This was my first Castlevania game and I had a pretty good time. It was challenging at points, but never to the point of feeling completely unfair (which is what scares me away from the NES games). The movement is smooth and the ability to use your whip in eight directions is a really good feature and allows for smart enemy eradication. The bosses are pretty good too. I quite enjoyed the final boss rush at the end.

I look forward to checking out more of the franchise in the future.