Castlevania
Developer(s)	Konami
Publisher(s)	Konami Nintendo (GBA)
Release date(s)	September 26, 1986 (JP) See release details section.
Genre(s)	Platform game
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	ESRB: Everyone PEGI: 3+ CERO: All ages
Platform(s)	Famicom Disk System, Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, DOS, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, AT&T Wireless mMode Network
Media	1-megabit cartridge (NES)

Castlevania (悪魔城ドラキュラ, Akumajō Dorakyura^?, lit. "Demon Castle Dracula") is a console video game developed and published by Konami for the Famicom Disk System in Japan in 1986. A year later, it was ported to cartridge format and released in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) followed by a European release in 1988. It is the first game in the Castlevania franchise, but the seventh chronological installment of the franchise, based on Koji Igarashi's ideal timeline. Castlevania Legends was retroactively removed from the official Castlevania timeline, making Castlevania the sixth official chronological installment of the series. Image File history File links North American box art for Castlevania (Nintendo Entertainment System version) This image is of cover art for a video or computer game, and the copyright for it is most likely owned by either publisher of the game or the company which produced the game. ... A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual) that creates computer or video games. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... Video game publishers are companies that publish video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a video game developer. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... Nintendo Company, Limited (Japanese: 任天堂, ニンテンドー Nintendō; NASDAQ: NTDOY.pk, TYO: 7974 ) is a multinational corporation founded on November 6,[citation needed] 1889 in Kyoto, Japan by Fusajiro Yamauchi to produce handmade hanafuda cards, for use in a Japanese playing card game of the same name. ... September 26 is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 96 days remaining. ... 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Anthem: Kimi Ga Yo (君が代 ) (English: Imperial Reign) Capital Tokyo Most populous conurbation Tokyo1 Official language(s) Japanese Government Constitutional Monarchy  - Emperor HIM Emperor Akihito of Japan  - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Formation    - National Foundation Day February 11, 660 BCE2   - Meiji Constitution November 29, 1890   - Current constitution May 3, 1947   - Treaty of... This is a listing of computer and video game genres with brief descriptions and examples from each genre. ... Platform game, or platformer, is a video game genre characterized by the character having to climb up and down, or jump from and to, platforms and ledges, while fighting enemies and collecting objects required to complete the game. ... In computer games and video games, single-player refers to the variant of a particular game where input from only one player is expected throughout the course of the gaming session. ... The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States. ... PEGIs logo Pan European Game Information, or more commonly PEGI, is a European system for rating the content of computer and video games, and other entertainment software. ... Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) is the organization that rates videogame and computer software in Japan with levels of rating that informs the customer of the nature of the product and for what age group it is suitable. ... The Famicom Disk System, attached to a late-model AV Famicom The Family Computer Disk System (FCD) was released on February 21, 1986 by Nintendo as a peripheral to their overwhelmingly popular Family Computer (Famicom) console in Japan. ... NES redirects here. ... For the hip hop group, see Commodore 64 (band). ... Amiga is the name of a range of home/personal computers using the Motorola 68000 processor family, whose development started in 1982. ... ‹ The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems by Microsoft for use on personal computers, although versions of Windows designed for servers, embedded devices, and other platforms also exist. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. ... The megabit is a unit of information storage, abbreviated Mbit or sometimes Mb. ... In a variety of electronic equipments, a cartridge (in video game terms, cart, game pack, or Game Pak) can be one method of programming different functionality, providing variable content, or a method by which consumables may be replenished. ... The Nintendo GameCube is an example of a popular video game console. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... The Famicom Disk System, attached to a late-model AV Famicom The Family Computer Disk System (FCD) was released on February 21, 1986 by Nintendo as a peripheral to their overwhelmingly popular Family Computer (Famicom) console in Japan. ... In computer science, porting is the adaptation of a piece of software so that it will function in a different computing environment to that for which it was originally written. ... In a variety of electronic equipments, a cartridge (in video game terms, cart, game pack, or Game Pak) can be one method of programming different functionality, providing variable content, or a method by which consumables may be replenished. ... NES redirects here. ... This article is about the continent. ... Castlevania (キャッスルヴァニア) is a video game series, created and developed by Konami. ... Castlevania Legends is the third and final Castlevania title released for the original Game Boy. ...

Releases

Castlevania has been ported to a variety of different video game consoles, handheld game consoles, home computer systems, and mobile phones. The NES release of the game was adapted for video arcades both as a part of Nintendo's Play Choice 10 series and (with the addition of a two-player competitive play mode) the Nintendo Vs. Series. A video game console is a dedicated electronic machine designed to play video games. ... A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic machine for playing video games. ... A stylised illustration of a modern personal computer A personal computer (PC) is usually a microcomputer whose price, size, and capabilities make it suitable for personal usage. ... A video arcade (known as an amusement arcade in the United Kingdom) is a place where people play arcade video games. ... The Play Choice 10 was a stand-up arcade video game hardware unit, for which the unit owner could purchase up to ten arcade games. ... The Nintendo Vs. ...

