Category:Castlevania: Difference between revisions

|developer=[[Konami]]

|publisher=[[Konami]]

|genre=[[Action]], [[Metroidvania]]

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There are two types of Castlevania games: the traditional level-by-level action games and the newer, so-called, "Metroidvanias", which involves more exploration, item/key collecting, and going through areas multiple times. There is an official chronology that was created several years ago, and involved [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retcon retconning] several plotlines from games, as well as removing four games from the official timeline. Games are not released in chronological order, and several games are direct sequels to previous ones. Most games take place decades or even centuries after the previous entry, but some (''[[Castlevania II: Simon's Quest|Simon's Quest]]'', ''[[Castlevania: Curse of Darkness|Curse of Darkness]]'', ''[[Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow|Dawn of Sorrow]]'', ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night|Symphony of the Night]]'', and ''[[Castlevania 64]]'') take place a few years later and involve the same characters.

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The original title of the series is '''''Akumajou Dracula''''', where ''Akumajou'' is Japanese for ''Devil Castle''.

''Castlevania'' games can be roughly divided into two main groups: linear and mazes. '''Linear games''' consist of a series of stages that must be cleared in order; '''maze games''' usually consist of a single, huge labyrinth with areas that can be accessed only after the character found specific items.

{{Castlevania-genres}}

** ''Castlevania Legends'' (1997) was replaced by ''Lament of Innocence'' (2003);  

** ''Castlevania 64'' (1999), ''Legacy of Darkness'' (1999) and ''Circle of the Moon'' (2001) were replaced by ''Order of Ecclesia'' (2008).

After 2010, the Castlevania series was rebooted. The games are then titled {{c|Lords of Shadow|Castlevania: Lords of Shadow}} (plus number or subtitle) in both the original and localized versions.

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=== Linear action games ===

Action games are based on quick reflexes, adventure games require some deep thought.

==== Action platformers ====

The core of the ''Castlevania'' series.

The handheld line incrorporates some gameplay elements that are reminiscent of the ''{{c|Mega Man}}'' series. In particular, ''[[Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge]]'' has a stage selection screen; the hero in ''[[Castlevania Legends]]'' obtains new skills whevever a boss is defeated; the stages in ''[[Castlevania: Order of Shadows]]'' can be revisited to access new areas using new skills.

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Apart from the change in graphics, everything said for the [[#Action platformers]] still applies to these games.

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| 悪魔城ドラキュラ 闇の呪印 <br>''Devil Castle Dracula: Curse of Darkness ''|| [[Castlevania: Curse of Darkness]] || 2005 || {{icon|globe}} PS2, [[Xbox]] || 1479 - Trevor Belmont

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==== Other action games ====

Technically, fighting games and light gun games are two sub-sets of action games.

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''[[Vampire Killer]]'' is a different version of the [[Castlevania|first ''Castlevania'']]. Each stage is a labyrinth where the player has to find the necessary items to progress to the next one.

Put together the maze-like stages of ''[[Vampire Killer]]'' with the freedom of exploration and the level-up system of ''[[Castlevania II: Simon's Quest]]'', and you get a good approximation of a Metroidvania.

! Original title !! Localized title !! Year !!width=80| Systems !! Setting & hero

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| ドラキュラII 呪いの封印 <br>''Dracula II: The Seal of the Curse ''|| [[Castlevania II|Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest]] || 1987 || {{icon|globe}} NES || 1698 - Simon Belmont

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==== Metroidvanias ====

Still, it would be a stretch to include them in the definition of "role-playing game". They do include freedom of exploration and permanent character upgrades, but they are completely lacking when it comes to active dialogue and plot development.

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==== Multiplayer ====

A multiplayer game requires each player to have a different approach than in a single-player game.

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| {{n/a|-}} || [[Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls]] || 2019 || {{icon|us}} Phones || Multiplayer  

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=== Cancelled games ===

===Spin offs===

{{Castlevania}}