Castlevania Chronicles: An Overlooked Classic - Pikasprey

[@meatspectre6208]

"just a few weeks away... from being released a year ago." That got me good

[@glennrugar9248]

Oh that pikasprey of mine!

[@Jim-th2xe]

2:30

[@TrevRockOne]

Yeah, I was about to say. He got us good.

[@xtreem.1734]

Pikasprey uploads less frequently than other KZbinrs, but he uses that time to pick really good video games to review!

[@otaking3582]

Still pissed that Simon's red hair wasn't at least a palette option in Smash

[@Anu_Sol]

Me too. Considering the attention to detail they put into almost every other character's alts it's baffling that it was overlooked. It would have been a relatively simple alt costume to make too, especially compared to the likes of Hero's and Steve's.

[@FFKonoko]

They probably considered it, I believe his black costume does have very slightly redder hair, but compromised to resemble another game too.

[@pious83]

No 'Captain N' Simon skin either, to be fair...

[@Igorcastrochucre]

I love it, the fact they went with the CV4 design and didn't give any other the time of day shows how little the guys at Nintendo think of that design.

[@crashy918]

At least redhead Simon was used for Super Smash Flash 2.

[@soundsofstabbing3627]

Fighting that stained glass enemy must be such a *pane*

[@australiananarchist480]

The madlad did it

[@CelesteWarpStar]

You have to look for your window of opportunity to attack.

[@Anu_Sol]

You could say it's a 'pane in the glass' .

[@TheT3rr0rMask]

I usually spawn him, quickly walk down the stairs to his bottom left and his AI makes him walk off the platform to the right and you don't have to fight him

[@ThatOneShortieHo]

You should be arrested Your joke has stained the comments Kind regards

[@peacockfilletsteak]

I usually see people refer to Castlevania Chronicles/X68K as "just a remake of Castlevania 1 with the same stages but new graphics" and it drives me insane every time while also informing me the person saying that didn't actually play the game. It's got some callbacks and level 1 is roughly the same with some surprises, much like Rondo of Blood's stage 2, but that's where the "same stages" ends. By that logic, Rondo of Blood is also "Castlevania 1 with new graphics". Anyway, thanks for reading my venting post. I appreciate the acknowledgement of Chronicles as its actual own game. lol

[@HybridAngelZero]

New Pikasprey video: YES! New Pikasprey video and it's a Castlevania: *YES!!!!*

[@dialga236]

god its such a shame these non pokemon videos dont get enough attention, they're soo good

[@jennytalia6724]

what is a gamer but a starving artist anyway

[@Xpwnxage]

It honestly makes a lot of sense, I like the Castlevania series but clearly Pokemon is much more popular.

[@RegalPixelKing]

Coincidentally the NES version of Castlevania 1 also had crashing issues. That problem was slightly more manageable because the reason for the game crashing was always the same, that reason being too many sprites where on screen at one time. The problem with this though was it was really easy for the game to crash in the final level because of a room which has flea men jumping around, medusa heads, birds, simon's own sprite and the 1-3 sprites that will appear from your sub weapon. This also made it easy for the game to crash in the fight with Death as well as the hallway to Death for similar reasons.

[@opaljk4835]

I’ve played the game more times than I can and have never had it crash, is that a bug from the famicom version or something?

[@RegalPixelKing]

@@opaljk4835 You probably played the Revision 1 version of the game. When the game was first released, it was released on the Revision 0 cartridge; that version of the game had the glitch I mentioned. Thankfully, Konami patched this glitch and released a second round of cartridges known as Revision 1.

[@eightcoins4401]

@@RegalPixelKing Id assume you're referring to the ntsc-u version? Theres a chance all pal copies are based on Revision 1. Alot of times due to the timeframe between ntsc-u and pal release, the pal release has bug fixes not present in ntsc-u. Extends to ps2/gc generation.

[@RegalPixelKing]

@@eightcoins4401 Yes I was referring to the ntsc-u version of the game. I haven't researched it, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Famicom or ntsc-j version had the same problem. PAL retro games in general are less glitchy. Heck the PAL version of Pandora's Tower for the Wii released in 2011 is the only way to play that game in English without suffering from any crashes. Although that game released in PAL territories first so I have no idea wtf happened in that scenario.

