PSP Reboot #17: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

Though I was never a huge fan of the Castlevania series, I recognize that it is one of the best of all-time.  However, this PSP reboot isn't very good.  It's actually quite baffling because this is one of the games that you would think would transfer well to the PSP because of the NES's limited controls.  The controls are certainly not an issue in this game.  At least, the number of buttons isn't an issue.  Moving your character is an issue though.

Like the old school Castlevania games, it's a 2D platformer where you move around and whip the shit out of anyone or anything that stands in your way.  It's been awhile since I have played this game but, if I remember correctly, walking is the default movement control (opposed to running).  In order to run, you have to double tap the d-button in the direction you want to go.  This is frustrating because half of the time, you still don't run when you do this.  In fact, why the hell would you ever want to walk in the this game to begin with?

The story is also mundane.  In a world that has vampires, demons, etc. you think that they could get a more interesting story than this.  I was bored out of my mind getting through some of these text bubbles.  This might have been acceptable back in 1989, but not now.

I got stuck on an early boss level and gave up because of the broken movement controls.  I'm not sure if the game got better but I didn't feel like wasting more time to find out.  If I were you, I would stick to the classics on the NES.  No doubt about it.

Image:  http://angryfreak.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/the-dracula-x-chronicles.jpg