Castlevania: Dracula X
Reviewed by Mike Waters
Once again, the Belmont legacy continues. Richter is out to send Dracula
to the great beyond forever. All in all, I like this game, though I have to
admit it does have its shortcomings.
Graphics 4 out of 5
It would be unfair to compare a 2d scroller to a 3d game, yet for 2d
graphics, Konami did a pretty good job. The burning town effects and
the misty sky, for example, add nicely to the overall effect of the game.
However, a little more mode 7 graphics could have made the effects a
little better.
Music and Sound 5 out of 5
This is where the game really shines. The classic Castlevania music,
as well as some new music, is well played by the music designers,
as are the sound effects, especially the first boss's wildcat call.
That was really impressive.
Game Challenge 3.5 out of 5
The game's challenge is pretty good, but it's nothing big. I've gotten to
where I can take the path to the best ending without continuing or using
passwords, so it's pretty much intermediate difficulty.
Game Play-Fun 4.3 out of 5
I'd have to say that all in all, this game is very fun to play. The reason
I took off a fraction of a point is that in ways the American game is
considered inferior to the Japanese version. I did notice some animation
that was removed as well as the female character. If this game was uncut,
it would be much better, yet is still a good game as it is, in my opinion.
Frustration
This game won't frustrate players a lot, except that in level 3, if you
know the best ending and are going for it, you will find yourself falling
to level 4' a lot. That can really get on someone's nerves after a few
times. Also, I miss the ability to swing the whip in a circle like in
Super Castlevania 4.
Replayability 4.5 out of 5
I keep playing this game myself, although I have beaten it and gotten
the best ending without continuing. I took off because there are some
players who get bored with a game after they beat it and find everything,
and since the game isn't all that difficult, it may not take too long.
Game Value 4.5 out of 5
I paid $50 for a brand new copy of the game when I bought it in 1996,
a year after it was released. I'd say it was a pretty good buy, though it
would be a near perfect buy if the price was a little lower, like say, $10 lower.
Overall 4.7 out of 5
I recommend this game to people who like scrollers and people who like
Castlevania. The music and sounds are fantastic, and the graphics are
pretty good as well. It could stand to be a little harder, though, to keep
bored players playing it longer.