#Castlevania

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Episode 125
Super Castlevania 4 was one of the first games released for the Super Nintendo, but even today it's still one of the best!
Developer Konami had an amazing run on the original NES, releasing tons of hits like Contra, Gradius, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nintendo gave Konami early development kits for the Super Nintendo, hoping that they could continue to make awesome games for their new 16-bit system.
One of their first projects was the fourth installment of their popular Castlevania series! So how did this game get made? And what's up with all of the censorship in the North American version? In today's episode we'll find out, and then we'll dive deep into the gameplay where we'll learn:
* The best strategies for surviving ALL 11 CHALLENGING STAGES!
* How to EASILY get the DOUBLE and TRIPLE SHOT items!
* Where to find the best sub-weapons, and where to find ones you should avoid!
* How to make a ROAST APPEAR just by jumping on treasure chests!
* What's hidden inside EVERY CANDLE? Detailed MAPS show it all!
* The SECRET of the STAGE FOUR ZIP!
* How to find EVERY HIDDEN WALL MEAT!
* Where to find SECRET BONUS ROOMS!
* The best way to defeat EVERY BOSS, even DRACULA himself... AND MORE!
Thanks for watching!
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00:00 Intro
0:08:17 Opening
0:09:08 Stage 1 - The Castle Gate
0:16:11 Stage 2 - The Forest
0:22:18 Stage 3 - The Caverns
0:31:31 Stage 4 - The Outer Keep
0:41:59 SECRET: The Big Zip
0:43:15 Stage 5 - Castle Courtyard
0:45:40 Stage 6 - The Haunted Halls
0:55:43 Stage 7 - The Library
1:03:24 Stage 8 - The Dungeons
1:11:15 Stage 9 - The Treasury
1:20:38 SECRET: Treasure Jumps!
1:21:34 Stage A - The Clock Tower
1:29:21 Stage B - Dracula's Tower
1:38:35 Final Battle - Count Dracula
1:41:40 Ending
1:47:06 Thanks For Watching!
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

[@jeepwrangler6936]

You set the absolute standard for how walkthroughs should be made. I love your channel so much.

[@josephreid4352]

Facts

[@bak025]

and no one can compete with him when it comes to walkthroughs, because everyone can show you, but no one does their research and make their videos as interesting as our friend here does!

[@fishtailfuture]

Well, not really when it comes to walk-throughs. Let's be honest. I love this shit but it's a long-winded. Horrible walk-through video. Just great nostalgic video or if you want to be led literally step-by-step. But let's not get it twisted.

[@deannahardin9341]

@@fishtailfutureHorrible? You’d really go that far? I mean his style might not be for you but “horrible” seems a little strong.

[@user-bs4qu7tb2g]

​​@@fishtailfuture As already mentioned by someone else, "horrible" is quite a stretch for such an elaborate project as the one this channel pursues. The production quality, the research, the style of delivery, the dry humor, the trivia, everything is made so diligently. You can dislike certain things about it and for simply looking up small things during a playthrough it might be more tedious than, say an actual speedrun. But "horrible" just simply doesn't apply here.

[@Eazy-ERyder]

This Castlevania classic is my favorite of ALL the NES/SNES ones. I remember being blown away by the graphics of the rotating hall.

[@JazGalaxy]

I remember being blown away by the jazz track in the cave. I was only 7 or so and I was astonished by the fact that not only could you hear a definitive STLYE of music in a videogame, you could pick out individual instruments like, specifically, the basslines. This game and FZero blew my mind as to what the Super Nintendo could do with music.

[@co81385]

I find this game to be a true work of art, with how the graphics and sound design work together. The rotating room is just one example!

[@kevina.countis6071]

That rotating hall was mind-blowing indeed, it's always been my favorite part of this game making it my favorite Castlevania game

[@Multienderguy37]

If you haven’t played it already, you should play Rondo of blood. It doesn’t have the 4d whipping, but it is one of the best in terms of level design. It also has a secondary playable character to make it more accessible. The SNES remake, Dracula X, is worse in every way.

