I’m positive Rondo of Blood would have been remembered as a top-tier Castlevania, had it been released outside of Japan when it was new. Now it’s basically “the one that got away”. If you haven’t bothered with imports, emulators, or retro re-releases, you’ve probably missed out.
Which is a shame. It still very much is one of the best of the series. Great presentation with gorgeous 2D graphics and kick-ass music, great gameplay (despite the obligatory Clock Tower stage) that’s a combination of Castlevania 3 and *4* - with a pinch of the Metroidvania-style that would reshape the series just a few years later, all clocking in at a reasonable runtime. The light humorous easter eggs and details are a nice touch, and the Maria character, with unique attacks and a double jump, essentially gives the game an easy mode making some of the more frustrating parts bearable.
Which is a shame. It still very much is one of the best of the series. Great presentation with gorgeous 2D graphics and kick-ass music, great gameplay (despite the obligatory Clock Tower stage) that’s a combination of Castlevania 3 and *4* - with a pinch of the Metroidvania-style that would reshape the series just a few years later, all clocking in at a reasonable runtime. The light humorous easter eggs and details are a nice touch, and the Maria character, with unique attacks and a double jump, essentially gives the game an easy mode making some of the more frustrating parts bearable.