Castlevania Dungeon Forums
The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: DingusBelmondo on April 19, 2010, 10:17:28 PM
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I used to always assume Bloodlines was just one of the classics, but it's never mentioned. People seem to not like the level design or something i don't know, i personally love it. For me it's up there with SCVIV. I just think it's has a lot of cool stuff going on and it looks good too.
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We love Bloodlines. Too bad its "sequel" PoR didn't live up that much.
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Well thats good. I just almost never hear it listed as anyone's favorite. or even in the top 5 usually.
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I like it too. Something about it makes it a CV stepchild to me, but it's still a good un'!
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It was "just fine", as good as the ReBirth, nothing mind blowing. I still hope for a serious non-IGa remake with it's story, but reimagined, could ve very tragic :)
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I like Bloodlines a lot, I think its always passed by cause its on the Genesis, and just about every other CV from that time is on a Nintendo system. With two unique characters it makes it a whole lot more fun. I don't know if I'd put it in my top 5 but its still pretty great
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It's one of my absolute favorites, right up there with I–IV, Rondo, and SOTN.
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Definitely one of the best CV games along with SCV4.
It had a very important element to it I think. They tried a bunch of new things without breaking the classic gameplay.
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it's definitely one of the castlevania classic title which always give me great satisfaction and fun even playing it over and over again. Both heroes have their unique skills, weapon and item crushes, plus amazing special effects (Remember Leaning Tower of Pisa and water reflections?) and superb music you can imagine how amazing this title was made by Konami producers cause it was only a genesis title at that time. One of my top 5 favourites as for SCV4, Sotn, CV1,3. I even have a copy of vampire killer cart in my collection cabinet and you guys can realize how much I love the game.
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I was thinking about the Pisa stage just this morning.
The last stage and it's funky rooms with the split scrolling and reverse gravity were off the chain.
It's pretty remarkable how interesting they were able to make some stages despite not having the raw power of the SNES.
The art style is very unique among CV games, too. They probably would have had a better game if they had emulated that graphical style and level design for PoR more... or at all.
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Definitely one of my favorites in the series, along with Super IV, Aria and Castlevania 1
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It's very different from the other old school Vanias, but it's definitely one of my favorites. I'd say it's my third favorite, after IV and III. I also think it would qualify into top 7 of my favorite Castlevanias (including Metroidvanias, etc)
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Oh yeah, the last stage and it's craziness. I also dug that one boss that was the 2 faces that switched between the pillars. And the card thingy with Death.
I guess the game wsa pretty awesome and original..
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixel-heroes.de%2FBossGallery%2FbgScreenshots%2FbgCastlevaniaBloodlines16.png&hash=5b41fea1ea22a68cb04df5622d1009f19e2a9b63)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixel-heroes.de%2FBossGallery%2FbgScreenshots%2FbgCastlevaniaBloodlines20.png&hash=edaeec5303d8ec7c8529f35ae4e74861a2ed2e4e)
Also of note is CONTRA Hard Corps. That was bad ass, and released around the same time as Bloodlines.
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I actually really like Bloodlines. However, it doesn't get into my top 5, but its probably in 6th or 7th place.
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Contra: Hard Corps is indeed amazing. Wish it had the three-hit-points-per-life thing that the Japanese version has, though. :p S'kinda a tough game.
Both Bloodlines and Hard Corps need to be released on the Virtual Console ASAP.
Oh, and you gotta love how Bloodlines wasn't censored in the US, unlike the Nintendo games.
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Bloodlines is an example of what modern Castlevania is largely missing--eye-popping levels. The unique feel of this game and its special effects made it special, along with a nice mix of creative bosses and great music. I haven't gotten many chances to play it, and thus never beat it. But it definitely stands up with the best of Castlevania. (Again, it has a weird feel that makes it different from all the others, and yet it captures the Castlevania feel all at the same time). I would put only Castlevania III, IV, and possibly Dracula X SNES above it. It's definitely more exciting than Rondo, IMO.
