I always liked the added flair in some of those boss tactics videos. Like how the player makes Richter backflip away from the Wyvern as it swoops in, very cinematic touch. It speaks to the passion the developers had for this project. Maria is my favorite kind of easy mode in a game. Instead of simply nerfing everything or buffing the player, you're given a brand new character with her own unique and powerful moveset to play around with. Makes Maria fun for both beginners and experts to play as. But she doesn't overshadow Richter either. Both are great characters to use and the game design compliments them well.
I agree! To be honest I had a blast playing as Maria all the little assists were awesome and I loved that each one had their own super or item crash in as sense.. the only thing criminal is this game was held captive for far too long 😆
It's a fun game. But personally I think Richter controls a bit stiff. It's something you notice while playing. Mind you I'm going in order of the years they came out. Never played the ones after 95.
The wii virtual console was an absolute blessing to gamers ...when it was available. but is ultimately why it's best to spend your money on physical copies when you can.
Rondo is one of those games that you beat 100% and you don’t want to go back to for a very long time, it’s just doesn’t have any replayability once you beat it. Divine bloodlines I could listen to forever though, perfect track.
What's cool about Rondo of Blood is it blends new elements and traditional Castlevania elements. The game has originality but it's not a complete departure from traditional Castlevania games. Looks fun, but very challenging.
I think that’s a great way to look at it. It’s honestly very smooth in execution and just feels really good to play. Would love to get your thoughts on it someday after you play it
@@polyemphis they really should just remaster them and have some sort of tie in that transitions between the final battle of rondo and the opening fight with richter in symphony plus you could add alucard into the stages of Rondo or possibly make those stages exterior castle stages
I had a Turbografx in 1991 and I didn't know about Rondo until 2005. I was a Castlevania fan since the first game on the NES. I didn't follow games in Japan in the 90's. I remember in 1991 game stores clearancing out Turbo games. It was basically pulled off shelves in major retailers. They only place you could find one was second hand at a store like Funcoland or maybe a mom and pop shop.
I believe the few times I saw PC engine in store was the small import sections in Babbages.. mostly Saturn and ps1 imports would pop up over time. I would go on a few roads trips as a kid and begged the family to stop in Funcoland. Might have been more prominent up north but I loved the layout and Atleast the ones I went to had some killer display set ups. Most consoles were on play and they had pretty much everything imaginable . I purchased punch out second hand from them too..I had the classic series release with Mr Dream and always wanted the Tyson original
When Rondo of blood released unless you were familiar with the turbo graphic and the pc engine you had no idea about the game until the virtual console it was considered inferior by many to Symphony so the game was underrated for a long time
Not to nitpick, but I wouldn't call Rondo underrated, just underexposed. It never came out in the West and even when it finally came over years later, they were hardly the most popular platforms - the PSP collection and the Wii Virtual Console (untranslated). Even now, after the multiple collections released over the last few years, both Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, often considered the best classicvania and metroidvania respectively, are not available to play on Switch or on PC other than through emulation - they're only available through the Requiem collection on PS4/5. Thanks Konami.
Rondo had a towering reputation even before it was playable in the west. Rightly so, as it's the best of the classic CV's, imo. It may not have always been accessible, but it has never seemed particularly underappreciated.
That’s pretty solid Dracula’s curse is debatably my number 1 next to Rondo and bloodlines they sorta become inter changeable for me for second it’s hard to make a definite top tho
Well there was a version of it that could be unlocked, included in the Dracula X chronicles for PSP in 2007, including English localization, so that was before the wii virtual console
Ah ok that makes sense than if it was unlockabke. I do briefly remember trying out the 2.5 D remake and liking it but wishing it was the original little did I know it was locked away. I remember a few games during the GameCube and PS2 era what had bonus games locked away. Fight night round 2 had super punch out and one of the the Tmnt games had the turtles arcade on it
I never played Rondo of Blood. Based I what I heard about this game, the visuals, sound effects, and music were very impressive and nicely done. This game also had many hidden features and hidden levels. This can be good but frustrating as well. The power-ups were also interesting. Thanks for reviewing this game.
My biggest disappointment with Castlevania Requiem is it doesn't include save state and save replay for both Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night like they did with Castlevania Anniversary Collection, Castlevania The Advance Collection and Castlevania Dominus Collection.
Requiem should include the original versions with the sound of the turbografx. Currently the only way to play the game as it released is to buy the original cd.
it was never released outside of JP because it was made tor the JP hardcore audience. Releasing it in the west would require the human-like monsters to be censored.
If by underrated, you mean considered by most to be one of the best in the series, second only to Synphony of the Night? Then I guess it’s underrated. Honestly though. It couldn’t be more praised.
