The Castlevania series has some of the greatest video game music of all time.
We can thank Kinuyo Yamashita for getting things started. Yamashita’s professional debut was in fact the very first Castlevania in 1986. I’m not afraid to admit it: Her stage one theme, Vampire Killer, is my ringtone.
The series has had a number of other composers over the years. Kenichi Matsubara picked up the reigns for Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, bringing us the classic Bloody Tears. Hidenori Maezawa, Jun Funahashi, and Yukie Morimoto worked on Dracula’s Curse, while Masanori Adachi and Taro Kudo rocked out in Super Castlevania IV.
Michiru Yamane jumped in for 1994’s Castlevania: Bloodlines, and went on to compose for Symphony of the Night, as well as the later entries on Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. She also did music for the Suikoden series and, more recently, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
But right now, we’re here to talk about Castlevania. I want you to check out these killer remixes.
Dance Of Illusions by Nemix
Oh, but this world invited me, he says. This mix uses a clip from the PSP version of Symphony of the Night (hidden away in The Dracula X Chronicles), which had different voiceovers from the original. Yeah, I miss the infamous “What is a man? A miserable little pile of secrets?” But the redub works so well here.
Vampire Spanker, an OCRemix Classic
This cut from 2009 is an all-time classic, called Vampire Spanker. It’s an acoustic version of Vampire Killer by remixers Danneman & Silverknekt, featured by OC ReMix. I can just imagine a vampire hunter suiting up and sharpening his stakes before heading out for a night of, well, vampire killing.
Dracula’s Castle by Ferdk
In my mind, Castlevania’s always been pretty metal. Ferdk has quite a few metal covers available, so here’s one: Dracula’s Castle.
Vampire Killer & Beginning Remix by Qumu
Vampire Killer again? Well, yes. But this remix really shines when it gets to Beginning. It’s the kind of mix that does some modern things without stepping all over the originals…like a small reimagining.
Castlevania 80s Synth Cover Medly by Kartmaze
This one contains some serious Outrun vibes for me (some parts remind me of Red Eyes by Zombie Hyperdrive), taking us on a night ride through Simon Belmont’s theme, Vampire Killer, and Bloody Tears.
Bonus: Wicked Child on an Akai EWI by Soundole VGM Covers
I didn’t expect to find anyone covering Castlevania music with an electronic wind instrument, but here we are. And it works. It’s got an interesting sound. And since we’re on the topic of Wicked Child, if you want a bonus to the bonus, here’s Kinuyo Tamashita playing it on piano herself.
Founder and editor-in-chief of Atomic Lagoon. Spends his time changing aquarium water, feeding cats, and watching old monster movies in 3D.
