Castlevania is one of Konami’s many long running and beloved series, but the more recent releases have changed the formula completely. With the success of Symphony of the Night, the series had changed from the old school formula everyone grew up with to a “Metroid style” that has since taken over. Although there is still an occasional old school Castlevania release, they usually lead to disappointment. And this is where Adventure ReBirth comes in. 

Adventure ReBirth is a “remake” of the original Castlevania Adventure on the Game Boy, although I use the term loosely, as the game has as much in common with that game as it does the Metroid style games we are now accustomed to. It is an old school Castlevania game, but does not resemble the original Adventure title at all. Instead, consider this a brand new Castlevania adventure that feels a lot like Super Castlevania IV or Rondo of Blood on the SNES.

The game’s look is very reminiscent of the classic Castlevania games, giving off an old school vibe. And although there is “voice acting” (Dracula, among a couple of other bosses, speak during their battles), the game plays just like it would on the SNES. The controls are incredibly responsive and the level design is excellent as well.

There are several different control options and play styles as well. You can use the Wii remote NES style, the Remote and Nunchuck, the Classic Controller, or even the GameCube controller. And with the amount of customizing you can do to the way the game controls, there is a control style for everybody.

You also get a nice selection of weapons, aside from the standard whip, which include a dagger you throw at enemies, a cross that acts as a boomerang, and holy water, effective at taking out multiple enemies on the ground at once. These helpful weapons are scattered throughout the game in candles and other destructible objects. If you have ever played a Castlevania before, this should not be new to you.

The only major complaint is the game’s length. Like the previous ReBirth titles, this game can be finished in about an hour on normal difficulty. The time you play it will definitely increase on hard, but don’t expect more than 2-3 hours at the most from that. And sadly, aside from the standard secret passageways, there isn’t much reason to replay this title once you finish it.

$10 is a good price for Castlevania ReBirth, although some may be disappointed by the length of the game. I would love to see a more lengthy adventure done in a similar style, but until then, this is your best bet for a solid old school Castlevania game.

ESRB: Rated T for teen; rated for animated blood and fantasy violence

Pros: Looks and plays just like a classic Castlevania game; solid controls; excellent presentation

Cons: Incredibly short game; next to no replayability