Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (CD)

Many Castlevania fans will tell you that the best classic whip game never officially came out in the West at the time of its creation — and they would have in mind precisely Rondo of Blood. This CD title for the PC Engine remained for many years a legend, whispered about only abroad, and today it ranks among the most revered installments of the entire series.

In gameplay terms it is the pinnacle form of the classic, linear Castlevania — that is, before the series turned toward the metroidvania structure. You control the vampire hunter Richter Belmont, cracking the iconic whip, collecting secondary weapons like holy water or throwing axes, and fighting your way through a series of beautifully designed levels to Dracula himself. The boss battles are memorable and the difficulty is honestly demanding, as befits a classic installment of the series.

What makes Rondo of Blood exceptional are the hidden paths and alternative levels, thanks to which the game has unexpected replayability. You'll even find captives who can be freed — including the playable character Maria, who offers a completely different style of play. Add to that the fantastic presentation made possible by the CD medium: animated scenes and an excellent arranged soundtrack in which the iconic melodies of the series ring out in full glory.

The visual side ranks among the best that was created on the PC Engine — detailed Gothic environments, fluid animation and an atmosphere that breathes horror romanticism. It's no wonder the game acquired an almost mythical status among collectors and fans.

The influence of Rondo of Blood is unmistakable: the character of Richter and the entire story backdrop became the foundation for the famous Symphony of the Night. Thanks to later remakes and ports, the game finally reached a wider audience as well, which understood why fans had spoken of it with such reverence for years.

Why play: The peak of classic Castlevania with gorgeous presentation, hidden paths and an atmosphere heightened by the CD medium — a must-play for every fan of the series.