2.5/5 ★ – Empyrean's review of Vampire Killer.

I have no idea what this game is but I’m using it as a placeholder for the MSX port of the original Castlevania, commonly known as Vampire Killer. I’ve always been interested by this game, especially as it introduced non-linearity and RPG elements to the series one month into its lifespan and 11 years before the full genre shift courtesy of Symphony of the Night. Playing it now, it’s definitely not my preferred way to experience classic Castlevania (I’d rather just play Simon’s Quest) but it’s definitely fun to see all the changes. Perhaps most interestingly is that Dracula’s monster form is removed entirely and replaced by a portrait that spits bats. I actually kinda prefer it.