Castlevania is as classic as you can get in video games and
video game references. Playing this game is like learning Latin or Greek… you
finally learn where things come from.

Castlevania is 2-d side scroller where you work your way
through five stages Dracula’s castle.  Make your way to the end of the level, defeat
the boss, and move on to the next level.

I honestly never actually beat this until my mid 20’s. But I
have played. I played the first game as a youth but never beat it. Side
scrollers are my not forte in games. My brother or other friends were much
better than I was at this game. At my best I could get to Death I think, but
never even to the last level.

Graphics: At the time, these graphics were amazing. I still
think they are amazing. In my opinion, the graphics have aged well and are
still fun and interesting to look at. The main character Simon is detailed…enough.
The back grounds are stunning and with an obvious Gothic inspiration.

Sound: Beautiful and classic. This game’s music is
wonderfully scored and very recognizable. This game’s music is still being
remixed into current renditions of Castlevania. The very first song you here
sets the mood and momentum for ALL of the NES Castlevania music. Every track in
this game fits with the level and is catchy. The developers did not hold back
with quality music. You still here this game’s music event today.

Story: Count Dracula is causing a raucous and it is your
job, as Simon Belmont, to take Dracula down with your trusty vampire killer
whip, and aided by a few sub weapons like a cross boomerang, ax, holy water,
stop clock, and throwing dagger. You fight your way through 5 increasingly
difficult levels that are located within Dracula’s castle. You will confront
some of Hollywood’s most favorite movie monsters such as a Frankenstein’s
monster & Igor, Death, a giant bat, and a pair of Mummies.

Game play: You walk the level from beginning to end. You
start with a short weak whip that can be upgraded twice. You whip candles to
get point items, sub weapons (such as the ax, cross boomerang, stop clock, ax,
or dagger), hearts (which are used as sub weapon ammo) or whip upgrades. There
is a slight delay in your whip once the button is presses, but that is quickly
overcome. Once you jump, you are committed to the jump. Whether you jump, up,
left, or right; you cannot change your direction mid-jump. You have a power
meter, so you can sustain several hits from enemies. As you progress through
the levels, the enemies will do more damage.

Difficulty: This game is well known for is unmerciful
decimation of poor newbie gamers. I could not beat it without an emulator. This
game is one of the few old school games that epitomize old school difficulty.
Like The Game Overthinker would say “move correctly, do not die.” With A LOT of
practice, you too can defeat Dracula and earn your bragging rights.