NES

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

Overall, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse is not only the best NES Castlevania game, but easily one of the top ten NES games ever created. Non-linear gameplay, multiple characters, challenging play (even though a bit TOO challenging sometimes), multiple paths to take in the game, and four different endings have you play this game over and over again until you find and experience everything.

Unlike Castlevania II, no separate status screen is required since all the vital information is displayed across the top of the screen. Perhaps Castlevania III's most innovative feature is the ability to play as boss characters you defeat along the way - an ingenious concept. The stages are separated by branching paths, adding even more replay value to an already extraordinary game. The first-rate musical score brilliantly captures the flavor of the game. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse is a "must-have" NES game if there ever was one.

A maldição do Drácula está de volta. Desde o século XV, quando foi vencido por Simon Belmont, ele planejava sua volta para dominar a Europa. E, para enfrentá-lo, só mesmo um descentente da família Belmont. Felizmente, Trevor Belmont está vivo, e pode livrar a Transilvânia deste grande mal. Para isso, conta com a ajuda de três espíritos, que vão aparecendo durante o jogo, e com armas especiais, que devem ser usadas nos momentos certos. O jogo tem dez fases com sub-fases, mas pode ser encurtado por atalhos. A cada 20 mil pontos, uma vida extra.

In short, Castlevania 3 takes all the goods from the first game, adds in more challenge, and gives you even more features. If you have an NES, than you absolutely must have Castlevania 3. I've played many games in my time, but very few (and I mean FEW) have ever impressed me as much as this game has. If you're a gamer, make sure you don't miss out.

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse is an excellent game, and one of the best adventures the 8-bit NES had to offer now nearly two decades ago. Its age will be made apparent to modern players through its challenge level and the stiffness of its control, which could be frustrating for fans only familiar with the more modern, smoother installments of this same series -- but its innovative inclusion of multiple playable characters and branching paths through levels more than make up for any negative aspects. Its soundtrack, too, is one of the best you'll ever here from an 8-bit title. For only 500 Wii Points, Castlevania III is one of the best options for your money on the Virtual Console. Download it to complete your digital collection of 8-bit Castlevania hits, or just grab it on its own -- its quality stands alone, even without its predecessors.