Classic NES Series: Castlevania

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  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]
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  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  5. GameCube Advanced
    75
    All things considered Castlevania holds up extrememly well dispite its age. The level design is great, and the overall experience of fighting the undead is not so much different then modern games.
  6. Play Magazine
    75
    The music is still awesome. I want "Contra" next! [Dec 2004, p.100]
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  7. 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.
  8. 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.
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  9. 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.
  10. 1UP
    65
    It's a short quest, but while it lasts it's a genuine challenge that promises to kick you in the pants and make you like it.
  11. 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).

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. lesiuML
    Jun 3, 2023
    5
    Solid foundation of future castlevania games. Still very playable and quite challenging game. There is an easy mode for casual players.Solid foundation of future castlevania games. Still very playable and quite challenging game. There is an easy mode for casual players. Visuals are nice but lack of any story is kinda daunting.… Full Review »
  3. KrakenOfPepsi
    Dec 1, 2019
    9
    It's rare for a game as old as Castlevania to hold up as well as it does, it's probably one of only five NES games I think I would ever comeIt's rare for a game as old as Castlevania to hold up as well as it does, it's probably one of only five NES games I think I would ever come back to. Everything is so deliberate with its design; the way your character moves, the way he attacks, the items you have at your disposal, the ways enemies behave and the ways levels are laid out are all so vital to the games design, it's truly impressive.

    Your whip attack might have great reach and strength, but the flying Medusa heads are still really tricky to hit due to the wave pattern they fly in, and those small plant enemies are impossible to hit at times too due to how small they are. Your limited resources are spent on using items, items which vary greatly to one another and all have unique uses throughout the game. I always found myself using these items in different scenarios and enemy encounters over and over, because they're vital to how you play the game. Enemies are designed to have weaknesses, but not all weaknesses can be exploited with the whip alone - the whip itself however can be used to be the whole game either way, the game doesn't force you to use the items, but genuinely makes you want to use them. The bosses are a great example of this; all bosses can be defeated with the whip alone, but if you know how to exploit certain items you can easily beat some of them without even taking damage.

    The ways enemies are laid out and can exploit your knock back on damage is also a great mechanic, it greatly affects the way you approach platforming and enemy encounters. One wrong move and you could get sent flying off a ledge and die. The game is always engaging and enjoyable to play, the game is fairly short, but I imagine could be stretched out for a long while depending on your skill level. I honestly found the game to be fairly easy until the second last level, but at that point I had to begin using save states - not because the game is unfair but just because I'm lazy. The game unlike many NES games is actually quiet forgiving, and has check points throughout levels as well as the option to continue the level you were on upon a game over. Great NES qualities are present though, such as goofy translations, bright and flashing colours, and great pixel art which despite its simplicity convey the setting of each level extremely well. The game is also home to some of the most iconic music in video games, period.

    Castlevania is a tight and simple platformer which encourages careful and thoughtful strategy in everything you do. It plays as well now as it did when it came out, and I would recommend it to anyone who can get their hands on it. You might have to abuse save states once you get up to the Death fight though.    … Full Review »
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