This game was my 1st "classicvania" experience. On my 1st playthrough I did it using the English version of the game on 3DS virtual console. I probably sunk 35-45 hours of trial and error learning the game.
I've since gone back and played through the Japanese version of the game and would recommend sticking exclusively to that version. Not only is the audio quality way better due to the better sound chip but the difficulty is more fairly balanced.
I really enjoy the branching levels and different recruitable characters to offer changes for repeat playthroughs. Other than that it's more of what Castlevania 1 great.
I can definitely see some argument for the 1st game being the superior NES "classicvania" since the experience is much tighter in progression and challenge but for me I just slightly prefer the extra gameplay options the companions provide in 3.
I've since gone back and played through the Japanese version of the game and would recommend sticking exclusively to that version. Not only is the audio quality way better due to the better sound chip but the difficulty is more fairly balanced.
I really enjoy the branching levels and different recruitable characters to offer changes for repeat playthroughs. Other than that it's more of what Castlevania 1 great.
I can definitely see some argument for the 1st game being the superior NES "classicvania" since the experience is much tighter in progression and challenge but for me I just slightly prefer the extra gameplay options the companions provide in 3.