Summary
A classic entry in the Castlevania series, combining challenging gameplay with a Gothic atmosphere.
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: Konami
- Publishers: Konami, Tec Toy
Introduction
‘Castlevania: Bloodlines’ is a seminal entry in the Castlevania series, released for the Sega Genesis in 1994.
Synopsis
“Castlevania: Bloodlines”, known in Japan as “Vampire Killer” and in PAL regions as “Castlevania: The New Generation”, is a platform game developed and published by Konami in 1994 for the Sega Genesis. It is part of the renowned Castlevania series, known for its vampire-themed action.
The game’s narrative is set in the 19th century, a time when Europe’s greatest nations had gone to great lengths to maintain a balance of power. However, the assassination of the Crown Prince of Austria in June 1914 at Sarajevo resulted in a chain reaction of violence across the entire continent. It was said that a strange beautiful woman was involved within the shadows. This woman was Elizabeth Bartley, who had plotted together with the dark sorceress Drolta Tzuentes to unleash an international global war and use the souls of the dead to revive their Lord, Dracula.
Players take on the role of John Morris, son of Quincey Morris, a distant descendant of the Belmont family, and his friend Eric Lecarde. John is armed with the fabled “Vampire Killer” whip, and Eric wields the “Alucard Spear”. Together, they travel to various European countries to hunt Bartley down and prevent Dracula’s revival.
The gameplay of “Castlevania: Bloodlines” is similar to most early Castlevania games. Players proceed through each level, defeating enemies and collecting gems to power special weapons: the axe, boomerang, and holy water. Each stage is sectioned, and has a sub-boss battle in the middle, with a main boss battle at the end. Some items increase the power of the characters’ weapons. Some portions of the game split into different paths, depending on which character is chosen. John is able to swing past gaps with his whip, whereas Eric must use a different route by performing high jumps by using his spear.
Characters
John Morris, a whip-wielding vampire hunter, and Eric Lecarde, who wields a powerful lance.
Gameplay
Features classic side-scrolling action with unique mechanics for each character, renowned for its difficulty.
Conclusion
Stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Castlevania series, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
Fan Art
Fan Art Style: Normal
Fan Art Style: Retro
Fan Art Style: Modern