I hope it gets re-released soon via Virtual Console or the rumored Wii/PSP "Castlevania Collection." And yeah, where is Contra Hard Corps on Virtual Console? It should be there!
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Bloodlines was censored here in Europe though :( I always called the game "New Generation" until I started posting at these forums...
Also, Bloodlines has probably THE best Yamane soundtrack ever. There aren't that many songs in the game, but overall it's even better than SotN in my opinion. I wish someone would put Calling From Heaven in a future CV. It's such a classy tune, one of the best ever IMO. I remember Yamane saying that she had to do basically EVERYTHING all by herself, and that she didn't have more than a few weeks (Was it 2 weeks?) to complete the entire soundtrack. That's mighty impressive.
And YES! Hard Corps is awesome. These two games feel very much "connected".
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Bloodlines was censored here in Europe though :(
Yeah, I thought about that as I read my post just now. :( You guys got totally shafted on that one.
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Looks like I am the first to break the mold and expose Bloodlines for what it is. Bloodlines was a black sheep, and is pretty much equal to a soso fan game. Lots of inconsistent graphics, crappy animation, ear shattering sound effecs, and weird levels. The changes of series staple icons was also unneeded. There were a lot of moments where I can imagine the developers saying "lol this will be an awesone idea1!!" and its a stupid idea, or some crappy looking in consistent stage segment. I could just shoot the guy who was in charge of animating John's stair animation.
It had good music though, and the idea of a spear character was a nice touch.
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Man, this is hard to say without sounding like a jerk or seeming like I'm flaming you, but you're really arrogant, holding your opinions in such high regard over others'. I've wanted to say something about it a few times in the past few months, but I can't not speak out. "For what it really is." Come on, that's just, like, your opinion, man! (That was meant to be read in The Dude's voice.)
In another thread you said all that stuff about CV64 being the worst CV game ever, and it's not your opinion on the matter that irked me, it's how you said, "Yeah, a lot of it is centered on opinion, but it also has a lot to do with FACTS." Like...really: way to be super arrogant. Stop holding yourself on such a high pedestal; you're the only one holding yourself and your opinions up so high.
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Yes, I am an arrogant jerk. Thanks for noticing.
There is a big difference between facts and opinions. Games can be compared to and rated by facts. Nostalgia tends to blind people to these facts. I've noticed you are a victim of nostalgia at a high degree.
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Uh oh. Careful guys. This is looking hairy.
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I love Bloodlines. It's a very polished experience with an excellent soundtrack, unique settings, awesome platforming sections, impressive visuals, and a second non-whipslinging character that isn't so completely polarizing to play as. I honestly prefer the game over Rondo.
However, the "Contra approach" to continuing is completely out of place for a Castlevania game. Though I have beaten the game once or twice, I genuinely hate having limited attempts to clear the game before having to start over completely, especially seeing as how ever other standard stage-based Castlevania didn't feature this restriction.
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Abnormal Freak and uzo, please try to stay on the topic at hand. There has been obvious friction in the past about whose opinions stand to reason regarding the quality of certain entries in the Castlevania series. You two are obviously allowed your opinions, but you do not need to build up the tension in this thread to any further degree than it is now. Additionally, please do not bring up volatile threads from the past.
Now, getting back on topic. I feel that Castlevania: Bloodlines is a fun and great addition to the series. Yes, I will admit I received my copy of the game back when it was released in 1994, so I do hold some nostalgic feelings towards it. However, be that as it may, I distinctly remember enjoying it completely back in 1994 as well.
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I didn't get a chance to play Bloodlines until around 2007 or 2008, and the same with Rondo, so not much nostalgia here. Personally, I found more potential flaws with Rondo than Bloodlines. I'll admit there are some awkward sound effects and the characters can move with somewhat stilted animation at times, but I love the creative variations in the series that Bloodlines brings. It feels fresh and creepy in a weird, dream-like way. The way it tries to connect Castlevania to the wider world with the globe-trotting is a nice touch, too. It feels both fresh and familiar, rather than too familiar. I like that.
