On October 3, 1997, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was released, forever changing the landscape of action-adventure games. Now, 27 years later, it’s widely regarded as one of the most influential games in gaming history, and a key title that cemented the term “Metroidvania” — a hybrid genre that borrows exploration, backtracking and platforming elements from Metroid, combined with the dark, Gothic stylings and RPG mechanics of Symphony of the Night.
This game didn’t just add the “vania” to the term; it redefined what a Castlevania game could be. While previous titles were linear action-platformers, Symphony of the Night took the open-world, exploratory formula of Super Metroid, wrapped it in the Gothic horror of Dracula’s castle, and enhanced it with RPG mechanics. These features gave players the freedom to explore at their own pace, discover hidden secrets, and level up as they progressed through Alucard’s journey. And speaking of Alucard, he is, in my opinion, the greatest character of the Castlevania series. His enigmatic personality, impeccable design, and role as the son of Dracula make him an unforgettable protagonist.
A direct continuation of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, Symphony of the Night picks up with Richter Belmont’s disappearance after his triumph over Dracula. Players take control of Alucard, Dracula’s half-vampire son, who is determined to prevent his father’s resurrection.
One of the standout features of Symphony of the Night was its introduction of RPG elements, including stat-based character progression, gear collection, and a vast inventory of items and weapons. The combination of RPG depth with platforming action was groundbreaking for the time. But it wasn’t just the gameplay that captured the hearts of players—the atmospheric, Gothic aesthetic, and rich storytelling made the experience hauntingly beautiful. The 2D art style, with its detailed backgrounds and smooth animations, holds up remarkably well, even today. Despite the shift to 3D graphics in later generations, Symphony of the Night remains a shining example of timeless 2D sprite work.
And who could forget the iconic soundtrack? The music, composed by Michiru Yamane, remains one of the most revered video game soundtracks of all time. The orchestral arrangements, mixed with eerie Gothic tones and energetic melodies, perfectly complement the atmosphere of Dracula’s castle. It’s a soundtrack that many fans, including myself, still listen to on repeat, even after all these years.
There were two versions of the game: one for the PlayStation and another for the Sega Saturn. While the PlayStation version is often regarded as the superior one in terms of graphics and overall performance, the Sega Saturn version had its own charm. It featured additional areas and even allowed players to take on the role of Maria Renard, which was a significant draw for many fans. However, the Saturn version was only released in Japan, limiting its exposure.
Symphony of the Night was a modest commercial success upon release but truly became a cult classic over time, with its influence spreading across the gaming landscape. It’s now considered a cornerstone of the Metroidvania genre and one of the greatest games of all time.
For those wanting to relive or experience this masterpiece today, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is available on several platforms, including PlayStation 4 (through Castlevania Requiem), Xbox, and mobile. Unfortunately, it’s still not officially available on PC or Switch, much to the disappointment of many fans.
As we celebrate 27 years of this groundbreaking title, it’s clear that Symphony of the Night has left a legacy that continues to inspire developers and captivate players. Its perfect blend of exploration, combat, RPG mechanics, and Gothic atmosphere ensures its place in gaming history for decades to come.
And one final tip: make sure you aim for 100% completion—because then… well, I won’t spoil anything, but trust me, the game has more surprises in store than you might expect!