In 1990, versions of the title were released for the IBM PC Compatible, the Commodore 64 (both developed by Unlimited Software), and the Commodore Amiga (developed by Novotrade). In 2002, Konami released the first three Castlevania games for Microsoft Windows as the Castlevania and Contra: Konami Collector's Series. One of the first PCs from IBM - the IBM PC model 5150. ... For the hip hop group, see Commodore 64 (band). ... Amiga is the name of a range of home/personal computers using the Motorola 68000 processor family, whose development started in 1982. ... Novotrade is a company that produced numerous console games during the 1980s and 90s. ... Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems by Microsoft for use on personal computers, although versions of Windows designed for servers, embedded devices, and other platforms also exist. ...

In 2004, Castlevania was released for the Game Boy Advance as part of the Classic NES Series. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Classic NES Series in North America, Famicom Mini Series in Japan, or NES Classics in Europe are a series of Game Boy Advance games that were originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom and Famicom Disk System emulated on the Game Boy Advance. ...

Mobile phone

Also in 2002, Konami Mobile released a mobile phone version of the game for Motorola phones (developed by Upstart Games). That version was upgraded in 2004 with improved graphics, and was subsequently released in Europe for the Samsung A600 and the Sanyo 8100, and for AT&T Wireless's mMode network in North America. A third mobile phone version was produced in late 2004, with even better graphics, but has only been released in Japan as of early 2005. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) is an American international communications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. ... World map showing Europe Political map Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of Earth; the term continent here referring to a cultural and political distinction, rather than a physiographic one, thus leading to various perspectives about Europes precise borders. ... Samsung Group is one of the largest South Korean business groupings. ... Old logo New logo Sanyo Electric Co. ... AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Enhanced remakes

The game has been adapted or remade for a number of different platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (as Super Castlevania IV), the MSX (as Vampire Killer), and the Sharp X68000 (which was later ported to the PlayStation and released as Castlevania Chronicles), as well an arcade game remake called Haunted Castle. While all of these adaptations share a variety of elements with the original game, including title (in the original Japanese, all were simply called Demon Castle Dracula), basic storyline, main character, and monsters, several major elements have been added or altered, and because of this they should be considered as distinct entries in the series. In the video game subculture, an enhanced remake (also called updated classics) is an updated version of a video or computer game that was originally developed for a less advanced system. ... The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, also known as Super Nintendo, Super NES or SNES, is a 16-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, Brazil, Europe, and Australia. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... MSX official logo Sony MSX 1, Model HitBit-10-P MSX is the name of a standard for home computers in the 1980s. ... Vampire Killer (1986) is a game for the MSX2 home computer, produced by Konami and released in Japan, Europe and Brazil. ... The Sharp X68000, often referred to as the X68K, was a home computer released only in Japan. ... For other versions of PlayStation, please see PlayStation (disambiguation) The PlayStation ((Japanese: プレイステーション) is a video game console of the 32/64-bit era, first produced by Sony Computer Entertainment in the mid-1990s. ... Akumajō Dracula is the name of the 1993 Castlevania game released in Japan on the Sharp X68000 home computer system. ... Centipede by Atari is a typical example of a 1980s era arcade game. ... Haunted Castle is the name of an arcade game released in 1988, by Konami. ...

Story

It is the year 1691...The land of Transylvania has been at peace for 100 years now, and the peasants and villagers have begun to purge their minds of the memories of the times when the lands were dominated by chaos and shadows, and when the undead walked the earth...However, there are those that remember that the evil Count Dracula returns every 100 years to plague the land, bringing with him the forces of Hell...Thus, one evening, the Prince of Darkness rises and returns to "Castlevania," his ancestral home, and calls forth his minions to purge the world of human flesh. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Alternate meaning: Dracula (orchid genus) Dracula is a fictional character, arguably the most famous vampire in fiction. ...

The people cry out for a hero — someone to defend them from the evil desires of the count. Thankfully, they don't have to look very far, for within the land of Transylvania the Belmont line still lives, as Simon Belmont, great-grandson of Christopher Belmont, takes up the legendary whip called the Vampire Killer, and sets forth on his journey through the darkened countryside to the dark lord's castle... Simon Belmont from Castlevania Chronicles (as depicted by Ayami Kojima). ... Christopher Belmont is a vampire killer from the Castlevania video game series. ... Vampire Killer (1986) is a game for the MSX2 home computer, produced by Konami and released in Japan, Europe and Brazil. ...

Upon arrival, the young man fights his way through legions of zombies, gigantic bats, and even faces Death himself, but in the end, he makes it to the Count and in a battle to end all battles, he comes out the victor... Death is the full cessation of vital functions in the biological life. ...

The price? The evil master places a curse of death upon Simon, which will lead him into a long and dangerous journey in the very near future...

