October Retro Community Playthrough - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

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October's retro playthrough will be Castlevania II: Simon's Quest for the NES. I know that this game gets a bad rap from some due to the difficulty with the riddles and because some people were initially disappointed that this sequel was not as linear as the first. I've talked to several people over the years about it and there are still a mixed bag of responses. I think that going back, people may find a better appreciation for this game. The game is relatively cheap, usually around $10 or less, and can be found fairly easily. It is also available for download on the Wii. If anyone wants a physical copy, I might be able to work out a deal with my local retro store. Just shoot me a PM.

October is comprised of 5 weeks, and below is how the playthrough will be laid out. Luckily, participants will be able to take advantage of the game's password system in order pick up where they leave off each week. Just be careful that you write the password down correctly Roll Eyes

:

Week 1: Enter Berkeley Mansion and obtain Dracula's Rib
Week 2: Enter Rover Mansion and obtain Dracula's Heart
Week 3: Enter Braham's Mansion and obtain Dracula's Eye
Week 4: Enter Bodley Mansion and obtain Dracula's Nail
Week 5: Enter Laruba Mansion and obtain Dracula's Ring; head to Ruins of Castlevania and defeat Dracula (no ememies in the final castle, so it's just basically walking to the battle)

I'm going to try out a bit of a different achievement system for my playthrough this time. Each achievement will be worth a specific numerical amount, which I have determined based on difficulty of completion. There is a maximum total of 60 points that can be earned for this playthrough and participant point totals will be updated in this initial thread. The achievements are as follows:

Achievements:
1. Find the Sacred Flame (2 pts.)
2. Find the Silver Knife (2 pts.)
3. Find the Silk Bag (2 pts.)
4. Find the Diamond (2 pts.)
5. Obtain the Gold Knife (3 pts.)
6. Upgrade to the Red Crystal and get "blown away" (2 pts.)
7. Upgrade to the Flame Whip (2 pts.)
8. Obtain all items in the game (full inventory) (4 pts.)
9. Obtain all 5 of Dracula's body parts (5 pts.)
10. Find all 13 hidden clue books (5 pts.)
11. Obtain the Magic Cross by defeating the Crying Mask (2 pts.); take no damage during this battle (bonus 3 pts.)
12. Resurrect and defeat Dracula (5 pts.); take no damage while battling Dracula (bonus 3 pts.)
13. Get the "best ending" by beating the game in under 8 game days (10 pts.) *requires a photo of the end of game screen and a piece of paper with your handle written on it*
14. Defeat the original Castlevania (8 pts.) - *requires a photo of the end of game screen and a piece of paper with your handle written on it*

The only two achievements that you need to take pics of are the good ending of Castlevania II and the endscreen for the original Castlevania (should you choose to play it). We will just use the "honor system" for the other achievements.

Good luck gamers!!!

Players and achievement totals:

bombatomba = 37
Crabmaster2000 = 28
Dezorian = 42!!!
douglie007 = 31
Duke.Togo = 31
EngineerMike = 28
Fleach = 0
jansolee66 = 0
noiseredux = 0
RetroRage = 37
russlyman = 0
Shadow Kisuragi = 0
singlebanana = 37
SirPsycho = 0
TheSaintOfPain = 31