Back in the early 90's all i had was a sega genesis and a regular NES, i was always waiting to be welcomed to the next level, but i never got there. Castlevania was one of my favorite series for the nintendo, and i was quite upset that i never got to share in with castlevania IV when it came out till much later. however castlevania bloodlines was just what i needed to fill my vampire bloodlust guage.

even though there's no one with the surname of belmont in this game, it contains one john morris, son of quincy morris who defeated dracula and thus made morris the new belmont. john is the one to pick up the whip in this game. he's also joined by his blond spear wielding (and also much cooler) vampire hunting friend eric lacarde. both characters have loads of cool features with their respective weapons, and both get upgraded in the same 3 level manner as in past castlevania games.

this game is quite short, 6 levels short, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in style and difficulty. this game is pretty hard, but it's hard in that fun "i've gotta get past this lame part" way, instead of the "I wanna throw the controller into the TV way". the animation for both characters is very fluid, and there's very little slowdown, in fact, the graphics are probably some of the best that's ever been displayed on the genesis ever! the backgrounds are pretty gory though, in fact, most of this game it. there's blood abound, enemies spatter it, it drips from chopped in half carcasses hanging from walls, and you whip and spear enemies to chunks of undead flesh, and it all looks REALLY good!

the only real problem with this game is the control. even when played with the 6 button controller (which has an easier to use direction pad and isn't the size of a snowboard) there's problems with controlling your guys. multi directional attacks like in super castlevania IV are difficult to pull off at key moments, and the jumping mechanics are a little wonky here and there, but all it all you can get through this game with minimal hair pulling and profanity screaming.

even though it's just another link in the chain of the other side scrolling whip em ups like the previous castlevanias, and isn't as vast and deep as castlevania symphony of the night, if you wanna dust off your genesis, pop this game in it, it rules with blood soaked fangs!

Recommended: Yes