Castlevania

 Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Dec 31, 1998
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
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  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 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.
  2. LuigiCuau
    Oct 25, 2018
    10
    Es un juegazo, el mejor juego de Castlevania, para ser e primer juego en 3D de esta saga es épico, jefes épicos, banda sonora historica, personajes que amas, tienes niveles increíbles como Tower Of Sorcery, Duel Tower, Tower of Execution etc etc, finales diferentes que dependen de lo que pase en tu aventura y nuevos trajes, la verdad es un juegazo que tristemente la gente no valora. paraEs un juegazo, el mejor juego de Castlevania, para ser e primer juego en 3D de esta saga es épico, jefes épicos, banda sonora historica, personajes que amas, tienes niveles increíbles como Tower Of Sorcery, Duel Tower, Tower of Execution etc etc, finales diferentes que dependen de lo que pase en tu aventura y nuevos trajes, la verdad es un juegazo que tristemente la gente no valora. para mi es el mejor juego del N64 junto al Legacy Of Darkness… Expand
  3. IsraelH.
    Nov 2, 2003
    10
    It is a good game when you get to the end you jack@$$e$.
  4. LandonC.
    Dec 16, 2003
    10
    Personnally, I think that this game is underrated. Sometimes yes the camera angles get in the way, and the graphics aren't what some people may expect, but I picked it up for looks and I loved it! You can't just say the game sucks. The storyline is prettymuch 80% of what makes a game good and this game is going to make me buy castlevania from now on and I am very glad someone Personnally, I think that this game is underrated. Sometimes yes the camera angles get in the way, and the graphics aren't what some people may expect, but I picked it up for looks and I loved it! You can't just say the game sucks. The storyline is prettymuch 80% of what makes a game good and this game is going to make me buy castlevania from now on and I am very glad someone made a game like this because all of the other vampire books suck and this is one of my favorite games. Thanks Konami!… Expand
  5. PenningtonP.
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    I love this game to me it is a must have. litterly. the graphics are pretty good the game is good and the characters are awesome like reinheardt and his whip carrie is an awsome magison and malus well he just freacks me out more than the maze but hes cool I really suggest it.
  6. helena23
    Nov 2, 2011
    8
    i liked this game it had dark atmosphere the characters had personality, even though it had severe camera problems and bad implemented platforms the action and the story were fun enough to keep you interested
  7. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    8
    This game used to piss me off so much, but when I played it again when I was older I realized it was actually a pretty good game with a great atmosphere
  8. moricetimeofwar
    Jul 19, 2014
    8
    this game is SOOOO underrated. Trust me this game is AMAZING. Do not listen all of these castlevania fanboys who say this game is sucks. First, it's the castlevania with the best atmosphere, the music are greats, two playable characters (Reinhardt and Carrie) with exclusive levels for each, alternative endings depending on your actions and unlockable costumes. But don't be fooled by thethis game is SOOOO underrated. Trust me this game is AMAZING. Do not listen all of these castlevania fanboys who say this game is sucks. First, it's the castlevania with the best atmosphere, the music are greats, two playable characters (Reinhardt and Carrie) with exclusive levels for each, alternative endings depending on your actions and unlockable costumes. But don't be fooled by the first level of the game (forest of silence), the game gets better thereafter. However, the game suffers of problems of camera, the platform sequences are sometimes difficult due to the camera and the lack of checkpoints within levels and levels are often labyrinthine so you will be often lost. But these problems are nothing compared to these great qualities and do not listen to people who tell you that this game is bad, IT IS NOT THE TRUE. Greatly underrated… Expand
  9. SuperWooper
    Apr 30, 2016
    5
    The Nintendo 64 Era was a make-or-break moment for many franchises leaving their comfort zones of traditional 2D platforming and upgrading to 3D. For many franchises like Mario and Zelda, it worked out very well. For others like Earthworm Jim, it didn't work out so well and the franchises never had the success they once had. Unfortunately, Castlevania turned into one of those franchisesThe Nintendo 64 Era was a make-or-break moment for many franchises leaving their comfort zones of traditional 2D platforming and upgrading to 3D. For many franchises like Mario and Zelda, it worked out very well. For others like Earthworm Jim, it didn't work out so well and the franchises never had the success they once had. Unfortunately, Castlevania turned into one of those franchises after this game.… Expand
  10. lolek93
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    in those days it was a good graphics, phenomenal music (it would give a shiver and atmosphere), a story. The only drawbacks were not the best controls. But so on is one of the best 3d games in those days.
  11. CamyVero
    Sep 22, 2021
    7
    Se trata de un buen juego. La primera entrega de la saga Castlevania en 3D. Se trata de un juego lineal, no de los considerados metroidvania, pero no le falta nada de lo que hizo famosa a la saga; acción en escenarios tétricos, plataformas, puzzles y batallas contra grandes jefes. Se trata de un juego hijo de su tiempo, con los errores clásicos en la cámara para uno de aquellos primerosSe trata de un buen juego. La primera entrega de la saga Castlevania en 3D. Se trata de un juego lineal, no de los considerados metroidvania, pero no le falta nada de lo que hizo famosa a la saga; acción en escenarios tétricos, plataformas, puzzles y batallas contra grandes jefes. Se trata de un juego hijo de su tiempo, con los errores clásicos en la cámara para uno de aquellos primeros juegos en 3D, a veces nos veremos muriendo de forma injusta por esos mismos errores, pero es un clásico y a estas alturas se le perdona. Un juego recomendable para los fans de la saga y del gaming clásico. Le bajo la nota por debajo del verde debido a sus errores, pero en general es un buen juego y merece ser disfrutado… Expand
  12. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  13. Azuris
    Aug 10, 2020
    8
    Bought this Game this Week and it is much better than i thought.
    My very first Castlevania was Adventures on the Gameboy and so i've got the bad Experience of this Series right at the Beginning.
    After seeing the Review of the Angry Video Game Nerd many Years ago, i've expected a Mess with bad Controls, bad aiming, bad Plattforming and frustrating Confrontations. But after playing the    Bought this Game this Week and it is much better than i thought.
    My very first Castlevania was Adventures on the Gameboy and so i've got the bad Experience of this Series right at the Beginning.
    After seeing the Review of the Angry Video Game Nerd many Years ago, i've expected a Mess with bad Controls, bad aiming, bad Plattforming and frustrating Confrontations.