[@AB0BA_69]

As a kid I never owned any TV consoles in the 90s so I first found out about Castlevania from AVGN. His "review" impressed me so much I "obtained" a copy of the game ASAP. It was absolutely sublime!

[@andrewgrasham4604]

"Just use your flaccid whip attack" was not a phrase I was expecting to hear dozens of times today

[@OmniGeno]

And on Mr. Head, no less.

[@iboofer]

I make a habit of watching your videos every time you put one out, even if I don't have any intention of playing the title. You're like a video game historian, expert guide and playthrough streamer all in one. I can't think of anyone who even comes close to what you offer these days--congrats on turning the dream into a pretty damn cool career!

[@pyromover6154]

indeed

[@juliafonseca3790]

Yup, these videos are deliciously cozy watches on their own.

[@D-Fens_1632]

Yeah it's a perfect one stop shop. You get some backstory, technical breakdown, a playthrough that isn't a speed run but takes the time to show you the shortcuts, an oddly hypnotic cadence commentary, and a cool dog in the intro, it's got everything. Correction: 2 cool dogs.

[@joshbrekke6374]

Like finding that Red Rider Christmas morning, exactly 😉!

[@Vicerion17]

@@joshbrekke6374 Put that down, you'll shoot your eye out!

[@lawrencemcstephens308]

Another great one, dude! I always look forward to seeing your new walkthroughs! If I may add a little trivia to the Stage 6 bosses, The Dancing Spectres. The manual gives them names: Paula Abghoul and Fred Ascare!

[@albert09]

Super Castlevania IV is one of my top favorite Castlevania game from All Times. Tied with Rondo of Blood (When it comes to classic Castlevania, pre SOTN). The Soundtrack is a Masterpiece.

[@ProjectDevilEye]

Honestly this game has the finest platforming and action mixture you could possibly ask for, probably one of the greatest games ever made still to this day. The team who did this should be incredibly proud of themselves because they set a standard that still, in my opinion, hasn't been met as an equal by any other to this day for how a game should be made and presented. Another knock-out walk-through sir, well done.

[@ccjuju]

The Treasury theme is one of my favorite across the Castlevania series, it's amazing that they never reused it like so many others.

[@co81385]

It is also one of my favorite themes! It's a great song!

[@HylianFox3]

This game never fails to impress. The graphics, the gameplay, and that awesome soundtrack. I swear when I heard its rendition of 'Bloody Tears' *I* was moved to tears. It's so good.

[@zzzcool4]

i make sure to play this every halloween, my fav classic castlevania and such an underrated ost!

[@venomhemi3914]

My favorite Castlevania game! I had this back in the early 90s. Still my favorite.

[@SoulBlazer08]

Still my favorite game in the Castlevania franchise, and one of my favorite soundtracks. This game, Actraiser, FF 4 and 6, and Super Metroid really showed what the SNES could do for music.

[@Dr-Weird]

That first stage music always hits my nostalgia button

[@stevenewsome5306]

Finally the best game on the Super Nintendo 🙌 ❤

[@TheUnklGene]

you always kill it with your fall time game choices ♥️🎃

[@chasonlapointe]

Man, I remember how floored I was when I got Sper Castlevania... Love how the game holds up so well to this day.

[@numismaticstacker]

My favorite game for the SNES! I became an expert after awhile. I loved beating this game!

[@jankmedia1985]

Nice! This will be a fun watch. Easily my favorite Castlevania, a true AAA retro masterpiece.

[@bobbyincidemetal]

I first played this back in the early 90’s, I was 13/14. I had rented it from the video store haha. I am now 45 and still absolutely love this game! Still play it too!

[@stacychamness9077]

I was also 14 when I first played this game on the Super Nes. I can now play it on the PS4.

