The Music, orb system, and the overall feel, maks the level design worth it. it was flat, but it was still fun.
The way they explained the orbs you get upon defeating bosses was amazingly amusing to me too. Its like, "what DO those things do anyway?"
"Ummm.... Good idea... Oh I know, why dont we make them magical orbs? that way they enhance Leon's power!"
Well thats ONE way to explain em. I mean, fuck even DRACULA dropped one in the original.
I also find Walter just really fun as a character. He seems more interesting than Dracula almost, if only because... well, come on. Its Dracula. We already know anything needed to know about him. both from Castlevania lore and pop culture lore.
Walter though, is someone a bit more unique. He certainly LOOKS cool, and sounds awesome. His personality is also fun in that its different from Dracula's. While Dracul and other like him are dead serious, Walter is just an extremely bored immortal. He doesnt give a shit about anything, and just wants to amuse himself. Its all a game to him, which he likes to play frequently. (which again, explains why you find weapons and subweapons lying around a castle. You the main character are not the first person to attempt to traverse the castle)
Pity we cant get to know him better. for THAT theres definitely very little room. especially since he was killed in his debut game as a plot device for Dracula.
maybe a prequel minimanga or drama track of some sort?