Whether it's the imaginative art styles, the wondrous music, or the deep, emotional stories, the very best video games (Castlevania, in this case) have a way of bringing out the dreamers in all of us. It's these factors and their derived inspiration that drives the truly talented to take the next step and dive into the field of game development--to touch others in much the same way. Some create unique works steeped in game-universe mythology, while others more closely follow the template and supply only a personal touch. This page acknowledges all such work, as embodied by all categories listed below. Click the desired link to zip down to your games of choice.

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[ROM Hacks] [Rearrangements] [Java Games] [Flash Games]

 

ROM Hacks

ROM hacks are simply the original works as enhanced by the manipulation of their sprite-work, their textures and (on occasion) their level structure. Since I don't host actual ROM files, due to their illegality, the files available here are IPS patches that will transform the ROM into the listed creation. Note: While some ZIP files contain do-it-themselves executable files, you'll for single IPS files need a program like Lunar IPS.

Hack Name	Title Hacked	Hack Creators	IPS File (Site Link)
Chorus of Mysteries	Castlevania	Dr. Mario & optomon	Download Here
Description	Castlevania: Chorus of Mysteries is an extremely in-depth hack featuring a sweeping graphical overhaul, new level design beyond simple block placement, a new soundtrack, new mechanics for minor enemies, and brand new bosses enhanced by equally fresh mechanics. Join sailor Armund, DeNasty family descendant, as he travels to Count Olrox's castle in search of clues as to the whereabouts of the infamous Count Dracula.
Screenshots

Hack Name	Title Hacked	Hack Creator	IPS File
Horror of Dracula	Castlevania	Frédéric Bouix	Download File
Description	Castlevania: Horror of Dracula is a reworked Castlevania. Save for color differences, Horror's biggest appeal is some new level design, with it some new pathways, traps, challenges, and other hidden secrets. The ZIP up for download contains files for three challenge-levels. (Note: These IPS files work only with the European version of Castlevania.)
Screenshots

Hack Name	Title Hacked	Hack Creator	IPS File
Castlevania Remix	Castlevania	Thaddeus	Download File
Description	Castlevania Remix features Game Boy-style redesign. Its monochrome look is teamed with a helping of sprite-reworking, new level structure, swapped music, and an overall new atmosphere.
Screenshots

Hack Name	Title Hacked	Hack Creator	IPS File
Orchestra of Despair	Castlevania	Dr. Mario	Download File
Description	This "sequel" to Castlevania features new textures, a new look for the traveled Simon, new enemy types, and unique level structure. Join Simon Belmont in his final adventure--a bid to scour Transylvania and hunt down the resilient Count Dracula. (Note: This hack is made to work with the European [PAL] version of Castlevania.)
Screenshots

Hack Name	Title Hacked	Hack Creator	IPS File
Bloodmoon	Castlevania	Redrum	Download File
Description	The creator of Bloodmoon completely reworks the original, redesigning the graphics for textures, characters, items, and backgrounds; big changes for the level structure make it an all-new experience. Mechanical changes include higher jumping, whipping while walking, and more item-droppage. This IPS file requires a patching program like the one linked to in the header.
Screenshots

 

Rearrangements

It's in developing a rearrangement that the game-maker rips graphical or mechanical elements directly from existing titles and uses them in the creation of a unique work. In contrast to hacks, which simply redecorate original efforts, rearrangements offer unique experiences based off of familiar ideas; personal additions include the likes of new soundtracks, weapon systems and sub-mechanics. The process is simple: Download the file, unzip it, and click the executable to begin playing.

Hack Name	Inspiration	Game Creator	Game Download
Castlevania Quest	Simon's Quest	MICHmede	Download File
Description	This is a fan-made game whose look and style is based off of Simon's Quest. The stage-by-stage adventure in reality combines elements from Castlevania, Simon's Quest and the Game Boy titles. You, the legendary Simon Belmont, must endure multiple stages of madness in order to hunt down Count Dracula and save your bride.
Screenshots

Hack Name	Inspiration	Game Creator	Game Download
Dracula's Shadow	Simon's Quest	MICHmede	Download File
Description	This fan-made game takes a cue from its inspiration and provides the player an open-world adventure where the heroes (Sebastian Belmont, Melissa Schneider and a surprisingly stouthearted vampire, as controlled in Portrait of Ruin fashion) must scour the countryside in search of seven relics in hope of preventing the Count's rebirth.
Screenshots

 

Java Games

Java games are applications (or applets) that you run by using software specifically made to read the Java programming language. One of its more popular features is the ability to create and play games online. Featured below are Java games that you can play by downloading the appropriate software (if you don't have it already).

Game Name	Based Off	Game Creator	Game Page
CastlevaniaRL	Random Titles	Santiago Zapata	Download Page
Description	Serenade of Chaos is a freeware turn-based RPG. Enter the castle of Dracula and challenge monsters in the Castle of Chaos. Each of six different classes is armed with an array of skills, for both offense and support, and gains power as it advances onward. Featured is both console and graphics mode, supporting both MIDI and MP3.
Screenshots (click on an image for a larger version)

 

Flash Games

The all-encroaching Flash has become one of the top software tools for web-builders and game-makers alike. Using the easy-access program, 'net surfers can use their browsers to quickly load up or download all types of new games and applications. Below is a directory for Flash games relating to our favorite series.

Flash Name	Based Off	Game Creator	Flash Page
Castlevania XTreme	Castlevania	TheDon2000	Click to Play
Description	Have you ever failed to reach Dracula in the original Castlevania? Well, now you can experience that battle in TheDon2000's Flash Game, which takes you back to that fateful night when Simon and Dracula first met.
Screenshots

Flash Name	Based Off	Game Creator	Flash Page
Castlevania: The Blood Way	Symphony of the Night	Pgouki	Click to Play
Description	Another great Flash game that puts you in control of the cloak-wearing Richter Belmont and "his son Ethan" as they battle through the Symphony- and Harmony-inspired Castlevania.
Screenshots

Flash Name	Based Off	Game Creator	Flash Page
Castlevania Flash Game	Castlevania	The PCMan	Click to Play
Description	Castlevania Flash Game, as its simple title suggests, is another of those Flash games that attempts to recreate the original NES classic. Flash Game does so with a nice mix of familiar and new graphics/sprites, a traditional play-style (save for ladders in place of stairs), and an impressive soundtrack.
Screenshots (click on an image for a larger version)

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