Gaming franchises really don’t get much more iconic than Castlevania.
First released as Akumajō Dracula for the modest NES on September 26, 1986the series is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. And despite some ups and downs (it really felt like he was dead and buried for a while, huh?), it seems like Konami is once again determined to bring him back into the spotlight with the upcoming Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse on October 15, 2026.
Yet despite a plethora of sequels, the original Castlevania has stood the test of time remarkably well. It’s true that later games have supplanted it in terms of quality – particularly so-called “Igavania” entries like Aria of Sorrow, Order of Ecclesia and the magnificent Symphony of the Night – but by mixing simple gameplay with brutal difficulty, Castlevania is just as fun today as it was 40 years ago.
But it’s not just about the gameplay. Castlevania shaped the rest of the franchise with its exceptional visuals and iconic soundtrack. Strolling past gnarled trees and statues as you make your way inside Dracula’s castle will forever be etched in my memory, with the classic melody of “Vampire Killer” eliciting all kinds of warm emotions. The way Konami adapted the theme for their 40th anniversary video above is also absolutely wonderful (and in fact, some fans think it might be a new 3D collection).
The first stage may be one of the most recognizable in all of video games, but the entire game is full of memorable moments, including of course the final confrontation with Dracula in which the prince of darkness transforms into a grotesque creature during the battle. Sublime stuff.
I often get back into the Castlevania series; it’s one of those familiar comforts that I lean on when I can’t decide what to play. And when I don’t feel like sinking hours into one of the latest GBA or DS titles, I’ll default back to the original Castlevania or Dracula’s Curse. Both are amazing, but I think the OG almost edges out its successor.
Gn tech
