About this game
Castlevania (1999), known as Akumajō Dracula Mokushiroku in Japan, was the Castlevania series' first full leap into 3D — one of the most anticipated and debated transitions of the Nintendo 64 era. Developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Kobe, it offered two playable protagonists: Reinhardt Schneider, a whip-wielding vampire hunter, and Carrie Fernandez, a magic-wielding orphan. The shift to 3D divided the fanbase deeply, but the game remains historically essential as the moment a legendary 2D series confronted the third dimension.
Key Features
Two playable characters with distinct playstyles give the game meaningful replay value: Reinhardt fights in close range with a whip and sub-weapons inherited from the classic series; Carrie uses homing energy rings and magic at range. The 3D castle is non-linear, with multiple routes through its gothic architecture. The title screen features a violin solo rendition of 'Overture' from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, performed live by Tomokuni Katayama.
Gallery
The Story Behind
Released just over a year after Castlevania: Symphony of the Night redefined the series in 2D, Castlevania 64 faced an almost impossible standard. Symphony of the Night had been acclaimed as a masterpiece; the N64 entry had to justify the move to 3D while honouring a 13-year legacy. The North American release in January 1999 preceded Japan by nearly two months — unusual for a Konami title. An expanded version, Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness, was released in North America and Europe later in 1999, containing two additional characters and expanded content.
Tricks & Tales
The violinist Tomokuni Katayama performed the title screen solo live in the studio — a rare instance of live instrument recording for a late-1990s video game. The game was notoriously harder in North America than Japan due to difficulty tuning differences between the regional versions. Castlevania 64 and Legacy of Darkness share the same castle layout but have different story routes and characters — collectors seeking the complete experience need both cartridges.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
The original Castlevania 64 was not released in Europe; European players received Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness instead. Japanese and North American versions have difficulty differences — the NA version is considered harder.
Maintenance Tips
Standard N64 cartridge care: clean the edge connector with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. No internal battery — save data is stored on EEPROM and does not require battery replacement.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
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