Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Saturn)

There are games that define an entire genre — and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is exactly one of those. Together with the Metroid line, it gave rise to the term metroidvania, the name for action platformers built on an interconnected, gradually unlocking world where you return to previously inaccessible places once you gain a new ability.

Instead of a linear journey through a castle, the game presents you with a huge, interconnected fortress that you explore at your own pace. The hero Alucard collects weapons, spells and relics that open up new paths — a double jump, transformations, the ability to dive. Every new item means a reason to go back and look behind doors that had previously stayed locked. Added to this is an RPG layer of experience, equipment and stats, which makes exploration pleasantly rewarding.

On the SEGA Saturn this version came out with several exclusive additions — extra rooms and content that the port lacked elsewhere. The Saturn, however, was not ideally built for this type of 2D graphics with extensive transparencies and effects, so the version has a reputation as a technically shakier reworking compared to other platforms. Even so, it is enticing for collectors and fans of the series precisely because of the unique content you will not find anywhere else.

The gothic atmosphere, the unmistakable musical accompaniment and the feel of discovering every corner of the castle made the game an enduring classic that was followed by dozens of other titles even in other series. Symphony of the Night is still among the most frequently cited works whenever the conversation turns to where the popularity of interconnected game worlds came from.

The Saturn release thus stands in a special place — less technically polished, but richer in content, and therefore interesting for anyone who wants to see every face of one of the most important games of the nineties.

Why play it: The founding work of the metroidvania in a unique Saturn version with extra content — a must for anyone who loves exploration and gothic atmosphere.