Vampire Killer

The Demon King Dracula is resurrected!

JP release: 30th October 1986
EU release: 1987
NA release: N/A
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
The Games Machine Score: 69%
Platforms: MSX2
Version Played: MSX2 (JP)

The name “Vampire Killer” isn’t really the correct name for this game, it’s actually an MSX2 port of Castlevania, which was released in Europe under the name “Vampire Killer” shortly before we got the NES version of Castlevania (with the correct name). However, this is what the game is commonly referred to. Other ports of Castlevania, such as for the Commodore 64, are just inferior versions of the NES game, but the MSX2 got its own unique version with different mechanics and level designs.

For the most part, the story and settings for the levels are the same, but each one is split up into three distinct acts, with completely different layouts. The timer is thankfully gone, but it’s replaced with a maze-like structure. You’ll need to locate a key to get to the nest act, which is usually hidden inside a wall, which results in just whipping everything – although you need to be careful as you can trap yourself in an area. This seems to be mor bad design than an intentional trap.

The levels are also quite confusing as some sections loop form the last screen to the first screen (there’s no scrolling, so you walk off the side of the screen and appear on the next), and the route to keys will often require a lot of retreading the same ground to get to the door. Also hidden are small keys to unlock treasure chests for items, some of which replace your whip, such as an axe you throw like a boomerang.

The enemies menace to be more frustrating in this game, with many places where it seems impossible to not get hit. They spawn randomly and like to hover at the tops of stairs where you can’t touch them at all,as well as spawn on you when you reach a new screen. Making this worse is the lack of a continue function – die three times and back to the very start of the game. This is absolutely brutal, and even with save states and rewinds, I could only reach the second level due to fast enemies that require four hits.

Poor

The graphics surrounding the main characters are well presented and help to instill a little of the feeling of being in a satanic castle. Control is easy and when Simon whips out his weapon, it’s look out ghoulies. provides plenty although it can get a little Vampire Killer to do repetitive, the nice graphics and sound coupled with easy gameplay help to make it an above average product… something to get your teeth into.
The Games Machine Magazine #002 Dec/Jan 87/88

Remake or remaster?

It would be nice for people to be able to play this game in a collection.

Official Ways to get the game

There’s no official way to play Vampire Killer