Castlevania Bloodlines is a game often forgotten among the 'Classicvania' lineup, but I feel that it might secretly be one of the best.
I've always been a big fan of the Castlevania series, though I generally prefer the 'Metroidvania' titles to the 'Classicvania' ones. When I was stuck on a long car ride, I ended up seeing Bloodlines in the NSO Sega Genesis app, and remembering that I've never actually played it for myself, I decided to give it a shot. One of the first things I noticed is that this game is pretty brutal and unforgiving in its health and continue systems, even for a classic Castlevania title, so newer or casual players will probably feel more comfortable playing on an emulator with save states (like Nintendo Switch Online) than dealing with Bloodlines' somewhat dated password save system. Personally, I feel that it's best to use those in moderation, such as between levels, as the game's individual levels have a pretty solid level of challenge that feels rewarding to overcome naturally.
Both playable characters, John Morris and Eric Lecarde, are fun in their own ways, and are differentiated really well while still being equipped to handle the game's individual challenges. Morris will be more familiar for Castlevania veterans, but I played most of the game with Eric for a fresher and more unique experience, and found him to be breezier, with his longer reach and anti-air pokes.
Like every Castlevania at the time, this game has some really impressive and varied art across its six levels and large enemy roster, and a great soundtrack. Even prior to playing the game myself, Sinking Old Sanctuary has been one of my favorite tracks in the series for a while. They do some really awesome 3D effects with the Genesis that are very impressive for the time... at the cost of some pretty unfortunate performance tanks.
I'd personally put Bloodlines above the original trilogy on the NES. If you're a Castlevania fan like I am, and have also been looking over this game for the longest time, give it a shot. It's more accessible now than it's ever been.
I've always been a big fan of the Castlevania series, though I generally prefer the 'Metroidvania' titles to the 'Classicvania' ones. When I was stuck on a long car ride, I ended up seeing Bloodlines in the NSO Sega Genesis app, and remembering that I've never actually played it for myself, I decided to give it a shot. One of the first things I noticed is that this game is pretty brutal and unforgiving in its health and continue systems, even for a classic Castlevania title, so newer or casual players will probably feel more comfortable playing on an emulator with save states (like Nintendo Switch Online) than dealing with Bloodlines' somewhat dated password save system. Personally, I feel that it's best to use those in moderation, such as between levels, as the game's individual levels have a pretty solid level of challenge that feels rewarding to overcome naturally.
Both playable characters, John Morris and Eric Lecarde, are fun in their own ways, and are differentiated really well while still being equipped to handle the game's individual challenges. Morris will be more familiar for Castlevania veterans, but I played most of the game with Eric for a fresher and more unique experience, and found him to be breezier, with his longer reach and anti-air pokes.
Like every Castlevania at the time, this game has some really impressive and varied art across its six levels and large enemy roster, and a great soundtrack. Even prior to playing the game myself, Sinking Old Sanctuary has been one of my favorite tracks in the series for a while. They do some really awesome 3D effects with the Genesis that are very impressive for the time... at the cost of some pretty unfortunate performance tanks.
I'd personally put Bloodlines above the original trilogy on the NES. If you're a Castlevania fan like I am, and have also been looking over this game for the longest time, give it a shot. It's more accessible now than it's ever been.