[@bobbyincidemetal]

@@stacychamness9077nice!!!!

[@timmymeredith7499]

I was blown away by the opening to that video game back in the 90s when I bought it is incredible one of the best openings to video games I have ever seen

[@user-uq1tr8tj7m]

I love this channel so much! I don't play older games as often as I used to but watching this channel and seeing games I used to play or saw my family play brings me such nostalgia. And UCBVG is so knowledgeable on all things video games. Its presented wonderfully, what else could you want! Thank you, thank you so much for bringing such great content to this platform and I hope to continue seeing you for years to come!

[@rodzandz]

Amazing game. One of my all time favorites and one of those games I gotta come back to every couple of years. Especially during the season when the air starts to get cold and crisp and the leaves start to turn orange and fall.

[@miguelsilveira6623]

UCBVG, i was felling down today you just made my day, thank you!

[@animeking1357]

I always love the little history lesson we get about the game at the beginning or each video. Always great. Regarding the censorship I always like to quote Nerrel from his Ocarina of time review, "The blood that Ganondorf coughs up is turned green and thank goodness otherwise this scene would've been violent!"

[@co81385]

Yes! How timely for Halloween season! I usually do a playthrough of this game every year for Halloween season!

[@jonbourgoin182]

I swear every KZbinr I follow who does a Halloween special is at least two days late, 4 in this case lol

[@thecunninlynguist]

@@jonbourgoin182 they're like the simpsons, doing it after the fact

[@kaynesantor8136]

This was the first Castlevania game I beat. I thought it was so easy, until the Dracula fight. I was so frustrated and thought it was impossible, just like the nes games. Then I found the hidden power ups under the stairs. I jump to my death out of rage, and the whole game changed. I went back to thinking the game was easy after that. Even though I felt cheap, I didnt care. A win is a win. Nice work, bro.

[@CleverNeologism]

I just can't with all the "use your flaccid whip" :D...

[@Natepwnsu]

I appreciate you making this content for us, i can only surmise the time and effort that goes into you scripting and playing through an entire game even if you are doing the voice over after, I'm still impressed. My first console was the n64 and i had very little hands on time with an console that came before so being able to play vicariously through these videos has been a delightful experience and I am really thankful for the history you're preserving.

[@iami3rian394]

Little known fact, actually recording the footage is by far and away the EASIEST part of making a video. Hour and forty seven minute video probably took just over three hours to record. Editing was probably around 12-18 hours, and I can't speak on how well he writes, but for me writing a 2hr script on something I know would take another six hours. Add maybe three to record the voice over. Obviously more, since he has to research things... and you probably need to add another 2-4 for research and clips of intro stuff. So generous estimates would be 4-5 eight hour days per game... ...with only two of those hours being actually playing. 🤣

[@matthagen67]

I'm a simple dhampir. I see a new Castlevania-related video on KZbin - I'm instantly interested in this.

[@mitchellkopitch]

I recently did a commentary on this game but certain mechanics I wasn't certain of so it was nice seeing you unpack all of them. Great coverage for this classic game!

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks, Mitchell!

[@Myth1221]

I love how these videos serve as a longplay, a walkthrough, and kind of a semi speedrun guide all in one. Its amazing the effort you put into these videos. Such wonderful content 💙

[@pyromover6154]

@ucanbeat video games you have put alot of effort in your editing its brilliant

[@monsieursinister]

I couldn't hit play hard enough. Love your videos and love this game!!

[@curtisholland16]

Was not expecting a new episode today what an awesome surprise. Ty!

[@hannes8835]

I've never made it through the entire game. It was too hard for me. But I really liked the music. Amazing soundtracks. It is always interesting, when you show us all the secrets. How many times do you play a game, when you are recording for a video like this?

[@jwstorm]

1:41:11 "He'll be down for the count" - I see what you did there 😁

[@johnmorey720]

I remember the first time I encountered Death's guardians, and the sheer presentation (and timing of the music) was SO GOOD... and then silence. And those torches lighting, and that eerie theme beginning and WOW. DAMN.

