VS.

VS.

For those who are unfamiliar with game battles here are the basic rules: games that are somewhat linked to one another are chosen. These games then enter in combat, thunder-dome style, to determine which one is better. There are 7 different criteria that these games go through: Graphics/Animation, Gameplay, Sound/Music, Challenge, Controls, and a final wild card category that could be anything. Each category has a 1-5 star rating, with the exception of the wild card category where the points are doubled. At the end of it all the points are tabulated and a winner is decided. Now all decisions are final. Don’t complain to me that your game lost, suck it up this is a Game Battle!

Its Halloween! A time of the year you can go around scaring the piss out of people and not getting arrested for it. The candy comes by the metric ton, the costumes range from scary to slutty, and many apple ciders are to be had. Among the pumpkin carvings and treat R treating people want to replay games that scare them, now granted most people will go and tell you how scary a game is and if it is worth its salt to play again. However this is a game battle, and we do things differently.

In this installment we are going to cover the 16 bit Castlevania games...wait I was handed a note. It appears Super Castlevania 4 will not be here due to the fact I need to find a reason to keep you reading this until the end so bleh. Todays competitors are going to be Castlevania Bloodlines, and both versions of Dracula X.

Round 1: Graphics/Animation

Let me answer the most common question now: yes I omitted Bloodlines from the top 25 genesis games list since I didn't play it, however since then I score a CIB copy and I have to say that I was blown away. For a console that tended to have lesser graphics then its other counter parts I was blown away at what they were able to pull off, and on top of that the animation was really good too.

Rondo of Blood for those who do not know was a Turbo Super CD game. Which means that in order to play this legitimately you needed to either have a turbo duo or a turbo graphix with its CD add on with a super system 2.0 card or higher. In either case you are looking at a pretty penny to play, however when you do pop it in you realize all that money was totally worth it. The CD animations and cut-scenes are so so timeless with blending the right amount of pixelated perfection with anime style cut scenes.

Now since the game was a big hit in Japan they decided to port it to the SNES, however many things were lost in translation, to the point that the fan-boys out the series will call this port a bastard child and poo poo it for being inferior. With that being said the graphics on it are really really good. The Mode 7 effects made technically seem bad, have the execution of them turn it into something enjoyable to see. All these games have great graphic, however the nod in this round goes to the TG CD.

Bloodlines 4.5/5

Rondo of Blood 5/5

Dracula X 4/5

Round 2: Gameplay

Its classic Castlevania, walk to the right and whip people what else do you want me to say? Well actually there is more to say in this, Bloodline has a pair of bad-asses to chose, both with unique traits and weapons that makes playing the game twice worth while for you to do. Rondo of Blood have a mired of paths to go into, making each playthrough unique and you have the potential on saving your Maria Renard who can kick your ass with animals. Who needs a whip, she got doves and she isn't afraid to use them! Dracula X has a similar setup, however the world doesn't have as many secret paths and you only have one playable character the entire time. Winner goes to the more replay value of Rondo of Blood.

Bloodlines 4.5/5

Rondo of Blood 5/5

Dracula X 4/5

Round 3: Sound/Music

What better way to rock out while kicking the undaed's ass by jamming to pipe organs and base kicks? Honestly the series is known for dominating in this category and striking the right chords. Bloodlines was able to making a kicking track or two for the little system that did. Rondo of blood had the benefit of CD technology to really get you pumped and make every single action stand out. Dracula X uses the sound card very well, however the winner is going to be the game that did the most with the least, yes bloodlines you get the win.

Bloodlines 5/5

Rondo of Blood 4/5

Dracula X 3/5

Round 4: Story

It's that time again for one sentence summarises:

Bloodlines: June 1914 the crown prince of Austria dies, Elizabeth Bartley does a sacrifice to revive him, Dracula gives him all the souls of WWI solders, bring on the decedents of Belmont!

Rondo of Blood: 1972: Dark Priest Shaft (no that is his real name) revives Dracula to take over the world, they build up forces and attack a village of Richter Belmont, kidnapping his sister and girlfriend, Richter gets mad and wants his girls back.

Dracula X: See Rondo of Blood.

Winner goes to bloodlines because they actually give you a motivation behind the action.

Bloodlines 4/5

Rondo of Blood 3/5

Dracula X 3/5

Round 5: Challenge

Ok, yes all of these games are hard, but what game is going to give you the hard that keeps you coming back for more. Bloodlines does a nice job however the level design while appearing to be amazing for a genesis game hinders with with a lot of deaths that you have. Rondo also does this in a subtle manner, however what is going to make this one unique is the fact that the multiple paths and secrets in each area will keep you on the edge hitting every block you can. Dracula X actually focuses on the level design the best, although it does not have as many branching paths, the core level makes up for it. Winner is Dracula X.

Bloodlines 3/5

Rondo of Blood 4/5

Dracula X 5/5

Round 6: Controls

Again, in this case all three games have similar controls, and all of which feel the way you expect, total wash here.

Bloodlines 3/5

Rondo of Blood 3/5

Dracula X 3/5

Round 7: Scariest Game

Let's face it, these games are in the horror area, but normally give you nightmares due to the challenging gameplay rather then the atmosphere they are trying to pull off. Bloodlines uses phobias to enhance its scares (water raising from the ground, climbing to a tall tower, etc.). Rondo of Blood goes for the cut-scene scare and uses an "anime style" for added effect. Dracula X goes with the backgrounds to enhance each area in what is taking place in the foreground. Although it is tight, winner will go to Rondo for the fact that the cut-scenes plus CD audio and backgrounds work together to give you the biggest creepy experience.

Bloodlines 1/3

Rondo of Blood 3/3

Dracula X 2/3

Final Verdict

It is time to grab your crosses and garlic, here comes the final results.

Bloodlines 26/36

Rondo of Blood 30/36

Dracula X 26/36

Well there you have it, Rondo of Blood does indeed win this challenge, all three games are must plays for Castlevania fans and all of them are going to give you the most run for your money. Go ahead and plunker down and enjoy the Halloween with any of these great titles. Now to answer the next question of Rondo vs. Castlevania IV, winner goes to Rondo. I gave SCIV a 23 and Rondo gets a 24. All in all these are great games and you need to play them. Until next time you never know what you are going to expect in the next GAME BATTLE!