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Castlevania Advance Collection



Castlevania Advance Collection brings together the three beloved Game Boy Advance titles, each offering a unique slice of the iconic Castlevania experience. This collection includes Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. Not only do these games provide the classic gothic action and exploration fans have come to love, but they also come with some patches that enhance them, making the dark, mysterious castles and thrilling battles look better than ever. Whether you're a seasoned vampire hunter or new to the series, this collection is the perfect way to experience Castlevania on the go.


Castlevania Advance Collection

Castlevania Circle of the Moon




In Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, you step into the boots of Nathan Graves, a young vampire hunter tasked with stopping Dracula from making yet another comeback. With the help of the Dual Setup System (DSS), Nathan combines cards to create a variety of magical effects, aiding him in his journey through Dracula's foreboding castle. The game is a dark, challenging adventure that harkens back to the series' classic roots. This is a solid entry into the Castlevania series, especially for a GBA title. The atmosphere is dark and moody, perfectly capturing the gothic horror vibe the series is known for.

While the graphics might appear dim on the original GBA screen, the gameplay holds up with its tight controls and engaging combat. The DSS system adds a layer of strategy, even if it sometimes feels a bit random in how you acquire the cards. The difficulty can be brutal, but the sense of accomplishment from conquering a tough boss is second to none. Circle of the Moon does a great job of introducing the Castlevania experience to handheld players. Its commitment to challenging gameplay and exploration is a nod to the series' roots, though it might be a bit tough for newcomers. The DSS system is a highlight, offering plenty of ways to experiment with different powers, even if its potential isn't fully realized. Despite its steep difficulty curve, Circle of the Moon is a rewarding adventure for those who enjoy a challenge and classic Castlevania atmosphere.

Though, the original card system left something to be desired. The chance-based card drops meant the game's main gimmick could often feel like a frustrating game of dice. But with Card Mode, the cards are now more accessible, strategically placed in specific locations around the world, making exploration even more rewarding. Enemies that used to drop cards now drop meat, as a nostalgic nod to the classic Castlevania games. The cards are thoughtfully placed, generally in ascending order of power, so you won't stumble upon high-level abilities too early on. Additionally, pointers have been adjusted for compatibility with Circle of the Moon translation mods, and the Devil in the Observatory now has Shining Armor as a rare drop, with Mirror Mail being a common drop. This patch breathes new life into Circle of the Moon, making it a must-play even for seasoned vampire hunters!

GAME DATASHEET
NameCastlevania: Circle of the Moon
GenreMetroidvania, Action JRPG
ConsoleGBA, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Released2001
DeveloperKONAMI
PublisherKONAMI
LanguageEnglish | Japanese

CARD MODE PATCH
Released2019
Updated2020
AuthorDev Anj

RECOLOR PATCHES
Released2022
AuthorJonataGuitar

Castlevania Harmony of Dissonance



Harmony of Dissonance follows Juste Belmont, the grandson of Simon Belmont, on a quest to rescue his friend Lydie from Dracula's clutches. The game is a colorful, magical journey through Dracula's sprawling castle, filled with hidden secrets, tricky puzzles, and powerful relics. Juste uses the Spell Fusion system to combine sub-weapons and spell books, creating powerful attacks to fight his way through the undead horde.

GAME DATASHEET
NameCastlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
GenreMetroidvania, Action JRPG
ConsoleGBA, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Released2002
DeveloperKONAMI
PublisherKONAMI
LanguageEnglish | Japanese

This game is a visual treat, especially compared to its predecessor. The use of vibrant colors and improved graphics makes it stand out on the GBA. The gameplay is centered around exploration, with Juste needing to navigate a complex castle filled with secret rooms and hidden paths. The Spell Fusion system is fun, allowing for various attack combinations, though the game can sometimes feel a bit too easy compared to other Castlevania titles. The soundtrack, while still atmospheric, suffers a bit from the GBA’s sound limitations, but it’s catchy and fits the game’s tone.


