![Akumajou Dracula XX [Model SHVC-ADZJ] screenshot](images/game/61017_2.png "Akumajou Dracula XX [Model SHVC-ADZJ]")
悪魔城ドラキュラXX © 1995 Konami Company, Limited.
(Akumajou Dracula XX)
Akumajou Dracula XX is a quintessential side-scrolling action-platformer by Konami. Generations after Simon Belmont first defeated Count Dracula, the forces of darkness have regrouped, seeking to resurrect the Prince of Darkness and exact revenge upon the entire Belmont bloodline. To lure the current heir, Richter Belmont, into his trap, Dracula kidnaps Richter’s girlfriend, Annette Renard, and her younger sister, Maria. Armed with the legendary Vampire Killer whip, Richter must fight his way through treacherous environments—from a burning village to the sprawling, cursed halls of Castlevania—to rescue his loved ones and destroy the vampire lord.
The gameplay adheres to the series' challenging roots: Richter navigates dangerous platforms and dispatches undead horrors using his whip and a variety of collectible sub-weapons, such as the Axe, Holy Water, and Daggers. By collecting hearts found within destructible candles, players can fuel "Item Crash" attacks, which unleash devastating screen-clearing power in moments of desperation. The game spans seven main stages, including two branching alternate levels, and utilizes a password system to manage progress through the quest.
![Goodies for Akumajou Dracula XX [Model SHVC-ADZJ]](images/covermini160/61017_1.jpg)
Cartridge ID: SHVC-ADZJ
Akumajou Dracula XX was released on July 21, 1995 (Friday) in Japan at a retail price of 9,800 JPY.
A Contentious Legacy: While Akumajou Dracula XX is technically a reimagining of the PC Engine’s Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo (known as Rondo of Blood in the West), it is widely considered a distinct, stripped-down experience rather than a direct port. Konami essentially built a new game using similar assets, leading to major differences in level design, pacing, and mechanics.
Reduced Scope: The Super Famicom’s cartridge limitations meant the game lost the expansive, multi-path nature of the original Chi no Rondo. While the PC Engine version was praised for its branching paths and hidden rooms, XX is a much more linear, focused experience, featuring only two secret stages.
The Missing Protagonist: One of the most significant changes from the original game is the complete removal of Maria Renard as a playable character. In Chi no Rondo, Maria offered a vastly different playstyle, but in XX, she is relegated strictly to her role as a kidnapped NPC.
Technical Divergence: Because the Super Famicom lacked a CD-ROM drive, the game lost the elaborate, high-fidelity animated cutscenes and CD-quality voice acting that made Chi no Rondo a technical showcase in 1993. Instead, the game relies on standard sprite-based storytelling.
The "Burning Village" Difficulty: The opening stage of this title is famous for its visual impact and immediate difficulty. The scrolling screen of the burning village, combined with the tight platforming required to avoid falling into the flames, serves as an immediate trial by fire that sets the tone for the rest of the game.
Regional Titles: In North America and Europe, the game was released under the title Castlevania: Dracula X. Due to the confusion between this title and the superior Rondo of Blood, it has gained a somewhat divisive reputation among series purists, though it remains highly sought after by collectors for its tight platforming and classic Castlevania atmosphere.
Export releases:
[US] Castlevania - Dracula X [Model SNS-ADZE-USA]
[EU] Castlevania - Vampire's Kiss [Model SNSP-ADZP-EUR]