It was first released in Japan in September of the year 1986. Ever since its debut, it gained popularity worldwide. So much so that Netflix went ahead to make an animated series on it. Yes, Netflix's Castlevania & Castlevania: Nocturne is based on this infamous game from Konami. These series were aired in 2017 and 2023 respectively.
The main game series however contains 26 games! This excludes spin-offs and crossovers. Moreover, apart from the mainline titles, there are a few reboots of the game throughout the series, which are basically "retelling" of the story.
Despite Castlevania's confusing timeline, the game has a rich story that can engulf gamers even today! With that said, let's dive into Castlevania games in order by release.
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Castlevania
Release: 1986
Original Castlevania box art. Image courtesy of TV Tropes
Platform(s):
- Family Computer Disk System
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Commodore 64
- Commodore Amiga
- PC MS-DOS
- PC Microsoft Windows
- Game Boy Advance
- AT&T Wireless Mode Network
- Wii Virtual Console
- 3DS Virtual Console
- Wii U Virtual Console
The first title Castlevania was released in 1986 in Japan for the Family Computer Disk System, also referred to as Famicom. By 1988, the game was known throughout the world and later became available on multiple platforms like NES, Commodore 64, Game Boy Advance, Wii Virtual Console, and more!
The player controls Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter, as he travels to Dracula's castle to rescue his beloved Sarah. He wields a mythical, powerful whip infused with holy power, which he uses to kill Dracula.
Castlevania was a commercial success, selling over 1.2 million copies worldwide. The game also helped to establish Konami as a major player in the video game industry.
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Vampire Killer
Release: 1986
Platform(s):
- MSX2
- Microsoft Windows
- Wii U Virtual Console
Vampire Killer is a parallel version of the original Castlevania game. The players play as Simon Belmont here as well. While all the environmental & audio elements were the same, the gameplay was different. Instead of linear levels, it features a labyrinth-like level design. You need to find a key to progress through the castle.
The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and the player must use Simon's whip to defeat enemies and progress through the castle.
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Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
Retro box art for Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. Photo courtesy of Reddit
Release: 1987
Platform(s):
- Family Computer Disk System
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- PC Microsoft Windows
- Wii Virtual Console
- 3DS Virtual Console
- Wii U Virtual Console
Simon’s Quest was first released in 1987 for the Famicom Disk System. Later in 1988 it was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
The story is set 7 years after the first original Castlevania game. You play the role of Simon Belmont again who is on a quest to undo a curse set on him by Dracula during their previous encounter in the castle.
This installment of the game introduced new features like role-playing elements and an open-world level where the player can interact with villagers. The player is also able to trade with in-game currency and buy weapon upgrades.
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Haunted Castle
Release: 1988
Platform(s):
- Arcade
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 2 (re-release)
- PlayStation 4 (re-release)
Haunted Castle is the next side-scrolling adventure on the list. It is the first arcade game featuring a larger color palette, larger resolution sprites, and more details than the previous games.
A few other in-game things were upgraded too, such as the weapon upgrade system. The protagonist Simon Belmont uses a spiked club (Morning Star) to make his way through the castle filled with skeletons and the standard arsenal of undead enemies. Also, the game follows linear gameplay leading to the main and final boss Count Dracula.
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Castlevania: The Adventure
Release: 1989
Platform(s):
- Game Boy
- Game Boy Color
- 3DS Virtual Console
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
The next side-scrolling platformer was initially released for the Game Boy. Konami later released it for other platforms. ドラキュラ伝説 (Dracula Densetsu) or The Legend of Dracula is the Japanese title for the game.
Players take the role of Christopher Belmont this time who is an ancestor of Simon Belmont. Christopher goes on a legendary adventure to slay the evil prince of darkness aka Dracula.
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Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Release: 1989
Start Screen for Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. Photo courtesy of Wallpapers.com
Platform(s):
- 3DS Virtual Console
- NES/Famicom
- Mobile phone
- Wii Virtual Console
- Wii U Virtual Console
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
The next entry in the series is a prequel to Castlevania: The Adventure. It was first released in 1989 for the NES and soon became available to other platforms.
The story takes place centuries before the first Castlevania game in the series. The main playable character is Trevor C. Belmont who also starred in Netflix’s Castlevania. Trevor was able to take down Count Dracula with the help of three other characters including Sypha Belnades, Grant Dynasty, and Alucard.
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Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
Release: 1991
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge.
Platform(s):
- Game Boy
- Game Boy Color
- PlayStation 4 (CAC)
- Xbox One (CAC)
- PC (CAC)
- Nintendo Switch (CAC)
This action-adventure platformer was first developed for the Nintendo Game Boy. It is sometimes referred to as "Castlevania: The Adventure II: Belmont’s Revenge" after the first Castlevania game for the Game Boy.
