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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Topic started by: Belmont legacy on August 22, 2015, 04:53:37 AM

Title: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Belmont legacy on August 22, 2015, 04:53:37 AM
Man oh man where do I even begin with this? Well. I'll start with when I beat Castlevania Nes I felt like one heck of a gamer beating this pretty freakin' difficult game. I had beaten simon's quest before this one (who hasn't?) so I thought "surely I can beat Castlevania 3. Oh... OHHHH..... Dear God. This. Game. Is. HARD. I mean like RIDICULOUSLY hard! Now don't get me wrong. Difficulty is usually not that huge of an issue for me because I am a pretty persistent gamer (I'm an avid fan of dark souls  ;) ) But something about this game is just stupid hard. Now, i'm not saying the game is bad in any way for being difficult, I just think that it would be more enjoyable if we got a little bit of some slack here. I feel that this is Castlevania 1 on steroids with razor edge gameplay that will cut casual AND pro gamers to shreds if not played correctly and carefully. My 2 team members I usually go with are Trevor (obviously) and Sypha. Sypha because of that sweet, sweet ice spell she can cast. However thats not even enough to even to to Dracula. I haven't played this game mind you in about 2 maybe 3 years (I turned 23 two days ago) so its hard to remember last time I did play. I don't have any way of playing it either seeing as my NES is missing cords and  controller from moving out to a friends house then back to my parents but what are your guy's opinions on this game? Too hard? Not hard enough? Or just right?
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: piscesdreams on August 22, 2015, 05:34:12 AM
It is definitely the hardest of the NES trilogy. Partially for me, due to how much longer the stages are and having to survive them. Then it's the new enemy patterns and mechanics, sometimes even the level design.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: PFG9000 on August 22, 2015, 05:56:20 AM
I don't think it's that brutally hard.  I have a tougher time with the original Castlevania (well, at least the last two stages of CV), with Dracula X SNES, and with Rebirth, than with Castlevania III.  Oh, and the MSX Vampire Killer....that one is ridiculously hard.

It's certainly no walk in the park.  Compared to all other games it's probaby in the top 5% in terms of challenge.  But I don't think it's the hardest Castlevania.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Super Waffle on August 22, 2015, 07:27:59 AM
I thought it was annoying even with save states.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: piscesdreams on August 22, 2015, 07:44:59 AM
I thought it was annoying even with save states.

I'm just curious, what was it that annoyed you? There were parts that annoyed the shit out of me too, like the Cliffside blocks area.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Belmont legacy on August 22, 2015, 09:09:30 AM
What I think was pretty annoying was in the clock tower, you're trying to jump from gear to ledge but you can't control yourself in the air so almost everytime you're gonna go toppling down to your death. That and the stairs. The stairs are complete bull. I mean you can't do a damn thing when on them and there's the one level where you're trying to dodge fireballs while climbing stairs. That is a bit of overkill in enemy placement in my opinion. And 3 bosses in one fight? are you serious man? A tad too much.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: X on August 22, 2015, 11:40:55 AM
Oh, hoh man! nice topic you picked. first SCV4 and now this  :)  You must be on a roll or something. CVIII's difficulty was definitely pushing it for me when I first played it. But after i first finished it it was as if a weight had been taken off my shoulders. Since then I've been trying to keep practicing so as not to lose the touch. I generally take Sypha along for the ride and not just because of her ice spell either. Her lighting spell (though it doesn't function as one) is very handy given certain instances in the game. Especially during the Doppelganger fight it's very handy and a lifesaver. I've also gotten good at it to the point I was able to finish it with all companions and even going solo. If you want a tip for defeating Dracula's final third form then make sure you have the Axe, lots of hearts and if possible, the tripleshot icon. This way you can hit him without having to ride his platforms of doom. Sypha's lighting spell works to some extent but the orbs do like to take their time getting around to hitting his face.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Belmont legacy on August 23, 2015, 06:22:04 AM
Oh, hoh man! nice topic you picked. first SCV4 and now this  :)  You must be on a roll or something. CVIII's difficulty was definitely pushing it for me when I first played it. But after i first finished it it was as if a weight had been taken off my shoulders. Since then I've been trying to keep practicing so as not to lose the touch. I generally take Sypha along for the ride and not just because of her ice spell either. Her lighting spell (though it doesn't function as one) is very handy given certain instances in the game. Especially during the Doppelganger fight it's very handy and a lifesaver. I've also gotten good at it to the point I was able to finish it with all companions and even going solo. If you want a tip for defeating Dracula's final third form then make sure you have the Axe, lots of hearts and if possible, the tripleshot icon. This way you can hit him without having to ride his platforms of doom. Sypha's lighting spell works to some extent but the orbs do like to take their time getting around to hitting his face.

