Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood delivers a refined action-platforming experience that builds on the series’ roots while introducing its own twists. You control Richter Belmont as he wields the legendary Vampire Killer whip, dispatching skeletons, harpies, and other fiendish creatures with precise input and carefully timed attacks. Traditional sub-weapons such as throwing axes, holy crosses, daggers, and more augment your arsenal, each offering unique strategies for clearing swarms of enemies or dealing with stubborn mini-bosses.

One of Rondo of Blood’s standout mechanics is the “Item Crash” system. By combining sub-weapons with your heart counter, you unleash devastating special attacks that clear the screen of weaker foes or deal heavy damage to tougher adversaries. This risk-reward element adds a layer of tactical decision-making: do you spend hearts to save yourself in a pinch or conserve them for boss encounters?

True to the Castlevania tradition, stage design leans heavily on platforming challenges that require split-second reactions. You’ll leap across collapsing ledges, avoid flame jets, and grapple with moving platforms as you progress toward the stage’s climactic boss. Hidden exits peppered throughout the castle unlock alternate levels, secret bosses, and additional playable characters—most notably Maria Renard, whose sliding and double-jumping abilities open up even more exploration routes and replay potential.

Graphics

Rondo of Blood remains one of the best-looking titles on the PC-Engine CD platform, showcasing beautifully drawn sprites and richly detailed backgrounds. From torchlit corridors to cavernous halls festooned with gargoyles, every environment oozes gothic atmosphere. The character animations—whether Richter’s whip flourish or a bat’s fluttering wings—are fluid and expressive, breathing life into familiar monster designs.

The color palette is vibrant yet appropriately moody, striking a perfect balance between horror and high-contrast fantasy. Parallax scrolling layers in backgrounds provide genuine depth, making each stage feel expansive and immersive. Sub-weapon effects, like the spinning blade of a throwing axe or the cross’s spiral trajectory, are crisply rendered, ensuring you never lose track of your on-screen arsenal.

Because the game leverages CD-quality assets, subtle touches like animated cutscene artwork and brief portrait sequences between stages lend a cinematic flair. While not full-motion video by modern standards, these sequences enhance the storytelling and reward progression, giving players a chance to catch their breath before diving back into intense platforming action.

Story

Set in 1792, Castlevania: Rondo of Blood picks up a century after Simon Belmont’s triumph over Count Dracula. When the vampire lord is resurrected, he dispatches his servant Shaft to terrorize the surrounding Transylvanian countryside—burning villages, slaughtering innocents, and abducting young women. Among the kidnapped is Annette, daughter of a local count and fiancée to Richter Belmont, the latest heir to Simon’s legacy.

Driven by vengeance and love, Richter embarks on a perilous journey into Dracula’s castle, armed with the legendary Vampire Killer whip. Each stage represents a step deeper into the Dark Lord’s domain, from crumbling courtyards to blood-soaked dungeons. Along the way, Richter confronts horrific bosses—each an embodiment of the castle’s nightmarish ambiance—and uncovers hidden exits that unravel side plots and rescue additional victims.

As you uncover these secrets, you unlock Maria Renard, Annette’s courageous younger sister. Maria’s lighthearted interjections and distinctive abilities bring new perspective to the quest. Though the overarching tale is classic Castlevania fare—rescue the innocent, defeat the vampire—its pacing, episodic cutscenes, and memorable character moments ensure the story remains engaging throughout the adventure.

Overall Experience

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is a masterclass in 2D action-platform design. Its tight controls, challenging level layouts, and gratifying boss encounters strike an excellent difficulty balance. Whether you’re a nostalgist revisiting a longtime favorite or a newcomer seeking refined retro gameplay, this title delivers hours of engaging content.

The inclusion of secret paths and alternate characters significantly boosts replayability. Tracking down every hidden exit, mastering Maria’s unique skills, and experimenting with different sub-weapon combinations will keep even seasoned players immersed long after the first clear. The addition of Item Crash attacks further spices up each encounter, ensuring combat never grows stale.

From its hauntingly beautiful visuals to its pulse-pounding action, Rondo of Blood stands as one of the finest entries in the Castlevania franchise. It captures the series’ gothic essence while introducing fresh mechanics that have influenced many successors. For enthusiasts of classic platformers and horror-tinged adventures alike, this is an essential journey into Dracula’s domain.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10