The game’s story takes place right after The Adventure. In which Dracula kidnaps Christopher Belmont’s son Soleil and turns him into a demon. Players play Christopher as he stands up to save the village of Transylvania and free his son.
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Super Castlevania IV
Release: 1991
Super Castlevania IV Gameplay. Image courtesey of Flickr
Platform(s):
- SNES
- Wii Virtual Console
- Wii U Virtual Console
- 3DS Virtual Console
- PlayStation 4 (CAC)
- Xbox One (CAC)
- PC (CAC)
- Nintendo Switch (CAC)
You play as Simon Belmont as Konami recycles the basic plot and protagonist of the original Castlevania game. The mythical whip (main weapon) is now able to hit in multiple directions rather than just front attacks. In total you could use it in 8 directions and also hold the attack button to spin the whip blocking incoming projectiles.
The game also featured improved better-looking textures and 16-bit graphics. The game can also be said to be a re-release of the original Castlevania game. This featured entirely new levels and enemies as well as an almost completely original soundtrack.
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Castlevania Chronicles
Release: 1993
Platform(s):
- Sharp X68000 PC System
- PlayStation
- PlayStation Network
Castlevania Chronicles is yet another re-make of the original Castlevania also known as Akumajō Dracula in Japan. Players control Simon Belmont to hunt down demon enemies and finally Count Dracula himself.
Despite being a re-make, the game features a completely new engine with better graphics and performance. Moreover, the game also introduced re-designed levels, new stages, new gameplay, and new special items.
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Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
Gameplay from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. Photo courtesy of @CRTPixels on X.com
Release: 1993
Platform(s):
- PC Engine Super CD-ROM²
- PlayStation Portable (DXC)
- Wii Virtual Console
- PlayStation 4 (Requiem)
- TurboGrafx-16 Mini
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is the first ever CD game in the series. There are four characters that Dracula abducts who need rescuing. One of them Maria Renard becomes playable once saved.
You play as Richter Belmont who goes on a quest to save Annette from Dracula’s captive. The gameplay introduces 4 different pathways the players can take to finish the game. Based on the paths selected players face different environments and respective enemies.
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Castlevania: Bloodlines
Start Screen for Castlevania: Bloodlines. Photo courtesey of Verkins on Reddit
Release: 1994
Platform(s):
- Sega Genesis
- PlayStation 4 (CAC)
- Xbox One (CAC)
- PC (CAC)
- Nintendo Switch (CAC)
Castlevania: Bloodlines was initially released for Sega Genesis in 1994. The game showcases two new characters John Morris and Eric Lecarde. John wields the classic whip (Vampire Killer) and Eric uses the Alucard Spear forged by Alucard himself. Each character has its unique special abilities and controls based in a fast-paced action platformer.
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Castlevania: Dracula X
Release: 1995
Platform(s):
- Super NES/Super Famicom
- Wii U Virtual Console
- 3DS Virtual Console
- Nintendo Switch (CAdC)
- PC (Steam) (CAdC)
- PlayStation 4 (CAdC)
- Xbox One (CAdC)
This entry in the series is a remake of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood with a few changes. Firstly instead of four alternative levels there are only two. Secondly there is only one playable character Ritcher Belmont. Maria who was a playable character in Rondo of Blood is only a damsel-in-distress who you need to rescue.
The game follows the same plot where you set out to rescue your beloved Annette as Dracula abducts her. The game pays tribute to the old 8-bit game style and mechanics of that time.
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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Release: 1997
Classic Box art for Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Image courtesey of Wikipedia
Platform(s):
- PlayStation
- Sega Saturn
- PlayStation Network
- Xbox 360/Xbox Live Arcade
- PlayStation Portable (DXC)
- PlayStation 4 (Requiem)
- Mobile phones (iOS, Android)
Symphony of the Night is the first Castlevania title since Simon's Quest to use RPG-like elements released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation. The game now offered traders weapon upgrades, a world map, and character progression systems. It is a direct sequel to Rondo of Blood taking place only 5 years after Richter Belmont defeats Dracula.
This time players control Alucard, half-human half-demon son of Dracula. The game follows a Metroidvania style and also showcases the most detailed graphics ever in a Castlevania game.
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Castlevania Legends
Release: 1997
Platform(s):
Castlevania Legends debuted for the Nintendo Game Boy in 1997 (Japan) and 1998 (Worldwide). The game's storyline is set before any of the previous games in the series and deals with the origins of Count Dracula.
The protagonist Sophia Belmont faces Dracula to avenge her grandad’s death and rip evil from the lands. The gameplay offers multiple paths that the player can take but there’s only one correct path that progresses the main story. Moreover, the game adds difficulty levels and save states.
