SNES Games I Love #3: Super Castlevania IV

On 02/03/2020 at 09:57 AM by The Last Ninja

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Developer: Konami

Publisher: Konami

Genre: Action Platformer

Release: 1991

Currently available on: SNES Classic Edition, Wii U VC, New 3DS VC, Castlevania Anniversary Collection

About the game: Super Castlevania IV is the fourth game in the gothic horror series, and the first one on a 16-bit console. This game has excellent atmosphere. It's actually a bit of a remake of the first game, although it adds some great new features, such as the ability to whip in any direction, and also to swing from certain points. Konami clearly wanted to show off what they could do with the new hardware, which is why there's an entire room which slowly rotates. Yes, it's gimmicky, but it was so amazing back in the day. There are plenty of standout moments, and the musical soundtrack is fantastic.

Why I love it: This was the very first Castlevania game I beat. Let's be honest, the first three Castlevania games are brutally difficult. Konami dialed down the difficulty here, which I think is great. I remember how excited I was when I beat Dracula. This is just a great experience, and the overall game holds up pretty well.

KnightDriver

02/03/2020 at 04:52 PM

I love the look of the Castlevania games but I'm terrible at playing them. I may try one again and see if I've matured enough for the challenge.

The Last Ninja

02/04/2020 at 12:18 AM

This one would be a great one for you then because it's probably the easiest in the series. Honestly, I'm pretty terrible at these games too, but managed to finish this one. Definitely give it a shot.

daftman

02/04/2020 at 01:06 AM

I haven't played this since I first got the actual cart back in the day. I should really revisit it. Great game! And there are some surprising jazz moments in the soundtrack. Smoooooth Drac!

02/04/2020 at 10:36 PM

You should play it again. You can play through the whole game in under an hour.

Cary Woodham

02/04/2020 at 08:29 AM

Like Darius Twin, I only rentd Super Castlevania IV a couple of times. I was never a big Castlevania person, but I liked the SNES so much I was willing to give a lot of games more of a chance on that system. The thing that impressed me the most about the game (and most SNES games in general) is the sound. Very good music on the SNES!

02/04/2020 at 10:37 PM

SNES music is awesome! Of course, this is because of Sony's audio chip built into the system, but you probably know that.

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/21/2020 at 12:06 AM

I love Rondo of Blood and probably prefer it, but the dialed down difficulty in this one is definitely a plus.

However, I wouldn't say the difficulty is dialed all the way down. I still remember that room with the floating platforms that lead you into spikes near the end of the game. Oof.

PixlBit