Dracula X is one of the many Castlevania games (14 in all) in a series which
involves a villan who would be Dracula and a good guy, one of the Belmonts.
Some of the less significant enemies usually consist of bats, wolves, walking
skeletons, and those annoying flying medusa heads. This game was released in
the fall of 1995, this was a very long wait from the Super Castlevania 4 which
was released in 1992.
Graphics [7.5/10]:
Some of the graphics really push the Super NES to the limits. The intro to the
game is very cinematic by illustrating the story. The first level has fire
glowing every where, and just keeps spreading as you progress through the
level. The next level gets closer to the outskirts of the castle with some
really good details given to the walls and windows. This Castlevania has a very
polished look in some areas, but some areas look rather plain and dull. The
bosses rock in Super Castlevania 4 while Dracula X's bosses are much smaller and
at times, appear to be normal enemies rather than bosses.
Music and Sound [9/10]:
This is probably the strongest area of this game. The Casltevania series has
always had a sound track that seemed to belong to a really good movie. The
music has a CD type quality sound to it. You will notice some familiar tunes in
this game as well.
Game Play [4/10]:
The play control in this game is ok at times, but for the most part, it is
terrible. It is set up like the old Castlevania games on the NES. You can't make
the whip go straight up like Castlevania 4. Some of the jumps are so difficult
that you may have to stock up on men if you don't want to start the game over
again and again (very annoying). The play control is no where near as good as
it was in Castlevania 4.
Challenge and Replay [6/10]:
The game is extremely challenging, but this is mostly due to the poor play
control. There are two different routes to take later in the game, and each
route will effect you and the ending of the game. This game is so hard that you
might need a Game Genie just to see the ending.
Overall/Conclusion [6.5/10]:
Castlevania: Dracula X has good graphics and music, but the play control ruins
the whole experience. Even though Super Castlevania 4 is three years older, it
outperforms Dracula X in every area.
