Anniversary: Castlevania Changed The Shape Of Gaming 40 Years Ago

Gaming franchises really don’t get much more iconic than Castlevania.

First launched as Akumajō Dracula for the humble NES on 26th September 1986, the series has now turned 40 years old. And despite a few ups and downs (it really felt like it was dead and buried for a while there, huh?), it seems Konami is once again determined to bring it back into the spotlight with the upcoming Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse on 15th October 2026.

Yet despite a plethora of sequels, the original Castlevania has stood the test of time remarkably well. It’s true that later games have supplanted it in terms of sheer quality – particularly the so-called ‘Igavania’ entries like Aria of Sorrow, Order of Ecclesia, and the magnificent Symphony of the Night – but by blending simple gameplay with brutal difficulty, Castlevania is just as much fun now as it was 40 years ago.

It’s not just the gameplay, though. Castlevania shaped the rest of the franchise with its exceptional visuals and iconic soundtrack. Strolling past gnarly trees and statues as you make your way toward the interior of Dracula’s castle will forever be burned in my memory, with the classic ‘Vampire Killer‘ tune stirring up all kinds of cosy emotions. The way that Konami has adapted the theme for its 40th anniversary video above is absolutely wonderful, too (and by the way, some fans think it might be teasing a new 3D collection).

The first stage is perhaps one of the most recognisable in all of gaming, but the entire game is crammed full of memorable moments, including of course, the final confrontation with Dracula in which the Prince of Darkness transforms into a grotesque creature partway through the battle. Sublime stuff.

I often dive back into the Castlevania series; it’s one of those familiar comforts that I fall back on when I can’t decide what to play. And when I can’t be bothered to sink hours into one of the later GBA or DS titles, then I’ll default back to either the original Castlevania or Dracula’s Curse. Both are incredible, but I think the OG just about edges its successor.