Topic: What do you guys think of Bloodlines?

[RichterB]

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!

[shelverton.]

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".

[Abnormal Freak]

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.

[uzo]

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.

[Abnormal Freak]

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.

[uzo]

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.

[DingusBelmondo]

Uh oh. Careful guys. This is looking hairy.

[corneliab]

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.

[LBPHeretic]

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.

[RichterB]

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.

[Abnormal Freak]

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.

[shelverton.]

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)

[Harrycombs]

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.

[Abnormal Freak]

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.

[Inccubus]

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.