Genre: Action platformer
Developer: Prosoft Works
Publisher: Konami

The challenge with 2.5D remakes of classic sprite-based titles is that it's nigh impossible to make a textured 3d model look as rich as a well-drawn sprite. The "Rondo of Blood" remake suffers a little in this regard, but as a whole accomplishes this feat as well as any such game. Symphony of the Night and the original title upon which the remake was inspired both look sharp, colorful, and fluid on the PSP's display.

If there is one thing the Castlevania series is know for, it's music: an array of harpsichord, haunted house melodies that have been so influential over the series' life that they have almost created a genre of their own. "Rondo of Blood's" excellent soundtrack has been tastefully remixed in an orchestral manner for the game's remake, and can proudly stand toe-to-toe with Symphony of the Night's selection of songs.

All three games present in the collection-- Symphony of the Night, "Rondo of Blood", and its remake-- play exactly as the originals did, in the case of the first two titles, and exactly as you would expect a remake to in the case of the third game. Particularly, "Rondo of Blood's" solid level design and pacing are actually more enjoyable due to the remake's wider, 16:9 perspective.

As collections go, the Dracula X Chronicles is a packaging together of a game, its remake, and its sequel, in such a clean, elegant manner, that it's almost difficult to formulate a strong opinion regarding. In one line of thought though, the PSP is perhaps more blessed with this package than Nintendo's two-screen handheld has been with its several Symphony of the Night wannabes.