Nosferatu for SNES

Image: MobyGames

Nosferatu

Dracula by any other name would bite as deep

Genre: adventure - platform

Publisher: Seta

Year: 1995

System: SNES

Gameplay Score: 2

Gameplay Notes:

Feels a lot like Prince of Persia, but with a lot of punching. Technically this should probably be classified as a beat em up but the gameplay is so similar to PoP that I'm calling it a cinematic platformer instead. This game does an awful lot with only two buttons, but that's kind of the problem. A dedicated button for sliding would've been nice, because it's a pain to execute. Same for running. In fact, the movement and platforming are fairly dismal. On the other hand, combat is quite satisfying. Punches and kicks hit with tremendous force. Sprites don't faze through you like in so many SNES games. Ultimately the game is all about timing. The combat and movement are all about hitting the button at just the right time to avoid getting hit, smacking an enemy, or making a jump. Same horrible laggy controls of all these PoP clones.

Level Design Score: 2

Level Design Notes:

Move to the right. To be fair there is a bit of branching but the ticking clock limits opportunities for exploration. Also the infinitely spawning enemies discourages backtracking it lingering. So yeah, it's a linear affair.

Theme Score: 3

Theme Notes:

Super creepy vibe but ultimately it's a game about Dracula that's not named Castlevania so it's got a lot to measure up to. The story is as bare bikes as they come. Save the girl

Art Style Score: 5

Art Style Notes:

Like all these rotoscoped he's the animation is excellent. This game takes it up a notch with some legitimately creepy enemy designs and background artwork. Nosferatu's castle is spookier than Dracula's.

Audio Score: 5

Audio Notes:

Impressively immersive sound design. The music and sound effects are uncomfortable to hear and they perfectly set the stage for the game's theme. The sounds are also excellent. Attacks produce satisfying crunches and undead creatures sound as grotesque as they look.

Overall Score: 53

Review ID: 390