Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest Review

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, developed and published by Konami, arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. As the sequel to the groundbreaking original, Castlevania 2 NES took a dramatic departure from its predecessor’s linear action-platforming, venturing into a more open-ended action RPG style. This bold, and often divisive, experiment left a lasting mark on gaming history. This Castlevania II NES review explores its unique charm and enduring legacy.

Gameplay: RPG Elements and a Shifting World

The most significant change in Simon’s Quest is its incorporation of RPG elements. Players control Simon Belmont, who is afflicted by Dracula’s curse. Simon collects hearts not just for sub-weapons, but also as currency to buy items in towns. He gains experience points from defeating enemies, which level up his attack power and health, a first for the series.

The game features a non-linear world map of Transylvania, connecting towns, mansions, and dungeons. A dynamic day/night cycle dramatically alters gameplay: enemies become stronger and more numerous at night, and towns become ghost towns. While the action-platforming with Simon’s whip and sub-weapons is still present, the focus shifts to exploration and puzzle-solving. However, the game is infamous for its cryptic clues from townspeople, often leading to confusion and frustration, a design choice that remains a point of contention.

• Innovative RPG elements: experience, currency, towns
• Dynamic day/night cycle impacting gameplay
• Non-linear world map encouraging exploration
• Classic Castlevania whip and sub-weapon combat
• Infamous for its cryptic clues and high difficulty

Story and Setting: A Race Against Time and Death

The narrative of Castlevania II sees Simon Belmont on a desperate quest to break a curse placed upon him by Dracula. To do so, he must collect Dracula’s scattered body parts from various mansions and eventually burn them in his coffin. This unique premise drives Simon through a gothic and often eerie rendition of Transylvania.

The gothic atmosphere is a highlight, with decaying mansions, spooky forests, and desolate graveyards. The shift between day and night adds to the oppressive feeling, as the world becomes more dangerous and unsettling after sundown.

Graphics and Sound: Atmospheric 8-bit World

Visually, Castlevania II on the NES showcases detailed 8-bit graphics, creating a distinct and atmospheric world. Character sprites are well-designed, and the environments, particularly the mansions, are filled with intricate details that contribute to the game’s spooky ambiance. The day/night transition is a simple but effective visual touch.

The soundtrack, composed by Kenichi Matsubara and Satoe Terashima, is iconic and highly praised. Tracks like “Bloody Tears” and “Beginning” (a remix of the original’s theme) are legendary, perfectly capturing the adventurous and melancholic tone of Simon’s quest. The sound effects are classic NES, adding to the game’s charm.

Legacy: A Cult Classic and Influential Oddity

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest is a true cult classic. While its cryptic nature and design choices were criticized at the time, it’s now recognized for its ambitious attempt to blend genres and its influence on later “Metroidvania” style games. It remains a fascinating anomaly in the Castlevania series and a significant piece of NES gaming history.

Is Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest on NES Worth Playing Today?

For retro gaming enthusiasts and those interested in the evolution of action RPGs, Castlevania II on NES is definitely worth experiencing. Be prepared for its unique design and the need for a guide to navigate its more obscure puzzles. Its bold innovations, memorable soundtrack, and atmospheric world make it a rewarding, albeit challenging, classic NES game that stands apart from its brethren.