "Killer Instinct" in 1994. Killer Instinct's arcade internals would later share quite a lot with the N64 itself. SGI would later go bankrupt, but certainly they had a fruitful relationship with Nintendo for many years.

The launch of a new Nintendo console usually brings excitement for a new Mario title. The N64 was no exception. With much fanfare, the N64 launched with Super Mario 64. Mario 64 refined 3D platforming in a way that had never been done before. Every button on the N64 controller had some use for controlling Mario. Graphics were easily the best seen on any console to date, and the music and level design were incredible. The game moved units and was an early smash for the N64. Now twenty years old, the game is still regarded and one of Nintendo's finest moments. The best-selling title on the N64, it would be hard to find a better 3D platforming game.

Throughout 1996, a fairly decent amount of titles would see release. Pilotwings 64 and Waverace 64 both sold quite well and proved that Nintendo games were still the best reason to own a Nintendo console. However, it would be Mario Kart 64 that would be the second true home-run on the N64. Released in December 1996 in Japan, Mario Kart 64 took the beloved SNES/SFC original and added polygons. Keep the same core gameplay as the original, the game was an instant hit and solidified the popularity of the series. 4-player action was legendary. Even today, it remains an N64 favorite.

With sales at a steady pace at home and abroad (not even close to PS1, however) through 1996 and 1997, the long wait for the next Zelda game began. Fans of sports games would have plenty to whet their appetites at this time. Countless sports games saw release through 1997-1998 on the N64. For the growing FPS genre, Goldeneye and Doom 64 would both see release in 1997. The latter is regarded as one of the finest games ever released, although reception to the game was not as strong in Japan as it was in the West. For the Japanese public, excitement was high for Starfox 64. Released in summer 1997, the game was an international hit. Regarded by many as the best entry in the series to date, it made extensive use of the rumble pak accessory in game-play. Despite its success, the N64's greatest triumph was to come in 1998......

-To be continued in Part 2

Gitaroo/Gitaru Man-PS2 Review

Released in 2001 (2002 in North America) by Koei, Gitaroo Man is now regarded as a bona-fide classic. Like many Japanese rhythm games before it, it initially confused American audiences with its wacky story, music, and characters. The game is now a valuable collector's item, and will cost you a fair price to purchase for your PS2. Let's take a look back at this PS2 classic.

In Gitaroo Man, the player takes control of U-1. An awkward and shy teenager, it is revealed to U-1 that he is in fact the hero of the planet Gitaroo. U-1 picks up his guitar (Gitaroo) and faces off the invading enemies. Enemies are bright, colourful, and are very quirky. Enemies include a maniac UFO, a funky man in  a bee suit, and a crazed conductor.

In the game, you face off against your enemies in three different sections for each stage. In the "charge" section, U-1 charges his energy bar by hitting the correct notes on a trace-line. In the "guard" mode, the player presses buttons on the Playstation gamepad to avoid attack, much like a "QTE" event. In the attack mode, you use the same trace-line to attack enemies. The game is challenging on normal mode, especially in later stages.

Fans of J-POP will find much to like about the music for each level. The songs are by Japanese band COIL and are very catchy and often upbeat and fast. The game consists of ten stages, with each song very different from the next. Funk, Metal, and Pop are represented, in addition to many other cool songs. A two player mode exists, but does not contain all of the stages. A PSP port was released in 2006, and is very faithful to the original. Fans of music games should definitely pick this one up.

Contra-Series Retrospective -1987-1998

Contra was released to arcades in 1987. The original arcade version is a solid game. As fine as that game may be, it was the NES/Famicom port released in 1987 that would reach the homes of millions. Contra is famous for being one of the hardest 8-bit games of all time. Core gameplay consists of 1 or 2 players shooting your way through various levels picking up various weapons along the way.

The first game was one of the most well-known and played 8-bit games on Nintendo's 8-bit console. Graphics were bright and vibrant for the time, despite being much less detailed than the arcade original. With one hit deaths, the game is relentless in terms of its difficulty. Memorization is the key to mastering any Contra game. Even if you use the famous Konami code, expect to die over and over. 2-D side-scrolling action is occasionally replaced by a front-facing shooting style. Despite its challenge, the game is a true classic among the 8-bit era.

Released in 1988, Super Contra kept the same basic gameplay as the original. Graphics were brighter and more detailed, but the core game was the same. The military theme of the first game was given a more sci-fi look that would continue to dominate the series with many instalments. Facing a never-ending horde of aliens, many people feel that Super Contra was even more challenging than the original. An arcade version of the game was also produced, marking the last time a Contra game would see an arcade release. A respectable sequel, it nonetheless garnered less attention compared to the first game.

Contra would make the jump to 16-bit in 1992. Contra Spirits (Contra III in North America) would take the series to a new level. With some of the toughest boss battles of any game period, III tested the upper limits of one's patience and resolve. With wonderful sound and graphics as well as gameplay, the third entry is the series is regarded by many as the pinnacle of the Contra series. Any fan of the "run and gun" genre should absolutely take this game for a spin.