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Yes, I am an arrogant jerk. Thanks for noticing.
There is a big difference between facts and opinions. Games can be compared to and rated by facts. Nostalgia tends to blind people to these facts. I've noticed you are a victim of nostalgia at a high degree.
Dude, I'm not trying to be a dick. For crying out loud.
Nostalgia? I didn't first play Bloodlines until I was about 14 and I loved it then just as I love it now ten years later. We're not talking a game I've had with me my whole life.
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There is a big difference between facts and opinions. Games can be compared to and rated by facts. Nostalgia tends to blind people to these facts.
Perhaps the same could be said of all old games.
Super Mario Bros 3? Nah, nostalgia.
A link to the past? Nope, just nostalgia.
Secret of Mana? Nostalgia again.
The original Castlevania? No way, it's only nostalgia.
Ninja Gaiden? Hell no, definitely nostalgia.
Sonic the Hedgehog? Again; Nostalgia.
*insert random classic, then dismiss it as just nostalgia*
(I love all those games, just in case you don't get irony)
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There is a big difference between facts and opinions. Games can be compared to and rated by facts. Nostalgia tends to blind people to these facts.
I only played through the game for the first time about a year ago, and I loved it. I don't think its possible to be blinded by nostalgia in such a short period of time.
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The thing is, I'm one who never bases my liking of something on nostalgia. Ask anybody who knows me well: I throw out anything I once loved as a kid or teenager that I no longer find interesting. I refuse to enjoy something based solely on nostalgia, because I feel I'm not really enjoying it. So it's a pretty hefty (and untrue) claim coming from uzo just because he wants to prove himself right.
But he has all the knowledge and insight of truth and facts, so who am I to speak up?
Anyway, in respect for LBPHeretic and other mods, I won't say anymore.
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All I gotta say is that even with it's few flaws and inferior technology Bloodlines is a kick-ass game.
I can say the same for SCV4, it also has a handful of flaws, but still a great game by any means.
You guys can call nostalgia on me for SCV4 because it was one of the first SNES games I owned.
But not for bloodlines, because for a long time I just plain hated the Genesis and anything that was on it.
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You know, I actually just played Bloodlines last Saturday and honestly, I forgot how great the game is. It's got a bit of a difficulty curve, I love the small touches and overall design of the stages, the music goes without saying, Eric ('the Spear Guy') is for some reason, my favorite to play with (plus I love how it looks like he gets stabbed with his spear when he dies), I literally forgot you could latch on and swing to things with John, and I like how traveling to different countries and places and the game's take on them.
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Eric is one of the most fun characters to play in any Castlevania game. That was an interesting change. I don't really even enjoy playing John that much, although his whip ceiling swing is fun.
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You know, I never really played all the way through with John.
Eric is just so much more fun.
Oh, well.
Gives me reason to play it again I suppose.
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I remember many moons ago, reading in EGM and Gamepro that the Genesis was getting a Castlevania title. I thought to myself, won't be too good, won't worry about it. One day my cousin comes over and says there's this game that I have , a stage and boss is giving me fits ( the Leaning Tower of Pisa stage), I thought to myself, alright I'll go beat this stage to whatever game he was playing so that he would leave me be about it. We get to his house and lo and behold it was Bloodlines, I thought to myself, "great I gotta play this thing". Once I started playing it I realized I had made a grave error, this one was very good. Now I am a bit nitpicky that the game used gems instead of the traditional hearts, but it still felt like a CV game to me after all was said and done. I went on to breeze through the stage and boss without prior playing the game ever before, so in turn years later I see Bloodlines and Contra Hard Corp sitting in a toys R Us. I quickly snatched both up and purchased them, and still have both in the same boxes they came in, these are two I will never let get away, thankfully for once my gut feeling about a game was dead wrong.
