Castlevania (1998)
Nintendo 64
Released On:
Dec 31, 1998
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
User score
Mixed or Average
7.2
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
60% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
33% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
90
A gorgeous rendition of the old Castlevania tale. Castlevania’s a 3D platform spectacle that definitely warrants a good look from N64 owners everywhere--you won’t find better hauntings than this one.
85
If you're prepared to overlook, or at least work around, the faults, Castlevania is well worth considering. The only thing that old hands at Castlevania will be left wondering is why you can't swing with the whip.
User score
Mixed or Average
7.2
57% Positive
45 Ratings
45 Ratings
27% Mixed
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
16% Negative
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
Feb 23, 2025
10
One of the best N64 games, it was alligned with gaming trends of the era such as mixing Tomb Raider and Super Mario 64 gameplay with a little bit of Resident Evil while keeping Classicvanias elements such as platforming and subweapons intact. Great oddly gothic atmosphere and absolutely stunning music packed with several in-game memorable moments, don't listen to haters.
Sep 16, 2021
10
I've enjoyed a lot of Castlevania games in my life but this one left the strongest impression. I think we can say that it's a different genre if we compare it to the 2d Castlevania and Ps2 version as well. With this one, and Legacy of darkness, you will be more immerse in a dark fantasy world. This is why it's probably the best one to be remade today in my opinion. It's good for what it is but it could be so much more. I want to know more about the family living in the villa trapped after Dracula's Castle appears. This plot is so good that it could even be used for a horror movie by itself. Even Rose's story is heartbreaking and groundbreaking for this time but could benefit more work as well. I love the rocky actiony 2d games and enjoyed Lord of shadow too but Castlevania 64 has the potential to give something close to what should be a Castlevania today. A Souls like dark fantasy goodness. This game is good but it has been cursed, I think it's time to remove the spell and praise the sun to rain light on it.
80
Yes, the graphics are less than desired and the camera and control can be bothersome. But the quest as a whole -- action, platforming, story and challenge -- is so satisfying that the problems can be overlooked. Be sure to give it a shot.
80
I have never seen a land so desperately in need of a cemetery. A decent game. If you are a fan of the series, definitely pick this one up.
73
It's one of those games you just buy on the name alone -- unfortunately, it's also one of those games that hold the potential to make a killing, but leave the impact of a mosquito on a windshield. It's not horrendous or even bad; just extremely disappointing in execution.
68
I really want to like Castlevania, but I can’t. Konami made a truly complete quest by throwing in a very long section leading up to the Castle, but ultimately it becomes boring. Once you actually get into some of the architecture, the bad camera angles and less than perfect collision detection makes the game an exercise in frustration most of the time.
42
Pales in comparison to its cousins and is not worth the money to buy. With repetitive gameplay and almost no depth, you're better off letting Dracula ravage the countryside. Might help lower global population numbers.
Dec 28, 2020
10
Incredible graphics An awsome videogame and a great begging of the Castlevania 3D world
Nov 20, 2022
7
I'm sure the biggest problem with this game is the way the levels are planned. Controls and graphics are OK, but what happens during gameplay is not really fun. The Mandragora and Nitro level is so damn terrible.
Sep 22, 2021
7
Se trata de un buen juego. La primera entrega de la saga Castlevania en 3D. Se trata de un juego lineal, no de los considerados metroidvania, pero no le falta nada de lo que hizo famosa a la saga; acción en escenarios tétricos, plataformas, puzzles y batallas contra grandes jefes. Se trata de un juego hijo de su tiempo, con los errores clásicos en la cámara para uno de aquellos primeros juegos en 3D, a veces nos veremos muriendo de forma injusta por esos mismos errores, pero es un clásico y a estas alturas se le perdona. Un juego recomendable para los fans de la saga y del gaming clásico. Le bajo la nota por debajo del verde debido a sus errores, pero en general es un buen juego y merece ser disfrutado
Apr 30, 2016
5
The Nintendo 64 Era was a make-or-break moment for many franchises leaving their comfort zones of traditional 2D platforming and upgrading to 3D. For many franchises like Mario and Zelda, it worked out very well. For others like Earthworm Jim, it didn't work out so well and the franchises never had the success they once had. Unfortunately, Castlevania turned into one of those franchises after this game.
Mar 6, 2021
2
This game wanted to be great but just didn't transition to 3D nearly as well as many other titles. This was an idea that was tried far too early. The tech just wasn't there yet.
