ugh, when are they going to put LoD/C64 on virtual console? it was a real bother getting all my stuff working and dealing with cartridges, a system, and controllers that are really too old to play reliably. anyways, i think its best to play Legacy of Darkness first, and then Castlevania 64 if you're curious about Castlevania history.
ha, i did decide to break down and get an XBox 360 so I could play some Harmony of Despair before Lords of Shadows came out. but the stores I checked were out of XBoxes. now the itch to get the game has passed and i'll be able to wait a year to see if they announce a PS3 version.