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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: cecil-kain on March 21, 2009, 08:12:22 AM

Title: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on March 21, 2009, 08:12:22 AM
This poll is now closed.  Please vote on the Castleroid Poll if you have not already done so.

http://castlevania.classicgaming.gamespy.com/forums/index.php?topic=2032.0

The Castleroid Poll will also be closed when it hits 36 votes.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: True Sorrow on March 21, 2009, 08:38:48 AM
Belmont's Revenge is the best game in the series. Thusly, it gets this spot easily.

I'm not sure which game gets second place, it's pretty much a toss-up between CV1, CVA, SCV4 and CVC. All are awesome, but for different reasons.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Aridale on March 21, 2009, 09:38:39 AM
Dude whats with all the poles? Anyway CV3 and CVA2... CV2s not on there
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Mr Sven on March 21, 2009, 10:22:54 AM
CV 3 and 4

Sorry Rondo but you just missed out by a hair.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on March 21, 2009, 01:02:03 PM
Dude whats with all the poles? Anyway CV3 and CVA2... CV2s not on there

I have done quite a few recently huh?  Well simply put, I enjoy taking the forum's pulse on various issues.  I've been around the long enough to see all these "strongest Belmont evar" "character x suxors" "game x > SotN" topics get thousands of hits over the years --so there's plenty of interest out there, but very few polls are ever made to suppport or refute the premises of those topics.  These two will seem somewhat generic --until the results get discussed.  If I'm right about my theory that is...
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: MarquisX on March 21, 2009, 03:37:38 PM
In Reply To #5

Castlevania 1 and 3 by far. If I could I would vote for 4 as well. Those 3 is EXACTLY what castlevania is about. Castlevania 1 is my personal favorite. Ahhh memories of 1987....,
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: TheCruelAngel on March 21, 2009, 05:55:50 PM
I decided on SCV4 and Dracula X Chronicles.  SCV4 because it is my favorite classic CV, a great leap in technology for a fantastic retelling of the original with a lot of fun new implementations into the franchise.

Dracula X Chronicles because I think it's another great leap in technology to retell a fan favorite game, and is available in the US.  I also think it brings some "newer" features to the game that help make it more accessible and fun. :D

It'll be interesting to see if the 3D Castlevanias will be thrown in with the Castleroids and if that will include the 64 games as well.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Nazrath on March 22, 2009, 08:31:45 AM
Dracula's Curse and Rondo get my votes, probably due to my love of branching levels, as well as the level design in each and the time taken with presentation. Bloodlines deserves a mention I feel, mainly as no-one else is likely to do so and it's actually a rather fine game, if somewhat easy.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: True Sorrow on March 22, 2009, 09:10:39 AM
Bloodlines deserves a mention I feel, mainly as no-one else is likely to do so and it's actually a rather fine game, if somewhat easy.

I was actually considering mentioning it. For a time it was very nearly my favourite classic CV game. But recently, I've grown kind of detached from it. It just no longer stands out as much as BR, CV1, SCVIV, CVC etc. It's good, but just not quite there.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Gunlord on March 22, 2009, 12:20:50 PM
Dracula's Curse and Supar Castlevania 4 pour moi :)
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: X on March 22, 2009, 06:51:04 PM
There's no possible way for me to choose. I pretty-much like'm all! :D
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: DoctaMario on March 23, 2009, 12:57:35 AM
Tough choices, but I picked DXC and SCVIV. I absolutely LOVE DXC. The game is amazing and I think the aspects of exploration are even more well done than they were in Rondo. SCVIV, what more can I say?

And no 64 games in the poll?  :(
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on March 23, 2009, 07:36:27 AM
In Reply To #12

The very spirit of these 2 polls will be to compare the games that are the most similar.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Dark Nemesis on March 23, 2009, 12:22:25 PM
Super castlevania 4 and belmont's revenge are my favorite!
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Thunderbrand on March 23, 2009, 10:10:54 PM
So I'm the only person who voted for Chronicles 1? Cool
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: RichterB on March 24, 2009, 05:10:52 PM
Dracula's Curse and Supar Castlevania 4 pour moi :)

I second this motion. Dracula's Curse has so much level variety with its branching paths and characters, and Castlevania IV has so much polish and amazing special effects.