[@roberthunter479]

Even though it's older, the Genesis Castlevania doesn't even come close to this one. Still, a new Castlevania game is never a bad thing. When the SNES was new, my friend rented the system and this was one of the games. I was blown away. The music, ambiance, the action, it was the greatest game I'd seen up to that moment. A few months later, I purchased my own SNES and you can bet that was one of the fist titles I bought.

[@yeahyeahwowman8099]

Even though it may not be as memorable, I love the torture chamber levels music. There's something about a simple beat that can invoke dread.

[@shadowspawnxxx]

Music was way better in Bloodlines.

[@roberthunter479]

@@shadowspawnxxx I like the music in Bloodlines quite a bit. I lucked out and found the Sega cartridge at a used game shop 15 or so years ago for $2.50 and hastily grabbed it. Konami did a good job with Bloodlines. I just think they did a better job with Super Castlevania, including the music. Bloodlines is still a must play for any Castlevania fan.

[@Multienderguy37]

I prefer 4, but bloodlines has a couple of neat features not in it; like the faster pacing, better bosses, multiple characters and the upgraded subweapon system, with subweapon candles being visually distinguishable and the super weapons acquired when the whip is fully upgraded.

[@Robert-nu4vc]

Bloodlines is the better game for many reasons.

[@bakuiel1901]

This was the first Castlevania I played, went back to the NES ones later. Also so wierd to see Base Wars referenced, I love that game

[@LordJerambo]

I missed out on the Castlevania series as a kid in the 80s. I was a Megaman, Mario, and movie based games. As a dad, the boys and i have built up our NES, SNES, N64 library of games. I've really got into Castlevania. This one is my favorite.

[@deadman79123]

I love this game! I was never big on wanting to keep a specific sub weapon. If I saw candles, I had to whip them, and then collect whatever they dropped no matter what it was. My OCD shines brightest in games like this 😆

[@gubbothehuggo2771]

Stage 4 is when this game begins to show its fiendish tricks. It’s a very creative and ghoulish game.

[@dennispendry6601]

Another instant classic instructional video. If you keep making these I'll keep liking them and recommending them.

[@johngavalas74]

Castlevania IV is a complete masterpiece level 4-3 blew my mind first time seeing it i beaten this so many times i was able to finally clear it on one life it took a lot of practice this is easily in my top 5 best SNES games

[@alienhatz3265]

you have the highest effort walkthroughs ever, i love them

[@vanguze]

Man this game is art. Probably my second favorite game ever. Intro still gives me chills like when i was a child. I love "Flacid Whip Technique". I loved that feature. I also recall the stairs controled so much better than in previous entries.

[@examiningdata7952]

49:11 the man crying !!! 😭😭

[@gamerboy6787]

As always, appreciate the history lesson you include with every game you cover. My personal hell in this game was the Dancing Spectres boss battle. I kept getting my arse handed to me over and over and over again. Fortunately, I could keep collecting that hidden 1-up, and keep throwing myself at the boss. Eventually, somehow, I "got gud" XD and won -- I think with only 1 health remaining. I swear, freakin Dracula himself was easier than the Dancing Spectres.

[@opaljk4835]

Spam that cross and they go down almost instantly

[@co81385]

The Dancing Spectres can indeed be tricky to fight. Overall, Stage 6 is a stage that can just wear you down, because it's very long, and there are several obstacles that each require a different solution.

[@opaljk4835]

@@co81385 stage 8 is the actual fucking jerky level imo

[@co81385]

Oh, it absolutely is! Too many instant deaths! Sometimes, my playthroughs of this game are a pleasant experience that hit a brick wall. That brick wall is Level 8.

