Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

Reviewed by Marc Golding (December 31, 2003)

Despite destroying Dracula in game one, stout-hearted Vampire Killer (that’s a proper title, I’d have you know!) Simon Belmont is stricken by a curse at the hands of the dying despot, and desperately needs to find five of the bloodsucker’s body parts in order to be free of what plagues him. A nasty business to be sure - I’m not altogether certain, but hack Thomas Harris might have lent some assistance in developing the gruesome plot.

Reviewed by Sho (October 27, 2009)

There's the worn signage and crumbling brick of villages that tower over intricate catwalks of staircases, a setting so vividly recreated when it was put to the torch in Dracula X. There are the nocturnal treks through thick forestry in pursuit of bouncing werewolves and suspicious ferrymen who'll take you "someplace good," or the skeletons forlornly hanging in chains beneath the bowels of haunted mansions. And of course, a classic compilation of music that was even enhanced over the original disk release: the now legendary chords of "Bloody Tears" that accompany your travels, the less celebrated but similarly excellent "Silence of Daylight" in town, and that spine-tingling tune upon finally stepping into the ruined halls of Castlevania itself.

Reviewed by disco (July 08, 2010)

Simon Belmont is dying. The once great champion of the Belmont family- the man who killed Dracula and saved the world - is coming to a cruel and painful demise. He can barely hold his legendary whip anymore. Not just because he’s grown weak, but because his body can’t handle the movements. His old wounds are still aching. His muscles are slowly rotting off his bones. His skin has become pale, lifeless. It’s not old age; it’s only been seven years since the first game. It’s something far worse: D...

Reviewed by JoeTheDestroyer (October 04, 2011)

It's almost beautiful how the old mechanics and concepts can be adapted into a different style of game, one that looks brilliant at first glance and feels adventurous and exciting. It all seems so picture perfect that when it finally goes wrong you can't help but shed a few bloody tears of your own.

Reviewed by psychopenguin (September 12, 2005)

I hate Simon's Quest.

Reviewed by ratking (Date unavailable)

After Castlevania's success it was obvious a sequel would be made. Like Zelda though, the sequel was much different from the first, and not near as good. Instead of the simple sidescroller with enemies at every turn, and no complex puzzles Castlevania II weakens the enemies, and makes it so there are puzzles to solve, and many different ruotes to go. This is not really what Castlevania is supposed to be.