Castlevania: Bloodlines

Castlevania: Bloodlines, released in 1994 for the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis, marked the iconic franchise’s only appearance on SEGA’s 16-bit console. Konami developed and published the game in Europe as Castlevania: The New Generation, while in Japan it bore the title Vampire Killer. Despite being a slightly overlooked entry in the Castlevania saga, it remains one of its era's most polished and intense action platformers.

Unlike other titles in the series, Bloodlines does not focus on the Belmont family. Instead, players can choose between two new protagonists: John Morris, who wields the classic Vampire Killer whip, and Eric Lecarde, armed with a deadly spear. The presence of two characters with unique playstyles adds a layer of replayability and variety. John offers a more traditional Castlevania experience, while Eric’s agility and longer reach open up different strategies and even secret paths in levels.

The plot is loosely tied to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and takes place during World War I. Dracula’s niece, Elizabeth Bartley, attempts to resurrect the Count to unleash European chaos. The player travels through six diverse stages, spanning Romania, Greece, Germany, France, Italy, and England. Each level is crafted with impressive detail and features a blend of gothic horror and historical references, creating an eerie and imaginative atmosphere.

From a technical standpoint, the game makes excellent use of the Mega Drive hardware. It features parallax scrolling, water reflections, rotating gears, and screen distortions that were quite advanced for the time. The soundtrack, composed by Michiru Yamane—who would later work on Castlevania: Symphony of the Night — stands out for its dramatic tones and catchy melodies. Many fans consider it one of the finest soundtracks on the system.

Gameplay-wise, the game is fast-paced and challenging. The level design combines traditional platforming with clever gimmicks and intense boss fights. While it stays true to the series' roots, it also introduces new, fresh elements without alienating longtime fans. The difficulty is well-balanced.

Unlike the SNES's Super Castlevania IV, Bloodlines is often grittier and more action-oriented. It may not have the same graphical finesse as its SNES counterpart, but it compensates with tighter gameplay mechanics and more dynamic pacing.

Though it wasn't a massive commercial hit at the time, Castlevania: Bloodlines has gained a strong cult following. Today, it’s considered a hidden gem of the 16-bit era and a must-play for fans of the series.