[@RagnarokiaNG]

"There's one game people don't talk about for some reason and gets overlooked" *Released only one one type of computer in one region.* *Released with the same name* *Only functions if Santa flies past the Full Moon and you perfect the previous game without blocking.*

[@Jimmeeehhh]

Well at least you'll get a secret fight out of it.

[@thehussiteking]

He's referring to the PS1 version, not the japanese computer one

[@thomasffrench3639]

Super Castlevania IV was released with the same name in Japan, yet that game was successful

[@MahDryBread]

I never knew about this one!

[@ShniitSchneyder]

Hey MDB!

[@TDay-uk6dq]

mabye you should play one on yours

[@tylamcgilverson3923]

Screams in e-boi. Faints over mdb talking to pikaspray

[@joebykaeby]

It may just not be something I've consciously noticed in Castlevania games before, but Simon looks especially like he's wearing a leather miniskirt in this game. That is a lot of leg!

[@DomtheDevilsRival]

This is an underrated gem that deserves more recognition and praise among gamers and the Castlevania community. And I never knew about the secret menu of changing the date and time that's really cool.

[@eightcoins4401]

Theres also a hidden soundchip selector for the classic mode

[@remusbarham5181]

Whenever I see a new video from you I actually feel happiness for once

[@SchmoopyTron]

Same

[@khistraley1150]

Pikasprey videos make me feel cozy

[@djwithdk7084]

True facts

[@trashbomb]

Same

[@mjf2891]

His voice is very soothing. Good content to listen to when you want to fall asleep.

[@foresightnetwork7841]

This game looks beautiful.

[@eget4144]

It looks like aria of sorrow

[@ITNODove]

23:40 Pikasprey, suffering from success

[@niclaswa5408]

Good one

[@Imaginerockband3]

This actually was my first Castlevania. My brother had played a few, and we tag teamed this game from about midnight until the sun rised. This or Rondo is my favorite in the series too. Fantastic game

[@Sjono]

“Fighting the glass monster the normal way is such a pain” So much pun

[@JeffCreature]

Good ol' Simon Belmont, I love his hotpants and face-down ass-up KO pose... he should really take something for that arthritis, tho

[@august9474]

I just love Simon's sprite work and I think he's super cute with the red hair

[@limesodaleafy2939]

Pikasprey uploads less frequently than other KZbinrs, but he uses that time to pick really good video games to review!

[@TheWaterMiners]

I'm pretty sure Chronicles broke the AI of the fake Simon boss. I found it to be significantly harder to outwit in the X68000 version.

[@Tracequaza]

a lot of the stuff you said resonates with how I feel right now playing through SCV4, it also has lots of detail and unique enemies. ik simons walk animation has never been that graceful but in this game he really looks like he's holding in a big dump

[@sethmmendez]

Just started this game and didn't know that arranged mode was the easier mode...I assumed it was "arranged" to be harder. Thanks for all the tips! Loved the video.

[@Veilure]

Always a good day when Pikasprey uploads! Never clicked on a notification so fast.

[@megmoore8681]

I love your Castlevania videos so much, I was very excited when I saw the notification

[@dodgingthejamofajammydodge5298]

There's serious shenanigans going with KZbin. Your content deserves way more views.

[@chimerayoyo]

Congrats on getting this video done, it's really good! Thank you for all the hard work you do and information you provide~

[@muhammedgulkan4235]

finnally a video from pikas prey ive been waiting for so long TwT

[@junba1831]

Every time Pikasprey uploads, my day becomes brighter

[@SuperVoodude]

Always a better day when Pikasprey uploads

[@Miraihi]

Actually I've played Castlevania Chronicles before Castlevania SotN. And, oh well, that was the day I've learned the ways of classicvania the first time. The game is still visually impressive, and I've also totally fell in love with Ayami Kojima's artwork.

[@fordc.2831]

When I beat this game for the first time on my PS2, I didn’t experience a crash once and didn’t even know it was an issue. So yeah, it checks out.

[@Stockmann110]

I love your CV videos! I also started with Dawn of Sorrow and found new love for the series trough your videos

[@Haassan1]

2:31 wait for it,,,, Dude, dat made me burst in to laughter so hard. Thank you!

[@mryurei8656]

It's funny how many times you have uploaded a video on a game around the same time I choose to replay that game.

