About this game
Released in 1993 exclusively in Japan, Rondo of Blood is widely regarded as the finest game in the classic Castlevania series. Taking full advantage of the PC Engine's CD-ROM format, it featured voice acting, cinematic cutscenes, and a branching stage structure rare for the era. Richter Belmont's mission to rescue Maria from Dracula was a masterclass in 2D platform design — tight, fair, and endlessly replayable. Its influence on Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was direct and fundamental.
Key Features
Branching stage paths, two playable characters (Richter Belmont and rescued Maria Renard), voice-acted cutscenes using the CD-ROM format, multiple bosses with alternate encounters on alternate routes, and the iconic sub-weapon system refined to its peak.
The Story Behind
Rondo of Blood was exclusive to Japan and required the PC Engine Super CD-ROM² unit — making it inaccessible to most Western players at the time. Its legacy was carried forward most directly through Symphony of the Night (1997), which serves as its direct sequel and features Richter as a hidden playable character.
Tricks & Tales
Maria Renard, a rescued captive who becomes a playable character, fights using animal companions and is considered easier and more agile than Richter. She later became a recurring character in the Castlevania series. The game was not released outside Japan until a Nintendo Wii Virtual Console release in 2007.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Japan-only release on PC Engine Super CD-ROM². Never officially released in North America or Europe on original hardware. Western players accessed it through Wii Virtual Console (2007) and later as part of Castlevania Requiem (PS4, 2018).
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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