Also about the limited continues thing, lots of games from that era used limited continues, it was the way to keep you playing over and over again till you mastered the game, it's both a handicap and a learning tool.
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Only game that ever really killed me with limited continues was Cybernator. That game is a bit of a tough one in later stages. You really gotta learn to use your shield a lot.
By any chance in Toys "R" Us did you pick up the Bloodlines and Hard Corps copies that came in cardboard boxes and had black and white manuals? That's when I got the games, after having emulated them for a little while. For some reason, Konami had some Genesis games in Toys "R" Us still as late as mid or late 2000. I was so surprised to see a handful of Genesis and SNES games when I went to pick up Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. Snagged a copy of Super Castlevania IV as well, since my brother is the one who owned it prior. I felt a little miffed though that my manual for IV is black and white while his is in color. I guess Konami reeeaaally wanted to cut back on costs, ha.
Some dude nearby is selling complete copies of Bloodlines (original hard case) and Ghosts 'n Goblins for $35. Tempted to go buy them. I think it's the same guy I bought the three NES games from, since my other copies are cart-only, and I thought for $35 total, it would be cool to have the boxes and manuals. I should find out whatever other games he's selling and just buy a whole lot, ha ha.
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By any chance in Toys "R" Us did you pick up the Bloodlines and Hard Corps copies that came in cardboard boxes and had black and white manuals?
I have that version, but it's still sealed so I dunno if the manual is in b&w. Sounds kinda lame :( The actual print on the cover is kinda halfassed too. It seems slightly blurry. Anyone agree? Maybe it's a pirate copy? Nah, it looks legit. Dunno. It was really cheap though - like, $10, I think - unlike the european "New Generation" which I have yet to pick up. Too pricey, and inferior too.
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Yeah Freak, my Contra is in the cardboard box and Bloodlines came in the clamshell case, both have b&w manuals. I believe the only color manuals I've seen on Genesis games were on the Mega Drive Japanese games.
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My 2 cents:
I played the original NES castlevania games back in the day (1987?) and thought "meh, it's ok, but's no mario or zelda".
Then a friend of mine introduced me to Bloodlines and that's the game that really got me interested in Castlevania games. Then SotN came out a few years later and sealed my fate ;) I am now doomed to buy every new CV game that comes out. I own Bloodlines and every CV game that has come out after Bloodlines, except CotM.
As for Uzo....Abnormal Freak, you are not the first one to feel that he was stating his opinions as facts. Or that his opinion was more important than other people's opinions. He is the last of a dying Breed (thank god) of arrogant CV fans, who would rather talk about all the things that are wrong with whatever CV game that someone else chose to show praise for.... ignore, ignore, ignore.
edit: actually there are more people like Uzo at cvcorner.proboards.com ...most of them think they are too cool to post here. Except for Bloodreign and Gunlord.
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Yeah Freak, my Contra is in the cardboard box and Bloodlines came in the clamshell case, both have b&w manuals. I believe the only color manuals I've seen on Genesis games were on the Mega Drive Japanese games.
I see. I wonder if the other Genesis manuals are as cheap, though. Like, when I touch the Bloodlines and Hard Corps manuals, the ink just rubs right off. I don't own many Genesis games, and only one other with a case and manual (Target Earth, which I don't recall having such a cheap manual). It just seems Konami did some really half-assed reprints for some reason. Like shelverton said, the printing on the boxes is pretty cheap too. I even wondered myself if they were bootlegs, ha ha. But then how would they have wound up in a Toys "R" Us?
But yeah, I think ten bucks is what I paid for each. Even with the poor packaging, I was exceedingly happy to get 'em. Now I should really try finding a non-craptastic Genesis. I own a Genesis 3... Too bad there are like a million different versions of the Genesis 1 and 2, with varying degrees of a/v quality.
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outofthegamer, cut it out. This thread doesn't need any more tension, especially cross-board tension firing up. Everyone cool it, alright?
