Castlevania II: Simon's Quest/Braham Mansion


 * Looking for:
 * Other items:
 * Important locations:
 * Braham Mansion
 * Important locations:
 * Braham Mansion

Having gone as far east as possible (for now), you have to turn around and head to the west. This is another short segment without too much excitement, though you will fight your first boss. Make sure you have a stock of Laurels and then head back to Jova, if you aren't already there.

Path to Braham Mansion
The way to the Mansion is very short and straightforward, but you can't get there without Dracula's Heart.

Belasco Marsh
Head out of the left side of Jova, into the marsh. The Lizardmen shoot fireballs while moving, so make sure you stop in time to block their shots. The only other enemy to worry about is the Wildcat, which is fast, but easy to kill since you don't have to crouch to hit it. On the other side of the hill you'll see a long marsh. Use a Laurel and you'll not only be invincible against the poison and enemies, but you can move through the marsh at normal speed. The Laurel wears off very quickly, so don't waste time fighting the Mudmen or Snake. Jump your way across the marsh and you'll just make it to the other side before your invincibility wears off.

Dead River
More Lizardmen and then you'll see Charon and his boat. Normally, he'll take you to Aldra (which has a chapel, so you can always go there to heal), but that's not where you need to go just yet. Equip Dracula's Heart and then talk to him, and he'll take you directly to the mansion. Just avoid the Fishmen that jump out of the river and you go by; if you get hit you'll fall in the water.

Dennis Woods
Charon will drop you off right in front of the Mansion, but first head left. On the first screen, use the moving blocks to cross the water. Make sure you jump at the apex of the block's movement, as it will allow you to jump further than you normally can. This is a very difficult segment, especially if you're not aware of the fact that the game modifies your jumping ability at certain points, so it may take a few tries.

On the second screen, there are no major environmental hazards, but the enemies are brutal. First you will be facing Mummies and Hawks, then Ghosts and a Man Eater, and finally Medusa Heads. The biggest threats are the Hawks, which dive bomb you and are hard to hit, and the Medusa Heads which (unlike most other Castlevania games) chase after you. Move quickly through the area, to the cliff at the end and you'll see a cloaked man. Talk to him to receive the weapon. Now head all the way back to entrance to the mansion. If you are low on life, cross the Dead River and talk to Charon without Dracula's Heart equipped and he'll take you to a town where you can heal up. Otherwise, go into the mansion.

The Mansion
Important items: Other items: Bosses:
 * 1 Book
 * 1 Book
 * 1 Book
 * Death

Head right to the stairs, then go up three flights, left and up two more, then right and up two more, and finally right to get to the second screen. Pretty easy, but there are two things to watch out for. First, when jumping over spikes under a low ceiling, make sure you don't hit the ceiling or you'll land in the spikes. Second, you'll be encountering the incredibly obnoxious Slimes. Try to hit them when they are moving vertically, then quickly leave before another one shows up. Also, most enemies will take two hits to kill, so keep your distance.

In the next room, there are two Gargoyles below you, so kill them with the Scared Flame, then head down. Toss another Flame from the stairs to kill the Knight, then cross the spikes and break the right wall from inside the pit to get the first and only Book in the mansion. Head left, back into the main area of the mansion.

You'll see the old man right away, so invest in an as usual, then continue down. Avoid dropping straight down, or you'll hit a Knight. Instead kill the one on the ledge with Flames or Holy Water and then jump over and down on the right side. Watch out for Slimes as you head down the stairs and then go through the door on your right to find Death. You'll pass through a low hallway with a bunch of Bats that are easy to ignore, but are a good source for Hearts.

Death

 * For more, see the Bosses page.

Death is a)the hardest boss in the game, b)optional, and c)really easy. You get the by defeating him, but if you don't want it, just walk under him and go through the door on the right. You can try using the Diamond against him, but since it's a weak weapon and somewhat unpredictable, it's often best to just use the whip. Jump and whip, and then when he gets too close back up or run under him to the other side of the room. Repeat until he dies. Grab your prize and head to the right to get to the Crystal Ball.

Afterwards
Break the Crystal Ball to get, but don't bother equipping it since the shield is more valuable. Start to head back out now, and just avoid Death as you get nothing for defeating him repeatedly. Head back up the stairs, into the side room, and back to the top of the main area. There is a minor short cut out of here, so head all the way to the left and drop down and go through the fake wall on the right. Now work your way down the stairs to the bottom and then head out.

Once outside, head back to the river and talk to Charon. Make sure you don't have Dracula's Heart equipped and stay on the boat when it reach the other side. Charon will turn around and take you to your next destination.

Books