[@Multienderguy37]

The original mode was so hard half the dev team weren’t able to finish the game.

[@Gojiro7]

at a shop that sells Japanese imports, I got the sound track to this game which has the SharpX6800 music on it too, the soundtrack is called Castlevania Chronicle Akumajo Dracula Original Soundtrack, this CD is likely the reason why the game had all 3 sound chips emulated in the game, either for it to be in the game or just for it to be sold separately.

[@lilchromie]

You are absolutely my favorite castlevania youtuber

[@thisrandomdude_]

Man, some of my favourite videos are your Castlevania ones. I love your content, keep it up!

[@MegaMinerd]

Omg this took so long. So good that it's finally out and over with.

[@MobCat_]

Invincibility potion - gives you like 5 secs of Invincibility. It's dropped from mobs. So you kill the guy and then get the potion after you needed it. grate.

[@hollyfindlay4051]

My favorite classicvania! I'm so glad you are talking about it.

[@mortenera2294]

It's nice to see Konami added some exclusive content for the western release of Castlevania Chronicles, like the interview

[@Bofner]

I really really enjoy your Castlevania videos. In fact they're partially why I got as into the series as I did. I discovered Chronicles during a GDQ, and got it myself. It's definitely an interesting entry, and I'd have to agree with you that it's probably one of the best Simon entries

[@Togro1990]

Makes me happier than a moomin!

[@megaelyfan639]

I love your Castlevania videos!

[@maxmatson1578]

Last year when I went up to See my sister and brother-in-law. I managed to track down a PS1 copy of "Symphony of the Night". Fingers crossed Maybe This Year.. I'll find this game!?

[@Nic5Cyprus]

It was worth the wait. This might be Pikasprey's best Castlevania review

[@KEZAstraYT]

finally another pikasprey video

[@z1272]

This channel is way too underrated for these quality videos you put out. All your videos are paced perfectly and always a real treat to watch.

[@Synathidy]

This video has over 100K views. There exist people who have this production quality and have 100 or less views and never get more. "Way too underrated" this is not. Underrated are channels that do the same thing but never break 1,000 views on a single video.

[@flipsidelimited6560]

The only reason I knew this game existed in 2003, I found a copy of it in a card game shop. I was into MTG and Yugioh at the time, the shop carried a hobby stuff, Anime toys, and obscure games you wouldn’t find at game retailers in that era.

[@kazekamiha]

I wish they'd bring back the control scheme of Super Castlevania 4.

[@hollyfindlay4051]

I mean, it was kinda in this one, and Julius has it in Harmony of Despair. Admittedly, neither of those are all that recent... But that's mostly cause Konami refuses to make another Castlevania.

[@dariogonzalez8989]

If a game is going to be brought back, it needs to be better balanced than in SC4, where you can cover so much space with the whip that the subweapons feel almost useless.

[@Lovedontmix]

I love this game. Ill admit ive only really played the 2nd version. Played it on emu on my tablet. Endless hours of fun here. This is my 3rd fav castlevania.

[@MarioFromMario]

Really cool to see a deep dive on this one. I knew it existed, but had no clue that it was kind of a remake of a remake!

[@_SSGB_]

Thanks for reminding me of this gem! So sad that that Simon doesn't look like this in Smash, I remember wanting Simon in Smash with this design for sooooo long and getting bittersweet feelings when he was finally revealed in Ultimate.

[@otaking3582]

Same. They didn't even bother making it an alternate palette option! Damn you, Sakurai!

[@ITNODove]

Opposite here, I was so glad with the look they went with. I think he looks like a badass.

[@raphaelsorel6907]

@@ITNODove Oh, come on. Chronicles Simon was awesome. Don’t deny it.

[@ITNODove]

@@raphaelsorel6907 A bit too BDSM-y for me man but you do you lol.

[@raphaelsorel6907]

@@ITNODove Nah, he looks tough and confident at the same time. To think that is just being ridiculous.

[@The_Nametag]

The disc had a very limited release in the US, but it is - or at least was - available on PSN as well. Shame to hear it crashed like that. I honestly only tried it a handful of times before selling the copy I opened. Still have an unopened one for my collection though.

[@hollyfindlay4051]

It's still on psn, that's how I have been playing it. And it's never crashed for me on that platform.

