I think it's great that it's coming to VC, but I'm happy with the PSP version, so I'll probably skip it.

I'm a bit torn. I like/prefer the idea of playing it on Virtual Console, but then there'd be one less reason to justify purchasing a PSP, and that's a very short list as it is.

Anyone dissing Dracula X Chronicles can just suck it, it's an awesome package (and I say that even though I hate the PSP format - the game is just that good and makes you forget the pissiness of the console).

But you know what would have really made the deal complete...? If they included the SNES version (Akumajou Dracula XX) as well! The SNES version has an undeserved bad reputation because it's freaking hard, definitely the second hardest game in the series (the top spot is easily taken by the X68000 Akumajou Dracula, the original version, not the PS1 remake - that game came straight from hell). I recently played the SNES version on an emulator and was reminded by the latter boss fights why most people dislike this game. I would have loved to see it in the PSP package, though.

That's the "Original Mode" in Castlevania Chronicles, right?

I'm not sure, I played the original X68000 version. On the PS1 version I just played the remake (which was pretty easy), because I wasn't exactly keen on returning to a state of foaming at the mouth and pulling my hair out by the roots.

Yeah, dude - it's probably the same game. The remake (with the Fujimori remixed OST) was cake, but the Original Mode was absolute torture. It literally took me weeks, two PS1 controls, much more patience than I normally have and an herb to get me through that game. It was the definition of bitch... but I did it!

Was the herb for Simon or for you?

I know (and like) where this conversation is going...(doh!) ;-)

yes, the original mode is pretty hard. but you can tone the difficulty up and down in options. i beat it on default a long time ago. i told myself i wouldnt deserve to play the remake before i cleared the original. it was painful but fun, and it worked!