Are there games like Castlevania? Check out our collection of similar and alternative games to Castlevania.
In the action-adventure scene, only a few games have proven to be quintessential than the Castlevania series.
Since its first release in 1986, the series has offered a rich and addictive gaming experience to date of its latest release.
It is unsurprising the game boasts of loyal followings in the gaming community.
Its gameplay style has rubbed off on other games, mostly among the indie scene.
In this article, we consider games with the same similar grind-it-out gameplay style, exploration, and distinctive progression elements in Castlevania.
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10. Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Developed by Moon Studios, Ori And The Will Of The Wisps is a free-flowing game that boasts excellent artistically and cinematically display with synonymous gameplay to Castlevania while maintaining its Metroidvania style.
The game, which is a sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, places emphasis on exploration, items collection, and upgrades.
Players play as a white guardian spirit, the titular Ori, and will solve intricate puzzles as part of the gameplay.
9. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
Adding Bloodstained series: Ritual Of The Night to this list may not seem logical considering the fact the game development was largely influenced and led by a former producer of the Castlevania series, Koji Igarashi.
Notwithstanding, there is more to this game in its being an alternative to Castlevania than just the game’s developer.
The gameplay experience is similar to Castlevania yet unique.
There are varieties of weapons, skills, abilities, and subtle quality in the game’s mechanics and control that are obvious in Castlevania.
It is no wonder the game is considered a spiritual successor to Castlevania.
8. Unepic
Taking away the traditional gamer-dude protagonist, Unepic, which was developed by Francisco Téllez de Meneses and first released in 2011, holds a lot of gameplay similarity to Castlevania.
This Metroidvania game with non-linear gameplay has players using several ranged weapons and armors as they fight through a web of corridors and rooms.
It gives that dungeon wilderness play vibes with reeks of magic.
Its arcade sensibilities and customization depth also add to the fun.
Fans of the Castlevania series are surely in for a treat with what Unepic has to offer.
7. Dark Souls
These 2011 action role-playing game classics may not look anything similar to Castlevania from its visuals; however, its gameplay style, the high stakes, and protagonist’s vulnerability make it a Castlevania game alternative.
The game is set in the fictional kingdom of Lordran and has players taking on the role of an undead character in a sacred pilgrimage.
Players will wander through several desolate areas and combat brutal foes that are surprisingly difficult to resist.
Just like Castlevania, Dark Souls demands not only skills and persistence to succeed but also resourcefulness.
6. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
The gameplay style and aesthetic of the second Bloodstained game on this list, Curse Of The Moon, is synonymous with games of the Castlevania series, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse in particular.
Gamers seeking a game with classic Castlevania touch would appreciate Curse Of The Moon.
It doesn’t fall short of pounding action and serves tough antagonists with tight mechanics.
Its story plot centers around in-game protagonist Zangetsu, who happens to be a cursed swordsman in his revenge hunts for demons.
Curse of the Moon is an old-school Castlevania classic in a more refined form.
5. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight was developed and published by Team Cherry and followed the story of an unnamed knight in his travels of a plague-inflicted kingdom where all kinds of insects live known as Hallownest.
As with Castlevania, Hollow Knight follows the same pattern of incorporating urgency and vulnerability in its gameplay in the protagonist fights against in-game bosses.
There are new abilities to be unlocked to further progress in the game and mysteries to uncover.
4. Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, the second game in the Ghosts ‘n Goblins series, will sit well with fans of Konami’s classic.
Its side-scrolling action, balanced yet grueling difficult level and horror themes are all too familiar with games of the Castlevania series.
Despite its first release, decades ago, 1988 to be exact, it still boasts intriguing gameplay fun.
Although, its stuff control can sometimes hinder gaming fun. Game lovers of the Castlevania series will also love Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, if not for nothing, for the suspense action, retro vibes its offers.
The game was developed and published by Capcom.
3. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Suppose you’re seeking a game that holds that familiar Castlevania charms with a blend of platforming and action; look no further than Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove.
This 2D side-scrolling action platform game developed and published by Yacht Club Games has grown into one of the reputable indie games in the gaming community.
These unsurprising and yet expected judging from the facts, the game says a lot contents-wise.
It features a multiplayer fighting game and three additional campaigns also including the original Shovel Knight.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove indeed holds treasure in the heart of its gameplay and is a must-play for every fan of the Castlevania game series.
2. Child Of Light
Child of Light in this list might seem out of place; however, if one observes closely one would realize these game is silently thriving under the radar as one of most played and enjoyed RPG games.
Stepping into the life of a solitary princess, Aurora by name, the game’s protagonist, in the fictional land of Lemuria, players would be in an adventure to bring back the sun, the moon, and the stars that under captivity in the control of the Queen of the Night in order to get home.
Child Of Light strikes the perfect balance between intriguing side-scrolling gameplay and intense combat and as well expected, shares similarity with games of the Castlevania series.
1. Cave Story
Cave Story is a 2004 2D platform adventure game developed individually by Daisuke Amaya for over five years.
Anaya had taken hints from Castlevania in developing a few of Cave Story game mechanics.
Castlevania happened to be one of his favorite games, and his quest to make something similar resulted in the birth of Cave Story.
In Cave Story, players would run and gun through cave-like interiors hunting down rabbit mutants.
Although the story plot of Cave Story isn’t as complex in comparison to Castlevania’s deep Gothic style, it still offers the familiar feeling of tension and gameplay value.
Based on gameplay, we can confidently say Cave Story ranks as the top game in our list of best games like castlevania.
Final Words
Hope you enjoyed our collection of games like Castlevania.
If you are a fan of Castlevania, these games would keep you entertained.