LogFAQs > #950966048

#18. Super Castlevania IV (SNES, 1991)



Super Castlevania IV may be my favorite Castlevania game now, but it wasn't always. I went back and forth over Castlevania III and Symphony of the Night for a while. Eventually, after going through this game like 30 times, it ended up here.

For an early SNES game, SCIV looks fantastic. It's not the best in the series, but it still looks appropriately dark, gritty at times. It also sounds fantastic, some of the best work using the SNES sound. The music is actually amazing work, especially when you consider how early in the SNES's life this game was. And sure, the game has that one level to show off all the Mode 7 effects, which is kind of cheesy now, but it's not a bad stretch by any means, it still plays well and is kind of a nice memory to a past time.

The big thing with this game, for me, is that is just feels fun to play through each and every time. Some people who play SCIV want something more challenging, because it is easier than most other platformer Castlevania games. I can get that, it is easier than others, and I really like the challenge presented in most of the series. The eight way directional whipping can be seen as too powerful, but also, it's a whole lot of fun. Striking enemies at all kinds of angles while walking, doing jumps, moonwalking on stairs, it offers a lot of freedom to move around and just do things. The whip flail is a nice addition as well. It's one of those games where the total package just makes me feel like I am doing cool things all the time, and I still get joy turning on the game and playing through the same levels for whatever countless time this may be.

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