Carpathian Night is a delightful blend of retro platforming and modern sensibilities, delivering an experience that pays homage to classic Castlevania games while carving its own path. It captivated me from the start, and my only gripe is that it wasn’t longer. This game brought me back to the joy of childhood gaming, sitting on the floor and exploring secrets with my Dad. Few games rekindle that kind of nostalgia, but Carpathian Night did so beautifully.
At its core, Carpathian Night is a tribute to the side-scrolling horror platformers of the NES and SNES eras, infused with the gothic charm of Bela Lugosi, the legendary actor who defined Dracula for generations. Partnering with Lugosi Enterprises, the game resurrects Lugosi as Prince Dracula in an officially licensed release, marking his video game debut. His presence adds gravitas to the story, and while his taunts throughout the game could have enhanced the final reveal, the payoff is still deeply satisfying.
The gameplay is refreshingly linear, a departure from the sprawling complexity of modern Metroidvania titles. Players can choose between two characters, Abbot Dorin, a warrior monk, and Irina Dracul, a fiery vampire. Initially, their playstyles feel similar, but collectible gems unlock unique abilities, making each character shine in their own way. The level design balances platforming and combat seamlessly, introducing new mechanics, enemies, and hazards as you progress. Hidden secrets, including gems for upgrades and lore logs for story depth, kept me exploring every nook and cranny.
Boss battles are challenging yet fair, with patterns that demand mastery but never feel insurmountable. The responsive controls, especially with the precision of the D-pad, elevate the experience. Whether dashing through traps or activating skills via directional inputs, the gameplay feels polished and intuitive.
The game’s aesthetic—featuring sharp, detailed pixel art and atmospheric music—immediately brings to mind the golden age of the Castlevania series. Every visual element feels carefully crafted, with the pixel art evoking a sense of nostalgia while still standing out as modern and polished. The soundtrack, however, is the true standout. Its hauntingly melodic compositions are not only perfectly suited to the game’s tone but are also strong enough to stand alone as an incredible listening experience. I can easily picture myself blasting these tracks during my morning commute, the energy and mood carrying me through the day. A physical release of the score would be a dream come true for fans and a fitting tribute to this exceptional collection of music.
Death is handled with modern grace, offering respawn points close to where you fail, minimizing frustration. For completionists, the stage-select feature encourages revisiting levels to uncover every secret and earn achievements.
While the game is polished, there are minor glitches, particularly during boss encounters, but these are rare and never detract from the overall experience. A clearer tutorial about gem upgrades would have been helpful, as their purpose isn’t immediately apparent. These are minor issues in an otherwise exceptional game.
Carpathian Night is a standout among Castlevania-inspired titles. Its blend of tight controls, engaging level design, and nods to classic horror make it a must-play for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The inclusion of Bela Lugosi as Dracula is the cherry on top, solidifying the game’s place as a labor of love for fans of both gaming and classic monster films.
Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and Steam, Carpathian Night offers a thrilling journey through a monster-plagued Transylvania. With its captivating gameplay and nods to horror history, it stands tall in the sea of Castlevania clones. I highly recommend it—and hope for a sequel to extend this unforgettable experience.
Jessie Hobson