Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (2001). Play Free Online

Summary

Circle of the Moon switched the series from its classic stage‑by‑stage formula to a true Metroidvania, turning Dracula’s castle into one sprawling building that opens up as you collect new powers. The only weapon Nathan wields is the Killer Whip, but you can outfit him with armor and accessories that tweak his stats, while a unique Dual Set‑up System lets you pair Action and Attribute cards to create magical effects—such as flaming whips or summoned demons—out of a pool of twenty different cards.

Four secret gameplay modes—Magician, Fighter, Shooter, and Thief—are unlocked by entering codes on the file‑select screen, each reshaping Nathan’s strengths, weaknesses and access to DSS cards or ammo. The design rewards exploration, and the depth of the card combos keeps combat fresh throughout the castle.

Critics praised the title for its intricate level design, memorable music and overall depth, pushing it to half‑a‑million units sold worldwide. Despite a few complaints about its dark visual palette, the game earned near‑perfect scores from major outlets and was later bundled in the 2021 Castlevania Advance Collection for modern consoles.

Storyline

Set in 1830 Europe on the outskirts of the Austrian Empire, Castlevania: Circle of the Moon follows the Belmont‑Dracula conflict. Nathan Graves, whose parents died sealing Dracula, is trained by veteran hunter Morris Baldwin, who gives him the Hunter Whip. Morris’s son Hugh, also trained by Morris, envies Nathan’s new weapon. The trio enters the old castle to confront the vampire.

Camilla awakens Dracula but the floor collapses, sending Nathan and Hugh into the catacombs. Hugh abandons Nathan, who keeps searching for his mentor. He learns that Morris’s soul will be used at the next full moon to restore Dracula’s power. After defeating Camilla, Nathan discovers Dracula is controlling Hugh, frees him, and Hugh admits his self‑doubt before sending Nathan to rescue Morris.

In the ceremonial chamber Nathan confronts Dracula, who teleports away to regain strength. Hugh frees Morris, and together they press the battle forward. Nathan defeats Dracula, escapes the collapsing castle, and reunites with Morris and Hugh. Morris crowns Nathan a master vampire hunter, while Hugh vows to retrain under his father.

Edited by Maya Carter