The Castlevania Anniversary Collection serves as a monumental tribute to one of gaming's most enduring franchises, tracing the legendary origins of Konami’s vampire-hunting saga. Released as part of Konami's 50th Anniversary celebration, this collection is designed to let players relive the timeless classics that helped define the action-platformer genre. Whether you are a veteran of the Belmont clan or a newcomer looking for your first introduction to the fight against Dracula, this compilation provides an essential entry point into a world of gothic horror and challenging gameplay.

A Definitive Lineup of Classics

The collection brings together eight distinct titles spanning the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, offering a diverse range of experiences within the series. The roster includes legendary entries such as the original Castlevania and the masterpiece Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, both of which are celebrated for their tight platforming and iconic atmosphere. The collection also features 16-bit highlights like Super Castlevania IV and Castlevania Bloodlines, alongside handheld adventures such as Castlevania: The Adventure and Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge.

Notably, the collection includes Kid Dracula, a fascinating spin-off that had never previously been released in English. For those interested in exploring different gameplay styles, the inclusion of Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest offers an experimental foray into the RPG-platformer subgenre. The full list of included titles is as follows:

  • Castlevania
  • Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
  • Castlavania III: Dracula's Curse
  • Super Castlevania IV
  • Castlevania The Adventure
  • Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
  • Castlevania Bloodlines
  • Kid Dracula

Features and Emulation Quality

Developed as an M2 project, the Castlevania Anniversary Collection boasts high-quality emulation that stays true to the original experience. While it lacks some of the modern "bells and whistles" found in other recent collections, such as extensive rewind buttons, it provides essential features like a single save state per game to help navigate the more difficult stages. The sound emulation is remarkably accurate, ensuring the baroque organ melodies and electronic chip music remain as impactful as they were decades ago.

The presentation includes a tidy vertical game selection menu that provides plot descriptions for each title. Players can also customize their visual experience with various display options, including:

  • Original Mode: A traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, often accompanied by a scanline option to mimic retro television displays.
  • Pixel Perfect: An option to display the games in their intended, unscaled aspect ratio.
  • 16:9 Mode: A widescreen setting that stretches the image to fill modern displays.
  • Dot Matrix & Color Modes: Specifically for the Game Boy titles, players can choose between the original black and white look or a green-tinted "Dot Matrix" display, as well as Super Game Boy palettes.

Beyond the gameplay, the collection includes a unique eBook titled History of Castlevania - Book of the Crescent Moon. This digital supplement features insights from developers and artists, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy and creation of the Castlevania universe.

Who is this collection for?

This collection is an ideal purchase for retro gaming enthusiasts looking to revisit the masterpieces of the NES and SNES eras with polished emulation. It also serves as a perfect gateway for modern players who want to experience the roots of the Belmont lineage without having to hunt down original hardware. If you appreciate high-stakes action, gothic atmosphere, and the history of legendary game design, this collection is a must-play.