One of the rare video game remakes that instead of setting out to accomplish the subjective goal of "improving" the original, justifies its existence by being a completely different game with a completely new artistic vision. Developed by a small, inexperienced new team, Castlevania IV retells the story of Castlevania with new level design, new enemy design, and new mechanics.
What sets it apart is the change in tone. This is a moody, atmospheric rendition that relies a lot on its aesthetics and audio. I was surprised to find out this was Masanori Adachi and Taro Kudo's (who composed for Contra III and Axelay, respectively) first work because they really deliver here with tracks like Forest of Monsters, Submerged City, and Cellar.
The gameplay is made easier due to expanded whip control, but I would argue this allowed the developers to be more creative with the level design and enemy placements. At any rate, it's a lot of fun to play, and it still feels like classic Castlevania due to how committed your jumps are.
Instead of being the same game but worse (e.g., Demon's Souls 2020, Resident Evil 4 2023), or the same game with insignificant alterations (Super Mario RPG 2023), Castlevania IV/Akumajou Dracula 1991 instead decides to be its an independent work with it's own strengths and weaknesses. As a result, it stands on its own as another great entry in the series and companion piece to the original Castlevania.
What sets it apart is the change in tone. This is a moody, atmospheric rendition that relies a lot on its aesthetics and audio. I was surprised to find out this was Masanori Adachi and Taro Kudo's (who composed for Contra III and Axelay, respectively) first work because they really deliver here with tracks like Forest of Monsters, Submerged City, and Cellar.
The gameplay is made easier due to expanded whip control, but I would argue this allowed the developers to be more creative with the level design and enemy placements. At any rate, it's a lot of fun to play, and it still feels like classic Castlevania due to how committed your jumps are.
Instead of being the same game but worse (e.g., Demon's Souls 2020, Resident Evil 4 2023), or the same game with insignificant alterations (Super Mario RPG 2023), Castlevania IV/Akumajou Dracula 1991 instead decides to be its an independent work with it's own strengths and weaknesses. As a result, it stands on its own as another great entry in the series and companion piece to the original Castlevania.