Review is for the 'Arranged Mode' of the rerelease. The original version has ridiculous difficulty, and not the good kind. While this version features some overcorrection (the second boss is rendered trivial by the removal of knockback), it is overall far more enjoyable.
Immediately following a sort-of remake of the original Castlevania in Super Castlevania IV, the next entry is... another remake of the same game? Granted, this one is a bit closer to the original, though it expands the level design and mechanics considerably.
Chronicles is an odd one. The mechanics are limited compared to IV. It allows downwards and diagonal-down whip attacks in mid-air, otherwise operating as in the original. Mid-air control is back, easing some of the tricky maneuvering present in the borrowed level design. IV's reliance on the SNES' Mode 7 for many of its most interesting moments was unfortunately not possible here, leading to the game feeling like a step back.
Despite some unfavourable comparisons to other entries, Chronicles is still an enjoyable ride. The music remixes are hilarious and brilliant, it looks pretty good, and most stages are solidly designed. While I prefer the tightness of the original, Chronicles is a worthy game on its own terms. Definitely check it out if you like this style Castlevania.
Immediately following a sort-of remake of the original Castlevania in Super Castlevania IV, the next entry is... another remake of the same game? Granted, this one is a bit closer to the original, though it expands the level design and mechanics considerably.
Chronicles is an odd one. The mechanics are limited compared to IV. It allows downwards and diagonal-down whip attacks in mid-air, otherwise operating as in the original. Mid-air control is back, easing some of the tricky maneuvering present in the borrowed level design. IV's reliance on the SNES' Mode 7 for many of its most interesting moments was unfortunately not possible here, leading to the game feeling like a step back.
Despite some unfavourable comparisons to other entries, Chronicles is still an enjoyable ride. The music remixes are hilarious and brilliant, it looks pretty good, and most stages are solidly designed. While I prefer the tightness of the original, Chronicles is a worthy game on its own terms. Definitely check it out if you like this style Castlevania.