Some randomness, while we're waiting... what age did you play your first Castlevania? What game was your first Castlevania? When did you get into the series?
For me:
Age: I was born in 1983, so... I was 4 when the original released in NA. I finished the game when I was around 23. I'm 31 now.
My first Castlevania: the first Castlevania.
When did I get into the series? Why, it was my first Castlevania, which was the first Castlevania! I was actually stuck on the bat boss in the first level, and one of my cousins came over and beat it without any trouble and I was like what the FUCK?
Born in 83 as well so Castlevania 1 was my first exposure to the series and I have loved it ever since. I've played every Castlevania game since. 2 is the hardest one for me still! I forced my parents to rent Super Castlevania IV so much when I got my SNES that they inevitable bought it for my 12 birthday. Saved them money at that rate. My favorite in the entire series is IV as it just had so many wow moments for a game on a new system and those mode 7 effects. While I've had a lot of play time with various games. The Castlevania games that hold a special place in my heart are the following.
Castlevania 1 - This brought me into the series, I have nothing but love for this classic gem.
Super Castlevania IV - I already said enough on this title, but it just has such a huge variety of levels and mechanics, plus it had the multi-directional whip! I want to replay it as I type this.
Castlevania Bloodlines - This bad boy was the first Castlevania game on the genesis and I had to have it. I loved that you could play as two diffeferent characters and enjoyed the fact you were going after draculas daughter (if I'm remembering correctly) It also has my most memorable OST after Super Castlevania IV.
Castlevani Curse of Darkness - This was the second game that released during the PS2 and Xbox days. It seems to be a hit and miss for a lot of people but I just have great memories of this, more so then Lament of Innocence, which I'm also pretty found of. Lots of running around aimless hallways and lots of combat with some pretty cool bosses and some great music as well. Hell at this point I might just admit, most Castlevania games just have amazing soundtracks.
Castlevania Symphony of the Night - Of course this one was a HUGE game changer. Giving us plenty more Castlevanias in this format. This is stil my favorite of them all. Crazy boss battles, tons of power ups, lots of exploration, secrets to find, and and great twist. Such a wonderful opening too!
Castlevania Legacy of Darkness - Truth be told, the original Castlevania game on N64 I waited for what seemed like forever. What I got was a very different but unique take on the franchise. More adventure like for the better term imo. A lot of folks hated it, but I played this so many times. Then the directors cut as I see it, Legacy of Darkness was released and feartured more characters and refinement to the series. A guilt pleasure of mine and some of the best memories of the N64.
Castlevania Lords of Shadow - Another new take on the franchise and one I've absolutely grown to love. Seeing as this is the most recent entry in the series sans Mirror of Fate, it should be no surprise why this game is up there for me. I hope to look at the whole LoS series as one huge awesome Castlevania experience (yes I even really enjoyed Mirror of Fate)
That's my top games. Even though there are plenty of other Castlevania games I've enjoyed and loved. These stick out to me for some reason. If honestly haven't played a Castlevania game I didn't enjoy though. It's one of my all time favorite series and I'm so happy it still going on even today! So thank you Konami!