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I removed "Game Boy Color", as there wasn't a Castlevania game for that system. Someone keeps adding it back, for whatever reason...
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* '''Konami translation by Ken Ogasawara:''' Dracula, lord of darkness, master of the devil's castle, walks among us.</ref> for the [[Famicom Disk System]] (FDS), followed by an alternate version for the [[MSX|MSX 2]] platform on October 30. Although the MSX 2 port (localized in [[Europe]] and [[Brazil]] as ''[[Vampire Killer]]'') was released first outside of Japan, the series did not receive wide attention outside of Japan until the FDS version was [[Porting|ported]] to [[Cartridge (electronics)|cartridge]] format for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] and [[Internationalization and localization|localized]] for [[North America]]n and [[Europe]]an releases of ''Castlevania'' in 1987. The series soon became a recognized landmark in the design of action platforming games.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
* '''Konami translation by Ken Ogasawara:''' Dracula, lord of darkness, master of the devil's castle, walks among us.</ref> for the [[Famicom Disk System]] (FDS), followed by an alternate version for the [[MSX|MSX 2]] platform on October 30. Although the MSX 2 port (localized in [[Europe]] and [[Brazil]] as ''[[Vampire Killer]]'') was released first outside of Japan, the series did not receive wide attention outside of Japan until the FDS version was [[Porting|ported]] to [[Cartridge (electronics)|cartridge]] format for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] and [[Internationalization and localization|localized]] for [[North America]]n and [[Europe]]an releases of ''Castlevania'' in 1987. The series soon became a recognized landmark in the design of action platforming games.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}


The ''Castlevania'' titles have been released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Nintendo 64]], [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Wii]], [[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PC Engine]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Sharp X68000]], [[Commodore Amiga]], [[MS-DOS|PC MS-DOS]] and [[Microsoft Windows]]. It has also been released for [[Windows Mobile|Pocket PCs]], and mobile phones.<ref>http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=27053</ref><ref>http://www.konamimobile.com/gamedetail.aspx?rkw=castle</ref>
The ''Castlevania'' titles have been released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Nintendo 64]], [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Wii]], [[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PC Engine]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Sharp X68000]], [[Commodore Amiga]], [[MS-DOS|PC MS-DOS]] and [[Microsoft Windows]]. It has also been released for [[Windows Mobile|Pocket PCs]], and mobile phones.<ref>http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=27053</ref><ref>http://www.konamimobile.com/gamedetail.aspx?rkw=castle</ref>


==Games==
==Games==

Revision as of 22:40, 21 June 2009

For other uses, see the entire video game series.
Castlevania
File:Deadseries.png
Logo of the Castlevania series.
Genre(s)Action-adventure game
Developer(s)Konami

Castlevania is a video game series created and developed by Konami. The series debuted in Japan on September 26, 1986 with the release of Akumajō Dracula (悪魔城ドラキュラ, Akumajō Dorakyura, lit. "Devil's Castle Dracula")[1] for the Famicom Disk System (FDS), followed by an alternate version for the MSX 2 platform on October 30. Although the MSX 2 port (localized in Europe and Brazil as Vampire Killer) was released first outside of Japan, the series did not receive wide attention outside of Japan until the FDS version was ported to cartridge format for the Nintendo Entertainment System and localized for North American and European releases of Castlevania in 1987. The series soon became a recognized landmark in the design of action platforming games.[citation needed]

The Castlevania titles have been released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, PC Engine, Commodore 64, Sharp X68000, Commodore Amiga, PC MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows. It has also been released for Pocket PCs, and mobile phones.[2][3]

Games

Further information: List of Castlevania media

The very first console title, Castlevania, was a typical platform game in which the player takes the role of Simon Belmont, a descendant of the Belmont clan, a bloodline of vampire hunters. He travels to Dracula's demonic castle, Castlevania, and fights his way through its monstrous denizens, eventually destroying Dracula himself. Belmont's main weapon is the Vampire Killer Whip, while the secondary weapons, inspired by the legends and folklore regarding vampires and related supernatural beings, are powered by Hearts, found by whipping candles. Common secondary weapons include a dagger,[4] and a bottle of holy water.