Keep it on topic.
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I love Eric's spear spin. The main complaint i ever hear is that people don't like the level designs. I dunno if they mean the layout, but I think they are pretty unique.
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I think the level designs are fun. The munitions factory? Absolutely love that stage.
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I think the level designs are fun. The munitions factory? Absolutely love that stage.
There was going to be even crazier level ideas, including a Zeppelin blimp, but they were apparently cut out. Here's info/images on the alleged Beta version of Bloodlines: http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/2/bl-beta.htm
Even so, I love the wild, creative touches in this game: the giant skeleton holding the swinging blade, the Greco-Roman statue that you break to use as a platform in Atlantis, etc.
By the way, the limited continues work in the favor of a shorter game. Gives you something to work for. Castlevania: The Adventure for GB had that, too.
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outofthegamer, the entire second half of your post was completely unnecessary. It was pure trolling and you know it. Additionally, I am also a member and Administrator of CVC and I post here without any reservations, so your generalization of that forum is incorrect. Please do not bring the petty problems you have with one forum over to this one and vice versa.
Now, back on topic. The entirety of Castlevania: Bloodlines was a great package, in my opinion. I loved the colorful design of the enemies, the synthy sound effects, and especially the music that the Sega Genesis' sound chip produced.
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A guy near me is selling an original copy of Bloodlines for $25 on Craigslist. Totally emailed him, ha. Having the game with the hard case and original manual (it's color on the outside at least! and looks bigger than the one I have) is just something I can't pass on, for collector's purposes. I think it's the same dude whom I bought the first three NES games from a few weeks ago. I've owned the games for a long time, but he was selling all three with boxes and manuals for $35 total. CV1's box was actually cut up and put in a clear hard plastic NES case, but most of the box was still there. Still... $35? That's a steal.
Holy shit, I hope he's not somebody who posts here and whom I've gotten in a quarrel with, ha ha. Doubtful.
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So I looked at the back of my current Bloodlines box, and it says "Distributed by Majesco" and "Assembled in Mexico." Now I know why the product's so cheap. :P
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outofthegamer, the entire second half of your post was completely unnecessary. It was pure trolling and you know it. Additionally, I am also a member and Administrator of CVC and I post here without any reservations, so your generalization of that forum is incorrect. Please do not bring the petty problems you have with one forum over to this one and vice versa.
Puh-Leeze! All I said was that Uzo was arrogant - even he would agree with that!! And I have no petty problems with any forum...you are making a generalization on my statements. I said "most" which means there are exceptions to what I said.
My opinion was not that abrasive, and you are blowing it out of proportion.[/rant]
back to topic: Bloodlines is ultra-cool!!
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I personally love Bloodlines more than SCV4.
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outofthegamer, your publicly discrediting a moderator's opinion on what is and what is not deemed to be trolling was not exactly the best tact to take when you were trying to prove that you are, in fact, not trolling in the first place. Additonally, dismissing my polite requests to stop the aforementioned trolling seals your fate.
I am giving you a three day break from these forums. I do hope that when you return you will show less scorn towards moderation for polite requests to cease and desist certain behavior.
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Bloodlines is on my Top 5. Just... Seriously! All these levels are jusrt plainly awesome, plus, Eric Lecarde is Badass!
The music needs much more love than it actually gets. Sinking Old Sanctuary, Reincarnated Soul, Prayers of a Tragic Queen, and a big etc. are comparable to DoS, SoTN, CVIV, and Rondo/Dracula X. In fact, I think the soundtrack it's better than SoTN and Rondo.
It's my 4th fav. But it's a firm 4th. Better than SoTN. :)
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I'm waiting for that game to be released on the Virtual Console...I think it's equal to the excellence of Castlevania IV...I would get the cartridge if I had a Genesis...
