The Evolution of Castlevania

I wrote in my article on shooters (as compared to action games) that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow was one of the upcoming games that I’m really looking forward to.  The Castlevania franchise has been around as long as I’ve been playing video games and although it’s had its ups and downs, it is one of the stronger, more prominent franchises of all time.  I think part of the reason for its success – as well as the success of any video game franchise – has been its ability to evolve.  From an 8-bit linear action game to an action adventure with role playing elements, Castlevania has evolved quite a bit over the years.  Below, you can check out each step of the Castlevania evolution.  (There are a LOT)

Castlevania (1986)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j03DVgCTLQs

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest (1988)

The Castlevania Adventure (1989)

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (1990)

Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge (1991)

Super Castlevania IV (1991)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxkq402gYEo

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1993)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5riRpl5EXc

Castlevania : Bloodlines (1994)

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Castlevania: Legends (1997)

Castlevania (1999)

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness (1999)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yJx4yI-dGc

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (2001)

Castlevania Chronicles (2001)

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuRT2oTPm-w

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ6j7SzAQxI

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (2004)

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005)

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqQM2tKUwUE

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8XTYimyWIA

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (2008)

Castlevania: Judgment (2008)

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (2010)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1FzIAC5dB8

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (2010)