Western release of Castlevania Chronicles, remake of the series' first entry. Two available modes: faithful original and a modernized arrange version. Demanding gameplay and classic die-and-retry in a polished presentation. An excellent way to rediscover the saga's origins.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer1 player12+
Description
Western release of the enhanced port of the Sharp X68000 Castlevania, with Original and Arrange modes. Created by Konami, released in 2001 in the United States and Europe. Simon Belmont versus Dracula, faithfully adapted classic stages, save support and bonus original art by Ayami Kojima. Western edition.
Castlevania Chronicles review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
The Western release of the enhanced Castlevania port from the Sharp X68000 by Konami, Castlevania Chronicles shares its sumptuous gothic art direction. Dracula's castle, its dilapidated halls, stained-glass windows and classic monsters make a baroque, theatrical horror world. The Arrange mode, with Ayami Kojima's illustrations, modernizes the aesthetic with dark-fantasy refinement. A polished rendering, a precious tribute to the saga's origins.
Castlevania Chronicles's soundtrack shines through its Arrange mode, which reorchestrates the series' classic themes in high-energy rock and electronic versions. Unforgettable gothic melodies, nervy rhythms and modernized sonorities match the demanding action in Dracula's castle. The dual choice between original score and arrangements appeals to purists and the curious alike. A powerful backing, faithful to the saga's musical legend.
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾0,38 GB📅23/10/2001
Published by Konami
Castlevania Chronicles (PS1) price, value & rarity
The Western version of this remake of the first Castlevania, out at the very end of the PlayStation cycle while all eyes were already on its successor. Its late, limited rollout made it a markedly less common title than the series' marquee entries. The interest rests on this twilight-release scarcity rather than on fame comparable to Symphony of the Night.
Is Castlevania Chronicles still worth playing in 2026?
Castlevania Chronicles, known as Castlevania Chronicle - Akumajou Dracula in Japan, is the faithful remake of the first Castlevania, originally released on MSX in 1986 and ported here to PS1 by M2. The title offers a visually modernised version while preserving the demanding gameplay and gothic atmosphere of the original. Two graphical modes (Arrange and Original) honour purists. A genuinely excellent detour today.
