To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Castlevania series, Konami is offering the original 1986 Famicom game as a free mobile download for iOS and Android devices. The promotion is part of a broader celebration of the franchise's history, which has spanned numerous titles and adaptations since its inception.
Players have until October 24 at 23:59 JST to claim the game, after which it will no longer be available for free. Those who download it during the promotional period will retain access to it permanently. The original Castlevania introduced Simon Belmont as the protagonist and established the iconic Vampire Killer whip, setting the stage for the dark fantasy adventures that would define the series. Its sequel, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, is also recognized for its contributions to the nascent Metroidvania genre.
The Castlevania series has seen fewer new entries in recent years, with Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 in 2014 being the last major installment. While Konami has released collections and remasters, fans have eagerly awaited a new mainline title.
That revival is set to occur on October 15 with the release of Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. This new entry, developed by Evil Empire—known for their work on Dead Cells and The Rogue Prince of Persia—aims to return the series to its 2D roots. Belmont's Curse is set two decades after Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse and features Rose Belmont, Trevor Belmont's daughter, wielding the Vampire Killer.
