Ever wonder what Electronic Gaming Monthly, GamePro and other popular magazines thought of your favorite 8-, 16- and 32-bit games? Now you can find out, thanks to Review Crew! This is the only show on the internet that is willing to go back in time to find out what old school critics thought of retro games at the time. Did they pan your favorite game? Did they love something terrible? Find out every week as Defunct Games presents Review Crew!
After going back in time with
Super Castlevania IV, we were inundated with requests for more. So we're firing up the time machine once more for a new episode of Review Crew. This time around we're taking a look at Castlevania Bloodlines, one of Konami's earliest Genesis games. While it has gained a cult following, Bloodlines was always the black sheep of the Castlevania series. Let's find out what Electronic Gaming Monthly, Die Hard Game Fan, Game Pro and Game Players thought of this Konami classic.
(NOTE: Although we occasionally cut for length, no other edits are made to the review. Defunct Games does not change any of the wording, grammar or punctuation use. Also keep in mind that our score is the average of all critics at the time, not just the sample that is reprinted on this page. If you still have more questions, I recommend you check out the
Review Crew FAQ, where we address the review guidelines, converting scores, magazine covers and more.)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (February 1994)
"Konami has just produced the best title yet for the Genesis. Bloodlines captures the same feeling that made the Castlevania line of games so successful on the SNES. The graphics are, as expected, amazing -- comparing only to Gunstar Heroes and the trademark music and sound are all here. All of this combined could shape up to be one of the best games of '94. Konami has done it again!
(96% out of 100%)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY #55
"Bloodlines is a great game in itself, but it seems too far detached from the Castlevania theme. The special effects blow away most other Genesis carts easily, especially in the Tower of Pisa. It handles very well, and the choice of two different characters was a nice addition. The visuals are good, if not dark and gloomy. The bosses are somewhat laughable, but they don't ruin the game. Try it, you'll like it." -Ed Semrad
(9 out of 10)
GAMEPRO (March 1994)
"Bloodlines is a satisfactory action cart, but it belongs in the lower reaches of the Castlevania lineage. One wonders how Konami could make games so perfect in heart, body, and soul as Castlevania I through IV, and then drive a stake through the Genesis version. The Bloodlines run dry." -Slasher Quan
(3.5 out of 5)
GAME PLAYERS (February 1994)
"Aside from a few rough spots, Casltevania: Bloodlines is a real winner. Konami evidently labored over each and every inch, and there are new surprises around every turn. There's even a little blood n' gore. Bloodlines is great for fans, and if you haven't tried a Castlevania game, now is a great time to jump in." -Chris
(88% out of 100%)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY #55
"I admit it. Konami is the king of Castlevania games. Bloodlines is another awesome game from start to finish. Incredibly detailed graphics is one of the things I noticed. Also the sounds are truly Konami style. Excellent! Animations and special effects of enemies that I never seen in a game before are really, what you say "awesome!" Very cool weapons you can pick up. Put me on the wait-list for this one." -Sushi X
(8 out of 10)
DIE HARD GAME FAN (February 1994)
"The magic is back! Castlevania has finally arrived on the Sega Genesis and, of course, it is a masterpiece. From the opening animation to the last lash of the whip, this is action platform gaming at its finest. The game design is among the best in the series, as are the bosses, music and play mechanics. And wait until you hear the sound effects, stunning! I am now dying for a sequel. Next up, after Double Dribble, is an all new Contra for the Genesis ... '94 is going to be a great year!!" -Skid
(98% out of 100%)
REVIEW CREW AVERAGE: 87% -
Even with GamePro's low score, Bloodlines manages to
outperform Super Castlevania IV. Before you get too excited, there is a reason why. All four Die Hard Game Fan editors rated Bloodlines deep into the 90s, ranging from 94% on the low end all the way up to 98%. These four grades brought the average up. Without Die Hard Game Fan, Castlevania Bloodlines averages at 81%, which is still a remarkably high score. How would you rate this Genesis game?
CASTLEVANIA ARCHIVE:
Want to see how this Castlevania game stacks up against the rest? Below you will find every Castlevania game currently in the Review Crew archive. Read the original reviews and see if you agree with the old school critics.
