Konami's classic 2D platform/action (and sometime RPG) game gets the obligatory 3D treatment. This game truly feels and plays like a Castlevania game, and fans of the series (old and new) will be rejoicing. The N64 needs this game just as much as the fans do. The N64 is dangerously low on 3D action games and this one is the best available.
I have been a fan of Castlevania ever since the first game. Each subsequent game has added more innovative gameplay and depth while maintaining the feel of the original. This game is no different. Although the 3D environment is obviously the biggest overhaul this game has seen in it's 13 year lifespan, it still feels like Castlevania. All of the classic elements and enemies of Castlevania that you have whipped ass on over the years are now in glorious 3D and done to blood curdling perfection. This game now joins Link and Mario into the successful metamorphosis of 3D.
You can either play Castlevania as Reinhardt Schneider or Carrie Fernandez. Since Reinhardt is a descendant of the good old Belmont family, he prefers the traditional whip to cleanse his country of the undead. Carrie is more into magic and martial arts. Each can find power-ups to, well, power-up their weapons of choice. As well, Castlevania purists will be happy to know that all of the secondary weapons are available such as Holy Water, Axe, Cross and Knife.
Fighting through this game can be a bitch due to the unrelenting pursuits of the enemies, especially those damned skeletons. Luckily Konami implemented the "Lock-On" button (default R button and oddly enough not the Z button) which will focus your hero on any advancing enemies. This game isn't a walk in the park; there are plenty of precision jumps to pull off, which thanks to the control are easily accomplished (although sometimes that pesky camera doesn't want to give you the best angle) and legions of enemies to fight, while at the same time trying to stop and pick up power-ups, health (beef and chicken), weapons, gold and red crystals. Things tend to get a little hectic at times, but it never loses the fun.
My biggest problem with past Castlevania games has been the stingy save points. This incarnation offers up more places for saving, so that you won't always have to head back to the beginning of the level you are on after you die. You must find the white crystal to do so, and they always remain in the level, so you can save as many times as you want.
Stopping to pick up the various power-ups is a one complaint of mine. I imagine the reason you have to press a button to pick up and item is due to the secondary weapon selection. If you have a great extra weapon like the aforementioned cross (sort of religious boomerang) and you pick up an axe (powerful but limited range) you lose the cross. If you could just walk over an item, then you might accidentally lose a good weapon. I understand this, but it would have been nice to make all of the other items (money, crystals etc.) instantly obtained just by touching them, and let the weapons be picked up via a button press.
The graphics, control and the music (which is thankfully used sparingly to great effect) are all topnotch. It would have been nice to have seen the 4 Meg Expansion Pak utilized so that we could see more of the environments at one time, but that just might have screwed up the tension Konami was going for.
Final Thought: Konami took the game seriously and although not very original or innovative, Castlevania turns out to simply be a 2D Castlevania done in 3D. It's done very well and I commend their efforts. Those looking for an exploration game, will be slightly disappointed. This is an action game with some RPG elements, and a lot of platforming! I bought this game sight unseen and took a $100 chance, so I'm extremely glad it paid off. A night or two rental will help you make up your mind (make SURE you have a memory card!!) but buy it sight unseen if you have to.
Final Analysis: