For me, Anzu Castle Gracula isn’t just a game.
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For me, Anzu Castle Gracula isn’t just a game. It’s a much-needed reckoning. A justice-delivering, wrong-righting DOS miracle made in 2024.
First off, yes, this is an actual DOS game made in 2024 and programmed in QBasic. You’ll need DOSBox or something similar to run it on anything that wasn’t retired when Bill Clinton was President. But hey, the dev bundled it with all DOSBox settings pre-configured so you don’t have to fiddle with the emulator beforehand. Or, if you want, you can download it solo and run it on the emulator of your choice.
But here’s the kicker: this thing runs on legit vintage DOS hardware too. You will need DOS 4.1, an Intel 386DX-33 (if you want to achieve a consistent 70fps), and 3MB of RAM. Sound is optional, but if you have at least a SoundBlaster 1.5, your ears will be in for a treat. The colour palette looks like it’s for EGA, though it could be early VGA instead.
This means that Anzu Castle Gracula is playable on DOS hardware released in 1990. Now that specific year is very important to me. You see, that was the year of Castlevania – or rather, the shambling horror that was Castlevania for DOS.
The DOS port of Castlevania is an insult. Castlevania for DOS has graphics that resemble a morning hangover, sounded like a cat stuck in a dishwasher, and controls meant for extra-terrestrial arms. It’s an embarrassment, and it’s no wonder Konami wants to bury it.
Konami didn’t bother porting it themselves. Instead, they contracted it out to Distinctive Software – sure, a good reputable developer – who put minimal effort into the port. The product speaks for itself.
But imagine Christmas in 1990. You tear open the wrapping paper and are overjoyed – it’s Castlevania for DOS! Euphoria! Then you install it on your computer, load it up, and… tears.
Now some people have asked, “Why not just emulate the NES version on your PC?” Yeah, I’ve done that – but that’s not the point. When I was a child, I wanted a good Castlevania for DOS and that is what I should have got.
Well, Anzu Castle Gracula is the Castlevania that should have been. You got the whip! Break the candlesticks,and goodies rain down. The iconic stairs are there, and they work as they should.
Except, with Anzu Castle Gracula, you’re not playing Simon Belmont. Instead, you’re a bird. I’m fine with this – Simon had his chance, and let’s face it, he blew it.
Take a moment to bask in those graphics. Fully-detailed sprites, lush backgrounds – it’s the DOS Castlevania that I dreamed about.
We got glorious music, and the sound effects don’t interrupt. Running on a Sound Blaster, it sounds like heaven. Not like the DOS Castlevania that sounded like an arcade cabinet left out in the rain.
And the controls – oh, the sweet, glorious controls. They are actually ergonomic – unlike Castlevania for DOS which assumed you had two right hands. Arrow keys are for movement, <Z> is for jump, <X> is for whip, and <C> is for secondary weapon. You can switch secondary weapons by pressing <D>. Oh, and there’s gamepad support too. Move over, Belmont, the bird is taking over.
Did I mention save points? Yep, we have those too. Take that, NES Castlevania.
And overall, it’s just a better metroidvania. Anzu Castle Gracula is tough by fair. You move through the map, picking up items that enhance your abilities, which unlock parts of the game you couldn’t previously access. Classic stuff!
@rainbowcemetery developed Anzu Castle Gracula. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you! In many ways, you gave a part of my childhood back! This was the Castlevania that nine-year-old me dreamed about!
Anzu Castle Gracula isn’t just a game. It’s justice, it’s nostalgia, it’s what 1990 should have been. So if you’re a kid who got a disappointing Christmas, take it from me – go get Anzu Castle Gracula.
