Game Card
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)
- Publisher:
- Konami Digital Entertainment
- Developer:
- Konami
- US Release:
- 23.10.2007
- EU Release:
- n/a
- Number of players:
- n/a
Review
We play Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles...
Some of us never quench our thirst for blood. The vampire within is just too much to handle, too powerful to quell. Konami has for the past 21 years fought off our cravings, though one small part was never truly dealt with; Rondo of Blood. After having missed the boat off Japan, finally we can play this title, both in its original form and in the newer, updated version.
The Dracula X Chronicles is actually Rondo of Blood, upgraded with better, 3D graphics (meaning characters are all 3-dimensional, though the game is still a side-scroller) and slight control adjustments. Otherwise, it’s the same game nearly no one had back at its original release oh so long ago.
Though realistically, this is not one game, but rather two. One is the main title, Dracula X Chronicles. It has a second side, the original game with none of the upgrades given, so that doesn’t count as an entirely separate game, though it really is. The second, or third for the picky, is the highly acclaimed Symphony of the Night, featuring badass son-of-a-Dracula Alucard. DXC is the main game and indeed, this is easy to see because to play the other two they must be found within DXC itself. Some may complain about this, for reasons we shall discus shortly, though it is not difficult to unlock these extra games.
DXC follows Richter Belmont of the Belmont clan, who has sworn since the dawn of Dracula to fight the vampire whenever he arose. Richter comes to Castlevania, Dracula’s castle, to both kill his nemesis and save Richter’s girlfriend (they had those back then?) Annette.
For those who have played the original, either by import or emulator, there is a huge difference in the graphics. While they are certainly updated from the archaic ’86 scene, there is a certain feeling that is partially lost due to the so called “enhancement”. Even with it, they are not the best we’ve seen on the system and for a 2D side-scroller a bit more is expected.
It’s also slightly easier than the original. While major pitfalls remain the same, poor choices such as jumping into the abyss can be amended by changing direction mid-air. This may not sound like much, but when a single misstep can lead to death and a full restart of the level in an extremely challenging game, changing where you land is extremely helpful. Completely unrealistic, but helpful nonetheless.
Speaking of difficulty, DXC, as well as the original version of it, are extremely hard. This is an old game, the kind that doesn’t simply do what it’s told. It isn’t supremely intellectually stimulating, but it does require pinpoint accuracy and timing to successfully go through the few levels the game contains. If you are weak at heart or have lost the patience for such a game, this is not the thing for you. Old school gamers, however, will rejoice as their skills will actually be put to the test.
That, of course, is for the remastered DXC. The original remains unchanged and even more perilous. For the optimal amount of sentimental value, the original is a must. Especially since this is the only way you can buy the game that isn’t imported or pirated.
Not to say that both the new and old versions don’t have issues. Simple things like a poor stair system, where walking up stairs is possible but unless the up button is held it remains part of the background. Concerns with jumping and difficulty, however, are not as bad because that goes back to the “olden days” ideal.
Then, of course, is the fan favorite Symphony of the Night. It isn’t the toned down XBLA version, this is pretty much the full deal. Albeit only the creators over at Konami know what the absolute full version of Symphony is, there are plenty of extras that are hidden throughout Castlevania, both right sides up and upside down.
As a fervent believer of playing a game once through and never looking back, I found much enjoyment in playing through both games again. DXC because of how absolutely difficult it was and SOTN because of what was missed from the XBLA version, and because of the absolutely endearing gameplay. This is a must have for anyone looking for a game from the golden days, but by no means is a casual game. You will yell and scream at the PSP, but in the end it will all be worth it.
Top Game Moment: Going through the first four levels without getting hit once.
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| Castlevania, Dracula's domain and namesake of the series | The opening cinematic may look excellent, but it's all CGI |
The Dracula X Chronicles is actually Rondo of Blood, upgraded with better, 3D graphics (meaning characters are all 3-dimensional, though the game is still a side-scroller) and slight control adjustments. Otherwise, it’s the same game nearly no one had back at its original release oh so long ago.
Though realistically, this is not one game, but rather two. One is the main title, Dracula X Chronicles. It has a second side, the original game with none of the upgrades given, so that doesn’t count as an entirely separate game, though it really is. The second, or third for the picky, is the highly acclaimed Symphony of the Night, featuring badass son-of-a-Dracula Alucard. DXC is the main game and indeed, this is easy to see because to play the other two they must be found within DXC itself. Some may complain about this, for reasons we shall discus shortly, though it is not difficult to unlock these extra games.
DXC follows Richter Belmont of the Belmont clan, who has sworn since the dawn of Dracula to fight the vampire whenever he arose. Richter comes to Castlevania, Dracula’s castle, to both kill his nemesis and save Richter’s girlfriend (they had those back then?) Annette.
For those who have played the original, either by import or emulator, there is a huge difference in the graphics. While they are certainly updated from the archaic ’86 scene, there is a certain feeling that is partially lost due to the so called “enhancement”. Even with it, they are not the best we’ve seen on the system and for a 2D side-scroller a bit more is expected.
 |
 |
|
| In game cinematics are another story | Don't ever hold back against bosses or they'll take you down fast. Unless you're insane or paid for this sort of thing |
It’s also slightly easier than the original. While major pitfalls remain the same, poor choices such as jumping into the abyss can be amended by changing direction mid-air. This may not sound like much, but when a single misstep can lead to death and a full restart of the level in an extremely challenging game, changing where you land is extremely helpful. Completely unrealistic, but helpful nonetheless.
Speaking of difficulty, DXC, as well as the original version of it, are extremely hard. This is an old game, the kind that doesn’t simply do what it’s told. It isn’t supremely intellectually stimulating, but it does require pinpoint accuracy and timing to successfully go through the few levels the game contains. If you are weak at heart or have lost the patience for such a game, this is not the thing for you. Old school gamers, however, will rejoice as their skills will actually be put to the test.
That, of course, is for the remastered DXC. The original remains unchanged and even more perilous. For the optimal amount of sentimental value, the original is a must. Especially since this is the only way you can buy the game that isn’t imported or pirated.
Not to say that both the new and old versions don’t have issues. Simple things like a poor stair system, where walking up stairs is possible but unless the up button is held it remains part of the background. Concerns with jumping and difficulty, however, are not as bad because that goes back to the “olden days” ideal.
Then, of course, is the fan favorite Symphony of the Night. It isn’t the toned down XBLA version, this is pretty much the full deal. Albeit only the creators over at Konami know what the absolute full version of Symphony is, there are plenty of extras that are hidden throughout Castlevania, both right sides up and upside down.
 |
 |
|
| Characters may not look great, but the backgrounds are phenomenal | Actually, don't ever hold back. Do what you can to get to the next checkpoint |
As a fervent believer of playing a game once through and never looking back, I found much enjoyment in playing through both games again. DXC because of how absolutely difficult it was and SOTN because of what was missed from the XBLA version, and because of the absolutely endearing gameplay. This is a must have for anyone looking for a game from the golden days, but by no means is a casual game. You will yell and scream at the PSP, but in the end it will all be worth it.
Top Game Moment: Going through the first four levels without getting hit once.
