Essentially a port of the remake of the original Castlevania title that appeared on the Japanese Sharp X68000 computer system
back in 1993, Akumajo Dracula never officially saw release in the US until
Castlevania Chronicles launched on the PS1 in 2001 with some additions.
Unfortunately, the game was lost in the shuffle, launching after the release of
superior titles in the series like Symphony of the Night and falling well short
of what gamers had come to expect from the franchise.
Now, this oft-forgotten piece of Castlevania
history is seeing another release via the Playstation Network. The game is
certainly worth a look for nostalgic fans of the series looking to check out a
title that they may have missed the first time around. However, those expecting
something on the same level as Symphony of the Night or any of the subsequent
GBA or DS Castlevania titles will be sorely disappointed.
Castlevania Chronicles puts you in control as
Simon Belmont as he embarks on a quest through Dracula’s castle to defeat the
evil Count. The story isn’t as fleshed out as other entries in the series, which
is forgivable considering that this is based on the original game that launched
over two decades ago.
Chronicles is a 2D side-scroller where Simon uses
his trademark whip to defeat any number of monsters, ghosts and demons as they
attack you within the castle. Aside from your whip, you’ll also have access to
several different weapons that you can find throughout the game’s stages, which
you can utilize by pressing up on the D-Pad and the attack button. These special
items are also powered by hearts, which you’ll find often throughout the game
and work as ammunition for your equipment. At the end of each area, you’ll have
to take on a different boss creature.
The game’s approach to the action genre is
decidedly old-school, and lacks the open, non-linear feel of SotN and later
Castlevania titles. The Metroid feel of those games is gone, replaced by linear
“Point A-to-Point-B” gameplay mechanics. Whereas the later games in the series
stand as more open and adventure-based gameplay experiences, this gets lost in
Castlevania Chronicles.
Graphically, the game is not nearly as impressive
as other PS1 Castlevania fare, lacking the 3D polygons and detailed sprites of
Symphony of the Night. The sound and music effects fare a bit better, offering
some remixed versions of popular songs from the Castlevania franchise.
As with other PS1 titles available on the
Playstation Network, Castlevania Chronicles can be copied to a memory stick and
played on the PSP with pretty good results.
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.
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Gameplay: 7.0
A solid port of the original Sharp X68000 remake, Castlevania Chronicles
does a fine job of updating the original game. However, the game lacks depth and
could be seen as disappointing when compared to newer, more adventure-oriented
Castlevania titles.
Graphics: 7.5
The game looks pretty good for a 2D title, but lacks the overall detail and
3D effects of other Castlevania games.
Sound: 8.0
The game features remixed versions of popular themes from the Castlevania
universe.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 7.0
A solid remake, but one lacking a lot of depth.
Overall: 7.0
Castlevania Chronicles is a good port of a decent remake. However, if you’re
expecting something on the level of Symphony of the Night, then you’ll be sorely
mistaken.
