About this game
Castlevania: Bloodlines — known in Japan as Vampire Killer and in Europe as Castlevania: The New Generation — is the 1994 Mega Drive entry in Konami's gothic horror action series, and the only mainline Castlevania released on the platform. Set against the backdrop of World War I in 1917, the game follows two descendants of the Belmont family: John Morris (whip user) and Eric Lecarde (spear user), each with distinct movement and combat properties. The setting spans real-world European locations rendered through gothic horror — Versailles, Pisa, and others. Composer Michiru Yamane made her debut as primary Castlevania composer on this title, beginning a creative relationship with the series she would define with Symphony of the Night.
Key Features
Two playable protagonists: John Morris (whip — standard Belmont style, long range) and Eric Lecarde (spear — pole-vault jumps, different reach). Six stages across European locations: Versailles, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Greece, Egypt, and more. Mega Drive hardware pushed for scaling and rotation effects. Password system for continues. Michiru Yamane's debut Castlevania score — distinct metal-influenced orchestral style.
The Story Behind
Castlevania: Bloodlines arrived as the series was on Super NES (Super Castlevania IV, 1991) and the Game Boy, both strong platforms for Konami's franchise. Bloodlines was Konami's answer to Sega console owners who wanted the series — and it demonstrated that the Mega Drive could deliver the atmosphere and challenge the series required. The WWI setting and European location-hopping were unusual in the series, giving it a distinctly different geographic and historical flavor. Michiru Yamane's debut score established her metal-influenced compositional style that would reach its peak on Symphony of the Night.
Tricks & Tales
Michiru Yamane made her debut as the primary Castlevania composer on Bloodlines — she would go on to compose Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997), widely considered the greatest soundtrack in the series. The game's WWI setting (1917) made it one of the few action games of the era to use a real historical period as a backdrop rather than a generic fantasy setting. John Morris is the son of Jonathan Morris from Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (2006), establishing a cross-game family lineage.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Japan: Vampire Killer. North America: Castlevania: Bloodlines. Europe: Castlevania: The New Generation. All versions have the same gameplay; title and minor regional content variations apply.
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.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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