Released in 1986 (JP) and 1987 (NA) for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Castlevania is a legendary action-platformer from Konami that laid the foundation for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. You play as Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter from the Belmont clan, tasked with entering Dracula’s castle and destroying the dark lord once and for all. Armed with your trusty Vampire Killer whip, you fight your way through six terrifying stages filled with undead enemies, deadly traps, and iconic bosses. What makes Castlevania iconic: 🧛 Gothic horror theme inspired by classic monster movies 🐺 Tight, deliberate platforming with challenging level design 💀 Infamous knockback that sends you flying into pits when hit 🎵 Legendary music, including "Vampire Killer" and "Wicked Child" ⚰️ Boss fights featuring Frankenstein’s Monster, Medusa, the Grim Reaper, and Dracula himself 🧱 Strategic use of sub-weapons like holy water, axes, and boomerangs 💣 NES difficulty that demands patience and precision Castlevania NES didn’t just kickstart a franchise—it helped shape an entire genre. The DNA of this game is still felt in modern Metroidvania titles today. This video includes the iconic title screen loop and real gameplay footage from the original NES version.