Many other games on this list certainly deserve mention, but there can only be two. (For me, the under-rated Dracula X SNES and Bloodlines rank pretty high). Well, anyway, this thread's list basically has the games that defined Castlevania for me.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Mr Sven on March 25, 2009, 11:53:54 AM
I figured Rondo would have gotten a ton more votes. only 2???
I would have voted and it was very close. Is this because people either dont have access to it or because it was inlcluded in the ( I might add inferior ) PSP version?
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: RichterB on March 25, 2009, 06:34:43 PM
I figured Rondo would have gotten a ton more votes. only 2???
I would have voted and it was very close. Is this because people either dont have access to it or because it was inlcluded in the ( I might add inferior ) PSP version?

It probably reflects the PSP release more than anything. DX Chronicles and Rondo should probably be one game in this poll. 

But for me, as hinted above, when it comes to Dracula X, I prefer the SNES re-imagining. I played through Rondo on the PSP, and while the extra paths/bosses/rescues were great, I found the level designs/motifs generally mundane and overly easy. Little Maria as a playable character really wasn't a plus in my mind; just a neutral addition.

Whereas the retooled art-style of the SNES Dracula X was more inspired/atmospheric (IMO) and its levels more difficult. So that's why neither Rondo nor DXC are up high on my list. They're in the middle somewhere.

And I think the reason Dracula's Curse is doing so well is because it is such a large game. As for Castlevania IV, there's few Castlevanias as ambitious in gameplay with its Mode-7 craziness and 8-directional whip (and all the abilities that go along with it)
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on March 25, 2009, 07:50:41 PM
In Reply To #18

Rondo and Dracula X Chronicles have enough differences in presentation and design to warrant the separation.  Besides, we can already see that a couple purists are appreciating the option.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Ahasverus on March 26, 2009, 10:28:17 AM
I really HATE SUper CV IV, for me is one of the CV's (along with Legends andf the GB ones) that I won't replay EVER. CVv III and Rondo-DXC are the best!
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Mr Sven on March 26, 2009, 02:13:54 PM
In Reply To #20

I used to play Super Castlevania 4 so much that I could eventually one life both quests with pixel perfect jumps. I loved that game!

It is however too easy and I've not played in years, I probably suck now.

My new love is Draculas curse. One of the few Nes games I don't shun because of the arcane graphics, the gameplay transcends that.
I need to get another cracked copy of Magic Engine so I can play my copy of Rondo too, I was getting good at that.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: PFG9000 on March 27, 2009, 12:49:20 AM
I really HATE SUper CV IV, for me is one of the CV's (along with Legends andf the GB ones) that I won't replay EVER. CVv III and Rondo-DXC are the best!
I can't help but wonder why.  CV4 is the pinnacle of the classic games in the series for me.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on March 27, 2009, 08:42:57 AM
I can't help but wonder why.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Munchy on March 27, 2009, 03:18:35 PM
In terms of atmosphere, CV4 has every other game beat. I like the way Bloodlines and Dracula X play better, though.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Soldjermon on March 31, 2009, 12:40:58 PM
my best choices would be; Rondo of Blood, Dracula X Chronicles, Dracula's curse, and Vampire Killer, hands down.
reason#1: in Dracula's curse, Alucard's in it! XD he's cool. but I like SotN's look over Dracula's curse anyday though. >.>;
reason#2: Rondo of Blood on PC-engine is MUCH better than Dracula X on the SNES, if you compare the two. and the remixed Dracula X chronicles tops even the PC-engine Rondo of Blood; even though that DXC has the original RoB in it too.
reason#3: Vampire Killer's gameplay is the most different from other castlevania titles, which I like. just wished it was released in the USA.. XP

those are my best choices.. but what about the worst? hmm.. that's a toughie, because I haven't played all of them. I'm only going to choose the one(s) that I have played, so my choice is Dracula X.
reason: it's the only choice, because it's the only one I've played and didn't like much, compared to Rondo of Blood and Dracula X Chronicles. it's because, it didn't have that "charm", that Rondo of Blood and Dracula X Chronicles had.

now you know my opinions about classic formula gameplay of castlevnia.

- Soldjermon
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on April 02, 2009, 07:58:21 AM
-------------------------POLL UPDATE--------------------------

Both Polls are now very close to 30 votes.  Unfortunately the results have locked into a statistical dead heat in both polls for either first, second, or third place.  I'd hesitate to call a race when just a few more votes could make such a big difference.  Look for some versus polls if these dead heats continue...
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: snakes3425 on April 07, 2009, 04:00:00 PM
I've always like Dracula X and Bloodlines the best, Bloodlines because it helps connect Stoker's original novel with Castlevania and Dracula X for all the new creatures it introduced.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Ahasverus on April 07, 2009, 04:28:10 PM
Please tell me, why is SCVIV considered as a Jewel? Really,I fell like a dumb being the only CV fan who doesnt want SCVIV
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Profbeanburrito on April 07, 2009, 07:24:43 PM
In Reply To #28

I love Super Castlevania IV! Its one of my favorites.
It has a dark atmosphere, great level designs, awesome bosses, Fantastic music.

