Konami

Certain transitions simply arent meant to succeed. Whether it is a book being adapted for the big screen, a singer tempting fate in acting or vice-versa, there will always be cases where the newly created product or effect will tarnish the initial reputation. As the Playstation and Nintendo 64 gradually left the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo to rest in peace, it became a common practice to take video game series, which had made themselves well known on 8 and 16-Bit systems, and to create three dimensional sequels for them. Among these sequels can be found highly successful titles such as Super Mario 64 or The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. This, however, isnt to say that every sequel to bring a series in the third dimension has been well received. When Konami followed in this trend, it did so by introducing, among others, its whip slashing, vampire hunting line of games known as Castlevania. The result, Castlevania 64, shows that the series is better off remaining a two-dimensional side-scroller.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes

The original Metal Gear Solid is one of the most important and most distinctive titles in video game history. Like its sequel, Metal Gear Solid created a considerable uproar when screenshots and movies were first leaked to the public. When it was released in 1998, it quickly became one of the most popular games ever, causing a heated debate over the merits of the game.

Game Description: A classic Castlevania title that has never been released outside of Japan comes to America. Castlevania Chronicles for the PlayStation features all the elements that made Castlevania one of the premier gaming franchises in video game history: superior 2D Dracula-hunting gameplay, awe-inspiring music, and plenty of extras that every hard-core Castlevania enthusiast must own. Explore the origins of the franchise with one of the first Castlevania games ever created.

For the most part, I agree with a lot of Mike's points regarding Castlevania Chronicles. The game certainly brought back fond memories of earlier Castlevania titles that Ive played in the past. I just wish that I had enjoyed playing it more; unfortunately, the obnoxious difficulty and inconsistent jumping mechanics marred the experience.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Violence

Game Description: A fantasy battlefield in which you must raise your sword or summon your magic to conquer an empire torn with vengeance. The 3D battlefields with their many views will place you in life or death situations. Prepare your wit and strength to battle foes from unknown forces. Gallant victories lead to the magnificent Vandal-Heart.

I can't say for sure since Im not privy to the full scope of games released in Japan, but it has seemed to me for a long time that Konami promotes a particular aesthetic in their RPGs. Their two most prominent RPG series in the U.S., Vandal Hearts and Suikoden, have always been similar in theme and tone.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Blood & Gore, Animated Violence

I can't say for sure since I'm not privy to the full scope of games released in Japan, but it has seemed to me for a long time that Konami promotes a particular aesthetic in their RPGs. Their two most prominent RPG series in the U.S., Vandal Hearts and Suikoden, have always been similar in theme and tone. Both series focus on stories of war, and although they do glorify battle and military conflict to some extent, they are striking in that they invariably emphasizewith no ambiguitythe absurdity, contradiction, and pain of war in a moral and social sense. While I enjoy plenty of other RPGs for their elements of fantasy and escapism, I always know that when I come back to Konami I will not be let off so easily. There is a palpable sadness in these games, a sense of hurt and moral outrage that visibly sets them apart from other RPGs that have come to the U.S.