DEVELOPMENT
How it was made
Developed by Konami for the Famicom/NES, the Japanese version used enhanced cartridge audio hardware, contributing to one of the most celebrated 8-bit soundtracks.
EDITORIALLY VERIFIEDGAME00000006
1989
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Akumajō Densetsu
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse returns the series to tightly designed action-platforming while adding branching paths and companion characters with distinct abilities.
THE GAME ALMANACCIDC
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
1989
FranchiseCastlevania
GenrePlatformer / Survival Horror
ThemeGothic Horror / Dark Fantasy
PerspectiveSide-scrolling
ModeSingle-player
Still holds upYes
THE RECORD AT A GLANCE
What defines Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse?
Fight monsters, navigate difficult platforming stages, choose routes, recruit allies and defeat Dracula.
GOLD STANDARD EDITORIAL
The complete Almanac record
The workbook’s long-form editorial fields are presented here as a readable feature rather than a wall of database cells.HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Why it matters
It is important as a high point of classic stage-based Castlevania and as a prequel that expanded the series' lore around Trevor Belmont and Dracula.
RECEPTION
How it was received
Retrospectively praised for its challenge, level variety, music and replayability, though its difficulty is severe by modern standards.
LEGACY
What it left behind
Its multiple characters and branching structure influenced later Castlevania design, and its story foundation later informed adaptations and sequels.
SALES
Commercial record
This editorial field is not yet populated.
NOTES
Almanac notes
Developer/publisher IDs corrected to Konami. Director and composer credits expanded from verified credit sources.
CONNECTED HISTORY
One game, many pathways
Every node links back into the live game browser, already using the relationships imported from the spreadsheet.GAME RECORDCastlevania III: Dracula's CurseGAME00000006
DeveloperKonamiPublisherKonamiFranchiseCastlevaniaPlatformFamily ComputerPrimary genrePlatformerThemeGothic HorrorPEOPLE
Creators and credits
Tokuro FujiwaraDirector
AWARDS
Recognition
Frequently cited as one of the strongest NES action-platformers.
RELEASE RECORD
Family Computer
Release information is imported from the workbook’s relational release and platform tables.Release date1989-12-22
RegionJapan
EditionStandard
FormatPhysical
MediaCartridge
Display240p / 60 Hz
LIVE WORKBOOK IMPORT