Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

"The Music that will live forever"

User Rating: 9.4 | Castlevania II: Simon's Quest NES

By UnderHell | Review Date: January 20, 2007

It may seem I am generous with the high scores with the Castlevania series, but I would say that these games are among the best on the NES. Castlevania II was a gamer's delight, featuring a new quest style adventure for Simon Belmont to embark upon. Great music and solid graphics pumped the game up, while the same familiar Castlevania play control made battling the forces of evil easy to figure out. Along with new special weapons, Simon can now interect with townspeople, most of whom turn out to be filthy liars. This game was very poorly translated, which made finding some secrets next to impossible. And it is just plain funny to know that I know process Dracula's rib! In any case, on with the review!

Graphics=9.6 Very nice looking towns, fierce enemies, and haunted mansions. Everything about Castlevania has a smooth and detailed texture. It is clear a lot of time was put into making this a visually impressive game.

Sound=9.8 The day time battle theme is still a classic, though I believe they should have made it the night time theme as it seems to be night more than day in Transylvania. Why not a perfect 10? The mansion music is good, but not great and the night time battle music gets old.

Storyline=9.6 The classic Dracula storyline is one that inspires, draws on our fears, and touches on the supernatural. A great theme with some erie undead enemies.

Challenge=8.2 Castlevania II isn't hard to beat, but to get the best ending and acquire all the weapons is a bit of a challenge. The multiple endings made for solid replay as well.

Play Control=9.6 The innovative Castlevania system we are used to. There are less places for cheap shots, so the recoil from getting hit isn't quite so bad.

Overall=9.9 Which rounds up to a mighty 10. Maybe is the box art was cooler I could have given it that .1 more! A great adventure/quest game that was the buzz of the NES world in its day. This game, more than any other, gave Castlevania its good name!

Other Helpful Reviews for Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

• Rating:8.5

  Although it can be a bit punishing at times it's still a great Castlevania game with a RPG twist.

  By PerfectJones | Review Date: Feb 03, 2008 | NES

  Castlevania II for the NES follows the character Simon Bellmont, a vampire slayer. In every Castlevania game the point is usually quite simple: kill Dracula. Except this time you have to collect his body parts and burn ... Read Full Review

  3 of 3 users found the following review helpful
• Rating:8

  When it seems the job is done, a wounded and weary Simon learns there is still work to be done.

  By aryoshi | Review Date: Dec 24, 2009 | NES

  Underrated and overlooked, Castlevania II is most recognized for setting the base for Symphony of the Night but also for some annoying moments, which will be covered. The story takes place right after the first Cast... Read Full Review

  2 of 2 users found the following review helpful