Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a side-scrolling action RPG that follows Alucard, the son of Dracula, as he explores Castlevania after the mysterious disappearance of vampire hunter Richter Belmont. Rather than progressing through separate linear stages, players move through a large interconnected castle filled with enemies, bosses, hidden rooms and new routes. Alucard fights with swords and other weapons, uses magical spells and can transform into a bat, wolf or mist to reach areas that were previously inaccessible. Exploration and platforming are combined with RPG systems that let Alucard gain experience, improve his attributes and equip weapons, armor and accessories found throughout the castle. Progress depends on finding abilities and items that open new sections of the map, encouraging players to return to earlier areas as Alucard becomes stronger. The castle contains more than 140 enemy types and bosses, along with hidden equipment, secret rooms and optional discoveries. Maria Renard also appears during Alucard’s search for Richter, connecting the story directly to the events of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood.