Overview: Considered by many to be the best of the NES Castlevanias. CV3 returns to the original gameplay style, and is expanded on considerably.
Story: This one takes place about 100 years prior to CV1, with Simon’s grandfather, Trevor Belmont in the starring role. Other than that, the storyline is similar to the first game: Dracula’s causing trouble, go kick his ass (get used to it; nearly every CV game follows this pattern).
Graphics: Some of the best graphics you’ll find on the NES. CV3 excels in this category. Maybe the sprites aren’t the best in the world, but the backgrounds are truly awesome for their time.
Sound: Same as the graphics category. A superb soundtrack that is truly memorable.
Gameplay: The game doesn’t play that differently from the first game, but it has a few changes. First of all, the path will split at times, giving you more freedom to plot your own course to Drac’s lair. Also, depending on what paths you take, you’ll run into one of three different companions who will join you; Grant the thief, Sylph the sorceress, and Dracula’s good-natured son, Alucard. You can switch between Trevor and his ally at any time, but you can only have one at a time (if you invite another along, you must get rid of whoever you previously had).
Challenge: Maybe not as hard as the first game, but it’s still tough. Thankfully, there is a password save system.
Final Rating: 8.5/10 I agree that this was one of the best Castlevanias out there. I sincerely hope Nintendo rereleases this game on their NES Classic Series.
