Alternate Names/Systems

(1) Akumajou Dracula -- translation: Demon Castle Dracula (Japan)
(2) PS2: Oretachi Geasen Zoku Sono 15: Akumajou Dracula -- translation: Game Center Zoku Sono 15: Demon Castle Dracula

Re-release Information

(1) 2006: The formerly arcade-only Haunted Castle is ported to the Playstation 2 thanks to a Japanese company called Hamster, which re-releases single titles under the brand "Oretachi." Its official re-release title is Oretachi Geasen Zoku Sono 15: Akumajou Dracula. (Thanks to Protogem for this information.)

Manual Story Description

Haunted Castle is an arcade game, thus it has no traditional manual. Instead, its cabinet offers the following explanation:

The honeymoon is over before it has begun in Haunted Castle. The player's wife has been kidnapped by evil Vampire. Fearing nothing, the player boldly starts on a quest to find his missing bride. He begins his mission with a whip as his only weapon, but he can obtain a more powerful weapon (chain or sword) by destroying particular enemies. The player collects small and large hearts that appear after destroying certain enemies. The amount of hearts the player collects determines the number of times he can use a power-up item.

Objective/Overview

Haunted Castle found its way into western arcades around the same time Castlevania hit the NES. You've probably never heard of it, and there's a reason for that: It didn't fare too well because of its limited availability and its insane challenge-level. It's a shame, therein, that many of the series' fans are oblivious to its existence and may never get the chance to play it. Though, for the sake of their blood pressure, that's probably a good thing.

The story is somewhat parallel to that of the NES' own Castlevania, but it exists solely as an "alternate rendition" (a more unlikely version) of Simon Belmont's adventures, wherein his wife has been abducted by a freshly risen Dracula. Its method of play, though not as deep, is directly in the vein of Castlevania: You must take control of the hero and lead him through six stages of madness, each flooded with minor enemies, crammed with vile traps, and resided over by challenging bosses. Using a number of regular and sub-weapons, it's up to you to defeat Count Dracula and save Simon's kidnapped bride.

The cabinet comes with its own manual that guides the arcade owner in the assembly process. This rare manual can be seen here, courtesy of Morgoth, its contributor.

Japanese/European Differences

Haunted Castle first appeared in Japanese arcades, but it was instead presented under the traditional Japanese name reserved for the more common series' titles: Like the MSX2 and NES titles, that is, it's called Akumajou Dracula. The Japanese version, according to correspondent Sam Mills, is somewhat easier than the American version yet still considerably challenging. It should be noted that this holds true for the PS2 version of Akumajou Dracula, which is a straight port.

For more on Haunted Castle, click on "review" at the bottom of this page.

Soundtrack and Credits

Soundtrack
Opening and Ending Themes: 1 - Dracula's Resurrection | 2 - Wedding March Tragedy | 3 - Ending
Stage Themes: 1 - Cross Your Heart | 2 - Devil's Revival | 3 - Bloody Tears | 4 - Underground Melody | 5 - Clock Tower's Fear | 6 - Don't Wait Until Night
Battle Themes: 1 - Devil's Resurrection | 2 - Dracula's Room | 3 - Final Battle
Miscellaneous Themes: 1 - No Return | 2 - Never End | 3 - Battle Again | 4 - Sent to the Devil's Requiem

Links
Music Files: MP3 and MIDI
Soundtrack Release: Dracula Battle Perfect Selectlion Vol. 1, Oretachi Game Center Zoku - Akumajou Dracula and Castlevania Best Music Collections Box
Game Credits: Not Available

Other Characters

Lesser Enemies: Skeleton, Zombie, Raven, Rolling Stone, Wall Widow, Bat, Fishman, Skeledragon, Rock Monster, Skeleton Ghost, Hunchback, Spirit, Axe Knight, Attacking Silverware, Harpy, Rolling Eyes and Mummy Man
Bosses: Medusa, Bone Dragon King, Stain-Glass Knight, Giant Rock Creature and Frankenstein
Dracula Forms: Dracula and Dracula's Ghost
Supporting Cast: Serena

Character Lists

Lesser Enemies | Bosses | Dracula Forms | Supporting Cast