Castlevania: Dracula X/Gameplay

Items
Your item, or secondary weapon, is a very valuable tool throughout the game. You'll have several to choose from, but most of the time you'll need to know what you're up against to choose wisely.

A classic Castlevania weapon, the dagger has been upgraded since its original appearance. When used, Richter throws three daggers horizontally in front of him; the daggers hit everything within Richter's height, and they go through walls. Item Crush will make Richter throwing lots of daggers straight forward. Costs 1 heart on use and 10 on Item Crush.
 * Dagger

The axe is a weapon that arcs high above Richter. It is most useful against large enemies, stacks of enemies, and enemies above you. Item Crush will make Richter spreading some axes in all directions like a circle. Costs 1 heart on use and 15 on Item Crush.
 * Axe

Iconic, the cross acts like a boomerang when thrown. It will fly out horizontally in front of Richter until it reaches the end of the screen (moving to extend the edge of the screen does not affect its flight distance). However, if you fail to catch the cross, it will continue to fly horizontally until it goes off screen (this technique is very useful). Item Crush, unlike the counterpart in Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, will have many small crosses bouncing in screen. Costs 1 heart on use and 15 on Item Crush.
 * Cross

Freezes time, causing all enemies to stop moving. A few clocks will be summoned on use, indicating the effective time remaining. Item Crush, however, will summon these clocks spinning like a barrier, damaging anything they touch. Costs 5 hearts on use and 15 on Item Crush.
 * Stopwatch

Using Holy Water, Richter tosses a bottle of holy water on the ground in front of him. The result is a frothy splash of anti-demon juice. Item Crush will cause a rain of said Holy Water, aka "Hydro Storm", as a full-screen attack. Costs 1 heart on use and 15 on Item Crush.
 * Holy Water

The most important item for saving Maria and Annet. Simply wielding it will deal some melee damage for a short distance. Item Crush will make Richter hold the key out, which still can hit enemies in the right place, and Richter will have a question mark on his head. Costs no hearts in either case.
 * Key

Not an item, but this will come out if you try to Item Crush without an item. It can deal some whopping damage for a long range, but is single use. Costs 15 hearts.
 * Fire Whip

Power-ups
Grabbing the pendant will destroy all enemies on screen.
 * Pendant

The magic potion grants Richter limited invulnerability. Unfortunately these have a short duration and are placed in inefficient locations so they tend to be useless.
 * Magic potion

After defeating a boss, this item will appear from the sky. When you grab it, the level will end.
 * Demon spirit orb

Found in breaking some walls and a few candles. Heals Richter for 50% health, or grant 1000 points if health is already full.
 * Roast meat

Only found in breaking some thick walls. Grants an extra life.
 * 1up crystal