Whether it's the imaginative art styles, the wondrous music, or the deep, emotional stories, the very best video games (Castlevania, in this case) have a way of bringing out the dreamers in all of us. It's these factors and their derived inspiration that drives the truly talented to take the next step and dive into the field of game development--to touch others in much the same way. Some create unique works steeped in game-universe mythology, while others more closely follow the template and supply only a personal touch. This page acknowledges all such work, as embodied by all categories listed below. Click the desired link to zip down to your games of choice.

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ROM Hacks

ROM hacks are simply the original works as enhanced by the manipulation of their sprite-work, their textures and (on occasion) their level structure. Since I don't host actual ROM files, due to their illegality, the files available here are IPS patches that will transform the ROM into the listed creation. Note: While some ZIP files contain do-it-themselves executable files, you'll for single IPS files need a program like Lunar IPS.

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creators
IPS File
Prelude of Darkness
Castlevania
The Zappsoft Empire
Description
 Prelude of Darkness as explained by its creator: "Jonathan Belmont is a relative to the ancient Belmont clan of Vampire Killers; his mission is to breach the castle of Dracula and stop the blazing moon from damaging the souls of all that it bathes. Jonathan sets out with his family's legendary whip to end the curse of the evil Dracula once and for all." The creator recommends using the IPSWin 2.0 patcher, a North American-version ROM, and a Windows-based emulator (FCEUXD SP 1.0 for best results). The game is available is three forms: Regular Version, Easy Type, and Hard Type.
 
Screenshots (point to thumbnail to view full screenshot)
               
              

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creators
IPS File (Site Link)
Chorus of Mysteries
Castlevania
Dr. Mario & optomon
Description
 Castlevania: Chorus of Mysteries is an extremely in-depth hack featuring a sweeping graphical overhaul, new level design beyond simple block placement, a new soundtrack, new mechanics for minor enemies, and brand new bosses enhanced by equally fresh mechanics. Join sailor Armund, DeNasty family descendant, as he travels to Count Olrox's castle in search of clues as to the whereabouts of the infamous Count Dracula.
 
Screenshots

             
             

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Horror of Dracula (V2.0)
Castlevania
Frédéric Bouix
Description

Castlevania: Horror of Dracula is a reworked Castlevania. Save for color differences, Horror's biggest appeal is some new level design, with it some new pathways, traps, challenges, and other hidden secrets.

11/5/12: The final version (Version 2.0), now up for download, features new sprites for Simon and the enemies; more-difficult Medusa and Dracula battles; a more-selective whip; and more minor changes. The ZIP up for download contains files for three challenge-levels. (Note: These IPS files work only with the European version of Castlevania.)
 
Sample Music
Screenshots

             
             

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Castlevania Remix
Castlevania
Thaddeus
Description
 Castlevania Remix features Game Boy-style redesign. Its monochrome look is teamed with a helping of sprite-reworking, new level structure, swapped music, and an overall new atmosphere.
 
Screenshots

             

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Orchestra of Despair
Castlevania
Dr. Mario
Description
 This "sequel" to Castlevania features new textures, a new look for the traveled Simon, new enemy types, and unique level structure. Join Simon Belmont in his final adventure--a bid to scour Transylvania and hunt down the resilient Count Dracula. (Note: This hack is made to work with the European [PAL] version of Castlevania.)
 
Screenshots

             

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Bloodmoon
Castlevania
Redrum
Description
 The creator of Bloodmoon completely reworks the original, redesigning the graphics for textures, characters, items, and backgrounds; big changes for the level structure make it an all-new experience. Mechanical changes include higher jumping, whipping while walking, and more item-droppage. This IPS file requires a patching program like the one linked to in the header.
 
Screenshots

             
            

 

Hack Name
Titles Hacked
IPS Files
Stoneheart's Hacks
Castlevania I & III
Castlevania: Scenery | Winter | Dark (Easy) | Dark (Exciting)
Konami Classics: Dracula's Curse: Scenery (v3.1)
Description

The man known as Stoneheart has brewed up some scenery-changing IPS files for the NES standouts Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. These edits alter not only palettes but also some stage structures, music, and enemy placement; the themes available are "Scenery," "Winter" and "Dark," which create the appropriate changes in the respective games' decor. These IPS files will work with both the original and Konami Classics versions of the games.
 
Screenshots
                   
                   
                                       

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS File
Zappsoft Character Hacks
Castlevania
The Zappsoft Empire
Description
 The Zappsoft Empire brings to you a series of hacks that replaces Simon's classic monochromatic form with both stylings and heroes as seen in other NES games. Available now is Simon from Simon's Quest.
 
Screenshots

 

Hack Name
Title Hacked
Hack Creator
IPS Files
Ultimate Castlevania
Castlevania
Khefz
Description
 Ultimate Castlevania is a hack created in celebration of the Castlevania series' 30th anniversary. The files contained with this IPS pack modify the game's graphical presentation and make some nifty alterations to its level design. In total, six files are available: Three unique reskins and their related difficulty-increasing "Crazy Mode" modifiers. Also included is a manual--a cool redesign of the orginal's made to reflect Khefz' alterations.
 
Screenshots
                   
                    
                                       

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