In my review of Vampire Killer, I stated that it was more interesting as a historical document than a game. The same remains true for Simon's Quest, though it is both more interesting a document and more competent a game than Vampire Killer ever was.
While Vampire Killer was explorative, it was still level-based, featuring the same 6-block, 3 stages per block structure of Castlevania. Simon's Quest contextualises its levels within a more open environment, albeit one that trends horizontal. It features towns, cryptic villagers, and experience points, all of which evoke Zelda II. While I needed a fan-made map for reference due to the game's bullshit cryptic nature, I can't deny that there was some charm to Simon's Quest. For the most part I enjoyed myself.
My enjoyment was mostly fuelled by the game's curious nature. To actually evaluate it as a game, I must be honest and call it a mild failure. World and game structure aside, the level design is not even close to the quality of Castlevania. Boss and enemy design/placement is similarly lacking in consideration, and the sub-weapons lack the excellent game-feel of those in the original too. The "What a horrible night to have a curse" mechanic is a neat idea for heightening tension, but it comes too quick and lasts too long to be anything but a pain after the first couple of times.
Although Konami were reticent to publicly credit staff (assholes), if I had to guess I'd say this is the work of the Vampire Killer team, working with the mechanics and assets developed by the Castlevania team, who were likely developing Dracula's Curse at the time. The game feels off in that distinctly Vampire Killer way. If this is the case, then I must commend them for their ambition and improvements. This is a flawed, bad game, but I'm quite fond of it nonetheless. It's at least interesting, and that's worth something in my book.
If you're considering playing this game, I recommend using this map for reference. It tells you enough so you're not wandering around confused for hours, while giving some room for you to use your head: https://nesmaps.com/maps/Castlevania2/Castlevania2CompleteMapB.html
While Vampire Killer was explorative, it was still level-based, featuring the same 6-block, 3 stages per block structure of Castlevania. Simon's Quest contextualises its levels within a more open environment, albeit one that trends horizontal. It features towns, cryptic villagers, and experience points, all of which evoke Zelda II. While I needed a fan-made map for reference due to the game's bullshit cryptic nature, I can't deny that there was some charm to Simon's Quest. For the most part I enjoyed myself.
My enjoyment was mostly fuelled by the game's curious nature. To actually evaluate it as a game, I must be honest and call it a mild failure. World and game structure aside, the level design is not even close to the quality of Castlevania. Boss and enemy design/placement is similarly lacking in consideration, and the sub-weapons lack the excellent game-feel of those in the original too. The "What a horrible night to have a curse" mechanic is a neat idea for heightening tension, but it comes too quick and lasts too long to be anything but a pain after the first couple of times.
Although Konami were reticent to publicly credit staff (assholes), if I had to guess I'd say this is the work of the Vampire Killer team, working with the mechanics and assets developed by the Castlevania team, who were likely developing Dracula's Curse at the time. The game feels off in that distinctly Vampire Killer way. If this is the case, then I must commend them for their ambition and improvements. This is a flawed, bad game, but I'm quite fond of it nonetheless. It's at least interesting, and that's worth something in my book.
If you're considering playing this game, I recommend using this map for reference. It tells you enough so you're not wandering around confused for hours, while giving some room for you to use your head: https://nesmaps.com/maps/Castlevania2/Castlevania2CompleteMapB.html