Its first sequel, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, featured several RPG-influenced elements, including a world map the player was free to explore and revisit. The player could also purchase supplies, equipment and weapon upgrades in several different towns. Experience points allowed the player to level up by gaining experience from defeating enemies. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, while having more in common with Castlevania, included new features such as alternate paths with different stages and multiple playable characters.

A major turning point in the gameplay mechanics and overall aesthetic of the series was Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Symphony of the Night introduced a new style of gameplay, termed "MetroidVania" due to its similarities with the side-scrolling games of the Metroid series. It also used console RPG elements, such as collectible weapons, armor and other items. Most subsequent Castlevania games have since followed this.

In addition to reinventing the technical aspects of Castlevania, Symphony of the Night introduced a new aesthetic to the series. Ayami Kojima's bishonen art became a mainstay since its release. Years later, the first two Nintendo DS Castlevania returned to the anime style used in the original Dracula X: Rondo of Blood and Castlevania Legends among other titles, in hopes of broadening the player demographic, by not discouraging slightly younger Nintendo DS owners to be put off by Kojima's art. [5] Dawn of Sorrow was the first game to do this, and the second DS release Portrait of Ruin followed with the same style. [6]

The first games in the series to employ 3D graphics were Castlevania and Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness for the Nintendo 64.

Koji Igarashi has stated that if The Dracula X Chronicles does well, the series may return to the more traditional style of the original games, possibly suggesting further remakes for the Chronicles titles.[7]

The success of the Castlevania series has resulted in Guinness World Records awarding the series 7 world records in the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008. These records include "Most Games in an Action Adventure Series", "Largest Number of Platforms for One Series", and "Longest Castlevania Title" for the 1999 release Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness.[citation needed]

Common elements

Plot

Most of the Castlevania video game franchise has been about a war between the vampire hunting family of the Belmonts and Dracula. Almost every hundred years, Dracula is resurrected and the Belmonts must defeat him before he takes over the world. The upcoming Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is described as a reboot of the franchise, however very few details of the plot are known.[8]

Though most series games involve the Belmonts or their descendants, some protagonists, such as Soma Cruz and Shanoa, are completely unrelated. The series is loosely based on Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. The novel is included in the official timeline of the series, with Castlevania: Bloodlines taking place shortly afterwards.[9] The connection even goes as far as to claim that Quincy Morris, a character from the novel, is in fact a Belmont descendant.

One of the most iconic weapons of the series is the Vampire Killer Whip. It is described as a legendary weapon used by the Belmonts in the battle against Count Dracula, although it is sometimes passed through other families as well. Other names and terms used for it are the "Mystic Whip," and the "Whip of Alchemy." The most accurate story of its origin is shown in Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, where it is created by Rinaldo Gandolfi for Leon Belmont, a Crusader, through the use of alchemy. This whip is later fused with the soul of Sara Trantoul to create the Vampire Killer, which would be present, in one form or another, in almost every Castlevania game. The whip is able to help some Belmonts harness latent superhuman abilities.

Only those possessing the "Belmont Warlord Chromosomes" are able to use the whip's full potential without paying a price, for the whip simply drains the life of users who are not of the Belmont lineage. This was learned by John Morris, for after his battle with Dracula, he noticed that his injuries never healed. Unable to fully utilize the Vampire Killer Whip's powers without harming his own life, he soon succumbed and died. However, his son, Jonathan Morris, was able to receive the whip's full power for a short time through a ritual that was performed by the Lecarde sisters. The ritual required Jonathan to defeat the whip's memory of the previous owner, which was an entity bearing the likeness of Richter Belmont.[10] After Jonathan defeated Dracula, the whip was soon returned to the Belmont family.

Gameplay

Screenshot of Castlevania on the NES.

The earliest games borrowed source material from motifs in iconic horror cinema and monsters from the German Expressionism era of films. Examples include werewolves, Frankenstein's Monster, The Mummy, Medusa, The Grim Reaper and Dracula himself. Later games include most of the monsters from the earlier games but add a great deal of monsters from mythological sources.

