The 3D era of gaming changed the landscape forever. One can compare to the film industrys' transition from silents to talkies in the late 1920s. Once the movies could talk, they never went back to silent. The 2D to 3D transition for video games hasn't been quite as severe, but certainly is quite potent on its own. There is still a large audience for the 2D style, especially with all the retro titles out there today a la New Super Mario Bros. Wii. For the most part however, games have radically progressed, and clearly for the better - though some classic games, the real old ones, are hard to top.

     Most of the big name franchises made their 3D crossovers by 1999, by the time Castlevania was released for the Nintendo 64. Mario and Zelda led the way and made it an art form. Metroid didn't make a splash on the N64, but came back huge on the Gamecube with the Metroid Prime series. All of these major mainstays in gaming largely succeeded. Some struggled - Mega Man made an awful transition into 3D with the disastrious Mega Man 64. Could Castlevania succeed?

     Often referenced as Castlevania 64, it is a largely uneven. It isn't perfect, but it doesn't completely falter either. When I first got this game I expected great things - any press on the game made it seem like it was awesome. My first encounter with it was one of wonder, but the 3D graphics nowadays appear blurry; then they looked pretty good. It opens with a beautiful title screen with someone playing the Castlevania theme on violin and sets the tone instantly. You have the choice to play as either Reinhardt or Carrie. I always prefer Reinhardt because he gets to use the whip, harkening back to the good old days of Simon Belmont. The controls though are a little sluggish as it seems the game wishes it were faster than it is. If the action had a little more punch, it would have been far better.

     The camera system is also a bit problematic, as was fairly common back in those early 3D games. The camera doesn't always catch up to you when making sudden movements, which can be detrimental during precise jumps and so on. It also lacks music - it barely contains any at all. Perhaps it adds a sense of realism, but Castlevania games have always excelled in that field, and it is just a bit of a letdown. Though, one could argue it does excentuate the sound effects, which are in fine form here.

     I have criticized this game a great deal, but I don't want to discourage you from playing it. It is still a pretty good game despite its flaws. It lacks a certain "wow factor" that Super Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time had, but then again any game developer would be hard pressed to make something better. Castlevania for N64 has its strong moments, it does often have a spooky atmosphere, which is what you are looking from this franchise. I would recommend it if you can overlook its shortcomings as it certainly does have some entertainment value.

-Kurt L.

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