Castlevania Bloodlines

The Belmont family tree will die unless you unleash your rage on the undead.

NA release: 17th March 1994
JP release: 18th March 1994
EU release: 20th March 1994
AKA: Castlevania: The New Generation (Europe), Vampire Killer (Japan)
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Sega Magazine UK Review: 86%
Platforms: Mega Drive
Version Played: Mega Drive

With the SNES and PC Engine getting their own Castlevanias, Konami didn’t want the Mega Drive to be left out, so a new Castlevania was developed, called Bloodlines or The New Generation. It’s set after Quincy Morris (from the original Dracula novel) has finally killed Dracula – dead dead and not “come back after 100 years or so” dead, and the world experiences a short era of peace. However, the niece of Dracula has other plans. She waits for the right moment and assassinates Archduke Franz Ferdinand – causing World War 1. During the chaos, she takes Dracula’s body and travels across Europe to resurrect him.

You play as either John Morris (the son of Quincy) wielding the trusty Vampire Killer whip or Eric Lecarde, who uses a new weapon called the Alucard Spear. On top of having slightly different ranges and damage, they also have a unique ability. The whip can hook onto the ceiling and be used as a rope (and you can string a few together), while the spear can be used for a tall, straight up jump. These are used for a few slightly different routes, but there aren’t many moments where that happens.

One thing that’s clearly evident about this game is how much it oozes Mega Drive. It doesn’t feel like they designed a Castlevania game and made it work on the Mega Drive, but one that was made very specifically for the system. The graphics, movement, sound effects and movement all just feel like Sega themselves had a hand in it, and there’s just something truly great about it. Bloodlines could be used as a brilliant example of what made the Mega Drive such fun.

The graphical effects really impact the level design as well, such as the tilting effects and 3D looking platforms used for a level set in the leading tower of Pisa and some beautiful reflections at a shrine to Atlantis in Greece. Unlike Super Castlevania, the graphics serve the gameplay extremely well and it’s nice to have some varied and great looking stages.

Gameplay wise, it’s typical Castlevania, but feels good. The subweapons have been given an overhaul as they now have a secondary, more powerful attack (which consumes more hearts) and collecting two of the same subweapons in a row will give each character their own unique ultra powerful weapon, which can come in very handy for bosses. It really made me more careful about looking for the subweapons.

All in all, this just feels great to play and is a wonderful example of Castlevania. The varied locations are a breath of fresh air and it’s just all round a wonderful game to play. It’s not just a great example of Castlevania, but also a great example of the Mega Drive. All in all, it’s just an absolute Blast to play.

Fave

Although Castlevania is another platform game, the action is fast, slick, and very compelling. There are six massive levels, although getting through to the final confrontation is quite simple owing to the game’s password system which effectively gives you an infinite amount of continues. Luckily, with two characters to complete the game with, along with the game’s sheer playability, Castlevania: The New Generation is still a creditable title. Not quite as slick and fab as Rocket Knight Adventures, but compelling nonetheless.
Sega Magazine UK Issue #2

Remake or remaster?

The re-releases work well for this.

Official Ways to get the game

This is available in the Castlevania Anniversary Collection.