It's truly epic that you beat this game. I get creamed everytime I even attempt to beat this. lol! I can't even get to the Frankenstein's monster. hahaha
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Crying Freeman on August 23, 2015, 04:13:10 PM
Man oh man where do I even begin with this? Well. I'll start with when I beat Castlevania Nes I felt like one heck of a gamer beating this pretty freakin' difficult game. I had beaten simon's quest before this one (who hasn't?) so I thought "surely I can beat Castlevania 3. Oh... OHHHH..... Dear God. This. Game. Is. HARD. I mean like RIDICULOUSLY hard! Now don't get me wrong. Difficulty is usually not that huge of an issue for me because I am a pretty persistent gamer (I'm an avid fan of dark souls  ;) ) But something about this game is just stupid hard. Now, i'm not saying the game is bad in any way for being difficult, I just think that it would be more enjoyable if we got a little bit of some slack here. I feel that this is Castlevania 1 on steroids with razor edge gameplay that will cut casual AND pro gamers to shreds if not played correctly and carefully. My 2 team members I usually go with are Trevor (obviously) and Sypha. Sypha because of that sweet, sweet ice spell she can cast. However thats not even enough to even to to Dracula. I haven't played this game mind you in about 2 maybe 3 years (I turned 23 two days ago) so its hard to remember last time I did play. I don't have any way of playing it either seeing as my NES is missing cords and  controller from moving out to a friends house then back to my parents but what are your guy's opinions on this game? Too hard? Not hard enough? Or just right?

I'm the same way, man! I like hard games (hell I beat Ninja Gaiden 1 NES) but when a game is as hard as CV3, I usually forget about it. What I do is I play the Famicom version. It's WAY easier and has a special chip for better sound and music (and trust me, the Famicom ost is AMAZING). Grant also thros knifes as his main weapon instead of the puny dagger.

Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic game, but I prefer the Famicom version due to the difficulty and audio. Whats better is that if you want a harder game, the Famicom version still has higher difficulty levels, making it even better since you have a choice of easy or hard.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: JR on August 24, 2015, 01:38:12 AM
Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic game, but I prefer the Famicom version due to the difficulty and audio.

Same here. The US version was hard, but not near-impossible like, say, Ghosts 'N Goblins (which I still can't even beat once). But I still prefer the Famicom version. The music is better, and it's a much easier game to get through if you just want to go back and experience the game again.

I heard somewhere that the Virtual Console version of CVIII was actually a tad bit harder than the original US release (because of the longer laser beams from Dracula's final form, if I remember correctly). But I'm not sure how valid that is.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: zangetsu468 on August 24, 2015, 06:32:17 AM
I've given the US version a try before and legitimately made it to Dracula. It's just where they start you from in that final stage that's really painful without having your weapon of choice and double/triple shot.

I must confess I spammed Alucard bat to clear a lot of levels.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Crying Freeman on August 24, 2015, 07:44:00 AM
Same here. The US version was hard, but not near-impossible like, say, Ghosts 'N Goblins (which I still can't even beat once). But I still prefer the Famicom version. The music is better, and it's a much easier game to get through if you just want to go back and experience the game again.

I heard somewhere that the Virtual Console version of CVIII was actually a tad bit harder than the original US release (because of the longer laser beams from Dracula's final form, if I remember correctly). But I'm not sure how valid that is.

Oh my god, Ghosts n Goblins isn't even hard, its just plain cheap and unfair  ;D I don't blame anyone who can't beat it. True, CVIII isn't near as hard as that game, but I guess it boils down to the fact that I haven't played CVIII nearly as much as a kid and through my teens. Same with Bloodlines, I'm just not as used to it as I am CVI, II, IV, and Dracula X, or even the FC version of III. I'm sure the same goes for everyone with certain games too. I can't get past the aqueduct in III, but beat it with just Trevor(or Ralph lol) in the FC release.

And if that harder Dracula on the VC release is true... Common  ;D as if I wasn't good enough already.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: zombi on September 06, 2015, 08:12:05 PM
I beat SCIV, then the original, then III (and then II and Chronicles after) all within the year.

Definitely the hardest game that I've ever beaten. I felt that I had to master each level to progress, but I felt so accomplished after I did it!

Keep at it man! You'll get there!
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Reinhart77 on September 06, 2015, 09:05:17 PM
I have yet to beat Dracula's Curse without the use of the Help Me code.  It really helped.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: zangetsu468 on September 07, 2015, 07:13:02 AM
I wouldn't say it's the hardest game I've ever encountered. But say for example those stages where all the blocks fall down the stage, if you play as anyone but Alucard and use bat form to ascend, how is one supposed to beat stages like this? I guess ideally without a walkthrough you'd need trial and error for all of the levels.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on September 07, 2015, 12:11:54 PM
I have yet to beat Dracula's Curse without the use of the Help Me code.  It really helped.

I always used the OKUDA code (which makes Alucard playable from the start)
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: zombi on September 07, 2015, 03:23:40 PM
I wouldn't say it's the hardest game I've ever encountered. But say for example those stages where all the blocks fall down the stage, if you play as anyone but Alucard and use bat form to ascend, how is one supposed to beat stages like this? I guess ideally without a walkthrough you'd need trial and error for all of the levels.

I'm trying to remember which level had those hazards....

I beat the game recently with Sypha and its certainly doable.

I actually chose Sypha because I heard that would be the easiest path.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: JR on September 08, 2015, 01:32:48 AM
But say for example those stages where all the blocks fall down the stage, if you play as anyone but Alucard and use bat form to ascend, how is one supposed to beat stages like this? I guess ideally without a walkthrough you'd need trial and error for all of the levels.

