Classic NES Series: Castlevania

 Game Boy Advance
Classic NES Series: Castlevania Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

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  • Summary: Take a stroll down memory lane with the classic side-scrolling game Castlevania. The game, which is part of the Classic NES Series on the Game Boy Advance, sets you off on a mission to undo the curse of the evil Count. Before you challenge the Count, you must first battle his army of ghosts,Take a stroll down memory lane with the classic side-scrolling game Castlevania. The game, which is part of the Classic NES Series on the Game Boy Advance, sets you off on a mission to undo the curse of the evil Count. Before you challenge the Count, you must first battle his army of ghosts, mummies, bats, and zombies. Use your magic whip and other weapons if you want to make it out of the castle alive.… Expand
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Castlevania Gameplay Movie 1

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Nintendo Power
    84
    The play control is perfect, the enemy AI is well-tuned and the graphics are top-notch for the era. [Dec 2004, p.148]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Nintendojo
    80
    The character design in Castlevania brought way to a whole new viewpoint in video games. The level design is easily one of the best, bringing a deep sense of platforming to the action. After over 15 years, the game still has a unique look.
  3. IGN
    80
    Even with the limited save feature, Castlevania on the GBA is still a great retro throwback. It would have better fit as an unlockable in an original Castlevania, but as it stands it's the only official way you can have the original game in portable form. It's the best game of the second batch, by far.
  4. GameSpot
    74
    This is a well-produced port of an excellent game, and even though it probably would have been better served as part of a collection than as a stand-alone product, you could certainly find a number of worse ways to spend $20 for your GBA.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    70
    Due to the enduring and challenging gameplay, Castlevania is certainly worthy of a purchase since it's doubtful an average gamer will complete it in a day or two.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GamerFeed
    70
    The 8-bit classic has aged gracefully, and while its graphics don't compare to the more modern Castlevania games, the gameplay is still very solid, and is something fans will definitely want to sink their teeth into.
  7. Armchair Empire
    50
    It's unfortunate that the simple gameplay hasn't held up well over the years, because most of the fun here is had through shear nostalgia (whipping candles, etc).

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. BenVanD.
    May 29, 2005
    10
    Castlevania is one of the best games i have ever played. Your character levels, you get new weapons and capabilities, it is real time not Castlevania is one of the best games i have ever played. Your character levels, you get new weapons and capabilities, it is real time not turn based, overall game play is unbelievably enjoyable.… Expand
  2. MattC.
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    The game and music are awesome, this classic has deffinetly stood the test of time. game play is great, once you star you will find it very The game and music are awesome, this classic has deffinetly stood the test of time. game play is great, once you star you will find it very hard to put it down, awesome playability and great for a challenge.… Expand
  4. AB
    Nov 1, 2004
    9
    This is the second best game in the Classic NES series. I've been playing it since it came out! The only problem is the ugly graphics.
  5. PolisKanin
    Feb 16, 2014
    9
    I haven't played the GBA port, but assuming it's the same as the NES game, this game is great. Super Castlevania 4 was better, but this wasI haven't played the GBA port, but assuming it's the same as the NES game, this game is great. Super Castlevania 4 was better, but this was the best Castlevania on the NES. The visuals are good, the controls are good and most importantly the gameplay is great.… Expand
  6. CharlesAtlas
    Jan 20, 2015
    7
    Don't be thrown off by how easy the first level is. This game is one of the hardest NES games of all time! Cheap difficulty baby! If you wantDon't be thrown off by how easy the first level is. This game is one of the hardest NES games of all time! Cheap difficulty baby! If you want to play this game then you'd best bring your A-game!… Expand
  7. BeboFett
    Jan 19, 2019
    7
    The first title of the saga is short, by its nature "arcade", but with quite a challenge. I feel that for its time it fulfills enough; TheThe first title of the saga is short, by its nature "arcade", but with quite a challenge. I feel that for its time it fulfills enough; The mechanics is quite simple and the level design meets. Despite its duration it took me a while to finish it in case of difficulty.… Expand
  8. WilliamT.
    Nov 9, 2007
    5
    A good game but let down by some constantly frustrating (in my opinion) controls and bland graphics.

See all 10 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
23
#23 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004