Upstart Games' mission sounds simple: Re-create many of Konami's famous games on the mobile platform. Unfortunately, it's abundantly clear the task is not quite so easy in execution. Although Castlevania Part 2 showcases part of the acclaimed NES classic (specifically, the third and fourth levels of the first game, as opposed to the second game in the series), this version doesn't actually do justice to the original's gameplay.
If you haven't checked out the first installment of Castlevania on mobile, then Castlevania Part 2 might come as a surprise. To begin with, you start on the seventh scene, or the third level of Castlevania (for the NES), by picking up where the first mobile game left off. The original Castlevania was not a particularly long game, so to divide it into three games in all (the follow-up, Castlevania 3, will feature the end of the game) makes each installment quite short. In fact, after getting accustomed to the clumsy controls, you can easily beat this game in fewer than 15 minutes.
More distressing than the brevity of Castlevania Part 2 is the game's feel, which is hindered by a poor frame rate and terrible controls, even on the reasonably new LG VX7000. Sure, you can get accustomed to the frame rate after a while, but there's little excuse--especially in a game with this much emphasis on maneuvering--for it to be as choppy as it is. Even taking this into account, the controls are still awkward. Because of the control layout, it's difficult to have easy access to the movement keys, the whip, and the projectiles all at once, making gameplay much less fluid than it was in the Nintendo version. It's inconsistent, too. So at times, moving actually seems a bit too responsive. As a result, you'll probably find yourself falling into pits more times than you think you deserve.
In the end, this is acceptable, because even if you lose your three lives, you can always continue at that particular scene instead of at the beginning. Combine this with the game's length and your forgiving health bar, and your best recipe for success is to run as quickly through the game as you can. At the end of each level, you'll fight a boss (or bosses) that can be beaten easily with the whip and without the employment of specific tactics, aside from hitting him (or them) as many times as possible.
Visually, the game has actually progressed a bit from its ancestor. The colors and environments are noticeably richer than the original's, even on the small screen. The music is lifted almost entirely from its predecessor, and this is definitely the main selling point. In fact, being able to hear the classic and powerful Castlevania themes almost makes playing through the game worth it. However, since the music isn't restricted to this game alone, you would be better off acquiring an original, complete version of Castlevania, should the desire to disinfect demons strike you.
Although the source material is excellent, Castlevania Part 2 is an unworthy heir to the name. If you're looking for a solid mobile platformer, there are many more satisfying ones than this mediocre port.