Most weapons which players use to attack enemies are similar to those from the Middle Ages, and magical weapons often have elemental properties. Later protagonists have also utilized a variety of guns and explosives. Various clothing, shoes, and accessories can be collected throughout the game to increase the player's stats. Gold and hearts, which have varying uses depending on the game, are dropped by broken lights or candles and occasionally from enemies. Save rooms and teleport rooms are strategically placed to allow players to refill their hit points or instantly move to another area of the often labyrinthine maps.

Music

The music for the first Castlevania game was composed by Kinuyo Yamashita, of Konami's Kukeiha Club of composers, shortly after graduating from college.[11][12] She was credited under the pseudonym James Banana for her work on the Famicom Disk System version of the game.[13]

Most of Castlevania's music changes from game to game, but some themes recur often. These include Vampire Killer, composed by Yamashita, Bloody Tears (血の涙, Chi no Namida), first composed by the team of Kenichi Matsubara, Masahiro Ikariko, Kazuhiko Uehara and T-San,Beginning, and Bloodlines[14] , four very popular tracks, first appearing in Castlevania, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, and Castlevania: Rondo of Blood respectively. Several songs, including both Vampire Killer and Bloody Tears were also featured in the soundtracks of other Konami games, including Wai Wai World, Contra: Hard Corps, and Konami Krazy Racers. 柴田直人プロジェクト (Naoto Shibata PROJECT)'s version of Bloody Tears is often incorrectly attributed to Cradle of Filth on various peer-to-peer networks,[citation needed] but can actually be found on Perfect Selection: Dracula Battle, an album featuring hard rock renditions of several classic Akumajō Dracula (Castlevania) themes. Rap group Army of the Pharaohs also used a sample of the song as a background for their song, also called Bloody Tears.

Development

Localization

In Japan, the series is known as Akumajō Dracula ("Devil's Castle Dracula").[1] However, not every installment of the franchise had that title. For example, the first two installments for the Nintendo Game Boy were released under the title Dracula Densetsu ("Dracula Legend") and the game known in North America as Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse was originally released in Japan as Akumajō Densetsu. Castlevania: Bloodlines was also released as Vampire Killer in Japan. Starting with the release of Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance for the Game Boy Advance, the Japanese games adopted the "Castlevania" name for a brief period. According to series producer Koji Igarashi the developers chose to adopt the Castlevania title as a way to involve scenarios that do not solely revolve around Dracula himself.[15] After hearing demand from fans in Japan, Konami returned to the Akumajō Dracula branding for the Japanese release of Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow.[citation needed]

The series is also known for the differences between the Japanese and English language versions. Particularly in earlier installments, the localization process usually removes a heavy share of violence, nudity and religious imagery. Removal of such material is prevalent in Nintendo and Super Nintendo titles Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and Super Castlevania IV, because of Nintendo of America's strict censorship policies at the time. Castlevania: Bloodlines, for the Sega Genesis, was renamed Castlevania: The New Generation for European release to avoid the reference to blood used in the American title. In addition, blood was re-colored and the gore removed throughout the European version. Although censorship policies vary from country to country in Europe, Germany's strict "decency standards" inevitably affected the content released throughout the entire continent.

Merchandise and other media

Further information: List of Castlevania media

Simon Belmont was one of the stars in the animated series Captain N: The Game Master.[16] He was a member of the N-Team, a group of mostly video game characters who defended Videoland against the antagonist Mother Brain from Metroid. He does not appear in the Captain N Valiant Comics series because his copyright was owned by Konami. Dracula (referred to only as "The Count" in the series) was also one of the villains in Captain N. Alucard also appeared in one episode, though he was portrayed as a rebellious skateboarding teenager. Several other Castlevania monsters appeared in cameo roles, including Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, and the Skull Knight. Simon is portrayed as egotistical on the show and his physical appearance is radically different from his design in the videogame titles.

