Released by Konami in 1991 for the Super Nintendo, Akumajou Dracula (known internationally as Super Castlevania IV) is a classic action platformer that redefined 16-bit side-scrolling action. Players take on the role of vampire hunter Simon Belmont as he traverses haunted courtyards, subterranean caverns, and treacherous towers inside Count Dracula’s fortress. Armed with the iconic Vampire Killer whip, Simon features 8-directional whip strikes, limp whip physics for blocking projectiles, and the ability to latch onto ring pegs to swing across open chasms.
How to Play
Guide Simon Belmont through 11 stages of undead monsters and hazardous obstacles, defeating stage bosses to reach Count Dracula. Collect hearts from destroyed candles to power your sub-weapons (such as the axe, dagger, cross, holy water, and stop watch).
Browser Controls (SNES Emulator)
- D-Pad / Arrow Keys: Move left or right, crouch, or climb staircases (Up/Down).
- Attack (X Key / Z): Whip in 8 directions (hold the button and move directional keys to swing limp whip).
- Jump (A Key / X): Jump over hazards and between platforms.
- Sub-Weapon (Up + Attack): Consume hearts to use your equipped sub-weapon.
- Start (Enter): Pause game / Start game.
- Select (Shift): Select options.
Tips for Survival
- Master 8-Directional Whipping: Unlike earlier NES Castlevania titles, you can whip diagonally upward, straight up, diagonally downward, and downward in mid-air. Use downward whip strikes to strike enemies directly beneath you while jumping.
- Limp Whip Shielding: Holding down the attack button makes the whip drop limp. Wiggling the D-pad while holding attack swings the leather whip around Simon, creating a continuous barrier that destroys small incoming projectiles.
- Whip Swinging: When jumping near glowing overhead rings, hold the attack button while latching onto the ring to swing across wide pits safely.
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