This game is hands down the best in the Castlevania series, and argueably the best Action game to date. Gameplay: 10 Compared to all other Castlevanias, this has to have the fastest gameplay. Mainly because you use a sword instead of a whip, which attacks a lot faster then a whip does. And you are required to use a lot of fast attack in this game. The basics are pretty simpe to get down, but once you progress though the castle, you have to learn to react quick and learn to use your transformations and spells to get to hidden areas or to get past certain obsticles. It plays well as a side scrolling action game, but it gives it an RPG twist by allowing you to level up your character, buy/equip items, and learn spells, similar to that of the Zelda series. Although, I admit that you can become pretty cheap buy using certain items which power you up to make you nearly invincible. But if you exclude the use of such items, the game can become pretty challenenging and fun at the same time. Graphics: 9 The graphics are amazing for it's time. The sprites of Alucard are so smooth and well drawn. The use of 2d sprites and sometimes a 3d background have been worked together surprisingly well. The only complaint about graphics are the over use of some enemey sprites (ie bad guys that are just a different color but stronger) and a very small amount of enemies might have some bad animation. Other then that, this game has great use of colors and animation. Sound: 10 You can't ask for more in this game in the department of sound. Everything sounds great. From the character dialog, to the enemies, and the great soundtrack. The voice acting is done so well, and makes it enjoyable to watch the characters interact with each other (and usually argue). Replay Value: 10 Concidering that there are so many rooms in this castle to explore, and have to to get certain items or spells or transformations to get to certain areas, you will be playing this game for a while just to get as much of this game complete as you can just to get the best ending (which isn't much different then the other endings, but it's more satisfying when you fully complete a game). Overall, it's a great classic. Unfortunatly, Konami doesn't make another Castlevania like this one for console instead of handheld. But if you have the chance of getting this game, get your hands on it as fast as you can.
Other Helpful Reviews for Akumajou Dracula X: Gekka no Yasoukyoku (PSOne Books)
Overview: No other series quite conjures the atmosphere associated with Konami's Castlevania series. Hearkening back to the days of the original Castlevania on the NES, the combination of classic monsters, from Frankenst... Read Full Review
I've had this game for YEARS & still enjoy playing thru it every so often! As Alucard, you move thru the castle in an almost non-linear fashion - lots of backtracking! There's TONS of items & weaponry to be un... Read Full Review
