WHAT'S THE BEST CASTLEVANIA GAME?

Debuting in 1986 on the NES, Konami's Castlevania is one of gaming's longest-running and most celebrated series. Featuring hordes of gruesome ghouls and monsters led by the evil Count Dracula, the Castlevania series has spanned numerous consoles over the decades, each with its own unique entry for fans to enjoy.

The Castlevania series has over 30 entries to its name. While many titles are classic side-scrolling action-platformers, many have integrated RPG elements and unique gameplay mechanics into the formula to keep the series fresh and exciting. With so many games to play, these are the definitive experiences that define the Castlevania series.

Updated on August 29, 2024, by Antonio Samson: With the recent announcement of the Castlevania Dominus Collection, fans may want to jump into other games from the series. With over 30 games in the franchise, it can be hard to figure out which Castlevania game is the best to play. This article was updated to include more games and to meet CBR's editorial and formatting standards.

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance Refines the Metroidvania Formula

The Fusion System Changes Combat for New Creative Strategies

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance continues the Metroidvania tradition on the Game Boy Advance. Juste Belmont, the grandson of Simon Belmont, embarks on a quest to rescue his friend from a nightmarish version of Dracula's Castle. The game introduces a distinctive mechanic where Juste can use sub-weapons and special relics to overcome obstacles. With its improved graphical capabilities and vibrant visual design, Harmony of Dissonance offers a fresh take on the series' exploration-based gameplay while retaining the classic action elements.

In particular, the spell fusion system allows for creative combat strategies, combining relics with sub-weapons to create powerful effects. Its engaging gameplay and atmospheric music, composed by Soshiro Hokkai, help elevate it above other GBA titles, making it a beloved entry in the Castlevania series. The combination of fast-paced platforming, Metroidvania exploration, and solid combat design ensures that it stands as a quintessential experience for handheld gaming fans, placing it at the bottom of the list.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Builds on Aria of Sorrow with a New Chapter

The Tactical Soul System Expands for More Customized Playstyles

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is a direct sequel to Aria of Sorrow, picking up the story where the previous game left off. Soma Cruz returns to battle new demonic threats and unravels the mystery behind Dracula's resurrection. The game introduces the Tactical Soul system, enhancing the gameplay by allowing players to use enemy abilities in combat. In Dawn of Sorrow, the Tactical Soul system is not only expanded but also refined, allowing players to collect multiple souls from enemies, which can then be combined and customized to fit individual playstyles.

The touchscreen capabilities of the DS are cleverly utilized for a magic seal system, making the game feel more interactive. The beautifully crafted sprite work and the eerie, moody environments add layers of depth to the already captivating gameplay, while the richly varied enemies and bosses provide the game with a fresh challenge for both new and returning fans. The soundtrack, haunting and dynamic, amplifies the tension of Soma's journey, making Dawn of Sorrow an unforgettable experience on the DS.

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness Offers a New Perspective

Weapon Crafting and Summoning Add Depth to Action-Packed Gameplay

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness introduces a new protagonist, Hector, a former vampire hunter seeking revenge against Dracula's disciples. Unlike previous titles, Curse of Darkness focuses on more action-oriented gameplay, emphasizing weapon crafting and summoning. The game's emphasis on Hector’s ability to forge weapons and armor brings a deep level of customization rarely seen in earlier Castlevania titles.

In addition, Hector’s Innocent Devils—creatures he summons to fight alongside him—are vital to his journey, each offering unique abilities that aid in combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The game features a compelling narrative that dives deeper into the lore of the Castlevania universe, offering players new insights into the demonic legions under Dracula's control. Its dark, gothic world, combined with seamless 3D environments and Hector’s engaging character arc, provides a refreshing change from the series' traditional Belmont-led adventures. Thismakes Curse of Darkness an appealing option for fans seeking a more story-driven and action-focused take on the series.

Legacy of Darkness Delves Deeper into Castlevania's Dark Past

Multiple Characters and Campaigns Enhance Replayability

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness is an expanded version of Castlevania 64, providing additional characters and levels. The game explores the earlier years of the Belmont lineage, featuring a more intricate plot and refined gameplay mechanics. As an expanded version of Castlevania 64, Legacy of Darkness features multiple character campaigns, including Cornell the werewolf and Henry, a knight on a rescue mission.

