Drawing Inspiration: Lessons Castlevania: Master Collection Can Take from Metal Gear Solid

Article Key Points

Konami's release of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection highlights the need for a similar treatment for other legacy IP, like Castlevania.

The Castlevania Master Collection should comprise of renowned titles such as Symphony of the Night while going beyond mere game ports. It should feature additional content like interviews, concept art, and soundtracks, aiming to safeguard the legacy of the series.

The release of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection highlights the need for Konami to give their other legacy IP, such as Castlevania, the same treatment. Castlevania deserves its own ultimate collection of titles, bringing them to modern hardware in one unified package. While there are already the Castlevania Anniversary and Advance collections, they fail to include some of the series' best titles. One example is Symphony of the Night, which should be the centerpiece of a collection tailored to modern platforms. The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection serves as an excellent model for how this could be accomplished.

Similar to the Master Collection, which includes the first three games in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, as well as the series' origins on other platforms, a Castlevania Master Collection could offer a comprehensive selection of titles. It could also provide the opportunity for players to access rarities, such as the Sega Saturn version of Symphony of the Night or the PC Engine version of Rondo of Blood, through downloadable content. By doing so, the Castlevania Master Collection would not only preserve the series' legacy but also enhance the overall experience for players.

A Castlevania Master Collection Could Go Beyond Metal Gear's Efforts Toward Preservation

The availability of the first five games in the Metal Gear franchise (including the Famicom/NES titles) on modern hardware is a positive development for fans. However, the Master Collection falls short in preserving the series' legacy. Metal Gear Solid lacks significant bonus material, with only new trophies/achievements added. Furthermore, Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 are simply the same versions as the ones from 2011's Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. This lack of homage to the series' history prevents the Master Collection from fully honoring it.

In contrast, both the Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Advance Collection excel in more than just porting classic games to modern hardware. These collections offer numerous bonuses such as the inclusion of Japanese versions of games, a wide range of display options (such as original display ratio and CRT scanlines), and a digital book containing interviews and behind-the-scenes content. The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection does include the "Master Book" with similar material, but it falls short in providing these additional features. If Konami plans to extend the Master Collection series to other intellectual properties, Castlevania should be accompanied by a comprehensive digital museum showcasing iconic concept art and soundtracks from the series.

What a Potential Castlevania Master Collection Should Include

When considering the concept of a potential Castlevania Master Collection, it is important to determine its contents. Upon analyzing the games already included in the Anniversary and Advance collections, it becomes evident that there are certain standout titles that have yet to be ported to modern consoles. Foremost among these is Symphony of the Night, which not only deserves a dedicated port of its PS1 version but also provides players with the opportunity to experience the Japan-exclusive Sega Saturn version known as Akumajo Dracula X: Nocturne in the Moonlight.

In addition to the 5th generation classic (and one half of the Metroidvania portmanteau), a Castlevania Master Collection should follow in the footsteps of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection and incorporate the PS2 entries of the series. Both Curse of Darkness and Lament of Innocence are exceptional games that have yet to receive ports beyond the PlayStation 2 hardware. They offer valuable attempts at recreating the "Igavania" formula within the framework of a character action game, much like Devil May Cry. Furthermore, to go even further than the Metal Gear collection, Konami could include both the original and updated versions of each title, displaying dedicated efforts to preserve the series' legacy.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

Konami's compilation package offers a selection of Metal Gear games, including Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, Sons of Liberty, and Snake Eater. These games are available on multiple platforms such as PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. The package was released on October 24, 2023, and was developed and published by Konami. The genre of these games is action and stealth, and they are rated M for Mature 17+ due to blood and gore, drug reference, partial nudity, sexual themes, and violence. You can find these games at the Playstation Store, Steam, and Xbox Games Store.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Castlevania series, the release of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection has me eagerly anticipating a similar treatment for the beloved vampire-hunting franchise. Konami has a rich history of creating unforgettable gaming experiences, and a Castlevania Master Collection would be a fantastic opportunity to preserve and celebrate the series' legacy.

A Castlevania Master Collection should go beyond simply porting classic titles to modern platforms. It should also include a wealth of bonus content, such as interviews with developers, concept art, and soundtracks. This would not only enhance the overall experience for players but also serve as a valuable archive of the series' history.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection is the inclusion of multiple versions of each game. This allows players to experience the evolution of the series and see how the games have changed over time. A Castlevania Master Collection could do the same, by including different versions of classic titles such as Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood.

Another great feature of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection is the inclusion of a digital art book. This book contains a wealth of information about the series, including concept art, character designs, and storyboards. A Castlevania Master Collection could include a similar art book, providing fans with a deeper look into the creation of their favorite games.

Overall, I believe a Castlevania Master Collection would be a fantastic way to celebrate the series' legacy and give fans a chance to experience these classic games in a new way. I hope that Konami will consider releasing such a collection in the future.