The story is another that destroys Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. Dracula’s niece, Elizabeth Bartley is trying to resurrect her uncle in order to cause a bit of mayhem. So it’s up to John Morris (a descendent of the Belmonts) and Eric Lecarde (I guess he just likes stabbing undead things) to stop her.

Once the story is out the way it’s on to the game! First you pick from either John or Eric; John fights with the classic whip while Eric fights with a spear. Each character has their own redeeming features like special moves, better agility or strength. Unlike the huge maps we’re all used to in the more recent Castlevania games, The New Generation plays in stages. This is a bit of a shame but it does allow the game to show more detail in the levels.

The graphics really are awesome. There are some huge set-pieces such as rotating gears and moving ruins along with some spectacular special effects like the reflective water in the second stage. The sprites lack fluid animation but they’re quite big and detailed. Either way, they do what they’re supposed to do; function.

The New Generation’s gameplay is a little slow and jumping brings you to a stop when you land but the characters’ are nicely responsive most of the time. The characters’ unique features bring the gameplay up a notch as you soon realise that John can swing off blocks and Eric can vault himself three times the height a normal jump can. This gives the replay value an increase aswell, as both characters’ stories play differently and both result in different endings. Nice.

We’re finally treated to a beautifully, atmospheric soundtrack courtesy of Miss Michiru Yamane; infamous composer of the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night soundtrack. Her music completes the game nicely making The New Generation a faithful and beautiful addition to the Castlevania series. SNES owners can only wish they got a port of this little MD gem.