Legacy of Darkness also greatly improves upon its predecessor's mechanics, offering a more fluid combat system, refined controls, and a much darker and more atmospheric 3D world. The level design, with its focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming challenges, helps solidify the game as an intriguing, if somewhat underappreciated, entry in the series. Despite its rough edges, Legacy of Darkness offers a unique gothic horror experience that is essential for Castlevania completionists.

Castlevania: Judgment Brings the Series into the Arena

Iconic Characters Face Off in Strategic 3D Battles

Castlevania: Judgment diverges from traditional gameplay by introducing a 3D fighting game format. Players can choose from a roster of classic Castlevania characters, each with unique abilities, and engage in intense one-on-one combat. Judgment was a radical departure from the series' iconic side-scrolling formula, but it carved out a niche by focusing on character-driven battles.

Each fighter comes with distinctive movesets and superpowers that reference their roles in the series' main games. This attention to detail not only makes the game a celebration of Castlevania's rich history but also allows for strategic and fast-paced combat that rewards mastery. The arenas, inspired by locations from the series, are highly interactive and provide dynamic elements that can be used strategically during fights. While the 3D fighting mechanics might not appeal to all series fans, Judgment succeeds in bringing a new type of Castlevania experience to the table.

Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge has Improved Mechanics and Iconic Music

Tighter Controls and Non-Linear Level Design Refine the Portable Experience

Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge is the second title on the portable system and a direct sequel to 1989's The Castlevania Adventure. Christopher Belmont is tasked with saving his son, Soleil, from the clutches of Count Dracula before his son's soul is corrupted forever. Belmont's Revenge greatly improves upon its predecessor with tighter controls, more responsive platforming, and a more refined difficulty curve. Players can choose the order in which they tackle levels, adding an element of non-linearity that was a fresh addition for the time.

The Game Boy's limitations are cleverly circumvented, with the game boasting impressive visuals and some of the best music on the system, composed by Hidehiro Funauchi. Its memorable soundtrack is hailed for its haunting and melodic tunes, contributing to the eerie atmosphere. The addition of sub-weapons like the axe and holy water adds variety to the combat, making Belmont's Revenge a more polished and enjoyable portable Castlevania experience, placing it at the number 10 spot in our ranking.

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is the Origins of the Belmont Clan

3D Environments and Combo-Driven Combat Elevate the Adventure

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence was the series' first 3D title in the sixth generation of video game consoles. Establishing itself as the first chronological entry in the series, Lament of Innocence introduced fans to the origins of the Belmont clan. Players are introduced to Leon Belmont, the very first vampire hunter in the Belmont lineage, who sets out to rescue his beloved Sara from the clutches of an evil force, only to find himself drawn into the eternal battle against Dracula. What sets Lament of Innocence apart is its focus on the origins of the Belmont family's curse and their lifelong battle with the forces of darkness.

The narrative explores how Leon's personal tragedy transforms him into the first of many to take on the responsibility of defeating Dracula. The 3D environments, while a departure from the 2D side-scrolling formula, offer intricately designed levels filled with hidden relics, sub-weapons, and dangerous enemies. The combo-driven combat system allows for fluid and exciting battles, with the ability to chain attacks and combine them with magical relics for devastating effects. Lament of Innocence is a visually stunning game for its time, with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Michiru Yamane. It successfully translates the core essence of the Castlevania series into the 3D space, delivering an epic, lore-rich adventure.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a Metroidvania with Modern Setting and Soul Powers

Innovative Tactical Soul System Adds Layers of Strategy and Customization

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow was the definitive GBA Castlevania title, introducing radical changes to the series. For the first time, the setting moves to modern-day Japan, a bold departure from the typical medieval European backdrop. The protagonist, Soma Cruz, is a mysterious character with ties to Dracula, and his story revolves around his connection to the dark lord and the forces of evil. Aria of Sorrow is renowned for its deep Tactical Soul system, which allows players to absorb the souls of defeated enemies and use their abilities in combat.

