By Konami | Released: 1987
Dozens of Castlevania games have come and gone over the last two decades, but the series started for American gamers on the NES. The original Castlevania was a typical action-platformer on its facade, but once explored, the game proved to be much, much more. In an era of 8-bit graphics and MIDI music, Konami crafted a game that immersed you in the horror of Dracula's castle, while all you were looking at and hearing was an artful combination of the typical sights and sounds of the day. It wasn't only the aesthetics that made the original Castlevania a great game, one that spawned one of the most popular and well-known series in gaming history. It was the gameplay that was at the heart of Castlevania's epic rise from unknown brand to Konami flagship. Simon Belmont, the whip-wielding Vampire Hunter, controlled uniquely. But after getting used to Castelvania's inherent control quirks, what was found was a smooth action game rife with suiting atmosphere and difficult gameplay. Sure, Castlevania is only six stages long, but you'll require a lot of luck and skill getting through even half of it.
Platformers were my favorite genre during the 8-bit generation thanks to Mario and Alex Kidd, so why wouldn't I fall for Castlevania? Platforming... with zombies and mummies? Dracula is the bad guy? And I get to hit him with a whip? Castlevania was not only a brilliant vid, but the music too is timeless – I can still hum it on cue.
- Levi Buchanan, IGN Wireless & Retro Editor