[@juliusbelmont350]

But not in Europe!

[@dmas7749]

a surprisingly positive take on this i think FC/NES original is the best one but this is pretty good and has great music

[@MrDarksol]

I had to come running when I spotted this. Fantastic job with the video as per usual Asprey and man, the details in this game look good!

[@Forever_Zero]

It is indeed a shame that this game is not more popular, but even the old Konami was bad at promoting it's own games, and since video games are just not important for Konami anymore, this might be the last remake for this game we'll ever get

[@walter_0802]

I've been wondering when a new vid was coming out. This one was pretty good, thanks

[@christiandale4428]

Really happy to see another Castlevania video, thanks for the consistently great content

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Thank you for giving it the proper coverage it deserves.

[@maxbenjamin7212]

Your Castlevania vids are some if my favorites, keep up the good work!

[@tsian7328]

I actually have had this game on PS1 since I was a small child, although I'm not sure how much I played it. Might have to dig it out and have a play around on it as it sounds interesting! I love your videos, but I especially love the Castlevania ones you do! Keep up the great work!

[@user-mj6zg8hh9h]

This game needs a Steam release. It looks really good.

[@lapz78]

Underrated channel

[@cipher_db8992]

Really wish this one would get a modern digital or collection release. Having been through, and loved, just about all the other classic entries, I really want to give this one a go. Especially since it seems so well-regarded by other people who enjoy the series for its challenge.

[@Daniel_Coffman]

That ice level certainly does have some *cool* details!

[@doff4677]

You're doing an awesome job at honoring these lost titles as the Castlevania series is so all over the place with its different games that are only exclusive to certain obscure consoles or regions. It's really a mess, and we're not even talking about the story timeline lol. I wish the Castlevania Anniversary Collection would have adressed that a little bit more instead of requiring still a fair amount of grave digging to find those games and their origin. They should really release this game and the arrange mode in some form or another. I never knew about the bad timing around Chronicles's release and I can understand why it went under the radar so much. This is a great rethinking of the original game on NES and it's a shame that it got so little recognition when you see all the effort that was put into it.

[@baddragonite]

To be fair making the soundtrack selection a hidden feature makes you appreciate it a bit more

[@Hugelag]

I have no idea why Simon keeps being depicted with a sword and never uses it. Great video, nonetheless. If Konami ever decides to do a second Castlevania collection, I hope this gets included. Edit: There's been 3 collections and Chronicles still hasn't been rereleased. Haunted Castle got a remake, though.

[@Talessaga2]

Believe in Haunted Mansion, or however the Arcade game was called the Whip can be upgraded into a Sword.

[@FormerHumanX]

@@Talessaga2 Correct. In Haunted Castle Simon finally gets to use a blade weapon.

[@1Hol1Tiger]

I'd imagine it's a miscommunication with the art team. Like how Early Mega Man was depicted with a gun

[@dariogonzalez8989]

I think it's supposed to be a short sword for Simon (or whichever Belmont happens to be active at the time) to be able to defend himself at small distances, when the Vampire Killer whip turns out to be too unwieldy for its own good. The sword is almost never used in the actual games, though, because there's no need for it in the 2D games when the whip's hitbox covers the whole sprite, and most of the 3D games basically go full God Of War with it. The N64 games actually do use it, though, but I've never played those, so I don't know how useful it actually is there.

[@azforu29]

I love that shit. Simon having the option for gutting enemies who might evade his morning star is just badass.

[@igodreamer7096]

17:40 "Ganon, is that you?"

[@felipeluz5035]

10:32 - If my Child Memory is right, that candle down there, above the mud, is a Healing Erb for sure... xD You have to go "under the level" to get it, though

[@hollyfindlay4051]

I think you are right. That is the only one, though. And it was devilishly hidden, lol.

[@OneToxicPixel]

Interesting video. Never was huge on Castlevania but this really was an interesting watch. Also rip your save files.

[@rainyjay8156]

Yes a new video ! :)been looking forward to this thanks pikasprey

[@AngstAlchemist]

Just yesterday, I was wondering where you were! Nice timing!

[@MKatz]

This is an awesome retrospective buddy!