Action figure and collectible manufacturer company NECA officially licensed Castlevania to produce a line of models of characters due for distribution in October 2007. The first series includes Simon Belmont, Dracula, Alucard, and the Succubus from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. [17] Hollywood stuntman Daniel Weinstein served as the model for the Simon Belmont figure. [18][19]

In 2005 IDW Publishing released a comic book adaptation Castlevania: The Belmont Legacy written by Marc Andreyko with art by E. J. Su. It was based on the Castlevania The Adventure. [20]

On October 13, 2006 comic book writer Warren Ellis announced on his blog that he is on board to pen an animated film adaptation of Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse for Project 51 Productions. James Jean will be the art director.[21]

In the chapter W is for Winner of Maddox humor book The Alphabet of Manliness, Castlevania is listed as an example of a winner. In particular, he names the first game, Dracula's Curse, Super Castlevania IV, Symphony of the Night and Dawn of Sorrow as "winners".[citation needed]

In 2008, a graphic novel adaption of "Curse of Darkness" was released by Tokyopop in English.[22]

Film

In November 2005, Crystal Sky Pictures acquired the rights to adapt the video game series into a motion picture. The company attached Paul W.S. Anderson to write and direct the film adaptation, with production slated to begin in mid-2006.[23] Later in the month, Dimension Films entered negotiations with Crystal Sky for North American distribution of Castlevania. The film adaptation was estimated to have a budget of $50 million.[24] In July 2006, producer Jeremy Bolt explained that Castlevania will "integrate a Dracula origin story... with the story of the Belmonts". Bolt also said that the film would refer back to early versions of the games.[25] Director Anderson reiterated Bolt's description, adding that Dracula and Simon Belmont would be key characters in the film. Anderson also indicated that the "very lush, Romantic, Gothic look" of the 3D incarnations of the Castlevania series would be used in the film. He also expressed his hope in using the games' composer, Michiru Yamane, to score the film's soundtrack.[26]

In November 2006, Rogue Pictures replaced Dimension Films, who reneged over script differences, in handling North American distribution of Castlevania, with Crystal Sky Pictures handling international distribution. Paul W.S. Anderson described Castlevania to take place in many time periods, but primarily in 15th century Transylvania. The director and producer Jeremy Bolt had scouted locations in Hungary and Romania, with plans to build castle interiors in Budapest. Principal photography was slated to begin in spring 2007.[27]

In January 2007, director Anderson said the studio was still finalizing the film's budget, and filming would begin in fall or winter in Transylvania and Hungary. According to the director, the filming was postponed because production had desired snow on the ground for the film's forest scenes. Anderson described the locations: "It was like discovering Mordor as a real location — epic, dramatic, and above all scary. These locations haven't been shot properly in a mainstream movie, so that is always extra exciting... to put something on camera that hasn't been seen before". The director also revealed that post-production and effects work for Castlevania would be done in London.[28]

In June 2007, Anderson conceded directing duties to Sylvain White in order to take on the project Death Race, a remake of Death Race 2000. White, who played the Castlevania video game in the early 1990s, was attracted to the prospect of filming a vampire film. White explained: "Most of the vampire films have been present or set in the future, from Blade to Underworld, and I was attracted by the chance to make a dark, epic period movie that almost has an anime feel to it". The new director, who negotiated a salary of seven figures, will rewrite the script with Anderson's assistance. The premise will follow Trevor Belmont and his younger brother Christopher as they are ordered into service to the church, to take the cursed castle of Dracula and live up to the legend set by their ancestor Leon. Production of Castlevania was slated to begin in late fall 2007 in South Africa and Romania. Castlevania was planned for a late 2008 release.[29] In October 2007, Anderson said that he hoped to have a script within two or three weeks before the onset of the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike. Producer Jeremy Bolt said that production was intended to begin in spring 2008.[30]

