Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest

Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest was a major shake-up, changing the formula of this beloved franchise. Expanding on its predecessor with RPG elements, non-linear levels, and puzzles, it changed the series for good. This retro 2D action game tried out a lot of ideas, and while not every single one worked, it's a remarkable example of risky design. Hunting Dracula by hunting down his body parts sounds like a fun adventure, and Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest delivers it.

Main Game Features

• Non-linear 2D action and platforming
• Recover the 5 parts of Dracula
• Wield magic weapons to defeat foes

Story

Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest takes place seven years after the first game, taking our hero on another crazy supernatural ride. In Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest, Simon Belmont returns, beaten and weak. While visiting the graveyard of his family, Simon meets a young woman who tells him that he has been cursed and is close to dying. In order to undo the curse and survive, Simon must travel to five mansions around the map, collecting the dismembered pieces of Dracula's body. Once collected, he'll have to bring them back to the ruins of Dracula's castle to end the curse once and for all.

The concept of Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest is wickedly cool, but it suffers a bit due to weird translations. Some characters have awkward lines of dialogue or are confusing, but it doesn't keep the overall story from being great. There are three possible endings to see based on how long it takes you to beat the game, encouraging you to play two more times. During Simon's quest, you meet lots of characters and see some pretty cool towns, making it feel like a properly epic journey.

Gameplay

Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest shares some similarities with the previous game, Castlevania, but it branches off with new ideas. Like in the first game, you control Simon Belmont and move through 2D sidescrolling levels, fighting monsters and finding items. However, the structure of the game is completely different than before, with a non-linear path that lets players choose how to approach the game. Players can explore different locations on a world map, including towns where they can talk to characters, find clues, and buy new upgrades.

Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest also has a basic leveling system, similar to one you'd see in an RPG like Final Fantasy. By collecting enough hearts, which are dropped by defeated enemies, you can level up your health over time. Rare magic weapons can also be found when exploring the various mansions of the game, increasing the power of your offense. Magic weapons include Holy Water, the Diamond, and more, helping you take down bosses and other tough enemies.

Conclusion

Overall, Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest is a retro action game that doesn't simply recreate the success of the previous games, but expands on them with new and interesting ideas. It's a lot of fun to continue Simon Belmont's quest seven years after he defeated Dracula, even with some of the tough puzzles.

Pros

• Multiple endings
• Dracula pieces are awesome to use
• RPG elements work well

Cons

• Not a lot of direction on where to go
• Unfair enemies
• Lots of backtracking

Simon's Quest keeps the side-scrolling action of the first game and adds some RPG elements. You play again as Simon, who's trying to lift a curse put on you by Dracula. The only way to accomplish this is to collect Dracula's body parts, reassemble them, and then destroy him. How quickly you finish the game determines which ending you get.

Simon's Quest is an excellent time-killer, and much longer than the first Castlevania. Its game scheme is similar to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.