I usually just pick several blocks to focus on, and keep track of their sequence. Once the blocks hit, that's the cue to move.

...but usually I pick a different path altogether, because, seriously, screw that level. Even the music is saying, "hey guys, this is the boring part of the game!"
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Nagumo on September 08, 2015, 03:31:12 AM
I once beat that stage where the begins starts rising with all the mermen and bats that can knock you off platforms on Hard Mode (American version).

Never again.   
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Belmont Stakes on October 18, 2015, 03:31:51 PM
I remember beating Akumajo Densetsu (better music) the first time. I used Grant it was not as hard as the first game. Now if you use only Trevor or one of the other 3 throughout the whole game then maybe I could say it gets closer. Certainly it applies if you use one of the weaker attacking characters. The Japanese version is the easier of the 2 no doubt. Overall I would rate 1 edging out 3 in difficulty just due to the infamous portrait hanging Death corridor.

If the mechanics of the first game were combined with this game we would have a lot of people going to therapy. I hope someone will try to replicate mechanics of all these games into one except leave Simon CV1 alone. For that matter it would be cool if Egoraptor or did a retrospective comparison of 1 vs 3 in a Prequelitis. I just like one better for overall feel but the graphics on the 3rd game would go so well with the 1st.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Vickter on October 19, 2015, 08:01:27 PM
I don't find CV3 to be an extremely difficult game overall. I think there's a certain sense of strategy you have to develop after exploring the different routes, alternate characters, and sub-weapons that can change the flow of the game. I start a run by getting the first holy water available and spamming it onto enemies and candles to get a triple shot before the end of the first level. I skip the clocktower and head for Sypha's route. Finding the sub-weapon you're best with and getting the triple shot as soon as possible is really the key for me to keep the game flowing along easily.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on October 20, 2015, 03:29:32 PM
I wouldn't say it's the hardest game I've ever encountered. But say for example those stages where all the blocks fall down the stage, if you play as anyone but Alucard and use bat form to ascend, how is one supposed to beat stages like this? I guess ideally without a walkthrough you'd need trial and error for all of the levels.

That's Block 7-05 on Alucard's Cave Path.
Whether you get there via 6-01A's Catacombs or 6-01B's Sunken City of Poltergeists, you will HAVE to pass this on this path to proceed.
You just gotta memorize the blocks' pattern, which changes halfway through the stage (when the Mountains in the background are right at the center of the screen).
If you have Alucard and you picked up enough Hearts before the 2nd Giant Bat Battle (a Miniboss in 7-04A), you can actually fly to the exit, as mentioned, but you can make it with Trevor Alone or with Grant by just being patient and knowing the spots to jump to as the thing gets built.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: zangetsu468 on October 20, 2015, 05:53:47 PM
That's Block 7-05 on Alucard's Cave Path.
Whether you get there via 6-01A's Catacombs or 6-01B's Sunken City of Poltergeists, you will HAVE to pass this on this path to proceed.
You just gotta memorize the blocks' pattern, which changes halfway through the stage (when the Mountains in the background are right at the center of the screen).
If you have Alucard and you picked up enough Hearts before the 2nd Giant Bat Battle (a Miniboss in 7-04A), you can actually fly to the exit, as mentioned, but you can make it with Trevor Alone or with Grant by just being patient and knowing the spots to jump to as the thing gets built.

I did end up using Alucard in the end. It's definitely the harder of the NES CV's not including CVII's cryptic clues.

I will give it a shot again sometime in the future, focusing on POR currently.
Title: Re: Opinions on Dracula's Curse difficulty level
Post by: Crying Freeman on October 21, 2015, 11:50:42 AM
I remember beating Akumajo Densetsu (better music) the first time. I used Grant it was not as hard as the first game. Now if you use only Trevor or one of the other 3 throughout the whole game then maybe I could say it gets closer. Certainly it applies if you use one of the weaker attacking characters. The Japanese version is the easier of the 2 no doubt. Overall I would rate 1 edging out 3 in difficulty just due to the infamous portrait hanging Death corridor.

If the mechanics of the first game were combined with this game we would have a lot of people going to therapy. I hope someone will try to replicate mechanics of all these games into one except leave Simon CV1 alone. For that matter it would be cool if Egoraptor or did a retrospective comparison of 1 vs 3 in a Prequelitis. I just like one better for overall feel but the graphics on the 3rd game would go so well with the 1st.

It'd be interesting to see his take. He hates 4 for making Simon overpowered and eliminating the skill involved with using the sub weapons. US version of 3 sounds like his kind of CV game.

I know what u mean about the "feel" of CV1. I always felt control was so responsive, and the game being built around the movement was done so well. CV3 was always the one I played the least because I never liked the jumping. Instead of instantly jumping, the characters puase for a second before the jump starts, like megaman's foot moving slightly forward before a full run. It's always been a turnoff for me. Not enough to ruin the game but enough to REALLY bug me, gets rid of the otherwise fluid feel of the characters and Simon's jump control.