Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Jun 10, 2001
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 153 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 153
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 153
  3. Negative: 9 out of 153
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  1. Squall
    Sep 8, 2005
    10
    The difficulty was intense and rewarding. I loved the secret classes that you could unlock, much better than the secret characters in SOTN or HOD in my opinion. The spell system was awesome except for the fact that it is extremely hard to track down all of the cards. Music was brilliant and I was glad to hear remixes of popular tunes such as 'vampire killer.'
  2. GeorgeS.
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    I was so excited about this game I bought a GBA right when they came out FOR this game. I wasn't even a big Castlevania fan UNTIL I played this. First Castlevania game I ever played and as far as I can tell (havent played all of them but ive played most) one of the best. Its a shame that Konami listened to people whining about the difficulty which resulted in the average pathetic I was so excited about this game I bought a GBA right when they came out FOR this game. I wasn't even a big Castlevania fan UNTIL I played this. First Castlevania game I ever played and as far as I can tell (havent played all of them but ive played most) one of the best. Its a shame that Konami listened to people whining about the difficulty which resulted in the average pathetic difficult bright colored Harmony of Dissonance.… Expand
  3. JonH.
    Feb 6, 2005
    10
    Another masterpiece Castlevania game, It plays so well on the gamebody advance.
  4. MP83
    Aug 10, 2005
    9
    One of the first GBA games that made me to buy myself a Gameboy Advance couple of years ago (I now own the SP version of it). Castlevania: Circle of the Moon is THAT good. =)
  5. RyanC.
    Nov 5, 2002
    10
    This is one of the greatest games I have ever played. I hope Harmony of Dissonance is as good as this was. [dragon}
  6. AlexM.
    Aug 29, 2003
    10
    Its the most wonderful game in the universe!!!
  7. XV_
    Feb 16, 2020
    8
    At first, I was somewhat doubtful but when I played the first hour I was playing with a smile and having a lot of fun. If you have played Metroid or another 2D Castlevania you know the drill, unlock abilities, backtrack, unlock abilities and then backtrack some more, this formula still works great in this title. The challenge is good for the most part and the music is on par.

    I really    At first, I was somewhat doubtful but when I played the first hour I was playing with a smile and having a lot of fun. If you have played Metroid or another 2D Castlevania you know the drill, unlock abilities, backtrack, unlock abilities and then backtrack some more, this formula still works great in this title. The challenge is good for the most part and the music is on par.

    I really liked some characters and some moments that feel truly iconic, like Camila that feeling that Hugh (your rival character) gives to you that you're racing each other, that being said I have some issues that go in the way for this to be a 9 or 9.5. The first one is that at times, some bosses feel more annoying than challenging, and that goes for the final boss. I didn't need to make any grind till that point because my damage was ridiculous. My second issue comes from the item and card system, I'm not that fan of getting your powerups in easy mode but I also don't like to make like 2 hours of mindless grinding and be luck dependant, it robs the all the fun and transforms the game into a chore.

    Putting my complaints aside I really enjoyed Circle of the Moon, maybe is not as iconic as Symphony of the Night but I don't think they're that far from each other.    … Expand
  8. systemjimmy
    Apr 3, 2013
    10
    An amazing portable Castlevania that takes place outside the main story of the older games.
    It has beautifull 2d graphics, one of the best music for a GBA game and tons of unlockable modes.
    With clever design that encourages exploration and backtracking, rewarding difficulty and some of the coolest boss fights this is a masterpiece surely you don't want to miss.
  9. BillyGoaT
    Jun 26, 2013
    10
    This game is the best castlevania to date! It's got tight controls, and great challenge. It also does a great job with the sub weapons, they are super useful. The story isn't really there but somehow still does the job. Its a masterpiece.
  10. AZWification
    Dec 16, 2010
    8
    Well, Aria of Sorrow was a must-play game, but Circle of Moon is not bad either , but is just a shame that the Belmonts are missing and the game is not that enjoyable.The game got realistic graphics, amazing tunes and decent gameplay.The same thing to the NES Castlevania masterpieces.But this game is I don't know too HARD!!!!This game don't got an 9, I am really sorry..............
  11. Demorase
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    One of my all time favorite Gameboy Advance games, and by far my favorite 2D Castlevania game.

    What's amazing is how well the game has aged, it's still an absolute blast to play thanks to the varied Card system which makes for a great gameplay, and it's absolutely beautiful to look at thanks to the great art direction. Playing it on a modern smartphone through emulation really does    One of my all time favorite Gameboy Advance games, and by far my favorite 2D Castlevania game.

    What's amazing is how well the game has aged, it's still an absolute blast to play thanks to the varied Card system which makes for a great gameplay, and it's absolutely beautiful to look at thanks to the great art direction.

    Playing it on a modern smartphone through emulation really does the game justice and allows you appreciate how beautiful the game is. A true masterpiece.    … Expand
  12. bike7948e
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    An absolute fantastic game. With great graphics, the genius double card system, five unique playthroughs each changing the way you do combat, and the fantastic story. This is a must have GBA game that you should definitely play
  13. tiberiotavareze
    Jan 9, 2021
    8
    My rate for this game: 8.5

