10 Best Castlevania Games

Sometimes, you have to go back to where everything began to get an appreciation of how far a series has come. Sometimes, though, the original game stands the test of time. It's safe to say that the original Castlevania title is still an enjoyable (if very demanding) experience that's worthy of attention.

Players take charge of the legendary vampire hunter Simon Belmont, equipped with the soon-to-be iconic Vampire Killer whip, on his quest to fulfill the Belmont prophecy and slay Dracula. It demands precision, and its challenge comes from meeting this skill level, not cheap and unforeseen deaths.

Sure, there've been remakes that have rebalanced or shifted the combat around, but is it not satisfying to go back to where the series began and take on its NES-era challenge?

The original Castlevania set the standard for action-platformer games back in the day, and as such deserves a spot on this list.