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Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
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Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

200190/100
PlatformRole-playing (RPG)Adventure

Boss Battles · Horror · Metroidvania

Circle of the Moon distilled the Metroidvania formula into a lean, handheld package. Its defining feature, the Dual Setup System, allowed for a staggering array of spell combinations, encouraging experimentation and replayability. While its muted color palette and punishing difficulty may not appeal to all, the sense of accomplishment after conquering its intricate castle and formidable bosses remains a hallmark of the series.

About Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Details
Taking place in 1830, Circle of the Moon is set in one of the fictional universes of the Castlevania series. The premise of the original series is the eternal conflict between the vampire hunters of the Belmont clan and the immortal vampire Dracula. Circle of the Moon's protagonist, however, is Nathan Graves, whose parents died a decade ago to banish Dracula. Morris Baldwin, who helped in Dracula's banishment, trained him to defeat Dracula and the monsters; Morris ultimately chose him as his successor and gave him the "Hunter Whip", to the displeasure of Hugh, Morris' son who trained alongside him. At an old castle, Camilla, a minion of Dracula, revives him, only to be interrupted by the arrival of Morris, Nathan, and Hugh. Before they are able to banish him again, Dracula destroys the floor under Nathan and Hugh, causing them to plummet down a long tunnel. Surviving the fall and wishing to find his father, Hugh leaves Nathan behind. Nathan proceeds to search the castle for his mentor. Along the way, he learns that at the next full moon, Morris' soul will be used to return Dracula to full power. He also periodically encounters Hugh, who becomes more hostile as the game progresses. Eventually, Nathan encounters Camilla, who hints that she and Dracula are responsible for the changes in his personality. Nathan vanquishes Camilla in her true form and meets up with Hugh once more. Upon seeing him, Hugh immediately attacks him with the goal of proving himself to his father through Nathan's defeat; Nathan, however, realizes that Dracula is controlling Hugh. Nathan defeats him, and Dracula's control over Hugh breaks. Confessing that he doubted his self-worth when Nathan was chosen as successor, Hugh tasks him with Morris' rescue. Arriving at the ceremonial room, Nathan confronts Dracula, who confirms that he had tampered with Hugh's soul to cause the changes in his personality. They begin to fight and halfway through, Dracula teleports away to gain his full power. Hugh then frees his father and tasks Nathan with Dracula's banishment. Nathan continues the battle and defeats Dracula; escaping the collapsing castle, he reunites with Morris and Hugh. Nathan is declared a master vampire hunter by Morris. Hugh vows to retrain under Morris due to his failure.

Top 3 Alternatives to Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

1
Rating
Critic & community
85
Match
Recommendation strength
88%

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

2019 · Action

A modern take on the classic Castlevania formula, trading pixel art for lush visuals and a sprawling castle to explore, but keeping the same satisfying combat and RPG progression.

Why recommended

  • Exploration and discovery are central to the experience, with a large interconnected castle to navigate and uncover secrets, matching the Adventure criteria.
  • Criteria — Action combat with a wide array of weapons, spells, and abilities, and Strong Story through character interactions and lore.
  • The gothic horror setting and monster designs evoke the same atmosphere of dread and monster-hunting as Circle of the Moon
2
Rating
Critic & community
80
Match
Recommendation strength
75%

While not a direct Metroidvania, the fast-paced action and constant loop of exploration and combat, combined with a strong narrative, creates a similar sense of addictive progression.

Why recommended

  • Fast-paced, action-oriented combat with a focus on reflexes and skillful execution, similar to the action focus of Circle of the Moon.
  • Criteria — Adventure through a procedurally generated world, with discoveries and secrets to uncover with each run, and a Strong Story through character interactions and lore.
  • The dark fantasy setting and emphasis on mythological creatures creates a similar atmosphere of dread and monster-hunting as Circle of the Moon
3
Rating
Critic & community
78
Match
Recommendation strength
70%

A challenging action RPG inspired by Chinese mythology, offering a blend of intense combat, exploration, and a narrative rooted in a rich cultural setting.

Why recommended

  • The game features intense, action-focused combat with a variety of weapons and abilities, requiring skillful execution and strategic decision-making.
  • Criteria — Adventure through a world filled with secrets and discoveries, and a Strong Story rooted in Chinese mythology.
  • The game's dark fantasy setting and emphasis on mythological creatures creates a similar atmosphere of dread and monster-hunting as Circle of the Moon

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