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  14. Marc
    Mar 21, 2004
    9
    Dracula and the Belmonts...some of the most recognisable gaming icons in history. Thankfully...its fun too.
  15. MarkB.
    Aug 25, 2005
    9
    Very difficult game. Level of difficutly was just a bit too high and some of the features (The Summoning abilities with DSS) made the bosses too easy. Very good game otherwise. A hint to all players who play on magician mode. When you fall down that big hole in the start of the game, well, do that when you are level 50 and keep doing it while swingining you whip on the left side. There is Very difficult game. Level of difficutly was just a bit too high and some of the features (The Summoning abilities with DSS) made the bosses too easy. Very good game otherwise. A hint to all players who play on magician mode. When you fall down that big hole in the start of the game, well, do that when you are level 50 and keep doing it while swingining you whip on the left side. There is an opening and when u find it, Roc Wing at the ceiling there. Another opening will appear. In this room, you have like five seconds to jump up into the room, run to the skeleton medalist and kill him in one hit. Kepp doing this until you get it and combine pluto and griffon to get faster speed. He will sometimes drop the bear ring. And if you put it on and use pluto and Black dog cards, you will find you turn into a cute fuzzywuzzy bear!… Expand
  16. AlucardWarrior
    Feb 2, 2022
    8
    Es un excelente juego que a envejecido bien, un gameplay algo tosco al principio pero cuando tienes todas las habilidades te pasearas por todo el castillo a toda velocidad a mitad de juego no es muy intuitivo hacia donde ir así que estarás dando vueltas un buen rato hasta saber a donde ir, la banda sonora es una delicia que se te quedaran grabadas. en cuanto habilidades y objetos no estaEs un excelente juego que a envejecido bien, un gameplay algo tosco al principio pero cuando tienes todas las habilidades te pasearas por todo el castillo a toda velocidad a mitad de juego no es muy intuitivo hacia donde ir así que estarás dando vueltas un buen rato hasta saber a donde ir, la banda sonora es una delicia que se te quedaran grabadas. en cuanto habilidades y objetos no esta bien implementado y solo te pondrás objetos que aumenten el ataque y la defensa y solo use una habilidad de fuego con las cartas; la historia no es la mejor de los castlevania ya que pareciera que es un spin off.… Expand
  17. gzarco
    Jan 7, 2019
    8
    One of my favorite GBA games. The card system is very fun to play with and the whole game works and has aged well. I've completed it like 5 times already and surely will do it again in the future.
  18. P_Wings
    Aug 24, 2023
    8
    For a casual run-through, this is a great game. Each area of the map feels unique, and slowly opening up the map and conquering each area feels rewarding. The soundtrack is pretty good and each song fits the area well. The DSS is the highlight, allowing you to give your character a wide variety of buffs in the form of collectible cards which prevents the gameplay from becoming too stale.For a casual run-through, this is a great game. Each area of the map feels unique, and slowly opening up the map and conquering each area feels rewarding. The soundtrack is pretty good and each song fits the area well. The DSS is the highlight, allowing you to give your character a wide variety of buffs in the form of collectible cards which prevents the gameplay from becoming too stale.

    The main drawback: this game is awful to try to 100% complete. Though I love the DSS, the means of getting some of the cards boils down to farming a certain type of enemy till they drop the desired card. This shatters any sense of immersion as the game basically invites you to exploit the enemy spawning system. Some enemies are even hidden away in one room on the entire map. It's a shame as the system adds so much to the gameplay, but it might as well not be here if half the power ups are not accessible without a guide.

    Nonetheless, this is a great GBA title. The fact that I tried so hard to get as many of the cards as I could, despite the mundaneness of the tasks, is a testament to how good the core gameplay is.    … Expand
  19. CARLOSGAMESRX
    Feb 20, 2020
    10
    Castlevania Circle Of The Moon is a Fantastic game and my favorite metroidvania,The graphics and soundtrack are amazing,one of The best castlevania games
  20. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    Como primer castlevania clásico al que jugué, el disfrute fue óptimo. Los movimientos especiales no están bien explicados y yo, sinceramente, no supe utilizarlos. Alta dificultad que obliga a farmear.
  21. Darkspawn677
    Jun 12, 2022
    10
    Castlevania circle of moon was an amazing game but it definitely needs to be more like devil may cry, hellsing, god of war bayonetta charmed and van helsing
  22. Sparna45
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Best Castlevania game I played and PASSED as a kid back in 2005. The spell system is the most creative system I've ever experienced and always wished the proceeding Catlevania games would include. To count how many spells you can do by the combination of spell cards would be 100. This alone puts most games to shame. The enemies are difficult but awesome for gamers who love challenges andBest Castlevania game I played and PASSED as a kid back in 2005. The spell system is the most creative system I've ever experienced and always wished the proceeding Catlevania games would include. To count how many spells you can do by the combination of spell cards would be 100. This alone puts most games to shame. The enemies are difficult but awesome for gamers who love challenges and have patience to figure out the patterns of the enemies. The bosses are great and most likely you will die before figuring out how to beat them. The cards were a grind but didn't take too long to get. The arena map was great and challenging and rewarding. The map is pretty good and the soundtracks are better then their variants on other castlevania games. I played this game again and decided to review it after passing it and it still remains as the best Castlevania even though it isn't canon due to the hater producer not being involved in this installment. It was quick work with the strategy guide I wish I had back then but nonetheless I enjoyed it alot and gave me awesome nostalgia.… Expand
  23. Yojimbo2015
    Apr 27, 2023
    9
    The GBA is where Castlevania progressed from its linear platform roots and incorporated elements of Super Metroid to create the "Metroidvania" sub-genre (which seems a bit unfair on the creators of Metroid!). A big step forward in the series as far as depth of gameplay goes, but the Metroid games are still better.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2001
4
#4 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2001
7
#7 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    A complex card system governs your special abilities. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  2. Thunderbolt
    60
    Castlevania means well, providing marvellous visuals and setting a superb atmosphere. But it suffers from hideous amounts of revisiting.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    96
    Picks up where "Symphony of the Night" left off and stands out as one of the best portable adventures ever created.
    Read full review
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