This system introduces layers of strategy, as players can mix and match soul powers to suit their playstyles, offering a huge amount of customization. The game's design is intricately layered, with non-linear exploration that encourages backtracking to unlock new areas using newly acquired powers. The game's modern setting provides a fresh twist on the series, yet it still retains the gothic atmosphere and dark narrative themes that Castlevania is known for. Coupled with excellent sprite work, memorable boss battles, and a haunting soundtrack, Aria of Sorrow stands as one of the best handheld Castlevania experiences, and it remains a fan favorite due to its innovative gameplay mechanics and compelling storyline.

Portrait of Ruin Offers Dual Character Gameplay and Unique Levels

The Portrait Mechanic Introduces Diverse Worlds and Puzzles

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin is the second DS title for the series as well as a direct sequel to Castlevania: Bloodlines.This entry follows Jonathan Morris, the son of the original Bloodlines protagonist John Morris, and Charlotte Aulin, a powerful young mage. Together, they must prevent the vampire lord Brauner from using the power of Dracula's Castle to destroy the world. Portrait of Ruin stands out due to its innovative dual-character gameplay, where players can switch between Jonathan and Charlotte on the fly, using their unique abilities to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Jonathan is the brawn, specializing in physical attacks with a variety of weapons, while Charlotte excels in casting powerful spells.

The dynamic between the two characters adds depth to the combat and exploration, as certain areas and enemies require teamwork to overcome. The "Portrait" mechanic, which transports players to different worlds within Dracula's Castle, provides diverse environments and gameplay challenges, keeping the experience fresh. These worlds range from haunted European courtyards to Egyptian-style pyramids, giving players a break from the castle's usual gothic atmosphere. The game also features an extensive sub-weapon system and upgrade paths for both characters, adding another layer of complexity to the gameplay.

Castlevania: Bloodlines Features New Heroes and a Darker Tone

Fast-Paced Action and Historical References Create a Unique Atmosphere

Castlevania: Bloodlines was one of the few Castlevania titles released on the Sega Genesis, and it brought a distinctively darker and more mature tone to the series. For the first time, the series steps away from the Belmont family, introducing new protagonists, John Morris and Eric Lecarde. Both heroes must battle against Elizabeth Bartley, a vampire seeking to resurrect Dracula in the early 20th century. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, with stages that take players across Europe, including locations like Germany's Leaning Tower of Pisa and Greece's Atlantis Shrine, offering variety in both visuals and gameplay.

Bloodlines is notable for its fast-paced action, memorable boss encounters, and diverse stage designs that provide a refreshing break from the more traditional Castlevania settings. The gameplay is tight and responsive, with each character having distinct abilities—John Morris uses a whip similar to the Belmonts, while Eric Lecarde wields a spear with longer reach, adding variety to the combat. The game's use of historical references, coupled with its darker narrative, gives Bloodlines a unique place in the series, and it's considered one of the best action-platformers on the Genesis.

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse Expands on the Original with New Characters and Branching Paths

Multiple Playable Characters and Endings Add Depth and Replay Value

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse brought the series back to its roots after the experimental gameplay of Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. This third entry in the series is often regarded as the best of the original NES trilogy, and for good reason: it took the classic side-scrolling action of the first game and significantly expanded on it in every way. Alongside Trevor Belmont, the game introduces three additional playable characters: Grant Danasty, a nimble thief who can scale walls; Sypha Belnades, a powerful sorceress with a variety of elemental spells; and Alucard, Dracula's son, who can transform into a bat and shoot fireballs.

The ability to recruit and switch between these characters adds a layer of strategy and replayability, as different paths and strategies can be used depending on the chosen ally. The game also features branching paths that lead to multiple endings, encouraging players to replay the game to explore every possible route. Dracula's Curse boasts some of the best music of the 8-bit era, with its haunting melodies perfectly complementing the game's gothic aesthetic. Its challenging difficulty, detailed sprite work, and atmospheric design landins it at the number 5 spot in our list.

