Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles preserves the precise 2D platforming mechanics of the original Rondo of Blood while introducing subtle refinements that modern players will appreciate. The core movement—running, jumping, whipping, and sub-weapon usage—feels as tight and responsive as ever. Veteran players will immediately recognize the deliberate jump arcs and enemy patterns, and newcomers can ease into the action thanks to adjustable difficulty settings.

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The remake also adds a dedicated Boss Rush mode, which challenges you to defeat every boss back-to-back. Completing this mode three times unlocks a charming minigame, adding replay value and a lighthearted break from the main quest. While the minigame is simple, it’s a fun diversion that rewards mastery of the core combat system.

Beyond the main campaign, the compilation includes the original 2D version of Rondo of Blood and a special edition of Symphony of the Night. You can switch between the faithful pixel art and the new 3D visuals on the fly, or revisit the PS1-era exploration of Dracula’s castle. In the included Symphony of the Night, you even get to play as Maria—complete with new voice work and sound effects—further extending the longevity of the package.

Graphics

This remake leverages the PSP’s hardware to render fully 3D environments and character models, yet it retains the spirit of the 2D originals. Backgrounds feature rich textures, dynamic lighting, and subtle camera movements that help immerse you in Dracula’s labyrinthine domains. The blend of polygonal architecture and 2D-like character design creates a unique aesthetic that stands apart from both classic and modern Castlevania titles.

Character animations have been overhauled to look fluid and expressive. Richter’s whip crack, Dracula’s dramatic assaults, and the flurry of sub-weapons all play out with satisfying weight and clarity. Enemies are rendered in crisp detail, making it easier to spot visual tells before they strike. Though some purists may miss the hand-drawn sprites of the original, the 3D models bring new life to familiar foes.

Unlocking the original games lets you compare side by side, and that perspective underscores how well the developers balanced nostalgia with innovation. The original Rondo of Blood looks pixel-perfect, while Symphony of the Night retains its atmospheric color palette and gothic flair. Switching between versions is seamless, and it highlights how the remake’s visuals honor the source material while giving it a fresh coat of paint.

Story

The narrative in Rondo of Blood is straightforward: Richter Belmont must rescue his beloved Annette, as well as serfs kidnapped by Dracula’s minions, and ultimately face the Dark Lord himself. Cutscenes are presented both in static illustrations and short animated sequences, effectively conveying the urgency of your quest without bogging down the action.

For those who unlock Symphony of the Night, the storyline expands in unexpected ways. Playing as Maria Renard offers a fresh viewpoint on the castle’s mysteries and adds emotional depth to Richter’s tale. The new voice acting, especially Maria’s spirited dialogue, helps flesh out her character and keeps the decades-old story feeling vibrant.

While the plot doesn’t redefine gothic horror, it excels in classic Castlevania fashion: memorable boss encounters, twists in level design, and just enough lore to keep you curious. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast or simply here for the whip-cracking, the intertwined narratives of both games deliver a satisfying progression from pulse-pounding rescue mission to RPG-infused exploration.

Overall Experience

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles stands as one of the most comprehensive packages for both franchise veterans and newcomers. The seamless integration of multiple titles—complete with unique features like Boss Rush and the Maria mode—makes this a must-have for anyone who wants depth and variety in a portable format.

Control responsiveness, combined with the option to switch between original and remade visuals, ensures you never lose the essence of what made these games great. The unlockable content offers dozens of hours of gameplay, and the minigame provides a charming incentive to perfect your boss-fighting skills. Whether you’re chasing high scores or exploring every nook of Dracula’s castle, there’s always something new to uncover.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on PSP hardware, with quick load times and stable frame rates even during the most chaotic screen moments. Sound design—from the whip crack to the haunting musical score—is expertly handled, particularly in the updated Symphony of the Night tracks. All told, this package delivers exceptional value and stands as one of the definitive entries in the Castlevania library.

Retro Replay Score

8/10