Review - Castlevania: Dracula X (SNES)

Release date: September, 1995 (US),
July 21, 1995 (JPN), February 22, 1996 (EU)
Original Platform: Super Nintendo
Developer: Konami
Genre: Platformer
Play time: About 5 hours for the true ending

Ah, Dracula X. The younger brother of Rondo of Blood forever in it's shadow. Dracula X is the SNES "version" of Rondo of Blood. Known as 'Vampire's Kiss" in Europe, the game was released two years after Rondo. Naturally, you would expect this one to be the better game, but alas its more of a watered down version. There are many differences between the two and Rondo is definitely the better game, but if your a Castlevania enthusiast like me then you will want to experience everything! Instead of talking about all the differences between the two though, I'd like to go over what makes this game great on it's own.
 

If your in the mood for Castlevania on the SNES then you only have two choices. This, or Castlevania IV. While Richter doesn't have all the attack options as Simon from that game (such as attacking in all directions), he does have his own techniques such as the useful Back Flip and powerful Item Crash that his ancestor can't perform. This makes him feel very unique and given his eccentric personality, it's what sets him apart and contributes to the charm of his adventure. Another huge factor to making Richter's journey special is the music. Castlevania games featuring Simon has iconic tunes that you probably have come to love, but this younger Belmont has some extremely good music that is easily my favorite in the entire series. There's nothing to get your blood pumping quite like "Divine Bloodlines"!

While Dracula X doesn't have the huge variety and sharper visuals of Rondo, it does have excellent progression and platforming, along with a good variety of sub-weapons and music. In my opinion, as great as Super Castlevania IV is, this is the better game of the two for the above reasons. Backgrounds are just as vibrant with some really unique locations. You explore anywhere from a burning village to an underground cavern.
 

My biggest complaint is the difficulty, but that is a given with the series. It's supposed to be hard, and when you make it too easy (such as some of the game breaking weapons in Symphony of the Night), it loses that feeling of desperation and also satisfaction when you complete a hard section or boss. Despite this there are times when it is definitely too unforgiving that can easily turn newcomers away and especially those without much patience. This game is for the hardcore crowd and be ready to replay sections A LOT. Probably the most challenging aspect is the true ending. Getting the true ending means saving two maidens, Maria and Annette. You have to carry a key through several of the games most challenging areas and not die once the entire time. This is extremely demanding but it pays off if you can manage to accomplish this feat. It also encourages replays, as you have to take alternate paths to get to the best ending. In a way, it can even be considered part of it's charm.

In the end, this game is for true gamers that are ready for challenge and have a great love for the Castlevania series. I wouldn't recommend the title to most people, but those who grew up with the SNES and didn't get to experience this back then, this one is for you! 

Recommend- No, but great for enthusiasts
Replayability- Some
Rating- I liked it a lot