Introduction
In 1990, Konami showcased its ability to make fun of itself by releasing Akumajō Special: Boku Dracula-kun for the Japanese market on the NES. In 1993, it was released worldwide for the Game Boy under the name Kid Dracula, marking the beginning of our adventure.
Story
After awakening from his long sleep, the self-proclaimed Demon Prince, Kid Dracula, discovers that he has been challenged again by the evil King Garamoth. Kid Dracula accepts this challenge and embarks on his journey to defeat Garamoth.
Gameplay
Kid Dracula is a fantastic platform game divided into eight levels leading up to the final boss, King Garamoth. The level design remains impressive even today, featuring various types of obstacles, such as mobile platforms, waterfalls, gears, and flames. The main differences between the Game Boy version and the NES version are the size of the levels and the reduced number of enemies, due to the limitations of the handheld console.
Konami’s efforts on this game are noteworthy, with excellent level design complemented by great music. All these elements ensure a good experience for the player during gameplay.
In Kid Dracula, we have a robust magic system. According to the game’s plot, after sleeping for many years, Kid Dracula’s memory is a bit faulty (though he doesn’t admit it). As a result, he doesn’t remember all the magic he can use. Throughout the levels, we relearn some of these special attacks, which are introduced to us with a demo screen and a quick explanation of each attack.
The magic that our Demon Prince uses includes various types of shots (which are offensive magic) and effects like BAT (allowing him to fly like a bat) and UMB (the powerful umbrella, used to protect Kid Dracula from projectiles launched by enemies). Each attack is important depending on the level you are in, so it’s crucial to know how to use each magic ability effectively.
When the special attack is utilized, the player earns one coin for each enemy destroyed. These coins can be used in the mini-games between levels, and at these mini-games are the only way to earn extra lives; you can't find lives in the game levels. The energy can be replenished by collecting hearts found throughout the levels; the three hearts you start with can be upgraded to at least five.
The bosses are not overly difficult; however, they each have multiple attack patterns, sometimes changing their form or summoning allies to fight against you.
Conclusion
Although it is a short game (you can finish it in about 30 minutes), it still offers a great platform experience. I remember when I was a child, and a friend lent me a cartridge with a bunch of games, one of which was Kid Dracula. That was my first contact with the Castlevania franchise. Recently, I discovered the Game Boy version and played it again, realizing that the game experience at 38 is still as great as it was when I first played it at 12 or 13.
Believe me, if you play Kid Dracula, you will discover that Symphony of the Night is not the only remarkable vampire game developed by Konami.
Pros
- + Charismatic characters;
- + Short game, easy to finish;
- + Enemies well balanced;
- + Good mini-games.
Cons
- - The sound can be very annoying (because of the Game Boy limitations);
- - Relying exclusively on mini-games to earn more lives;
8
Gameplay
Very simple, like any platform game.
7
Graphics
The graphics are exactly we can expect for a Game Boy game
9
Story
A funny story for a funny Castlevania spin-off
8
Sound
Besides the limitations of the handheld, the musics are pretty cool.
8
Replayability
For me, every Halloween are a reason to play again.
9.5
out of 10
Overall
If you like Castlevania and platform games, definitely you should try this one!
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