Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

After playing the rather disappointing cartridge version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, I wasn’t sure of what to expect for the CD version. Much to my surprise, the Sega/Mega CD version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is nothing like the cart version and turns out to be a much better game. You play the role of Jonathan Harker as he tries to reach his beloved Mina and rescue her from Count Dracula before he transforms her into a vampire. To reach the Count’s main chamber, there are seven levels that must be traversed. In five of these, you will face Dracula in one of his many forms at the end of the level. In the last two levels you chase Dracula and eventually face him and his horde of creatures.

This Sega/Mega CD version of the game takes full advantage of the CD’s capabilities to create the world of Dracula and provide the right ambiance of terror. The game includes video from the movie (though it is very grainy) and narrated parts before and after each level. The story of the movies is followed more closely as well. Jonathan has no weapons but he can punch and kick the enemies the count throw at him in each level. The graphics are done well and it is impressive to see things rotate as Jonathan walks. The music and sound effects definitely provide the atmosphere one would expect from a game like this. Gameplay is good but not stellar but it definitely does better than the cartridge port. If you are a fan of Dracula and you have a Sega/Mega CD, you should definitely consider this game.