[@jameslauer1289]

Love all the history about the games. Keep up the good work 😊

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

6:26 uhhhh yeeeeeeeeeah, like Simon gets instantly flung off the screen thus causing instant KO

[@CplEthane]

Correction: The SNES does not have hardware to scale or rotate sprites. It can only scale/rotate a single background layer. _However_ the SuperFX2 chip included hardware to scale/rotate sprites, as seen in Yoshi's Island.

[@jeremysteelman2900]

The captions read word for word, thank you for your razor sharp pronunciation. I've been waiting for this one, one of my favorite games. You and your dogs are awesome

[@cognacat]

I still play this once a year or so, usually around Halloween! Right in the childhood feels! Amazing choice for a vid!

[@henryblazer20]

I love this channel so so much ❤

[@dancewithoutme]

YES! Been waiting for this one!

[@steveobaby6048]

Yess I've been waiting for this thank you

[@The16bithero]

Yes, my favourite linear Castlevania! Such a well designed game. At first i thought it looked not as good as Dracula X, but man, time has only made it look better. And don't even get me started on the gameplay, leaving the item for the R button was such a smart decision. Funny how they didn't apply it for the rest of the series even though they have the same amount or even more buttons

[@caseyp5665]

All your videos make me want to play the games. Amazing job as always!😊

[@Mihra1986]

One of my first SNES games I couldnt beat till i got a bit older frustrating but fun memories, great job on the video^^

[@EvenSteven0]

I was so happy to see the Captain N reference - I salute you sir! 🫡

[@danielrencewicz313]

Another epic video!!! Thanks so much for doing this! Well worth the wait!

[@peosea]

Man! You're the best at longplay/walkthrough. Great job!

[@chadruland5460]

Literally just watch this too see if there's anything I had missed, how refreshing a video this was 🥳

[@stravellwood]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I got this on a collection package on the Switch and this is going to be my go-to guide. You rule times two 🤘🕹🤘

[@PhysicalSciences]

Whether during my grading or between my doctoral homework, listening to these retro video game guides makes for a very peaceful, satisfying chill session to recharge. Big fan and enjoyer of each video upload!

[@rsalek]

Just discovered this channel and I love it! I wached Simons Quest yesterday and it was awesome. Brought back a lot of memories!

[@Smalltummywonderful]

One of my brother's and also one of my favorite Castlevania games to play. As a kid this game was hard, great audio and visual walkthrough/playthrough. Oh and another great thing about this game is that the music is absolutely amazing and delivered on headbanging tracks

[@leoqualcosa9941]

Proud to be your 1000 like. Your channel is one of the best ever discovered.

[@ImmacHn]

8:36, weird nitpick but those are centipedes.

[@SykoFox]

This is really helpful, thank you! I love how you don't just say "make sure you keep this one subweapon, and then you won't have any trouble", which is how 99% of Castlevania walkthroughs go. You actually give strategies using only what you get in the level and I really appreciate that. Edit: never mind, I thought from the first 6 or so levels that this game was fun and not intentionally broken like Castlevania 1. I did what Konami's QA team did and cheated to beat Dracula

[@NashEsq]

Such a great game, with some of the tightest control ever, it's my all time favorite 16 bit.

[@toxicavenger7073]

The pixelated doggy never gets old

[@registereduser]

Oddly enough I never was able to get this on the SNES, though I must have read the Nintendo Power that it was in a million times. Finally played through it on the Castlevania collection.

[@xenofett7008]

My all time favorite SNES game and favorite Castlevania. I've finished this game many times, but learned a few new tricks here. Thanks!