Akumajo Dracula/Castlevania Chronicles is a Remake of the Original

Enhanced Graphics and New Levels Revitalize the Classic Experience

Akumajo Dracula, known as Castlevania Chronicles outside Japan, is a remake of the original Castlevania title. While preserving the core elements of the original, such as its iconic level designs and tough-as-nails platforming, Chronicles reimagines the experience with enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and additional content, making it feel fresh even for veteran players. The game includes brand-new levels like the Caverns and Tower of Dolls, which challenge even the most seasoned Castlevania fans with their intricate platforming and complex enemy layouts.

The Arrange Mode in the PS1 version offers reworked stages, updated music tracks, and new graphical flourishes, breathing new life into the game. Players can also adjust the difficulty settings, making it more accessible to newcomers or providing a tougher challenge for die-hard fans of the series. Chronicles strikes a fine balance between respecting its roots and delivering a modernized experience, making it an excellent entry point for anyone looking to relive the classic Castlevania experience in a more polished form.

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is a Masterpiece of Side-Scrolling Action

Non-Linear Structure and Memorable Boss Battles Reward Exploration

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is often heralded as one of the greatest achievements in the classic side-scrolling era of the series. The game introduces Richter Belmont, a new member of the Belmont clan, who embarks on a harrowing journey to defeat Dracula and rescue the women who have been kidnapped by his minions. Rondo of Blood not only epitomizes everything that was great about the series at the time but also represents the culmination of the original Castlevania formula before the shift to Metroidvania-style gameplay.

The power of the PC-Engine allowed Rondo of Blood to deliver some of the best visuals and soundtracks seen in a 16-bit game, with detailed character sprites, fluid animations, and a soundtrack that blends gothic tones with energetic rhythms, all enhanced by the system's CD-quality audio capabilities. The game's non-linear structure, with hidden paths, alternate routes, and multiple endings, rewards exploration and adds substantial replayability. Boss battles are another highlight, with richly designed encounters that challenge players to master the game's mechanics and enemy patterns.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Pioneers RPG Elements

Non-Linear Exploration and Deep Customization Redefine the Genre

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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is often considered to be one of the greatest games of all time. As a direct sequel to Rondo of Blood, Symphony of the Night introduces Alucard, a character familiar to fans from Dracula's Curse, who embarks on a quest to infiltrate and conquer Dracula's formidable castle. Players take control of Alucard, Dracula's half-human son, who awakens from his slumber to confront his father and prevent the resurrection of his dark empire. Symphony of the Night was groundbreaking in its fusion of genres, blending action-platforming with deep RPG mechanics such as leveling, equipment, and character customization.

The sprawling castle is filled with secrets to discover, enemies to vanquish, and countless items and relics to collect, ensuring that exploration remains engaging throughout the lengthy adventure. The non-linear progression allows players to tackle areas in any order they choose, with new abilities unlocking previously inaccessible parts of the castle. The game's gothic art style, coupled with a hauntingly beautiful score, creates an unforgettable atmosphere that perfectly complements its rich gameplay.

Super Castlevania IV is a Refined and Expanded Remake

Eight-Way Whip Combat and Dynamic Level Design Set a New Standard

Super Castlevania IV is a remake of the original NES Castlevania of the highest order. Simon Belmont, the series' first hero, must travel deep into the cursed lands of Transylvania to defeat Count Dracula. Six-way attacking, crouch walking, whip swinging, improved stair mechanics, and more make SC IV the most comprehensive and complete Castlevania experience. One of the standout features of Super Castlevania IV is its tight, responsive control scheme. Simon's whip can now be swung in eight directions, allowing for greater flexibility in combat.

The game also introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to latch onto and swing from hooks using the whip, as well as the ability to crouch walk, giving Simon much more maneuverability than in previous entries. The level design is intricate, with a diverse range of environments that includehaunted forests, crumbling castles, and eerie caverns, each filled with dangerous enemies and environmental hazards. The game's visuals are stunning, with detailed sprites, parallax scrolling, and impressive Mode 7 effects that showcase the power of the SNES, landing it at the top of our ranking.

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