To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Castlevania, publisher Konami is offering the original 8-bit NES classic as a free mobile download. Players can claim the action-platformer without cost until October 24 at 9:59 a.m. EST. Anyone who adds the game to their mobile account during this limited promotional window will retain permanent access to play it after the offer ends.
First released in 1986, the original Castlevania introduces player character Simon Belmont as he fights through Dracula's trap-filled castle using his whip. Unlike the expansive, interconnected "Metroidvania" titles that later defined the franchise—a shift popularized a decade later with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night—this original release features classic linear stage design, strict platforming precision, and challenging enemy layouts.
For players who prefer playing on a computer rather than a handheld phone screen, Konami has also significantly marked down the Castlevania Anniversary Collection on Steam. The retro compilation is currently available at an 80% discount, lowering the total price to $3.99.
The Steam bundle packs together eight classic titles alongside a digital background ebook:
- Castlevania
- Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest
- Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse
- Super Castlevania 4
- Castlevania The Adventure
- Castlevania 2: Belmont's Revenge
- Castlevania Bloodlines
- Kid Dracula
- History Of Castlevania – Book of the Crescent Moon
Modern genre hits such as Hollow Knight and Blasphemous have built heavily upon the foundation laid by early 2D action games. Returning to the 1986 original offers a straightforward look at where those design ideas began, long before skill trees, massive maps, and extensive backtracking became standard features.
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