Castlevania: Bloodlines (1994)

by Christopher March 17, 1994

written by Christopher March 17, 1994 5 minutes read

Summary

A classic entry in the Castlevania series, combining challenging gameplay with a Gothic atmosphere.

Release Year: 1994
Genres: Adventure, Platform
Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
Developers: Konami
Publishers: Konami, Tec Toy

Introduction

‘Castlevania: Bloodlines’ is a seminal entry in the Castlevania series, released for the Sega Genesis in 1994.

Synopsis

“Castlevania: Bloodlines”, known in Japan as “Vampire Killer” and in PAL regions as “Castlevania: The New Generation”, is a platform game developed and published by Konami in 1994 for the Sega Genesis. It is part of the renowned Castlevania series, known for its vampire-themed action.

The game’s narrative is set in the 19th century, a time when Europe’s greatest nations had gone to great lengths to maintain a balance of power. However, the assassination of the Crown Prince of Austria in June 1914 at Sarajevo resulted in a chain reaction of violence across the entire continent. It was said that a strange beautiful woman was involved within the shadows. This woman was Elizabeth Bartley, who had plotted together with the dark sorceress Drolta Tzuentes to unleash an international global war and use the souls of the dead to revive their Lord, Dracula.

Players take on the role of John Morris, son of Quincey Morris, a distant descendant of the Belmont family, and his friend Eric Lecarde. John is armed with the fabled “Vampire Killer” whip, and Eric wields the “Alucard Spear”. Together, they travel to various European countries to hunt Bartley down and prevent Dracula’s revival.

The gameplay of “Castlevania: Bloodlines” is similar to most early Castlevania games. Players proceed through each level, defeating enemies and collecting gems to power special weapons: the axe, boomerang, and holy water. Each stage is sectioned, and has a sub-boss battle in the middle, with a main boss battle at the end. Some items increase the power of the characters’ weapons. Some portions of the game split into different paths, depending on which character is chosen. John is able to swing past gaps with his whip, whereas Eric must use a different route by performing high jumps by using his spear.

Characters

John Morris, a whip-wielding vampire hunter, and Eric Lecarde, who wields a powerful lance.

Gameplay

Features classic side-scrolling action with unique mechanics for each character, renowned for its difficulty.

Conclusion

Stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Castlevania series, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.