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Castlevania 64
Release: 1999
Platform(s): Nintendo 64
Castlevania 64 or Akumajō Dracula: Mokushiroku was the first Castlevania game in 3D. It debuted in the year 1999 for the Nintendo 64. The storyline introduces playable characters like Reinhardt Schneider heir of the Belmont clan and Carrie Fernandez heir to the powers of the Belnades clan.
This Castlevania entry in the series is a parallel story in the timeline. Since it’s the first 3D game from Konami for Castlevania, the game can be said to be a 3D platformer with complex combat mechanics.
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Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness
Release: 1999
Platform(s): Nintendo 64
Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness is both an expanded and remastered version of the previous Castlevania title. It was released in the same year 1999 and debuted for Nintendo 64. This also features a 3D world with a hack-and-slash type of action-adventure game.
The main protagonist of this game is a man named Cornell - who can turn into a werewolf. His sister Ada has been taken by Dracula’s minions as a sacrifice to re-incarnate the Prince of Darkness.
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Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Release: 2001
Platform(s):
- Game Boy Advance
- Wii U Virtual Console
- Nintendo Switch (CAdC)
- PC (Steam) (CAdC)
- PlayStation 4 (CAdC)
- Xbox One (CAdC)
This entry in the Castlevania series goes back to its 2D side-scrolling adventure mode. It debuted in 2001 for Game Boy Advance and was recently made available for the modern PC. This is a non-canon title that takes place in a different timeline from the Belmont & Morris Family according to the Konami Magazine Volume 20.
You play as Nathan Graves who uses the Hunter Whip to rescue his master from the grasp of Dracula. Despite having most of Metroidvania elements Circle of the Moon does not feature a shop. Players cannot trade or use any in-game currency.
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Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
Release: 2002
Platform(s):
- Game Boy Advance
- Wii U Virtual Console
- Nintendo Switch (CAdC)
- PC (Steam) (CAdC)
- PlayStation 4 (CAdC)
- Xbox One (CAdC)
Harmony of Dissonance was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. It originally debuted in Japan under the title Castlevania: Concerto of Midnight Sun (キャッスルヴァニア 白夜の協奏曲 Castlevania: Byakuya no Concerto).
The game was set right after Castlevania II: Simon's Quest in a 2D perspective. It had the same gameplay mechanics with 2D side-scrolling adventure Metroidvania features and RPG elements. You control Juste Belmont who is the grandson of Simon Belmont. He fights through skeletal demons and explores Dracula’s castle to save his childhood friend Lydie Erlanger.
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Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Release: 2003
Platform(s):
- Game Boy Advance
- Wii U Virtual Console
- Nintendo Switch (CAdC)
- PC (Steam) (CAdC)
- PlayStation 4 (CAdC)
- Xbox One (CAdC)
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow was released in Japan as Castlevania: Akatsuki no Minuet (キャッスルヴァニア ～暁月の円舞曲～? lit. "Castlevania: Minuet of Dawn"). Konami developed and published it for the Game Boy Advance in 2003.
The game’s story unravels in the year 2035 and showcases a more futuristic setting than any previous game in the series. The main playable character is Soma Cruz who can absorb monster souls. You play in this Metroidvania environment to stop Dracula’s reincarnation and stop evil from devouring the lands.
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Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Release: 2003
Platform(s):
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is the 3rd installment of 3D games in the series. Konami released the game in 2003 for the Sony PlayStation 2. The main character of the game is Leon Belmont who is on a quest to save his kidnapped fiancée from Dracula’s castle. The game is set in the year 1094 making it the first-ever encounter with Count Dracula.
The gameplay includes skeletons, monsters, demons, puzzles, concealed rooms and items, and many boss fights. It features a Metroidvania style from the currency items upgrades and map style. However, the Experience Points and Level-Up mechanics are not present in this game.
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Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Release: 2005
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Logo. Image Courtesey of Wikimedia Commons
Platform(s): Nintendo DS
Released in the year 2005 Konami made this game available only for the Nintendo DS. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is a direct sequel to Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. It continues the story with Soma Cruz as the main protagonist again. You need to put an end to the evil cult who are hell-bent on reviving Dracula the Prince of Darkness.
The game has several possible endings depending on the course taken by the player. Moreover, this entry in the Castlevania series presents a multiplayer vs. mode.
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Castlevania: Curse of Darkness
Release: 2005
Platform(s):
Castlevania: Curse of Darkness is a sequel to Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse released in 2005 for the Sony PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The story continues after Trevor Belmont slays the Prince of Darkness. You play as Hector a Devil Forgemaster who once served Dracula. He grew disgusted with Dracula’s ways and decided to live among humans. You and him are on a quest to save his fiancée Rosaly.
