Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
The first Castlevania on GBA introduces the Dual Set-Up System (DSS) with 100+ card combinations for customizing attacks. Features non-linear exploration in Dracula's castle with protagonist Nathan Graves, a vampire hunter trained by the Belmont clan.
Platform
Game Boy Advance
Year
2001
Genre
Action-Adventure
Developer
Konami Computer Entertainment Kobe
Controls
About This Game
DSS cards (dropped by enemies) create 110 possible ability combinations - mixing elemental effects (Fire/Ice) with mythological archetypes (Mercury/Hercules) for unique playstyles.
Notable for its challenging difficulty compared to later GBA Castlevanias, with precise platforming and limited healing items.
Originally criticized for its dark visuals on unlit GBA screens, later praised for Gothic atmosphere when played on backlit systems.
Sold 1.3 million copies. Received 85/100 on Metacritic, establishing core mechanics later refined in Aria of Sorrow.
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