Snes review: Dracula X.

Dracula X (Snes version) My rating: A

This is a game I always wanted to get but was told it was horrible on the Snes console compared to the Turbo Duo. I should have listen to my instincts because this game is superb on the Snes. It is worthy follow up to Super Castlevania, by improving upon it's graphics and sound.

Drac's back

Playing as Richter Belmont, You traverse through 7 stages to reach Dracula. It's straight action just like the previous Castlevania games but with a minor twist, Two people close to Richter are trapped in Dracula's castle. In order to get the game's best ending, you have rescue both Maria (Richter's sister in-law) and his love Annet.

The first thing you'll probably notice about Dracula X is the difficulty. If Super Castlevania wasn't a challenge for you, be prepared to lose a few continues on this title. The enemies, bosses, and stage layouts are much harder this time, making you stay on your toes more.

You can't do what?

Ricther is missing a few tactics that Simon had. The main one (And what makes the game harder) is the 8 directional whip attack that was featured in Super Castlevania. This game returns to the original gameplay, where you can only whip straight forward standing, jumping, or ducking. While not bad, it is disappointing to take away such useful mechanic. Another one is Richter's jumping skills. Once he jumps forward, that's it. You can't change it mid-air or try moving back a bit. Once he moves forward or backwards, he goes in that direction, making you time your jumps more accurately. Richter isn't all about lost skills through. He can do a backflip to escape trouble or reach certain platforms and he can do the moonwalk, by holding down on the attack button and having him move backwards and attacking.

You know, I wonder who did Dracula's place? It looks lovely.

The game's graphics are certainly nice. It haves a more anime look to it than the realistic look of Super Castlevania. The bosses certainly shine, as they're much bigger and cooler looking than the previous titles. The soundtrack also deserves a notch, being very impressive and setting the mood quite well.

Overall this is great game in general and a worthy follow-up to all it's previous games. This isn't a very long game (Only 7 stages) and may turn a lot gamers off due to it's difficulty and lack of replay. But action gamers and Castlevania fans will surely eat this up.

Where can find this game?

Consider one of the rarest Castlevania games out there, Dracula X is expensive. It's going to cost you, as this game can reach up to $75+ bucks, and that is on the Snes. The Turbo Duo version cost MUCH more. While I'll always say to get the original version over emulation, that may be your best choice in this option. But if I got the dough, Check out here for eBay prices and here for Amazon.com prices.