Castlevania
News, coverage and analysis tracking Castlevania across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Shack Chat: Which developer would you like to see make a Konami game next?
Shacknews staff members discuss which developers they would like to see tackle Konami's classic franchises. Suggestions include Remedy Entertainment for Metal Gear, VS Studio for Bloody Roar, and Yacht Club Games for Contra, among others.
Original Castlevania Is Now Free on Mobile for Its 40th Anniversary
Konami is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Castlevania by offering the original game for free on Android and iOS mobile devices until October 24, 2026. This promotion allows players to download the classic gothic action game, which first launched in 1986, and keep it permanently.
The most underrated Castlevania games could be making a comeback as a Konami teaser gives fans hope for a 3D collection
Konami's 40th-anniversary Castlevania video has sparked speculation among fans about a potential collection of the series' 3D titles. The video featured artwork from Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, leading to theories that these previously console-locked games might be re-released. This follows the announcement of Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, a new mainline entry.
Celebrate Castlevania’s 40th Anniversary With Free Game and PlayStation Discounts
Konami is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Castlevania with a free mobile release of the original game and discounts on several collections on the PlayStation Store. The original Castlevania is available for free on Android and iOS from September 25 through October 24, 2026. PlayStation discounts include the Castlevania Dominus Collection, Advance Collection, Requiem, and Anniversary Collection, with prices starting at $3.99.
Castlevania Turns 40, And Konami May Have Just Teased A 3D Collection
Konami celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Castlevania series with a tribute video that may be teasing a new 3D collection. The video featured artwork from several 3D-era titles, sparking speculation about a compilation of PS2 and Xbox 360/PS3 games. Konami also announced sales for select Castlevania titles and new vinyl soundtracks.
Castlevania is free on iOS and Android for 30 days only
Konami is offering the original NES version of Castlevania for free on iOS and Android devices for a limited time to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. The promotion runs until October 24th in Japan, allowing players to experience the beginning of the saga.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 celebrated the past, and an uncertain AI future | Opinion
Tokyo Game Show 2026 focused heavily on remakes and existing intellectual property, with a less prominent presence of free-to-play and mobile titles compared to previous years. The event also highlighted the growing influence and controversy surrounding generative AI in game development, alongside a burgeoning trend of transmedia strategies and indie publisher investments.
Games Inbox: Is there an internet conspiracy against Wolverine?
Readers express concerns about perceived internet hate towards Marvel's Wolverine, questioning the backlash against a game with a generally positive reception. Other topics include praise for Onimusha: Way Of The Sword, speculation on future console prices, disappointment with Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, and discussions on the timing of new DC Comics fighters and Nintendo's franchise celebrations.
Let’s Stop Saying “Metroidvania”
This article argues against the continued use of the term "Metroidvania" to describe video game genres. The author contends that the term is too niche and inaccurate, requiring deep knowledge of two specific, decades-old game series. Instead, the piece suggests using more understandable descriptors for games that share characteristics with Metroid and Castlevania.
Cresata Reveals Final Fantasy XVI and Street Fighter 6 Voice Stars | Invision Game Community
Rocket Panda Games has revealed the voice cast for their upcoming action platformer, Cresata, during Anime Expo 2026. Ben Starr, known for Final Fantasy XVI, voices the antagonist Leo Vennghast, while Aleks Le, from Street Fighter 6, stars as protagonist Phaedon Ourasonis. The game, inspired by titles like Strider and Celeste, features fast-paced combat and traversal using a grappling Crescent Claw, and is set to launch on PC and consoles in 2026.
The Metroidvania Is Decades Old, But One Year In Particular Is The Undisputed King
The Metroidvania genre, while decades old, experienced its peak in 2018 with a diverse slate of innovative titles. This year saw games like Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, and Yoku's Island Express push the genre's boundaries by incorporating elements from souls-likes, roguelikes, and even pinball, making it an ideal year for both newcomers and veterans.
After 38 years, Konami's never-localized Castlevania-meets-Goonies NES crossover has returned as a Roblox clone
Konami has announced Wai Wai World Craft, a modern reimagining of its never-localized 1988 Famicom platformer Wai Wai World. This new version transforms the classic Castlevania-meets-Goonies concept into a user-generated content platform similar to Roblox, allowing players to create and share levels. The article expresses skepticism about the concept's market viability and limited tools compared to Roblox.
Quiz: Vad kan du om bossar?
This article discusses which game series features the best boss fights, posing the question to readers. It presents poll results showing Elden Ring and Soulsborne games as the top choice, followed by God of War and The Legend of Zelda.
Metroidvania Games Were The Original Open-World Games
This article argues that Metroidvania games were the original open-world experiences, predating modern open-world titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. It highlights how the exploration, gated progression, and sense of discovery in classic Metroid and Castlevania games laid the groundwork for the genre.
Metroidvania Still Feels Like A Niche Genre That Deserves Better
Despite the enduring legacy of Metroid and Castlevania, the Metroidvania genre remains niche, lacking significant AAA support and blockbuster sales. While indie developers have kept the genre alive with titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong, the author argues it deserves more mainstream attention without becoming oversaturated.
The Konami Press Start 2026 presentation is running right after this week's State of Play
Konami has announced its "Press Start 2026" presentation for September 3, 2026, at 8 a.m. PT. The 30-minute showcase will feature new information on Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Silent Hill: Townfall, and new titles Rev. Noir and Project Zircon. This event follows a period of increased activity from Konami, including revitalizing the Silent Hill series and releasing Metal Gear remasters.
Welcome To GameSpot Metroidvania Week
This article celebrates Metroidvania Week, highlighting the genre's growth from a niche category to a prolific force in the industry. It acknowledges the foundational contributions of Metroid and Castlevania, noting their respective release anniversaries as the inspiration for this week-long exploration of the genre.
Metroid Created The Formula, But Now It Faces The Same Uphill Battle As Everyone Else
The Metroidvania genre, pioneered by Metroid and Castlevania, now faces intense competition from numerous titles that have evolved the formula. While Metroid Dread successfully innovated by making exploration dangerous, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond struggles to integrate open-world elements with the genre's core progression. Nintendo must continue to find fresh approaches to keep its iconic series relevant.
The Metroidvania Genre Owes Credit To Much More Than Castlevania And Metroid
This article explores the origins of the Metroidvania genre, arguing that its roots extend beyond Metroid and Castlevania. It highlights early exploration platformers and RPGs like Aztec and Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2, as well as Sega's Wonder Boy series, as crucial precursors that introduced key mechanics.
Games Inbox: What will be in the Netflix GTA 6 show?
Readers speculate about the content of a rumored Grand Theft Auto 6 Netflix show, with some anticipating a short gameplay reveal padded with interviews. The discussion also touches on disappointing game leaks, the difficulty of modern Mega Man titles, and the current state of the Star Wars and Xbox franchises.
