Simon Belmont
A vampire hunter of the Belmont clan and the playable protagonist. He enters Dracula's castle armed with the legendary Vampire Killer whip.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad LeftD-pad Right | Move left or right |
|---|---|
D-pad Down | Crouch |
A | Jump |
B | Attack with the whip |
D-pad Up | Climb stairs or use an upward-facing action |
Start | Pause the game |
Control notes
The game uses the Game Boy Advance control layout.
Secondary weapons are used through the documented attack input after they have been collected.
How it plays
How does Classic NES Series: Castlevania play?
The game uses a fixed side-scrolling perspective. Simon must clear six stages in Dracula's castle, defeating enemies, avoiding hazards, and reaching a boss at the end of each stage.
Simon walks, crouches, jumps, climbs stairs, and attacks with his whip. Candles contain items such as hearts, which fuel secondary weapons, as well as score items, weapon upgrades, and temporary power-ups.
Each stage ends with a boss encounter. Simon advances through increasingly dangerous rooms, while deaths consume lives and restart him from a checkpoint or stage beginning depending on the situation.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Classic NES Series: Castlevania?
Learn enemy placement and attack rhythms before trying to move quickly. Many enemies are easiest to defeat from a safe distance, especially when Simon's whip has been upgraded.
Keep hearts for the secondary weapon you actually intend to use. Holy Water can repeatedly stun some enemies, while the axe is useful against targets above Simon.
Avoid unnecessary damage on stairs and near pits. Bosses become more manageable when you enter with full health, a long whip, and a stocked secondary weapon.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Count Dracula
The final enemy and ruler of the castle. Simon must defeat Dracula at the end of the game.
Death
A major boss who attacks Simon with a rotating pattern of sickles.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Strike candles and collect hearts, but do not spend every heart immediately on secondary attacks.
- 2
Whip upgrades improve reach and can increase the whip's damage after repeated collection.
- 3
Use stair positioning carefully; Simon cannot jump while climbing.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A faithful portable version of the original Castlevania, with the same precise controls and punishing difficulty.
Its short, linear structure and unchanged presentation feel dated, but the level design and atmosphere remain influential.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0