Now we're talking videogames, son.
Castlevania 3 is a great game that sadly stumbled thanks to its clunky controls not meshing well with the increased difficulty and level design challenges. On the other hand, CV4 maintains the difficulty, adds new level gimmicks(flexing some of that newly attained SNES power), and finally elevates the controls to match everything else, making for one hell of a game. Simon controls like a dream, no longer having to commit to one direction when jumping, able to whip in 8 directions and wiggle the whip to deal with birds and bats, not to mention HAVING A DEDICATED ITEM BUTTON! HALLELUJAH!
It also features one of the most unique soundtracks in the series, a real "love it or hate it" kinda deal. I personally love it; it's very experimental, almost relaxing in certain cases. "The Library" being one my favorite examples.
The visuals fully lean into the "Barbarian-esque" vibe that early Castlevania games had going on, from Simon's design all the way to enemies and even locations. It doesn't get very gothy until the last few stages, but honestly, I dig it. We're still ways off from Rondo of Blood's early 90's anime vibe or Symphony of the Night's Ayami Kojima designed gothic goodness, though.
All in all, a superb experience. My favorite SNES game, and second favorite classicvania. The dedicated item button alone makes it a 5/5 lmao
Castlevania 3 is a great game that sadly stumbled thanks to its clunky controls not meshing well with the increased difficulty and level design challenges. On the other hand, CV4 maintains the difficulty, adds new level gimmicks(flexing some of that newly attained SNES power), and finally elevates the controls to match everything else, making for one hell of a game. Simon controls like a dream, no longer having to commit to one direction when jumping, able to whip in 8 directions and wiggle the whip to deal with birds and bats, not to mention HAVING A DEDICATED ITEM BUTTON! HALLELUJAH!
It also features one of the most unique soundtracks in the series, a real "love it or hate it" kinda deal. I personally love it; it's very experimental, almost relaxing in certain cases. "The Library" being one my favorite examples.
The visuals fully lean into the "Barbarian-esque" vibe that early Castlevania games had going on, from Simon's design all the way to enemies and even locations. It doesn't get very gothy until the last few stages, but honestly, I dig it. We're still ways off from Rondo of Blood's early 90's anime vibe or Symphony of the Night's Ayami Kojima designed gothic goodness, though.
All in all, a superb experience. My favorite SNES game, and second favorite classicvania. The dedicated item button alone makes it a 5/5 lmao