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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Castlevania
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 9 votes
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Game Info
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Genre(s): Action, Adventure
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: January 26, 1999
Summary
Count Dracula has once again weakened the seals of his tomb, and the Belmont family is getting anxious. In the latest crusade against the forces of evil, players can choose between two brave vampire-slaying characters. Young Reinhardt Schneider, like his predecessors in the celebrated vampire-hunting Belmont family, will rely primarily on his whip. The other character is Carrie Fernandez, a young woman skilled in the ways of magic and spell-casting. Both are on the hunt for the dreaded Dracula and his devoted legions of vampires. You play a game all the way through with the character you've chosen, concluding with his or her own ending. Each character has an individual route to travel, and to see all of the areas you will have to complete the game using both characters. The passage of time and, especially, the fall of night, play a prominent role in the game. Players will have to search castles filled with dark corners, winding staircases and other gloomy places. Daytime is the right time for exploring, but be on the lookout for vampires lurking in the shadows. [Nintendo]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Castlevania Chronicles Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow Castlevania: Circle of the Moon Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance Castlevania: Lament of Innocence Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GamePro
A gorgeous rendition of the old Castlevania tale. Castlevania’s a 3D platform spectacle that definitely warrants a good look from N64 owners everywhere--you won’t find better hauntings than this one.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
The first attempt to bring the Belmonts to 3D was, for its time, an excellent one. [Jan 2004, p.189]
TotalGames.net
If you're prepared to overlook, or at least work around, the faults, Castlevania is well worth considering. The only thing that old hands at Castlevania will be left wondering is why you can't swing with the whip.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Oddly compelling 3D vampire-hunting that fans of the series should definitely not miss. A well-balanced, challenging gameplay experience that's filled with pretty visuals, awesome (though limited) music, plenty of secrets, and some incredible bosses (just wait until you see Death... whew!).
Read Full Review >IGN
Overall, we walked away from Castlevania relieved that Konami didn't screw up its more than 10-year-old gaming series. Whether the move to full 3D was smart, or not, Castlevania is fun to play -- and that's what counts. Turn up your stereo, turn off the lights and enjoy.
Read Full Review >Hot Games
While some people may feel that Castlevania was not meant to be 3D, we'd have to sorely disagree, being pleasantly surprised with the job Konami have done here. Have no doubt, Castlevania 64 kicks some major butt!!!
Read Full Review >GameShark
I have never seen a land so desperately in need of a cemetery. A decent game. If you are a fan of the series, definitely pick this one up.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
Yes, the graphics are less than desired and the camera and control can be bothersome. But the quest as a whole -- action, platforming, story and challenge -- is so satisfying that the problems can be overlooked. Be sure to give it a shot.
Read Full Review >Nintendorks
A refreshing change of pace from most of the cutesy games that come out for the N64. It's a fun ride, and as the first 3d game in the series, it shows the versatility of the series.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
It's one of those games you just buy on the name alone -- unfortunately, it's also one of those games that hold the potential to make a killing, but leave the impact of a mosquito on a windshield. It's not horrendous or even bad; just extremely disappointing in execution.
Read Full Review >Gaming Maxx
Very decent. Old fans of the 2D installment and first time players should look into this title.
Read Full Review >Games Domain
A worthy 3D update of the 2D classics. It's a decent third-person action game with a decent story and great atmosphere.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
I really want to like Castlevania, but I can’t. Konami made a truly complete quest by throwing in a very long section leading up to the Castle, but ultimately it becomes boring. Once you actually get into some of the architecture, the bad camera angles and less than perfect collision detection makes the game an exercise in frustration most of the time.
Read Full Review >Game Critics
Proves that the third dimension isn’t always the savior it claims to be when attempting to offer game series another shot at glory for a new generation. Certain transitions simply aren’t meant to succeed.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
Pales in comparison to its cousins and is not worth the money to buy. With repetitive gameplay and almost no depth, you're better off letting Dracula ravage the countryside. Might help lower global population numbers.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.4 (out of 10) based on 9 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Pennington P. gave it a10:
I love this game to me it is a must have. litterly. the graphics are pretty good the game is good and the characters are awesome like reinheardt and his whip carrie is an awsome magison and malus well he just freacks me out more than the maze but hes cool I really suggest it.
Landon C. gave it a 10:
Personnally, I think that this game is underrated. Sometimes yes the camera angles get in the way, and the graphics aren't what some people may expect, but I picked it up for looks and I loved it! You can't just say the game sucks. The storyline is prettymuch 80% of what makes a game good and this game is going to make me buy castlevania from now on and I am very glad someone made a game like this because all of the other vampire books suck and this is one of my favorite games. Thanks Konami!
Israel H. gave it a 10:
It is a good game when you get to the end you jack@$$e$.
