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.

Choose Your Game
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
Prelude of Darkness
Castlevania
The Zappsoft Empire
Description
 Prelude of Darkness as explained by its creator: "Jonathan Belmont is a relative to the ancient Belmont clan of Vampire Killers; his mission is to breach the castle of Dracula and stop the blazing moon from damaging the souls of all that it bathes. Jonathan sets out with his family's legendary whip to end the curse of the evil Dracula once and for all." The creator recommends using the IPSWin 2.0 patcher, a North American-version ROM, and a Windows-based emulator (FCEUXD SP 1.0 for best results).
 
Screenshots (point to thumbnail to view full screenshot)
               
              

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creators
IPS File (Site Link)
Chorus of Mysteries
Castlevania
Dr. Mario & optomon
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.
 
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Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Horror of Dracula
Castlevania
Frédéric Bouix
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 two challenge-levels. (Note: These IPS files work only with the European version of Castlevania.)
 
Sample Music
Screenshots

             
             

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Castlevania Remix
Castlevania
Thaddeus
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.
 
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Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Orchestra of Despair
Castlevania
Dr. Mario
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.)
 
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Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Bloodmoon
Castlevania
Redrum
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.
 
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Hack Name
Titles Hacked
IPS Files
tduyduc's Hacks
Castlevania I & III
Castlevania: Scenery | Winter | Dark (Easy) | Dark (Exciting)
Konami Classics: Dracula's Curse: Scenery (v3.1)
Description

Our young ROM-hack creator tduyduc's has brewed up some scenery-changing IPS files for the NES standouts Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. These edits alter not only palettes but also some stage structures, music, and enemy placement; the themes available are "Scenery," "Winter" and "Dark," which create the appropriate changes in the respective games' decor. These IPS files will work with both the original and Konami Classics versions of the games.
 
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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.

Game Name
Inspiration
Game Creator
Game Download
Scarlet Symphony
The Dracula X Games
Frontier Aja
Description
 Scarlet Symphony is the tale of Hakurei Reimu, who is tasked with discovering the origin of a mysterious red mist that emanates from a magical castle. Hiroshi will recruit helpers like Cirno, a cheerful tomboy, and Marisa Kirisame, a witch, each of whom can be called upon to unleash special attacks. Only a demo is available without direct purchase.
 
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Game Name
Inspiration
Game Creator
Game Download
Castlevania Quest
Simon's Quest
MICHmede
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, with appropriate visuals and music. You, the legendary Simon Belmont, must endure multiple stages of madness in order to hunt down Count Dracula and save your bride.
 
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Game Name
Inspiration
Game Creator
Game Download
Dracula's Shadow
Simon's Quest
MICHmede
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.
 
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Game Name
Inspiration
Game Creator
Game Download
Castlevania: The Bloodletting
The Bloodletting (Canceled)
Piscesdreams
Description
 Based on canceled series title Castlevania: The Bloodletting, for which there was a scarce amount of information, Piscesdreams' original title of the same name uses these elements to tell us his version of the story: Richter Belmont's son, Harker, must discover why Castlevania has again risen early from the depths and do so while saving his father from the clutches of Death. (The author seeks programmers experienced with Multimedia Fusion 2.)
 
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Game Name
Inspiration
Game Creator
Game Download
Stranger's Requiem
The Dracula X Games
Frontier Aja
Description

Stranger's Requiem is the follow-up to the high-quality Scarlet Symphony, featuring the same solid play-formula plus some new stylings like pre-stage weapon-selection. You this time control former boss Sakuya Izayoi, who returns home to meet her master, Remilia Scarlet, but instead finds Yukari Yakumo, who has taken Remilia; to reclaim her mistress requires a trek through Scarlet Castle. Only a demo is available without direct purchase; English and French translations can be downloaded here.
 
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Game Name
Inspiration
Game Creator
Game Download
Castlevania Fighter
M.U.GE.N.
Serio
Description

Castlevania Fighter, as bluntly named, is a M.U.G.E.N.-based fighting game featuring a number of iconic Castlevania characters as you remember them from the games. The story: Dracula, victorious against the Belmont Clan, has grown so powerful that his actions have begun affecting alternate dimensions; this forces the chronologically separated heroes to come together, whence they must storm the castle to battle each other and the dark forces that threaten the countryside and their own time-periods.
 
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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
Download Page
CastlevaniaRL
Random Titles
Santiago Zapata
Description
 Serenade of Chaos (version 0.7 as of 2010) 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.
 
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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
Super Mario Crossover
Super Mario Bros.
Jay Pavlina
Description
 Super Mario Crossover lets us answer an important question: How would other video-game heroes fare against the forces of Bowser in the Mushroom Kingdom? Joining Mario, and testing their Goomba-stomping mettle, are Link, Bill Rizer, Samus Aran, Mega Man and, of course, Simon Belmont. The classic hero, ripped directly from Castlevania (NES), brings to the table enhanced abilities--a three-tiered whip, a double jump, and the battle axe.
 
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Flash Name
Based Off
Game Creator
Flash Page
Castlevania XTreme
Castlevania
TheDon2000
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
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
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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