Since Hector is not a part of the Belmont Family he is not bound to the traditional Vampire Killer. Instead, you have different weapons like Alucard. One fascinating ability that Hector has is being able to summon Innocent Devils that aid him in combat!
The gameplay is 3D with a more complex combat system and improved gameplay action than the last 3D installment in the series. It is also said to be a more complete game world with a complete castle map making it one of the best Castlevania games ever.
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Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Release: 2006
Platform(s): Nintendo DS
Konami’s next release was Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin published in 2006 for the Nintendo DS. This game is a continuation of the story from Castlevania: Bloodlines. It is also the first game in the series to have co-op multiplayer mode. The game features alternate paths and two separate endings.
Portrait of Ruin is playable with two different characters - Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin. Jonathan is the son of John Morris heir to the Vampire Killer. Whereas Charlotte belongs to the Belnades clan who are known for their magical prowess.
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Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Release: 2007
Platform(s): PlayStation Portable (PSP)
The Dracula X Chronicles was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2007. It is a complete remake of Rondo of Blood featuring a 2.5D world with reworked animations, cutscenes and dialogues. The main playable characters of this game are Richter Belmont and Maria Renard. Maria has blood ties with the Belmont family while Richter is a direct descendant of Simon Belmont heir to the legendary Vampire Killer.
Apart from Rondo of Blood the game also contains a remastered port of Symphony of the Night that needs to be unlocked first.
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Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Release: 2008
Platform(s): Nintendo DS
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia debuted in 2008 for the Nintendo DS. The game takes place only a few years after Symphony of the Night. In the absence of the Belmont clan it is up to Shoana the main heroine and protagonist of the game to stop evil from devouring the lands. She represents the Order of Ecclesia, the only people capable of defeating Dracula.
The gameplay goes back to the classic 2D action-adventure style along with Metroidvania elements. However, there is no appearance of the iconic Vampire Killer anywhere in the game.
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Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth
Release: 2009
Platform(s): Wii (WiiWare)
The Adventure ReBirth is a reimagination of the original Castlevania: The Adventure. The game debuted for Wii (WiiWare) in 2009. The main character is Christopher Belmont who wields the holy Vampire Killer to destroy Dracula and his minions.
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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow promotional art. Image Courtesey of hanotsrii on Reddit
Release: 2010
Platform(s):
- Microsoft Windows
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox 360
Lords of Shadow was initially launched into the gaming world in 2010 landing on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. PC gamers had to wait until 2013 to get their hands on this gem. This game is a reboot of the entire Castlevania series giving players a fresh perspective.
The game revolves around Gabriel Belmont who seeks revenge against Dracula for his murdered wife Marie. Players are treated to a combat system that's all about stylish combos, a diverse arsenal of weapons, and a robust skill tree that allows for numerous upgrades.
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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate
Release: 2013
Platform(s):
- Nintendo 3DS
- Microsoft Windows
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox 360
The next title of the reboot timeline was published in 2013 for most platforms but PC players had to wait till 2014. The gameplay featured a side-scrolling adventure game in a 3D environment. Despite being 2D, exploration is not limited. The players are encouraged to explore the levels and submerge into the Metrovania elements.
The main playable characters of this game are Trevor Belmont, Alucard, and Gabriel Belmont. Each of these players has their own segment in the game reflecting their respective stories. Today Mirror of Fate HD is available to play with high-res textures, graphical improvements and better frame rates.
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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
Release: 2014
Platform(s):
- Microsoft Windows
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox 360
The latest release in the reboot timeline is Lords of Shadow 2 which debuted for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in 2014. The story follows that of Lords of Shadow. This is the first time players are in control of Count Dracula himself. But he is weak.
Players must journey through Dracula’s Castle to collect weapons to gather strength and attack the evil that is rooted deep inside the castle. Dracula and Alucard are the only playable characters in the game. The Belmont family also appears; Victor Belmont who claims to be the last of his lineage - but is not playable.
All Castlevania fans can still find the original Castlevania release for their respective platforms from ZenMarket! You can find exciting deals for all games in the series as well as official Castlevania merchandise.
For players looking to enjoy the main storyline of the game as it unfolds, follow the chronological order listed here. It contains all the titles related by story, one after another.
There are over 30 games in the Castlevania series which also includes remakes and reboots of the story.
The first Castlevania game was released in 1986 and was simply known as Castlevania or “Akumajō Dracula” in Japan.
ZenMarket offers every Castlevania game in the series available to purchase for Xbox 360, PlayStation, GameBoy Advance, and more.
If you are looking for Castlevania merchandise, ZenMarket is the ultimate destination for anime and game merchandise.