Castlevania

 Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Dec 31, 1998
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. Nintendojo
    73
    It's one of those games you just buy on the name alone -- unfortunately, it's also one of those games that hold the potential to make a killing, but leave the impact of a mosquito on a windshield. It's not horrendous or even bad; just extremely disappointing in execution.
  2. Gaming Maxx
    71
    Very decent. Old fans of the 2D installment and first time players should look into this title.
  3. Games Domain
    70
    A worthy 3D update of the 2D classics. It's a decent third-person action game with a decent story and great atmosphere.
  5. Gaming Age
    68
    I really want to like Castlevania, but I can’t. Konami made a truly complete quest by throwing in a very long section leading up to the Castle, but ultimately it becomes boring. Once you actually get into some of the architecture, the bad camera angles and less than perfect collision detection makes the game an exercise in frustration most of the time.
  6. Game Critics
    55
    Proves that the third dimension isn’t always the savior it claims to be when attempting to offer game series another shot at glory for a new generation. Certain transitions simply aren’t meant to succeed.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best N64 Game of 1998
6
#6 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1998
4
#4 Most Shared N64 Game of 1998

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 72
  3. Negative: 13 out of 72
  1. Cornholio1349
    Mar 22, 2020
    10
    I keep playing this game every now and then. I understand the controller might be a draw back but if you have enough experience with 3rdI keep playing this game every now and then. I understand the controller might be a draw back but if you have enough experience with 3rd person games this shouldnt be an issue. The music is great and so is the atmosphere. You will love it from start to end. Give it a try and enjoy a masterpiece.… Full Review »
  2. Alkecyrax
    Nov 20, 2022
    7
    I'm sure the biggest problem with this game is the way the levels are planned. Controls and graphics are OK, but what happens during gameplayI'm sure the biggest problem with this game is the way the levels are planned. Controls and graphics are OK, but what happens during gameplay is not really fun. The Mandragora and Nitro level is so damn terrible.… Full Review »
  3. AValis
    Mar 19, 2022
    9
    As a man, I generally enjoy playing games in which I am a male. A lot of female characters in media are obnoxious, and can come off asAs a man, I generally enjoy playing games in which I am a male. A lot of female characters in media are obnoxious, and can come off as attention grubbing (Lara Croft, etc). This is one game where they designed and really thought out a heroine who is regular but fantastic, and a joy to take control of. Navigating the somber 3D environments that nod endlessly to the NES makes me wonder why many Castlevania purists turn their nose up at this cart - perhaps because being Carrie Fernandez is more fun than ol' Reinhardt? (Though his presence begs you to play through once more, extending it's replayability considerably). This is a dark and impressive game, and belongs next to every N64.… Full Review »
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