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Akumajō
Dracula [MSX]
悪魔城ドラキュラ
[MSX版]
30 Oct 1986 |
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Barely
a month went by between the Famicom Disk and MSX2 versions
of Akumajō Dracula, and while they keep the same character, storyline
and artwork they are far from the same.
Here the action
also involves managing items and keys. Gold keys open item chests, but what you're really after is a white
key - your ticket to the next level. Dozens
of different items can either be picked up or purchased from merchants.
Right First off you have to bear in mind that this game is running on the MSX: the screen doesn't scroll, and
the gameplay is fringing on the out-of-date.
Yet the game manages to hold together thanks to its clever ‘puzzle’ element: you don’t necessarily have to kick large
quantities of ass here, all you have to do is find the key, and get out.
The MSX Akumajō Dracula is easily one of the better titles on the old rig, alongside
the various iterations of Konami’s own Gradius
and Metal
Gear series. It is definitely more of a thinking
man’s game than its Famicom counterpart, and one
heck of a challenge... Most of the later levels have
to be memorised well in advance, with a hefty amount
of trial and error. Old school, baby, old school...
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Tactics
Look out - this is a serious oldie, and a vicious relic from the bygone days of home computer gaming. Rough and unforgiving gameplay, three lives only,
and no 'Continue' or 'Save' features. Not many have
finished this straight up, and the few who have were
forced to put in a lot of practice, and take goddamn notes.
Most of the difficulty lies in the confusing stages
and extensive equipment: dozens of
different items can be found in candles, or purchased
from merchants.
The #1 piece of advice is to be VERY careful
when picking up items from candles. There is no time
limit, so take things slowly - the last thing you
want is to get accidentally lumbered with the dreaded 'Red Book',
or loose a good weapon like the dagger by picking
up a bog-standard whip.
Below is an inventory explaining
what each item does. So good luck with them items, and keep your eyes peeled - this is one tough nut to crack.
F1
= Pause
F2 = Map (must have the "Scroll")
Stage-12: input 
+ Jump to enter passageways
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CHAIN
WHIP
Primary
weapon |
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BLUE
CROSS
Primary
weapon (Catch) |
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AXE
Primary
weapon (Catch) |
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HOLY
WATER
Use:
(Jump) LEFT/RIGHT |
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HOURGLASS
Use:
(Jump) DOWN |
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YELLOW
CROSS
Destroys
all enemies |
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SCROLL
Map (Press F2 to view) |
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CANDLE
Reveals
hidden items |
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EXIT
KEY
Opens stage exit |
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WHITE
CROSS
Enemies stop appearing |
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WHITE
BOOK
Makes
items cheaper |
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RED
BOOK
Makes
items expensive |
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YELLOW
SHIELD
Blocks
Projectiles |
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RED
SHIELD
Reduces
damage |
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Akumajō
Dracula
悪魔城ドラキュラ
MSX2 |
DETAILS
| Format |
MSX |
| Released |
30 Oct
1986 |
| Publisher |
Konami |
| Product
ID |
RC744 |
| Size
(cm) |
24
x 18 x 3 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.20 |
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The
MSX2 Akumajō Dracula
has of course become one of the most
sought-after titles in the
series.
Very hard to find
in good condition, and constantly
gaining in value.
Large
PC-style box, 1Mbit cartridge,
12-page monochrome booklet. |
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'Akumajō
Dracula', 'Castlevania' and 'Konami' are all registered trademarks
of Konami Corporation
Akumajō Dracula MSX TM & © 1986 Konami All Rights Reserved
Page content, design & layout © 2012 Arcade Gear |
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