    But after playing the first Hour, i was astounished that it was a really fun Game.
    I think it helped a bit that i've played with the Retrobit Controller.
    But the overall Design of the Adventure is really well done and executet.
    Savepoints are found in really fair spots apart and Boss Fights aren't to frustrating.
    The Game feels more like a fair Challenge rather than a sadistic playthrough.
    This is my surprise Game for 2020.    … Expand
  14. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    8
    The first castlevania in 3D perspective. Epic bosses, great soundtrack and maximum fun. A little underrated in my opinion.
  15. Mvillalvad314
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    Incredible graphics An awsome videogame and a great begging of the Castlevania 3D world
  16. ylnylmn
    Sep 29, 2021
    8
    The game I expected much worse because of some comments. But overall the game was good. If I count the bad sides; The controls are not very good so platforming is difficult. The bosses are very easy. The game is short and there is a lot of platforming. The Maze part was very frustrating. The nitro part was a bit boring. If we count the good sides; First of all, some cinematics are veryThe game I expected much worse because of some comments. But overall the game was good. If I count the bad sides; The controls are not very good so platforming is difficult. The bosses are very easy. The game is short and there is a lot of platforming. The Maze part was very frustrating. The nitro part was a bit boring. If we count the good sides; First of all, some cinematics are very good, the story is plain but good. The atmosphere is scary and beautiful. The game had the atmosphere that should be in Castlevania games. I really liked this aspect, and that's why I keep the score high anyway. Otherwise, it is not good in terms of gameplay and variety. But I think it was a good 3D game for those years.… Expand
  17. Eebowai85
    Mar 6, 2021
    2
    This game wanted to be great but just didn't transition to 3D nearly as well as many other titles. This was an idea that was tried far too early. The tech just wasn't there yet.
  18. WoodyMax
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    I've enjoyed a lot of Castlevania games in my life but this one left the strongest impression. I think we can say that it's a different genre if we compare it to the 2d Castlevania and Ps2 version as well. With this one, and Legacy of darkness, you will be more immerse in a dark fantasy world. This is why it's probably the best one to be remade today in my opinion. It's good for what it isI've enjoyed a lot of Castlevania games in my life but this one left the strongest impression. I think we can say that it's a different genre if we compare it to the 2d Castlevania and Ps2 version as well. With this one, and Legacy of darkness, you will be more immerse in a dark fantasy world. This is why it's probably the best one to be remade today in my opinion. It's good for what it is but it could be so much more. I want to know more about the family living in the villa trapped after Dracula's Castle appears. This plot is so good that it could even be used for a horror movie by itself. Even Rose's story is heartbreaking and groundbreaking for this time but could benefit more work as well. I love the rocky actiony 2d games and enjoyed Lord of shadow too but Castlevania 64 has the potential to give something close to what should be a Castlevania today.
    A Souls like dark fantasy goodness.
    This game is good but it has been cursed, I think it's time to remove the spell and praise the sun to rain light on it.    … Expand
  19. 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 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 whyAs 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.… Expand
  20. 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 gameplay is not really fun. The Mandragora and Nitro level is so damn terrible.

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Nintendorks
    80
    A refreshing change of pace from most of the cutesy games that come out for the N64. It's a fun ride, and as the first 3d game in the series, it shows the versatility of the series.
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  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    88
    The first attempt to bring the Belmonts to 3D was, for its time, an excellent one. [Jan 2004, p.189]
  3. TotalGames.net
    85
    If you're prepared to overlook, or at least work around, the faults, Castlevania is well worth considering. The only thing that old hands at Castlevania will be left wondering is why you can't swing with the whip.
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