#2:52 The CD is a piracy version done by Taiwan 笙美 (Sonmay Records Ltd.), not Japan original version. CD Right side with 電玩音樂 85 (Video game music 85), Left side is a SM mark. And Traditional Chinese words 全15曲 全1曲. It keeps the original Japanese cover art, and add some traditional Chinese words above. (Cause its target buyer is Taiwanese or Hong Kong people). By then, Taiwan people can buy Anime & Game OST (most piracy from Japan) from each major Record stores with lower price (compares to the real one from JP by ship or airplane). And nobody cares the copyright, seems the anime/game OST is not a big thing compares to the REAL music (those ad with a singer from big company like MJ(US), or SMAP(JP)). Even TV dramas or talk shows in Taiwan (around 1998) usually BORROW(steal) these anime/game music for their own (as BGM), because most people don't know/care where it comes from.
That’s interesting had no idea on that one that was the only OST I could find for an image reference that sourced outside the new crowd sourced ones would love to see how the original CDs were printed
@@RockinKatReviews Also SM OST is a piracy version, but it try very hard to mimic the original one. The case/CD art and book are mostly same to the JP one (with additional Traditional Chinese printed above and somewhat blur prints). And the price is usually 1/2 or 1/4 compares to the JP one.
@ that’s actually very helpful to know bc what’s funny is it took me a while to get my copy of rondo of blood and a few of my other PC engine games because I kept finding PCE works repros and they make them way to close to the original.. You have to look at the back label and the disc serials on them to really be sure
I always liked the added flair in some of those boss tactics videos. Like how the player makes Richter backflip away from the Wyvern as it swoops in, very cinematic touch. It speaks to the passion the developers had for this project.
Maria is my favorite kind of easy mode in a game. Instead of simply nerfing everything or buffing the player, you're given a brand new character with her own unique and powerful moveset to play around with. Makes Maria fun for both beginners and experts to play as. But she doesn't overshadow Richter either. Both are great characters to use and the game design compliments them well.
I agree! To be honest I had a blast playing as Maria all the little assists were awesome and I loved that each one had their own super or item crash in as sense.. the only thing criminal is this game was held captive for far too long 😆
It’s nice we are finally getting more of these collections available
I’m sayin!
I Remember finally getting a chance to play this and wasn’t disappointed
Definitely the best of the classic vania games, this game still looks beautiful to this day.
Well said
loved rondo its up there among the best in the series
Agreed!
Excellent work
🙏
I’m interested in your thoughts on Dracula X never got a chance to check it out
Working on it now 🙏
Rondo is a true masterpiece it’s a shame we never received this initially
Thankfully we have it now on the network
Nec only cared about Japan, they weren’t interested in making money in the West like Nintendo and Sega.
Dracula X made me give up on consoles and move to PC.
Rondo and symphony were the best of the series
SotN is my absolute favorite game. I play through it once a year or so. Everything about it just clicks with me.
Gotta try this one loved super Castlevania
It's a fun game. But personally I think Richter controls a bit stiff. It's something you notice while playing. Mind you I'm going in order of the years they came out. Never played the ones after 95.
It’s the greatest Classicvania without a doubt. One my favourite games oat.
The wii virtual console was an absolute blessing to gamers ...when it was available. but is ultimately why it's best to spend your money on physical copies when you can.
I Still need to play playthrough rondo.. still have a few of the handhelds to go through to
I would love to hear your thoughts on them lmk how it goes
Rondo is one of those games that you beat 100% and you don’t want to go back to for a very long time, it’s just doesn’t have any replayability once you beat it. Divine bloodlines I could listen to forever though, perfect track.
What's cool about Rondo of Blood is it blends new elements and traditional Castlevania elements. The game has originality but it's not a complete departure from traditional Castlevania games. Looks fun, but very challenging.
I think that’s a great way to look at it. It’s honestly very smooth in execution and just feels really good to play. Would love to get your thoughts on it someday after you play it
If someone stitched Rondo and Symphony together to make one long, continuous game - would be rad
@@polyemphis they really should just remaster them and have some sort of tie in that transitions between the final battle of rondo and the opening fight with richter in symphony plus you could add alucard into the stages of Rondo or possibly make those stages exterior castle stages
I had a Turbografx in 1991 and I didn't know about Rondo until 2005. I was a Castlevania fan since the first game on the NES. I didn't follow games in Japan in the 90's. I remember in 1991 game stores clearancing out Turbo games. It was basically pulled off shelves in major retailers. They only place you could find one was second hand at a store like Funcoland or maybe a mom and pop shop.
I believe the few times I saw PC engine in store was the small import sections in Babbages.. mostly Saturn and ps1 imports would pop up over time. I would go on a few roads trips as a kid and begged the family to stop in Funcoland. Might have been more prominent up north but I loved the layout and Atleast the ones I went to had some killer display set ups. Most consoles were on play and they had pretty much everything imaginable . I purchased punch out second hand from them too..I had the classic series release with Mr Dream and always wanted the Tyson original
The crucifix was beyond offensive
When Rondo of blood released unless you were familiar with the turbo graphic and the pc engine you had no idea about the game until the virtual console it was considered inferior by many to Symphony so the game was underrated for a long time
Not to nitpick, but I wouldn't call Rondo underrated, just underexposed. It never came out in the West and even when it finally came over years later, they were hardly the most popular platforms - the PSP collection and the Wii Virtual Console (untranslated). Even now, after the multiple collections released over the last few years, both Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, often considered the best classicvania and metroidvania respectively, are not available to play on Switch or on PC other than through emulation - they're only available through the Requiem collection on PS4/5. Thanks Konami.