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Got an original copy of Bloodlines today (complete with plastic case and manual). Print job on the case inlay, cartridge label, and booklet are definitely WAY better than the Majesco-printed copy I got from Toys "R" Us. The artwork actually looks crispy, ha. Cool stuff.
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One of my favourite Classicvanias, and it has the best track for me -Calling from Heaven- :fanboymode: ;D
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Not sure if I posted in this thread yet, but I absolutely love Bloodlines.
John>>>>>>>>>>>Eric
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Not sure if I posted in this thread yet, but I absolutely love Bloodlines.
John<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Eric
Fixed and obvious mistake, Sir.
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Fixed and obvious mistake, Sir.
That was snarky and unnecessary.
Besides, I agree. In any stage-based Castlevania game and given the option, I would rather play as a whip-weilding Belmont(ish) character.
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I definitly love bloodlines. Especially since it brings the Bram Stoker's Dracula story into the castlevania universe. When I first caught wind of this game I was excited and waiting with anticipation. But once I learned it was coming on the genesis I was also feeling kinda bumbed-out too. Had they put it on the SNES I think it couldv'e been much more and not just what we already got. One of those benefits would be transparancies which the genesis is unable to do. And I personally think there shouldv'e been more levels in bloodlines. After all they gave SCV4 11 stages total so why so stingent with bloodlines? All and all, it's still a good game and I still play lots.
-X
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Bloodlines is awesome. Hope it will find it´s way to Virtual Console, soon, because I haven´t played it for a long time :|
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Eric still pwns John in every way except manliness.
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Eric still pwns John in every way except manliness.
Almost every way. The Vampirekiller is stronger then the Alucard spear. I know this as a fact cause I investigated it through gameplay. And yeah, I really saw no point as to having the original japanese artwork make Eric Lecarde look like a woman. At least it was fixed for the american release. :)
-X
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I think making his facial features and hair more manly was super retarded. If he originally looked fair, keep him fair...
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In terms of the technology and graphics and music SCVIV is better. But for all that it is it is one that I must say is a classic and is brilliantly done. The concepts, the atmosphere, the enemies, the backgrounds/levels are all brilliant. I have to wonder if someone were to do a hack of this game using SNES or upgrading it to a present day version of technology. Using software like what was done with DX Chronicles could make it look fantastic but as far as replicating the music and its impact and flavor could be a tough task. Newer more updated better quality technology does not necessarily equate to a good remake. Somethings can not be redone I guess :(.
Let me put it this way.
1. SCVIV
2. Bloodlines
3. CV DX Chronicles
4. ROB
5 CV DX
That is how I would rank Bloodlines. Graphic and music capabilites of the Genesis aside it is brilliant as a game and is the type of game that inspires one to want to play or create games like it.
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I like Bloodlines a lot, but I feel that it's story should have never been considered as canon.
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In terms of the technology and graphics and music SCVIV is better. But for all that it is it is one that I must say is a classic and is brilliantly done. The concepts, the atmosphere, the enemies, the backgrounds/levels are all brilliant. I have to wonder if someone were to do a hack of this game using SNES...
I really like the sound quality of Bloodlines on the Genesis, and I'm certain you could do a totally stellar arrangement for the SNES as well, but there is nothing inherent about the SNES that would make it sound better. You could look at it this way, would a classic NES soundtrack- Like Mega Man 2 or DuckTales, sound "better" on the SNES? You'd be switching from sound synthesis over to sample playback, so it becomes apples and oranges. :)
It's just like you said, a remake using a more advanced technology doesn't guarantee an improvement. I feel like it's actually sometimes grounds to be cautious and skeptical.
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I like Bloodlines a lot, but I feel that it's story should have never been considered as canon.
With the multitude of other games that are considered Canon. *that's* your gripe? Is it because of the Bram Stoker's element? If not, what was? I'm honestly curious.
I honestly thought them tying in Stoker's Dracula to a game *dedicated* to Dracula was a smart move. Give props to the source material, and it wasn't done horribly.