Castlevania Chronicles

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 8, 2001
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. Cinescape
    83
    It's only too bad that a few extras couldn't be included. I would have loved to have a couple of the NES sequels on the disc. Also, all the technical aspects (graphics, sound) are dated (as they should be).
  2. PSX Nation
    80
    One tough mother through and through. It's a simpler, tighter, better-paced and more addictive old-school side-scroller adventure than 1997's "Symphony of the Night."
  3. Hot Games
    80
    This one is just a trip down memory lane that will bring a tear to the eye of old-school gamers, and tears of frustration to the eyes of newbies who don’t understand that this was gaming way back when.
  5. GamePro
    80
    A very brief but worthwhile addition to any Castlevania fan’s collection, but the uninitiated may find that the game’s platform-hopping techniques are behind the times.
  6. IGN
    78
    It is a concept and a series so classic, and so almost universally superb in all of its available incarnations, that it holds an almost unique place in the sort of collective gamer consciousness.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Chronicles has the classic formula I’ve come to know and love. Frustratingly good difficulty, cool extras – an oldie but a goodie. [Nov 2001, p.216]
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  8. GameZone
    70
    With a value price and sentimental value for long-time Castlevania fans, Castlevania Chronicles is a must have to the collection for fans of the series. However, outsiders to the following may not be very impressed by the older-looking graphics and gameplay – even with the minimal upgrades of "arranged" mode.
  9. GameShark
    70
    If you started your Castlevania trip on the Super NES or PSX then this will be a bit of a history lesson, rather than a 'must-have' purchase.
  10. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    You'll be surprised how the 2D backgrounds still hold up despite being 10 years old. [Nov 2001, p.166]
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  11. Gaming Age
    67
    While it may not sport the latest in eye candy, the game still delivers in the department that matters most – gameplay.
  12. GameSpot
    61
    If your first encounter with Castlevania was "Symphony of the Night" or even some of the SNES games, you'll be disappointed by the dated graphics, static gameplay, and lack of replay value.
  13. Next Generation Magazine
    60
    To be blunt, ‘80s flashbacks come with the territory here. Both whip-wieldin’ play and archaic visuals evoke images of an NES cartridge on steroids. [Nov 2001, p.112]
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  14. Games Domain
    60
    It's certainly a graphical step down from the usual PSX fare - for that matter it's a graphical step down from the NES.
  15. Gamezilla!
    58
    Castlevania Chronicles will probably only appeal to fans of the series who can’t ever get enough.
  16. Game Revolution
    50
    This game will really only make Castlevania devotees truly happy. If the original came out today, it would be quickly persecuted for how dated it looks and plays.
  17. Core Magazine
    42
    Gameplay is pretty shallow stuff, but it's also somehow more intense, and much more challenging, than recent games in the series.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS1 Game of 2001
24
#24 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2001
11
#11 Most Shared PS1 Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 31
  3. Negative: 5 out of 31
  1. Alkecyrax
    Oct 24, 2022
    6
    It's really like the old franchise games. A difficult game with instant kill levels and annoying flying enemies. Checkpoints could be moreIt's really like the old franchise games. A difficult game with instant kill levels and annoying flying enemies. Checkpoints could be more generous in Arrange mode… Full Review »
  2. onetimeusereew
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Absolutely amazing. Finally getting a thrilling classic Castlevania just as hard as the originals.
  3. Breaking_Canon
    Dec 4, 2018
    8
    Castlevania Chronicles is a reimagining of the original Castlevania on NES, originally released for the Sharp X68000 gaming computer in Japan.Castlevania Chronicles is a reimagining of the original Castlevania on NES, originally released for the Sharp X68000 gaming computer in Japan. The game would later receive a port for the PlayStation, with the original game (Original Mode) and an updated version (Arrange Mode). Original Mode is very difficult and plays like a second quest, where enemies do much more damage and the jumping controls feel stiff. Arrange Mode is more beginner friendly with easier difficulty and smoother controls. While the game doesn't bring anything new to the table as far as the Castlevania series goes, it's a solid entry in the series and worth playing for any fan.… Full Review »
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