# Castlevania II: Simon's Quest - A Pioneering NES Action-Adventure *Castlevania II: Simon's Quest*, known as *Dracula II: Noroi no Fūin* in Japan, is a 1987 action-adventure platformer developed and published by Konami for the Famicom Disk System (1987) and NES (1988/1990). The second *Castlevania* game, it shifts from linear platforming to a non-linear, open-world format, influencing later *Metroidvania* games. Set seven years after *Castlevania* (1986), Simon Belmont must lift a curse placed by Dracula by collecting his five relics (rib, heart, eyeball, nail, ring) from mansions across Transylvania to resurrect and defeat him. Players battle enemies using the Vampire Killer whip and sub-weapons (e.g., dagger, holy water), while exploring towns, gathering clues, and upgrading gear with hearts. Featuring 8-bit visuals, a day-night cycle affecting difficulty, and a haunting soundtrack by Kenichi Matsubara, it sold moderately but received mixed reviews (*Nintendo Power*: 3.5/5) for cryptic clues and poor translation. Ports include GBA (*Classic NES Series*, 2004) and Wii/Wii U/3DS Virtual Console. ## Why Play Castlevania II: Simon's Quest? *Castlevania II* offers a bold mix of platforming and RPG elements, with non-linear exploration across Transylvania’s towns, forests, and five mansions. Simon’s whip can be upgraded (Morning Star, Flame Whip), and sub-weapons like the Silver Knife and Sacred Flame provide strategic depth. The day-night cycle doubles enemy strength at night, adding tension, while towns offer cryptic NPC clues (infamously vague in English). Gameplay lasts 4-6 hours (8-12 for completion), but its lack of in-game maps, obtuse puzzles, and no-save system (passwords only) can frustrate. Its atmospheric design and innovative structure make it a must-play for retro ROM and *Metroidvania* fans, though its clunky translation and trial-and-error progression may deter some. ## Game Features - Play as Simon Belmont in an open-world Transylvania with 5 mansions - Wield the upgradable Vampire Killer whip and sub-weapons (dagger, holy water, cross) - Collect hearts for sub-weapons and currency; upgrade with items like Crystal - Day-night cycle affects enemy difficulty; explore towns for clues and shops - Gather Dracula’s 5 relics to unlock the final battle - Experience authentic NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform or in *Classic NES Series* (GBA) and Virtual Console (Wii/Wii U/3DS) ## Play Castlevania II: Simon's Quest Online Slay the curse today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using NES emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on GBA (*Classic NES Series*), Virtual Console, or sites like RetroGames.cz or EmulatorGames.net (fan-translated ROMs recommended for clearer clues). Physical copies are available on eBay/Amazon ($30-$80). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and early *Metroidvania* games! Note: For emulation, use Nestopia or Mesen for optimal performance; expect minor slowdown in crowded areas. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest* on Classic Joy Games. Start your quest now and lift Dracula’s curse to continue the Belmont legacy!