[@FormerHumanX]

1993 was a great year for Castlevania: Akumajo Dracula X: Rondo of Blood, Castlevania Bloodlines, and Akumajo Dracula X68000

[@Mcguyver020]

I used to collect games much more than I do now, at a Car boot sale I came across the PS1 case for this game, unfortunately they didn't have the disc inside, it turned out they lived like a few doors away and let me see the rest of their stuff to potentially find the disc and buy some more stuff, unfortuantely they didn't have it but they let me take the case regardless Might ahve to find a manual and disc for it sometime.

[@thewave-qz9lt]

wow i never knew about the death fight hallway having different backgrounds thats cool.

[@ashvinkannan6903]

Gotta love Vampire Killer being so forgettable, it isn’t mentioned in the video about less popular games simon was in.

[@hazzar7784]

Love these Castlevania videos, almost no one talks about them. I would highly recommend The Mummy Demastered if you havnt tried it. It's pretty short but it's a favourite out of the genre for me.

[@JZSNooB]

these videos are a treat to watch

[@Azuris190]

Ha, i've got that Game from Spain as a Bootleg from one of these Traders on their Carpets :P Was everytime pretty Funny how my Uncle made semi serious Commentaries about the Bootleg Stuff: "This a realy Copy, right?", "That Necklace is real and pure Silver!", and everybody including the Trader was laughing (i didn't understand those Jokes back than as a Kid :P). Thinking about it, it has some sinister Vibe haha. About the Game itself, i've only tried the Original Mode, thinking that it should be balanced as the NES Game... Being so unmerciful i never played much of it. Seems as i have to give the Arranged Mode a Try :D

[@sharkofjoy]

"so I'm going to go over all of the differences" Well sir you have my attention and I put down my switch so I can enjoy this fully.

[@Flowtail]

KZbin why are you hiding this video from me

[@CH32mix]

this game is one of my favorites, it was one of the first digital titles i got for my ps3, but is really hard, it took me like one year to clear the clock tower, all because of that last room, this game really makes rondo of blood look too easy, since then i haven't been able to defeat the next stage, and that's on arrange mode... i thought arrange mode only disabled the knockback, which makes the worm from the 3rd level actually harder(knockback saves you) but i didn't know about the double damage thing... i think you forgot to mention the music in this game, is awesome! and some of the classic tunes reused on other games are from here, tower of dolls is used on Order of Ecclessia, Moonfight is used on dracula x chronicles instead of den(love both tunes) so i might try that hidden menu thing for selecting the midi module... good thing i can play this on my vita, you can transfer any psx game purchased from the psn using a ps3 if it doesn't appear on the vita psn (symphony of the night can be downloaded directly), great review!

[@darkbreaker9767]

Soooooooo when are you gonna talk about Harmony of Dissonance?

[@maokai09]

thanks for making more castlevania content

[@jaim3m3s]

YES!!! NEW PIKASPREY VIDEO!!! I missed this

[@relightthespiral]

These videos have inspired me to play castlevania

[@cecillewolters1995]

Man, I wish this amount of love and passion was put in every game. It looks amazing and you can just tell the people behind the game really loved it :o Gotta do this myself when I'm gonna make my own console, but first I need to produce and sell the boardgames to get the funds needed for such a big project. Thanks for the video man :) I enjoyed it.

[@pippo17173]

At least we can now play these on ps4 now.

[@Gensolink]

no matter the art style Simon got the no pants style going (except for 2 but who cares about that lol). I can respect that man's thigh game

[@RolandTheJabberwocky]

Im a huge castlevania fan and somehow haunted castle eacaped my knowledge until SSBUltimate where some composer decided to go HARD AS *FUCK* on cross your heart.

[@Klawfive]

Great stuff. I'm wholly unfamiliar with the Castlevania series, but this video was super interesting and thorough. You have my attention and my respect!

[@ThatOneLegendEmerald]

Would love to see a retrospective on the entire castlevania series

[@Roge9]

One thing the castlevania dungeon website pointed out to me was how inconsistent his hair color was lol

[@ballthatbounces626]

This is the EXACT reason why I shit cologne out of my ass while playing baseboard with a tic tac right outside my hydration station.

[@Marzimus]

14:48 I thought he was going to just jump onto the platform on the left...

[@aidanboyle7374]

You uploading right as the debate starts is such a needed breath of fresh air