Rondo had a towering reputation even before it was playable in the west. Rightly so, as it's the best of the classic CV's, imo. It may not have always been accessible, but it has never seemed particularly underappreciated.
This and Dracula's Curse are the best classic-style Castlevania games.
That’s pretty solid Dracula’s curse is debatably my number 1 next to Rondo and bloodlines they sorta become inter changeable for me for second it’s hard to make a definite top tho
Well there was a version of it that could be unlocked, included in the Dracula X chronicles for PSP in 2007, including English localization, so that was before the wii virtual console
Ah ok that makes sense than if it was unlockabke. I do briefly remember trying out the 2.5 D remake and liking it but wishing it was the original little did I know it was locked away. I remember a few games during the GameCube and PS2 era what had bonus games locked away. Fight night round 2 had super punch out and one of the the Tmnt games had the turtles arcade on it
@RockinKatReviews it also contained Symphony of the night as an unlockable game, so it was bang for your buck...
I never played Rondo of Blood. Based I what I heard about this game, the visuals, sound effects, and music were very impressive and nicely done. This game also had many hidden features and hidden levels. This can be good but frustrating as well. The power-ups were also interesting. Thanks for reviewing this game.
When in doubt, always whip it out ✊😔
My biggest disappointment with Castlevania Requiem is it doesn't include save state and save replay for both Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night like they did with Castlevania Anniversary Collection, Castlevania The Advance Collection and Castlevania Dominus Collection.
It might have something to do with it being a joint endeavor with Sony.. possibly made under certain specifications
@@RockinKatReviews I hope to re-release then for the next and 4th Castlevania Collection with save state and save replay.
@@gundanout11 we still need a collection with chronicles and and rebirth
@@RockinKatReviews With the upcoming Castlevania Nocturne season two January 2025 I'm sure that a 4th collection come out the same year.
Requiem should include the original versions with the sound of the turbografx. Currently the only way to play the game as it released is to buy the original cd.
it was never released outside of JP because it was made tor the JP hardcore audience. Releasing it in the west would require the human-like monsters to be censored.
That’s accurate, Im playing through it now but I believe the snes Dracula X has a great deal of censoring as well
Why does no one mention that you can walk backwards?
If by underrated, you mean considered by most to be one of the best in the series, second only to Synphony of the Night? Then I guess it’s underrated. Honestly though. It couldn’t be more praised.
NEC Japan killed the Turbografx. They refused to approve so many good games for the NA market.
Agreed I was pretty shocked when I saw how large the PC engine exclusive list was.
Man I'm sorry this is so unrelated but you're so hot. Also genuinely love your content
#2:52 The CD is a piracy version done by Taiwan 笙美 (Sonmay Records Ltd.), not Japan original version.
CD Right side with 電玩音樂 85 (Video game music 85), Left side is a SM mark.
And Traditional Chinese words 全15曲 全1曲.
It keeps the original Japanese cover art, and add some traditional Chinese words above. (Cause its target buyer is Taiwanese or Hong Kong people).
By then, Taiwan people can buy Anime & Game OST (most piracy from Japan) from each major Record stores with lower price (compares to the real one from JP by ship or airplane). And nobody cares the copyright, seems the anime/game OST is not a big thing compares to the REAL music (those ad with a singer from big company like MJ(US), or SMAP(JP)). Even TV dramas or talk shows in Taiwan (around 1998) usually BORROW(steal) these anime/game music for their own (as BGM), because most people don't know/care where it comes from.
That’s interesting had no idea on that one that was the only OST I could find for an image reference that sourced outside the new crowd sourced ones would love to see how the original CDs were printed
@@RockinKatReviews Also SM OST is a piracy version, but it try very hard to mimic the original one. The case/CD art and book are mostly same to the JP one (with additional Traditional Chinese printed above and somewhat blur prints). And the price is usually 1/2 or 1/4 compares to the JP one.
@ that’s actually very helpful to know bc what’s funny is it took me a while to get my copy of rondo of blood and a few of my other PC engine games because I kept finding PCE works repros and they make them way to close to the original.. You have to look at the back label and the disc serials on them to really be sure
Dude rondo of blood isn't underrated, it may even be the most popular classicvania
Dracula X and Rondo are 2 different games
@@trippyskullz6669 The X in the snes Dracula X is derived from Rondo of blood which is Akumajo Dracula X Rondo of Blood in Japan
Underrated? It's widely considered the best of the traditional CV games.
Sega has no justification for nothing but their demise! 😂 at least Nintendo got a cut back version of this classic
💀
It's the most OVERRATED game in Castlevania history