Gameplay

Castlevania is a typical platform game of the 8-bit era: the game is comprised of six levels, which are played through in a strictly linear progression. The player controls Simon Belmont, whose primary mode of attack is via his whip, which can be upgraded by obtaining special items throughout the course of the game which extend its length. In addition, various "sub-weapons" can be obtained which provide different means of attack. By breaking candelabras and certain other items located throughout the castle, Simon collects hearts, which can then be used to activate whatever sub-weapon he possesses at that point. Simon can only carry one sub-weapon at a time. Platform game, or platformer, is a video game genre characterized by the character having to climb up and down, or jump from and to, platforms and ledges, while fighting enemies and collecting objects required to complete the game. ... In the history of video games, the 8-bit era was the third generation of video game consoles, but the first after the video game crash of 1983. ... Candelabra is a nickname in the USA for radio masts and radio towers with multiple tops. ...

Many modern gamers have criticized Castlevania for certain control-related problems: Simon cannot change direction in mid-jump, and neither can he jump on or off of staircases. However, older gamers see this as an added challenge that is missing from newer games and that the gameplay only contributes to the game's reputation as one of the more notoriously difficult games for the NES. NES redirects here. ...

Each of Castlevania's six levels conclude with a boss fight: these bosses are generally taken from horror literature or legend, and include Frankenstein's Monster, Medusa, and the Grim Reaper. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Horror fiction is, broadly, fiction in any medium intended to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader. ... Book covers for Frankenstein have taken many forms over the years which emphasize different themes of the novel such as gothic horror, science fiction, and romanticism. ... A relatively modern image of Medusa painted by Arnold Böcklin In Greek mythology, Medusa (Μεδουσα Queen), was a monstrous female character whose gaze could turn people to stone. ... Death, as a skeleton carrying a scythe, visiting a dying man. ...

Release details

The Famicom Disk System, attached to a late-model AV Famicom The Family Computer Disk System (FCD) was released on February 21, 1986 by Nintendo as a peripheral to their overwhelmingly popular Family Computer (Famicom) console in Japan. ... September 26 is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 96 days remaining. ... 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... A 3,5 inch diskette, removed from its casing A floppy disk is a data storage device that is composed of a disk of thin, flexible (floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic shell. ... MSX2 may refer to: The second generation of the MSX home computers Homeo box homolog 2 Protein This article consisting of a 4-letter acronym or initialism is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that otherwise might share the same title. ... October 30 is the 303rd day of the year (304th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 62 days remaining. ... 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... In a variety of electronic equipments, a cartridge (in video game terms, cart, game pack, or Game Pak) can be one method of programming different functionality, providing variable content, or a method by which consumables may be replenished. ... NES redirects here. ... May 1 is the 121st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (122nd in leap years). ... 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... In a variety of electronic equipments, a cartridge (in video game terms, cart, game pack, or Game Pak) can be one method of programming different functionality, providing variable content, or a method by which consumables may be replenished. ... December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... February 5 is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... For the hip hop group, see Commodore 64 (band). ... This article is about the year. ... A 3,5 inch diskette, removed from its casing A floppy disk is a data storage device that is composed of a disk of thin, flexible (floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic shell. ... ‹ The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... This article is about the year. ... Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems by Microsoft for use on personal computers, although versions of Windows designed for servers, embedded devices, and other platforms also exist. ... November 16 is the 320th day of the year (321st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 45 days remaining. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ... The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 177 days remaining. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the computer terms. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Classic NES Series in North America, Famicom Mini Series in Japan, or NES Classics in Europe are a series of Game Boy Advance games that were originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom and Famicom Disk System emulated on the Game Boy Advance. ... August 10 is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Konami Corporation (コナミ) TYO: 9766 (NYSE: KNM) (SGX: K20) is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling computer and video games. ... In a variety of electronic equipments, a cartridge (in video game terms, cart, game pack, or Game Pak) can be one method of programming different functionality, providing variable content, or a method by which consumables may be replenished. ... October 25 is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 67 days remaining. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... January 7 is the seventh day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... ‹ The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... An Intel 8088 microprocessor The Intel 8088 is an Intel microprocessor based on the 8086, with 16-bit registers and an 8-bit external data bus. ... ‹ The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... Sharma Ram (disambiguation) Ram Sharma is an amazing, talented teenager that lives in Canada His talents include rapping, comedy, and cooking He is bound to success! ... Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems by Microsoft for use on personal computers, although versions of Windows designed for servers, embedded devices, and other platforms also exist. ... Pentium MMX - top view The Pentium is a fifth-generation x86 architecture microprocessor by Intel which first shipped on March 22, 1993. ... Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. ... Sharma Ram (disambiguation) Ram Sharma is an amazing, talented teenager that lives in Canada His talents include rapping, comedy, and cooking He is bound to success! ... The CD-ROM (an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (ROM)) is a non-volatile optical data storage medium using the same physical format as audio compact discs, readable by a computer with a CD-ROM drive. ... DirectX is a collection of APIs for easily handling tasks related to game programming on the Microsoft Windows operating system. ...

External links

• MobyGames's entry for Castlevania
• The Castlevania Dungeon (Castlevania entry)
• MrP's CastleVania Realm (Castlevania entry)