Konami goes for the throat with a bone-chilling prequel to Castlevania 64.

Formerly titled Castlevania: Special Edition, Legacy of Darkness gives gamers four frightening quests to complete in the same horror-filled landscape that haunted televisions in Castlevania 64. This new edition of Castlevania is not an entirely new game, but devoted vampire hunters will be impressed with improved graphics, two new adventures and an engaging cast of new characters.

Eight years before Reinhardt and Carrie ended Dracula's reign of horror in Castlevania 64, a powerful werewolf named Cornell found himself wrapped up in a similar situation. Dracula's minions kidnapped the man-wolf's younger sister, forcing him to hunt down the devilish bloodsucker.

As Cornell fights his way through the cadaver-filled landscapes of Dracula's domain, the plot becomes intertwined with the storyline which will drive the adventures Reinhardt and Carrie eight years later.

Players familiar with the first game will notice that many of the seemingly familiar landscapes are filled with unexpected twists. Konami re-used the texture maps and basic level design from Castlevania 64, but in Legacy of Darkness the puzzles and landscapes have been rearranged. A building which was demolished in Castlevania 64, for example, could be in perfect condition in Legacy of Darkness.

Cornell explores some all-new levels throughout his journey as well, including an eerie ghost galleon guarded by a toothy lake monster. With hi-res graphics supplied by the Expansion Pak, old and new areas alike look much better than in the previous Castlevania.

Once players defeat Dracula using Cornell, three additional quests await. The second adventure stars a demon-hating ruffian named Henry. The action takes place eight years after Cornell's adventure, in the same time period as Castlevania 64. Players should recognize the brave hero, because as a child Henry was saved from certain death by Cornell. To complete Henry's portion of the game, players must rescue captured children throughout Dracula's domain within an allotted amount of time.

As an added bonus, Reinhardt Schneider and Carrie Fernandez -- the stars of Castlevania 64 -- are the third and fourth characters available in the game. Players skilled enough to unlock this gallant duo must complete each hero's individual quest against Dracula to conquer the game.

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness may not be the all-new adventure that fans of the series are looking for, but it would be a mistake to brush it aside as a mere regurgitation of Castlevania 64. Redesigned levels, superior graphics and two all-new heroic quests make Legacy of Darkness a worthwhile play for any gamer with the guts to re-enter Konami's dark world.

Source:

www.nintendo.com - Nintendo 64

Journey back in time and witness the rebirth of Dracula's evil empire.

Before Reinhardt Schneider and Carrie Fernandez confronted Dracula, a magical warrior embarked on a quest that would ultimately lead him to Dracula's lair. Take control of Cornell, a powerful werewolf, who is seeking out the evil minions responsible for his sister's disappearance. Armed with the power to morph from human to werewolf, Cornell is destined to rescue his sister from a sinister plan and rid the world of Dracula once and for all. Will he succeed or fail? Will the past unravel the future? Discover the legacy in this exciting prequel. * Complete this challenging prequel and begin where the original Castlevania left off, featuring new plot twists, bosses, and levels. * Upgradeable weapons with three different levels of strength. * Unlock secret characters and experience new storylines and levels. * Experience Castlevania in hi-res mode courtesy of the Expansion Pak®. * Enchanting orchestral soundtrack and beautiful cinematics.

Source:

Back of Box - N64 (US)