Simon Belmont makes the leap to coin-op
This week’s release from the good folks over at Hamster returns to the formative years of one of gaming’s most-loved franchises, as Konami’s whip-crackin’ adventureHaunted Castlejoins the Nintendo Switch Arcade Archives range.
Released in arcades back in 1988,Haunted Castlewas the firstCastlevaniatitle developed specifically for the coin-op market, following the home console success of 1986’sCastlevania andVampire Killer, and 1987’sCastlevania II: Simon’s Quest.A hodge-podge of lore and features from the monster-hunting series,Haunted Castlesees Simon Belmont battle through six stages in order to rescue his wife Serena from the evil Count Dracula. Oh, we also get to see our boy Simon getting married in a slick white tuxedo… during the middle ages.
Check out the action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuberNintendoComplete.
Despite the punch-up in tech power,Haunted Castlefeatures numerous mechanics and elements familiar toCastlevania, from its locations and monsters, to its use of whips, morning stars, and throwable sub-weapons.Haunted Castlealso contains both remixes and debuts of several popularCastlevaniathemes. For many,Haunted Castlewas an entry into theCastlevaniafranchise, and while it’s hardly up there as one of the series’ best iterations, its importance in bringing the legendary brand to a wider audience cannot be discounted.
Haunted Castleis now available to download on Nintendo Switch, priced at $8. It was previously released on PS4. It should also be noted thatHaunted Castleis available as part of theKonami Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection, although the Hamster release allows players the choice of Japanese, U.S., or European ROM sets.
