The original Nintendo Entertainment System version of Castlevania will be available for free for a limited time on the App Store and Google Play to celebrate the series' 40th anniversary.
Konami is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Castlevania franchise by offering a free port of the original NES game on iOS and Android until October 24.
The original Castlevania game is now available for free on Android. Other highlights of the Google Play deals include AVILION forever, Dead God Land - Light Survival, Muse Dash, Sea of Stars, Deus Ex GO, Super Onion Boy 2, and more.
PC gamers can now enjoy a native port of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, originally launched on the PlayStation 1, following the release of a recompilation based on the Xbox 360 version. The unofficial port, NocturneRecomp, allowed players to experience the 2007 Xbox 360 version, while SymphonyRecomp, introduced by BlackLabelHQ, offers an alternative. The new recompilation provides the PS1 version natively on PC, featuring widescreen resolutions and a built-in randomizer. The Sega Saturn version included additional content, such as new areas and the playable character Maria Renard, but it remains unclear if this content will be included in the new port. The PC version retains the nostalgic charm of the '90s credits theme.
Xbox will return to Gamescom from August 26th to 30th, featuring 25 playable titles including Stranger Than Heaven, Alien: Isolation 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and Metro 2039. Players can engage with the multiplayer mode of Modern Warfare 4, and Playground Games will present a live demonstration of Fable's combat mechanics. Attendees will experience the campaign of Gears of War: E-Day before its launch. Other titles include Alien Deathstorm, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, Turok Origins, and Valor Mortis. Halo: Campaign Evolved and the Drift Attack mode in Forza Horizon 6 will also be available. Live broadcasts are scheduled for 7 AM PST on August 26th and 27th, featuring interviews and gameplay reveals. Gamescom Opening Night Live will occur on August 25th, showcasing titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past and Silent Hill: Townfall.
PC Gamer is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Duke Nukem 3D and the 15th anniversary of Duke Nukem Forever with a special issue featuring exclusive interviews with key developers and never-before-seen development images. The issue also highlights the influence of Duke Nukem 3D and other "boomer shooters" on the FPS genre, showcasing the finest retro-style FPS games. Additionally, it includes a preview of the free-to-play MMO Soulframe from Digital Extremes and hands-on impressions of upcoming titles like 1666: Amsterdam and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. The magazine reviews various games, including Gothic Remake and Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II. Digital editions are available in PDF and EPUB format through Pocketmags.
Konami has confirmed that its upcoming Castlevania game will not have a direct continuity with the Netflix anime series, but the artistic choices are designed to resonate with fans of the show. Series producer Tsutomu Taniguchi stated that they want to welcome anime fans who have never played the games. Creative director Emmanuel Nouaille mentioned that while there are no specific references to the anime in the game, Belmont's Curse, the art style of the Netflix series served as inspiration. He emphasized the importance of cinematography over specific references. There is uncertainty about the future of the Castlevania series on Netflix, with speculation about a new season based on Symphony of the Night. Taniguchi noted that there is no barrier between the game and the anime, hoping that anime viewers will enjoy the game.
Belmont's Curse is the latest installment in the Castlevania franchise, developed by Evil Empire, and features Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont, battling monsters in a dark Paris. The game is reminiscent of the Symphony of the Night era and includes familiar foes like Medusa and unique bosses such as Joan of Arc. It has been described as a commendable entry in the metroidvania genre, with engaging gameplay and potential for innovative weapons. The game marks the first new Castlevania title in over a decade.
Developer Moonana has announced their new project, Bathory: Heritage of Blood, set for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The game features Ursula Bathory, a vampire princess seeking to reclaim her throne after being poisoned and imprisoned by her mother, Queen Regent Elizabeth Bathory. Players will explore Čachtice Castle, engage in combat using their life force, and can regenerate health by claiming blood from defeated enemies. The game includes a unique combat system with various magical attacks, the ability to steal spells, and a narrative involving the vampire underworld and a conspiracy by the Church.
