# Castlevania: Circle of the Moon - A GBA Metroidvania Gem *Castlevania: Circle of the Moon*, known as *Akumajō Dracula: Circle of the Moon* in Japan, is a 2001 action-platformer developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Kobe (KCEK) and published by Konami for the Game Boy Advance. The first *Castlevania* title on the GBA, it’s a launch title and a *Metroidvania*-style game set in 1830. Players control vampire hunter Nathan Graves, who, with mentor Morris Baldwin and rival Hugh, infiltrates Dracula’s castle to stop his resurrection by Camilla. Featuring non-linear exploration, Nathan uses a whip and sub-weapons (e.g., dagger, cross) alongside the innovative Dual Set-up System (DSS) card mechanic, combining 10 Action and 10 Attribute cards for 100 unique effects (e.g., fire whips, summons). With vibrant 8-bit visuals (noted for dark palettes on original GBA), a haunting soundtrack by Sotaro Tojima, and five modes (including unlockable Magician, Fighter), it sold over 1 million copies but received mixed reviews (*GameSpot*: 9.6/10, *IGN*: 9.0/10, *EGM*: 6.5/10) for its depth but high difficulty and visibility issues. ## Why Play Castlevania: Circle of the Moon? *Circle of the Moon* offers expansive *Metroidvania* gameplay in Dracula’s castle, with interconnected areas, platforming challenges, and bosses like Cerberus and Dracula’s two forms. The DSS card system allows customizable abilities (e.g., Venus + Serpent for EXP boost, Mars + Salamander for fire sword), encouraging experimentation. RPG elements include leveling, stats (STR, DEF, INT, LCK), and equipment (e.g., armors, rings). Its 8-12 hour main story (15-20 for completion) and unlockable modes (e.g., Magician Mode with all cards) boost replayability. The gothic atmosphere and tight controls make it a must-play for retro ROM and *Metroidvania* fans, though dark visuals on original GBA and grinding for rare cards may frustrate some. ## Game Features - Play as Nathan Graves in a non-linear Dracula’s castle with 8 major areas - Use whip and sub-weapons (dagger, axe, holy water, cross, stopwatch); DSS cards for 100 ability combos - Level up stats (STR, DEF, INT, LCK); equip armors and accessories - Unlock 5 modes: Standard, Magician, Fighter, Shooter, Thief (post-game) - Battle bosses like Camilla, Adramelech, and Dracula - Experience authentic GBA gameplay on our retro ROM platform or Wii U Virtual Console ## Play Castlevania: Circle of the Moon Online Slay vampires today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Castlevania: Circle of the Moon* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using GBA emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Wii U Virtual Console or sites like RetroGames.cz or EmulatorGames.net. Physical copies are available on eBay/Amazon ($50-$120). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and *Metroidvania* classics! Note: For emulation, use mGBA or VisualBoyAdvance for optimal performance; GBA SP or emulators with brightness tweaks recommended for visibility. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Castlevania: Circle of the Moon* on Classic Joy Games. Start your hunt now and defeat Dracula to forge Nathan Graves’ legacy!