In December 2007, Rogue Pictures halted active development of Castlevania due to the writers' strike and, later, the sale of the studio to Relativity Media and possibility of a screen actors' guild strike. Despite the shelving, White remains committed to direct the film.[31] "We still want to make the movie, but I can't say we're going into production in January or anything like that. It's a project that everybody likes. I love the videogame. I think the script is really strong. Everyone is really enthusiastic about it, but we're still in the process of deciding when the movie gets shot," Anderson explained.[citation needed]

On May 27, 2009, the Castlevania film was officially canceled.[32]

References

  1. ^ a b Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles Opening Movie
    • Japanese: 悪魔城の城主、邪心の神、ドラキュラ伯爵の復活であった。
    • Konami translation by Ken Ogasawara: Dracula, lord of darkness, master of the devil's castle, walks among us.
  2. ^ http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=27053
  3. ^ http://www.konamimobile.com/gamedetail.aspx?rkw=castle
  4. ^ "The in-game description of the dagger in Castlevania: Lament of Innocence describes it as a knife made of silver, as well as the axe. Description is contained verbatim at this link". 2008.
  5. ^ "Whip Smart: Konami's Koji Igarashi On Mastering Castlevania". 2005.
  6. ^ "Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Updated Hands-On". 2006.
  7. ^ "Castlevania: the mega-interview". Game Radar. 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  8. ^ http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/210643/konami-announces-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-at-e3-press-conference/
  9. ^ "Castlevania Storyline". The Castlevania Dungeon. Retrieved 2007-08-02. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  10. ^ Jonathan: The vampire's control seems to be fading. It's a success! / Charlotte: Well, of course. "No problem", as you would say. / Loretta: We... What have we been doing? / Stella: ... The heir to the Vampire Killer. Jonathan Morris, correct? I apologize for all that we have put you through. / Jonathan: Huh? Oh sure. N-No problem. / Stella: And Miss Charlotte, thank you so much for setting us free. / ... / Stella: One more thing. It's about the Vampire Killer. / Loretta: We can perform a ritual to unlock the power of the whip. Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Limited (2006-12-05). Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (Nintendo DS). Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Limited.
  11. ^ Personal site of Kinuyo Yamashita, Work
  12. ^ Personal site of Kinuyo Yamashita, Message Board
  13. ^ Castlevania Realm, Credits List
  14. ^ "Castlevania Song Bloodlines and it's remixes in ORDER". YouTube. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  15. ^ "New 3D Castlevania on GameCube?". GameAreFun. 2002. Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  16. ^ "Captain N - Television Series - Characters - Simon Belmont". Captain N Network. Retrieved 2007-08-02. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  17. ^ "Player Select Castlevania Series 1". [1]. 2007. Retrieved 11 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ http://www.stuntmen.com/about/lifetime_members.shtml
  19. ^ http://daniel.weinstein.net/
  20. ^ "Castlevania: The Belmont Legacy". The Castlevania Dungeon. Retrieved 2007-08-02. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  21. ^ Ellis, Warren (2006). "Castlevania". WarrenEllis.com. Retrieved 2007-08-02. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  22. ^ "Manga + Comics: Castlevania: Curse of Darkness". Tokyopop. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
  23. ^ Michael Speier (2005-11-02). "Dracula ready for close-up". Variety. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  24. ^ Michael Fleming (2005-11-07). "Dimension does Dracula". Variety. Retrieved 2007-02-13. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Stax (2006-06-28). "Castlevania, Death Race Buzz". IGN. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  26. ^ Chris Carle (2006-06-29). "Anderson Discusses Castlevania". IGN. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  27. ^ Adam Dawtrey (2006-11-02). "Rogue enters 'Castlevania'". Variety. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  28. ^ "Castlevania Update". IGN. 2007-01-23. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
  29. ^ Michael Fleming (2007-06-13). "White stakes out 'Castlevania'". Variety. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
  30. ^ Cindy White (2007-10-23). "Castlevania Gears Up Pre-Strike". Sci Fi Wire. Retrieved 2007-10-23.
  31. ^ Michael Fleming (2007-12-05). "Strike stalls two more features". Variety. Retrieved 2007-12-15.
  32. ^ Castlevania Movie Bites the Dust
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