With all the home releases until 1994 on Nintendo hardware, Contra would make the jump to Sega hardware in 1994 with Contra: Hard Corps for the Sega Genesis/Megadrive. The game's story is quite different from past games and focuses on an elite task force known as the "hard corps" far in the future. Graphics are some of the best on the Genesis/Megadrive. The game features some great scaling and rotation effects, similar to the SNES mode-7.

Hard Corps is an incredibly difficult game. Many would say that the game is even harder than any past entry in the series. Incredibly fast and intense, the game lives up to its name. A very valuable game today, many considered it to be the best Contra game ever released.

After the stellar Hard Corps, the Contra series would enter a dark period for many fans of the series. Developed by Appaloosa Interactive, Contra: Legacy of War would see release on the original Playstation in 1996. Widely regarded as the worst entry in the series, the game shifted into 3-D with a semi-top-down perspective. While the game is not as bad as people say, the game was panned by critics and failed to capture the success of past 2d games. A second game would be made by Appaloosa for the original Playstation. C: The Contra Adventure was released in 1998, only in North America. Featuring a mix of 2D polygonal/pre-rendered backgrounds, the game slightly received. However, it failed to bring the series back on top and was released only in North America.

Dracula/Castlevania-JGC Series Overview-Part 1-1986-1989

Konami released Akumajou Dracula(Castlevania) in 1986 for the Famicom Disk System. The series would later go on to spawn countless sequels, many of them regarded as some of the finest examples of video games ever created. In this three-part feature, JGC takes a look at the games that helped propel Konami to the once mighty heights of gaming that it occupied during the 1980s and 1990s.

In Akumajou Dracula(AD), players take control of Simon Belmondo (Belmont in the US version) during the year 1691. Armed with a whip, Simon faces an endless array of horror-themed beasts and creepers. Most of us have at least played the first game in the series.

AD is tough as nails. Like many a Famicom/NES classic, the game will have players throwing down their control-pads in anger. Especially infamous in the boss battles with the Grim Reaper and Dracula himself. Making effective use of special weapons is key for survival. The Famicom Disk System version has a notable save feature compared to the NES version and later Famicom cartridge release. There is simply little else to say about the first game in the series. While it lacks some of polish of later games, AD is a must-play for anyone looking to get into the series.

In development at the same time as the FDS original, an entirely different version of Akamajou Dracula was released for the MSX2 computer in 1986. Known as Vampire Killer in Europe and South America, the game took a very different approach to the original. See the JGC review (January 2016) for more about this odd-duck of a game.

In 1987, Konami followed up the immensely successful AD/Castlevania with its sequel. Dracula II: Noroi no Fuin took a very different approach from the first game. Incorporating much more of an RPG feel, the drastic shift in gameplay turned off some people who had enjoyed the first game. With its cryptic puzzles and item collection, the game presented different challenges than the first game. Rather than being outright difficult, the game was more challenging in terms of navigating the cryptic and confusing puzzles. Still a polarizing game, most gamers either love it or hate it.

Dracula/Castlevania II did warrant enough success for the series to continue on. Perhaps the most important element of the game was the introduction of "Bloody Tears" as one of the main songs to repeat throughout the series. Composed by Kenichi Matsubara, the piece is gorgeous and haunting, even coming from the 8-bit chip of the Famicom/NES.

Konami tried their hand at releasing an arcade version of Akamajou Dracula in 1988. Known as Haunted Castle outside of Japan, the game is largely forgotten today. Featuring six stages and bosses, the game is a quarter-munching monster. A very challenging game, it has some great visuals and compositions. However, the game is very short and shallow compared to main entries in the series. A PS2 port of the game was released in Japan, however, the main way to play the game is via emulation for most people.

Released to Nintendo's new Game Boy in 1989, Dracula Densetsu (Castlevana: The Adventure) sought to bring the whip-crashing action of its larger console brothers to the pint-sized machine. A mixed bag, the game is more famous for its memorable music rather than gameplay. With limited graphics and no sub-weapons, many found DD quite dull compared to the main games in the series. A remake would later make its way to Nintendo's WiiWare platform.

The 8-bit era of Dracula/Castlevania would come to a close with a bang. Akumajo Densetsu (Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse) was a perfect close to the original trilogy of 8-bit games. Featuring some of the best graphics and sound on Nintendo's 8-bit console, the game has been met with nearly universal acclaim since its original release. For the Japanese release, the game even contained a special Konami sound-chip that added two extra channels of sounds into the mix. For most people, the Famicom version of the game sounds much more gritty and dark. In addition to better sounds, the Famicom version also contained some special sprite animations, partial nudity, and some different backgrounds. For most, the Famicom version is seen as superior to the NES release. Today, it is one of most sought-after Famicom carts and is rather pricey.

Akumajo Densetsu made use of branching paths to add more depth to this entry. In addition to hero Ralph Belmondo, players could take control of several other characters such as Alucard, Grant and Sypha. Each character brought different abilities. For example, Alucard has the power of flight. With some very challenging boss battles, planning which character to use can be an important part of strategy in this game. While difficult, Akumajo Densetsu is a very rewarding game with great music, graphics, and mechanics. As an interesting note, the game has been causing problems for NES/Famicom clone consoles for years, refusing to work due to its complex use various hardware components.