Castlevania: Dracula X

The Good
Back in the day not everybody could afford import prices let alone a system AND an expensive peripheral. So what did those of us with only a SNES get when Konami dropped Drac X on American shores? Well Konami's SNES-tified version of Chi No Rondo is its own game entirely. Is it bereft of some of the special things that made Chi No Rondo an amazing game? Sure...but Konami streamlined the massive CD based adventure for a standard 16mbit cart and the outcome is just phenomenal.

The production quality of this game is quite good. The menus and corresponding sound effects are all excellent...and then the game begins! Gone are some of the more labyrinthine levels and in their place we received some good ole' fashioned platforming, familiar enemies, and that classic Castlevania love-it-or-hate-it challenge.

Let me be the first to say it this game is difficult. I found the precious little cart at a place in Mass. and since then its been at home in my SNES. Level 1 will get you familiarized with the basic controls (no more 8 directional whipping) and rhythm of the game. Level 2 will take a run through or two to beat (the spear guards are annoying...and there is a dearth of them). Level 3 is unique in that if you fall during the pillar-jump you get sent to an alternate level 4'...but if you pass the pillars safely you are met with a rather simply boss fight and you get access to the regular Level 4. Both of which are difficult the latter has two mid bosses and then you fight Shaft...the former has you duking it out with a minotaur...and from there the game gets dicey.

If you're playing it on an actual SNES (shame on you if you're not) have fun because Konami isn't exactly generous...you only get 2 lives at the outset of your adventure. Hidden within the walls are roasts, extra lives, hearts and sweet power-ups! The power-ups in this game are awesome and the ability to item-crash is pretty badass. With the push of a button let loose a barrage of crosses or a phalanx of axes...or slow time and beat the snot out of annoying bosses like Death. Drac X on SNES is certainly a challenge and a fun one at that.

The Bad
Well what did you expect to see here....Of course I will take this time to bitch about the lack of jump control and yeah...maybe it is annoying that Red Skulls make it a pain in the ass sometimes...

The Bottom Line
This game is tremendous on the SNES. It is nothing like the PC-Engine SuperCD game...minor superficial resemblances aside. Konami brought us a heaping plate of kick-ass with this game. It is challenging and boasts a difficult learning curve...but didn't Castlevania or Castlevania III? This game wasn't appreciated when it came out but that is what makes it an excellent find for any collector or enthusiast. It could cost you upwards of $60 bucks...but if you're a fan do yourself a favor and snag it. (Hey at least it doesn't cost $150....cough you PC-Engine masochists!).