10 Video Game Solutions You'd NEVER Get Without A Guide
5. The NPCs Lie To You - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
The 1986 action-platformer, Castlevania, was such a success, it was no surprise when a sequel was released one year later. However, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest bewildered players as it wasn't the same platformer as its predecessor. It had the same structure but integrated RPG elements such as visiting towns, buying consumables, and conversing with the townsfolk.
When you can't figure out where to go or how to unlock a certain artefact, you speak to the NPCs to gather clues. This strategy may work in other franchises like Final Fantasy or The Legend of Zelda but it won't help if you play the Japanese version of Castlevania II. According to the producer, Koji Igarashi, the NPCs are "deliberate liars" and intentionally mislead you.
One of the characters tells you that "A magic potion will destroy the wall of evil". Naturally, the player will search every area for this evil law, unaware that it doesn't exist. Since no rational person assumes the NPCs are deceiving them, gamers went on a wild goose chase.
The only way to complete Castlevania II is to follow the instructions of the sacred texts hidden around the game, NOT the advice of the NPCs.