Harmony of Dissonance is all about exploration and finding every nook and cranny of Dracula’s castle. It’s a more accessible entry, with less punishing difficulty and more forgiving gameplay mechanics. The game shines in its level design and the way it encourages players to uncover hidden areas. However, the easier difficulty and the somewhat repetitive nature of backtracking might not appeal to those looking for a more hardcore experience. Overall, it’s a fun and colorful adventure that expands on the Castlevania formula in a way that makes it stand out.

Castlevania Aria of Sorrow


Aria of Sorrow takes a bold leap forward, setting the stage in the near future and introducing Soma Cruz, a high school student with the ability to absorb the souls of defeated monsters. This Tactical Soul system lets Soma gain new abilities, creating a highly customizable gameplay experience. The story is rich with twists and turns, as Soma uncovers the mysteries of his powers and his connection to Dracula.

GAME DATASHEET
NameCastlevania: Aria of Sorrow
GenreMetroidvania, Action JRPG
ConsoleGBA, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Released2003
DeveloperKONAMI
PublisherKONAMI
LanguageEnglish | Japanese

This entry is often hailed as the pinnacle of the Castlevania GBA games, and for good reason. The Tactical Soul system is a game-changer, providing endless options for combat and exploration. The game balances challenge and accessibility perfectly, making it enjoyable for both series veterans and newcomers. The graphics are sharp, the music is hauntingly beautiful, and the story is engaging from start to finish. Each boss fight feels epic, and the different endings give players a reason to replay and explore every corner of the game.


Aria of Sorrow excels in nearly every aspect, from its gameplay mechanics to its storytelling. The introduction of the Tactical Soul system allows for a level of depth and customization that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. The narrative, set in a futuristic twist on the traditional Castlevania lore, is compelling and adds a new dimension to the series. With its tight controls, beautiful art, and innovative mechanics, Aria of Sorrow stands out as a must-play, not just in the Castlevania series, but in the Metroidvania genre as a whole.


The Castlevania Advance Collection captures the essence of these three distinct adventures, each bringing something unique to the table. From the challenging and atmospheric Circle of the Moon to the colorful and explorative Harmony of Dissonance, and finally to the innovative and story-driven Aria of Sorrow, these games showcase the rich legacy of Castlevania on the GBA. The recolor patches for Harmony of Dissonance and Aria of Sorrow breathe new life into these classics, making them look better than ever on the 3DS! But that's not all, there's a surprise lurking in the shadows! Alongside the GBA trilogy, the Castlevania Advance Collection includes a bonus title!

Castlevania Dracula X




Castlevania: Dracula X is a reimagining of the classic Rondo of Blood, following Richter Belmont on his quest to save his beloved Annette and defeat Dracula. The game sticks closer to the series' action roots, with a more linear progression compared to the Metroidvania style of the other GBA titles. Richter’s quest is filled with challenging platforming, tough enemies, and epic boss battles, all set in the iconic gothic landscape. It captures the essence of the original with its tight action-platforming and iconic Castlevania aesthetic, focusing on action and precision platforming. The game’s linear structure contrasts with the more open-ended design of Harmony of Dissonance and Aria of Sorrow, offering a different kind of challenge that will appeal to fans of the classic Castlevania style. Though it might not have the depth of its Metroidvania counterparts, Dracula X delivers a solid, straightforward Castlevania experience.


GAME DATASHEET
NameCastlevania: Rondo of Blood
Castlevania: Dracula X
GenreMetroidvania, Action JRPG
ConsolePC-Engine, SNES, Switch,
PS4, Xbox One, PC, PSP
Released1993
DeveloperKONAMI
PublisherKONAMI
LanguageEnglish | Japanese

Download

Just hit that download button below to grab the .RAR file. Once it’s finished downloading, extract the contents into the CIAs folder of your SD card. From there, just install the .CIAs on your 3DS. If you prefer a more customized setup, you can manually download the individual titles by clicking this link or by scanning the QR codes below with FBI. Happy vampire hunting!


Castlevania: Dracula X

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow