Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania DLC by poncle
It feels like only last year that I reviewed a Castlevania-themed DLC for an indie rogue-like inspired by the franchise. My, how times change.
Vampire Survivors has been the little indie that could. Between birthing a genre and featuring some truly wild collaborations, it’s still wild to me that something so addictive can be legally sold for under five dollars.
After the game’s previous collaboration with Konami mainstay Contra, everyone had one question on their lips: what about the Konami franchise that actually inspired the base game? Well, wonder no more because the Vampire Survivors are finally invading Dracula’s castle. The results are nothing short of magical.
What Is A Man?
The gameplay of Ode to Castlevania is fundamentally unchanged from the base Vampire Survivors game. You still have 30 minutes per run to amass and evolve weapons while exploring a map and, of course, trying to survive. This time, it just happens to feature Konami’s famously gorgeous pixel art.
However, it’s both the quality AND quantity of the additions that really make this DLC shine. The expansion’s single map is enormous, covering the entirety of Dracula’s castle and the grounds surrounding it. It’s so big, in fact, that upon first defeating some of the bosses found on the map, you unlock fast-travel points that carry between runs.
It’s an addition that harkens back to both the Metroidvania genre that Symphony of the Night birthed, and to progression-based Rogue-likes in the best way.
A Miserable Little Pile of Secrets
The new cast of characters and their arsenal are similarly impressive. The Belmont family and their compatriots are truly all here, from mainstays like Simon and Richter to deep cuts like John Morris and Yoko Belnades. Even if you’re not a Castlevania fanatic like I am, you’ll appreciate the sheer variety of weapons and play-styles on display.
There are even characters with entirely new mechanisms not previously seen in the game.
This is all to say nothing of the extra stuff Ode to Castlevania gives you to discover. The DLC contains a staggering amount of remixed and original music from the franchise’s history and a slew of beloved enemies to fight. There’s also more that the DLC hides that I will save for a surprise. I’ll say that, as many Castlevania veterans know, things aren’t necessarily over once you reach the Throne Room.
The Verdict
The prospect of a DLC that’s a dollar less than the cost of the base game can sometimes be a daunting sell. However, between the love and talent on display in this and the fact that it’s still cheaper than a latte, Ode to Castlevania could not be an easier recommendation. Vampire Survivors is already a bonafide modern classic, and this DLC is a masterclass showcase for just what these developers are capable of.
Now, Konami, if you’re listening, how about a new proper Castlevania, huh?
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania is available via the Nintendo eShop, Apple App Store, Google Play, PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Steam.
Watch the trailers for Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania DLC below:
