The Vampire Killer theme from the Castlevania series is by far one of the most recognizable gaming themes out there, and it's probably one of the best themes from the days of 8-bit gaming. It has also shown up in almost every iteration of the Castlevania series, morphing and changing as time progressed. It's hard to really get a grasp on it all thanks to the many iterations of the theme, but a recently discovered YouTube vid puts it all together for us.
The theme has been through some rough spots (Castlevania Chronicles, 6:28) and some absolute brilliance (Akumajo Dracula X: Gekka no Yasoukyoku - Nocturne in the Moonlight, 4:54), though I have to say that my favorite has got to be Super Castlevania IV (1:29). It's the perfect combination of old school and revamp. What is really cool about the video and the theme itself is that it easily takes us through a history of game music: from the beeps and boops at the birth of gaming to the over synthesized 90s to the scores of today and, somewhat ironically, back to the beeps and boops as the series went mobile. Can't wait to hear what is next.
Because of YouTube's 10 minute time limit the video's creator couldn't fit in Castlevania Judgement, which actually has a very strong version of the Vampire Killer theme, so I've popped it in below.
Matthew Razak is Destructoid's Associate editor and co-founder of film site Flixist. He began as community member "cowzilla" and was since sequestered to write brainy features material. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife.
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Freaking love Dracula X version. I was also partial to the Circle of the Moon one; it caught me by surprise when I first played it. I was like "hells yes! I love this song!"
Gawd. I loooooooove this theme, so much.
Every time I hear it, instant great memories. =)
Let's hope Konami uses this theme in the upcoming Castlevania title.
Please.
This is weird, I've been on a Castlevania Music kick for about a week now, and I actually watched this video within the past day or so (also this one). One track that I wasn't as familiar with was House of Sacred Remains from Lament of Innocence, which is worth a listen (especially the transition from around 1:30). While not as iconic as Vampire Killer or Bloody Tears, it fits the Castlevania mood quite well.
I really dig the one that comes right after Super Castlevania IV. It sounds a lot more spooky and it does well in setting the tone for a Castlevania game.
As much as I like Vampire Killer, I dig [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cbj6P2b_uU]
Divine bloodlines[/url] way better. Castlevania 64 had the best version, I think. It's just so epic. Also, I dug the game way back when, it was pretty alright.
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3:00 PM on 08.30.2009
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I can't get enough.
Every time I hear it, instant great memories. =)
Let's hope Konami uses this theme in the upcoming Castlevania title.
Please.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGqzSiHtDRo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrcCJD1r6rw
Divine bloodlines[/url] way better. Castlevania 64 had the best version, I think. It's just so epic. Also, I dug the game way back when, it was pretty alright.
He could have at least included it in the video, although it already hit the 10 minute cap.