[@joshbrekke6374]

Great play throughout & descriptive details. I learned a few things I didn’t know how to do before from you!. Thanks! This game has been a Top 3 of mine since it came out, your late to the party however very excellently done. Definitely worth the wait with what I’ve thankfully recently learned. The three things I didn’t know are the treasure jump for wall meat, that meat was kept in the wall to preserve it many years back and the Bat glitch with precise details through the Stone Brick Boss level. I’ve seen it performed many times watching speed runs. Great Job, you play well with much practice I see. It’s such a great game. My other favorite 16bit Go To,s are Super Metroid, Bloodlines & Ghouls & Ghosts Genesis version. They are just so fun to play. After decades of practice it’s therapeutic for me now @ 50yrs old. Seems like yesterday I was playing this after my senior year in high school and before that NES & SEGA Master System. Keep up the great work, you do great Videos. This one I really like a lot, done about a game that really matters. Especially now days, Thank You!! P.S. I do have a question perhaps you can answer. Why during the credits did they not show Dracula, Mummy, Frankenstein Monster, or Medusa? Possible Copy Right inflammation awakening of certain parties? Or did they have rights to Frankenstein Monster, Dracula, Mummy, Medusa ect? Just a lil confused, since 1991 is all. Thanks

[@sspotter1978]

Incredible video. ❤ I hope you see the success you deserve!! Keep 'em comin'!!

[@ManAboutTown1000]

One of the great Castlevania games. The difficulty is just right and it's not too long.

[@Keshin4539]

I did indeed beat the game with your guidance! Played on my Snes Mini and had a great time. Ty!

[@karldavidblain6524]

Hands down one of the best Castlevania game ever.

[@kcnate2131]

Excellent Walkthrough! Kudos. this is a fantastic game that still holds up today IMHO

[@godagon97]

Take a drink every time UCBVG says "flaccid whip". 🤣🤣🍻❤️‍🔥

[@plague877]

Gone this long without knowing about how to get the double/ triple projectiles; thought it was random. Thanks!

[@Genzaijh]

1:41 "and Dracula will be down for the count." Brilliant comment!

[@damwaterthomas1980]

This is such a classic and I also enjoyed playing the game a lot years ago.

[@Lokipower]

Come on people, lets get this man to the 1M subs he deserves.

[@jantodd12]

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen your video. Keep up the solid work, I missed it.

[@pyrodave6407]

This takes me back. I remember being blown away with the graphics the first time I fired this game up

[@jonbourgoin182]

"flaccid whip" Lmao I wasn't expecting you to call it that throughout the entirety of the video. I would have gone with "loose whip" personally

[@senseicorey9979]

"You can't hurt the coffin until you walk past it and it chases you." I'm pretty certain this particular combination of words has never been spoken before

[@ashwinrebbapragada7626]

Thanks for making this video. Castlevania IV was fairly easy and straightforward. The music was good.

[@cecilrichardson2494]

Oh, yeah! This was always a favorite of mine. Quick tip: during the fight with Dracula, he'll do his (erratically moving) projectile attack twice. The first time is when he loses his 4th bar of health, and the second time is just before he loses his 6th remaining bar of health. If you've taken some damage, either time is a good opportunity to take advantage of destroying the projectiles (it's okay to ignore hitting Dracula for a few cycles when he starts this; what you're going for are the projectiles and the food drops), and restoring any lost health before resuming the fight.

[@neloangelo8]

Dude you really saved my ass. The last level was abusing me for hours and after I watched your guide, it clicked immediately. Amazing content, thank you!

[@MrDLee8]

Ahhhh! Good ole nostalgia😊

[@beavinator]

I never thought I'd hear the word "flaccid" this many times in one video 😆

[@jonbourgoin182]

7:58 nice to see that The Simpson's creator Matt Groening is a fan of this channel...lol

[@WebflingerJoe]

This is awesome. Thanks dude.

[@wunnup3229]

I love this game so much. I have made it a tradition to play it once a year around Halloween. Usually before, but sometimes after like this. If I can't get around to playing it, I'll watch a full playthrough like this.

[@BenevolentBees]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much!

[@edparadis6685]

oh wow great work as usual this is pure awsome here

[@SpockIOM]

Excellent as always for one of my all time fave games. For another SNES classic I really hope you’ll do a walkthrough for Plok at some stage! Keep em coming! ✌️