Castlevania (Japanese: Akumajō Dracula Mokushiroku) is an action-adventure game developed by Japan’s Konami, released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64. As the first 3D entry in the Castlevania series, it is set in mid-19th-century Transylvania. Players choose between two protagonists: Reinhardt Schneider, a vampire hunter of the Belmont clan, or Carrie Fernández, a descendant of the magical Fernández clan. Each has unique weapons and skills—Reinhardt wields a whip, while Carrie excels at magic attacks. The game features a day-night cycle and weather system; enemies grow stronger at night and in harsh weather. There is also a vampirism status: if the protagonist is bitten and not purified before midnight, they turn into a vampire, resulting in a game over. Packed with puzzles and multiple endings, the game’s outcome changes based on player choices and playtime. As the series’ first 3D title, Castlevania retains classic franchise elements while exploring new gameplay mechanics and visuals, delivering a fresh experience for players.