The backgrounds and sprites are done so well for its time. You can whip in all directions, and best of all, swinging! You get to swing on those little bat/ring things.

How can anyone not like this game? It may be one of the easier games in the series, but its still a great game
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Ahasverus on April 07, 2009, 09:09:29 PM
Seriously, how could you like the SCVIV music? for example, Vampire killer us a simple piece of crap.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: PFG9000 on April 08, 2009, 02:38:46 AM
Please tell me, why is SCVIV considered as a Jewel? Really,I fell like a dumb being the only CV fan who doesnt want SCVIV
Judging by this poll, one would think the burden would be on YOU to prove why SCV4 ISN'T amazing.  But I'll try to be nice.  :) 

The game had absolutely brilliant music, graphics, and effects for its time.  In 1991, we hadn't heard game soundtracks with this kind of instrumental depth, and the idea of a room rotating or twisting around you was just unheard of.  Also, SCV4 took the concept of the earlier CV games and polished it to an amazing degree.  The "tank" controls of the NES CVs were now refined (walking while crouching, changing direction mid-jump, etc.), but also broadened by the 8-way whipping and ring-grabbing abilities. 

Most of all, the game took the macabre setting of CV1 and pushed it to then-unheard-of degrees with its dark tone, visuals, etc.  The color palate and soundchip of the SNES deserve most of the credit for this, as the NES was incapable of this sort of presentation.  The funny thing is that no Castlevania today has matched SCV4 in this category...

I'm not a big fan of labeling everything to death and boiling this sort of argument down to empirical standards.  There's something to be said for the vibe one gets from a game's aesthetic merits, after all.  But if I had to reduce this argument down to it, I'd say SCV4's strong points are a combination of its technological advancement for its time, combined with its impeccable atmosphere.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: PFG9000 on April 08, 2009, 02:40:44 AM
Seriously, how could you like the SCVIV music? for example, Vampire killer us a simple piece of crap.

And then, posts like this make me wonder why I even bother.  How is your argument any different from that annoying kid on the playground shouting, "Seriously, how could you like Pink Floyd?  They suck."
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Dark Nemesis on April 08, 2009, 07:17:41 AM
And then, posts like this make me wonder why I even bother.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on April 08, 2009, 07:19:33 AM
Judging by this poll, one would think the burden would be on YOU to prove why SCV4 ISN'T amazing.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Ahasverus on April 08, 2009, 08:37:30 AM
I'm not here to be a troll or a spammer, I just have my opinions, you have yours right? I just wanted an explanation, and you gave it to me, thanks, now, I will replay the game and look at it in a different way, even if I really dislike a lot the VK song of this version, but ok, please, don'tbe bad, I don't want to be bad  :-[
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Ed Oscuro on April 08, 2009, 05:04:15 PM
MSX and Adventure are on there but not X68000 or Haunted Castle. hokay
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Alutwon on April 08, 2009, 08:57:57 PM
Chronicles=X68000

All I can say in SCV4's defense is trick manor and treasure room
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on April 09, 2009, 08:16:48 AM
MSX and Adventure are on there but not X68000 or Haunted Castle. hokay

Castlevania Chronicles -PS1 supercedes the X68000 due to being the domestic release.
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: Nazrath on April 09, 2009, 04:45:32 PM
How is your argument any different from that annoying kid on the playground shouting, "Seriously, how could you like Pink Floyd?
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: RichterB on April 13, 2009, 10:37:04 PM
Agrees.  It's truly amazing that SCV4's presentation easily rivals its modern castleroid brethren over 15 years later. Although that could also become an argument for series stagnation...  I prefer to think that SCV4 was ahead of its time.

Ahead of its time? *Absolutely.* Is there a really good excuse that Nintendo DS, which can run N64 games like Mario 64, cannot surpass SCV4? *Not that I know.* :'(  (I think you may have had it right the first time).
Title: Re: The Classics Poll
Post by: cecil-kain on April 14, 2009, 08:14:33 AM
-------------------------POLL UPDATE--------------------------

This poll is now closed.  Please vote on the Castleroid Poll if you have not already done so.

http://castlevania.classicgaming.gamespy.com/forums/index.php?topic=2032.0

The Castleroid Poll will also be closed when it hits 36 votes.