Every popular media franchise, whether it be books, movies, or games, draws inspiration from those that came before it. Castlevania, a legendary series, not only influenced the games of its time but also shaped a whole genre known as Metroidvania. Today, we’ll explore the games that share the same allure as Castlevania and have left their mark on the gaming landscape.
What Defines a Game Similar to Castlevania?
What makes a game a true kin of Castlevania or Metroid? Is it the atmospheric setting, or perhaps the gameplay mechanics? In truth, it’s a blend of both. The style and substance of a game can signal that it was inspired by the likes of Konami and Nintendo. In this article, we’ll delve into the games that predate, coincide with, and succeed the Castlevania series, exploring the influences they had on our beloved franchise and the inspiration they drew from it.
Games and Series Started in the Classic Era
- Adventure (1980, Atari 2600)
- Dragon Slayer (1984, Various Systems)
- Xanadu (1985, Various Systems)
- Xanadu: Scenario II (1986, Various Systems)
- Romancia (1986, Various Systems)
- Faxanadu (1987, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Legacy of the Wizard (1987, Various Systems)
- Sorcerian (1987, Various Systems)
- Dragon Buster (1984, Various Systems)
- Dragon Buster II: Yami no Fuin (1988, Nintendo Famicom)
- Dragon Valor (1999, Sony PlayStation)
Games and Series Started in the 8-Bit Era
- Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1985, Various Systems)
- Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (1988, Various Systems)
- Gargoyle’s Quest: Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1990, Nintendo Game Boy)
- Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (1991, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Gargoyle’s Quest II: The Demon Darkness (1992, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Demon’s Crest (1994, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Makaimura for WonderSwan (1999, WonderSwan)
- Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins (2006, PlayStation Portable)
- Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection (2021, Nintendo Switch)
- The Goonies (1986, Various Systems)
- The Goonies II (1987, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- The Legend of Zelda (1986, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1988, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Knightmare: Demon Castle Legend (1986, MSX Computer)
- The Maze of Galious: Knightmare II (1987, MSX Computer)
- Metroid (1986, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991, Nintendo Game Boy)
- Super Metroid (1994, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Metroid Fusion (2002, Nintendo Game Boy Advance)
- Metroid: Zero Mission (2004, Nintendo Game Boy Advance)
- Metroid: Samus Returns (2017, Nintendo 3DS)
- Metroid Dread (2021, Nintendo Switch)
- Rygar (1987, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- XZR: Hakai no Guzo (1988, Various Systems)
- XZR II: Kanketsuhen (1988, Various Systems)
- Exile (1991, NEC TurboGrafx-16 & Sega Genesis)
- Exile: Wicked Phenomenon (1992, NEC TurboGrafx-16)
- The Battle of Olympus (1988, Nintendo Entertainment System & Nintendo Game Boy)
- 8 Eyes (1988, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Ninja Gaiden (1988, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (1991, Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Ninja Gaiden (1991, Sega Game Gear)
- Ninja Gaiden Shadow (1991, Nintendo Game Boy)
- Ninja Gaiden (1992, Sega Master System)
- Holy Diver (1989, Nintendo Famicom)
Games and Series Started in the 16-Bit Era
- Wanderers from Ys (1989, Various Systems)
- Cadash (1989, Various Systems)
- Actraiser (1990, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Actraiser 2 (1993, Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Actraiser Renaissance (2021, Various Systems)
- Master of Darkness (1992, Sega Master System & Sega Game Gear)
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993, Various Systems)
- Rusty (1993, Various System)
Games and Series Started in the Post-64-Bit Era
- Shantae (2002, Nintendo Game Boy Color)
- Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (2010, Various Systems)
- Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (2014, Nintendo 3DS & Nintendo WiiU)
- Shantae: Half-Genie Hero (2016, Various Systems)
- Shantae and the Seven Sirens (2019, Various Systems)
- Mega Man Network Transmission (2003, Nintendo GameCube)
- Shaman King: Master of Spirits (2004, Nintendo Gameboy Advance)
- Shaman King: Master of Spirits 2 (2005, Nintendo Gameboy Advance)
- Koumajou Densetsu: Scarlet Symphony (2009, Personal Computers)
- Koumajou Densetsu II: Stranger’s Requiem (2010, Personal Computers)
- Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony (2021, Personal Computers)
Games and Series Started in the Modern Era
- Shovel Knight (2014, Various Systems)
- Odallus: The Dark Call (2015, Various Systems)
- The Mummy Demastered (2017, Various Systems)
- Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon (2018, Various Systems)
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019, Various Systems)
- Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 (2020, Various Systems)
- Chasm (2018, Various Systems)
- Dead Cells (2018, Various Systems)
- Dead Cells: Rise of the Giant (2019, Various Systems)
- Dead Cells: The Bad Seed (2020, Various Systems)
- Dead Cells: Fatal Falls (2021, Various Systems)
- Dead Cells: The Queen and the Sea (2022, Various Systems)
- Dead Cells: Return To Castlevania (2023, Various Systems)
- Timespinner (2018, Various Systems)
- Blasphemous (2019, Personal Computers)
- Blasphemous 2 (2023, Personal Computers)
- Wallachia: Reign of Dracula (2020, Various Systems)
- Midnight Castle Succubus (2020, Personal Computers)
- Crypt Stalker (2020, Personal Computers)
- Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (2021, Personal Computers)
- Infernax (2022, Various Systems)
- Vampire Survivors (2022, Various Systems)
- Gal Guardians: Demon Purge (2023, Various Systems)
- 9 Years of Shadows (2023, Various Systems)
Upcoming Games
- Gestalt: Steam & Cinder (TBD 2023, Personal Computers)
- Afterimage (TBD 2023, Various Systems)
- Brave Earth Prologue (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
- Carpathian Night (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
- Deathchron (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
- The Last Faith (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
- Lords of Exile (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
- Mariachi Legends (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
- Mandragora (TBD Eventually, Various Systems)
- Rune Fencer Illyia (TBD Eventually, Various Systems)
- The Transylvania Adventure of Simon Quest (TBD Eventually, Personal Computers)
These are just a few of the games that share the spirit of Castlevania. From the classic era to the modern day, game developers have been captivated by the gothic atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and immersive storytelling of the Castlevania series. Whether you’re a fan of the original games or looking for new experiences in the genre, these titles will surely satisfy your craving for thrilling adventures in dark and mysterious worlds. So grab your whip and prepare to embark on a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
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