So what, to you, is the Definitive Castlevania "experience"?

Everyones got that one game thats just the definitive game in the series, that one game that you always return to, and you'll always suggest to others if they want to get the idea for the series. Whats yours?

Personally, its Castlevania 1. The level design, the sheer attention to detail and perfect game design is just...wow. Mind blowing. Its creepy and exciting, well done all around and pretty much the perfect castlevania game, in my flawless opinion. 

Nice to see this topic here. But once I read semi's post I got confused.

Well, the one game I can call a definitive Castlevania experience is Super Castlevania IV. They've really gotten the stages well done in that one. Music also fit it perfectly. Nothing much I can say, it was almost a perfect game.

Castlevania Order of Ecclesia comes really close, but while it's my favorite CV, I don't think it is a CV experience as much as Super Castlevania IV is. You don't have a Belmont, nor Alucard, and while there are references to the Belmonts, I don't think it's the same thing. All of that is helped by the fact that Order of Ecclesia is too grim for the Castlevania series. So it's not a title I'd recommend for a strict CV experience, but it's one I'd recommend as a definite 2D action platforming experience, specially if the targeted person digs this kind of setting.

But those I mentioned aren't the ones I'd recommend if someone wanted to get a feel of the series. The CV series isn't exactly about being the best it can be every time, so I'd recommend games such as Portrait of Ruin for the various modes or Symphony of the Night for the availability. I'd also recommend Castlevania Chronicles depending on the person.