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Konami's first ever non-Nintendo Castlevania is unique and bizarre 

After nearly a decade of being exclusive to Nintendo consoles, Konami finally gave Sega fans a taste of Castlevania with Castlevania: Bloodlines on Sega Genesis, released in 1994. The game embraces dark themes and apart from Mortal Kombat, is perhaps the bloodiest game on Genesis (with a pool of blood right there on the title screen). But somehow the game was rated GA (General Audiences). Go figure! Sometimes Sega fans got shafted when their favorite NES series came to Genesis, but this is not the case with Castlevania. 

The story is simple: Elizabeth Bartley, a vampire who happens to be Dracula's niece, wants to resurrect Dracula, so she goes on a quest throughout Europe to enlist help from other ghouls and monsters. John Morris and Eric Lacarde set out to stop her. The story takes place during the time of World War I, which is the most recent time period of any of the games up to this point. What makes CB so unique is that you will visit famous European locations instead of fighting through just one environment. 

You can play through the game as either John or Eric, and each play a little differently (and you cannot switch between them). John is your typical whip-wielding protagonist, and he plays just like any Belmont from previous games. Eric is actually the better choice. He attacks with a spear, and can actually attack straight up and diagonally too (although John can attack upwards too, but only when he jumps). Like previous games, you have to commit to each jump you take. You can find sub-weapons to use and jewels will allow you to use these weapons, so you will want to collect as many jewels as you can. 

Presentation here is pretty good. An intro movie explains the story. When you start the game, you get to see Dracula's Castle as the camera pans downward to show your character (which brings back memories of the first game). Between levels a map shows you where you are going next. And again, this is a bloody game. Some enemies will fall down in a bloody heap after you slash them (which would never be allowed on Nintendo's consoles). To be fair, though, the first level is the only time you'll see blood in the game (and the title screen). 

The levels here are great. You'll start at Dracula's Castle, but then go to Atlantis Shrine in Greece, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, a munitions factory in Germany, Versailles Palace in France, and finally, the fictional Castle of Prosperina in England. You can tell that Konami was milking the Genesis hardware for all its worth. Rotating stairs, rising and receding reflective water, and other technical gimmicks are employed (much like what they did for Super Castlevania IV on SNES). As you travel up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the tower actually moves from left to right, making the level a bit tense. Level design is excellent throughout the game. You'll see plenty of familiar enemies, and of course, one level has a clock tower section. Bosses are challenging but beatable once you learn their patterns. Some of these bosses are really cool, like the dragon with the long tail or the snake lady boss. 

The music here is fantastic. There are so many memorable themes here, including Iron Blue Intention, which made its debut in this game and has been featured in other games of the series since. The game also has themes from previous games which have been redone with that wonderful Genesis sound. Seriously, the music here sounds great. I've posted a couple of my favorites below. The graphics here are also very colorful and lively. Some things just look impressive, such as the giant statues you get to walk on in Greece. The locations are often creepy and unsettling, which is perfect. 

The only problems with CB are ones which are typical of other classic Castlevania games. This game is tough! You can play the game on Easy, but it can still be challenging. There will be times when you get knocked back and fall into a pit, and the final boss can be tedious due to his speed and your character's lack thereof. But despite these minor gripes, CB is an excellent game. This is a short game, meaning you might want to beat it twice using both characters. 

Final Verdict--4.5 Stars: Highly Recommended 

CB might not get the recognition of Castlevania III or IV, but I think it's just as good as those games. It offers some unique things thanks to the two playable characters and the unique setting of the levels. The game is certainly challenging, which appeals to hardcore fans, but is also beatable for those who are willing to put in the effort. You can play CB on the Genesis Mini as well as the Castlevania Anniversary Collection, and it is well worth your time.