P-Vock's Music Box: I Want Some Vania

Hello and welcome once again to P-Vock's Music Box. October is here, so you're now allowed to be spooky for a month. This is where I should talk about a horror game, but I'm too baby for horror. So instead, let's return to an absolutely rocking horror-themed series with incredible tunes.

Last October, I discussed the Castlevania series. Instead of expanding my horizons and trying new things, let's go back into that cesspool of jammin' tunes and frustratingly hard levels. Instead of the usual mishmash of music from a series that I usually do, I'll stick to one specific entry.

This one is, in fact, one of my absolute favourites: Super Castlevania 4.

Let's start at the beginning.

The track is called Beginning, so use your best guess to decipher where it might play within the game.

While the beat is certainly catchy and energetic, the instrumentation and key hint at some sinister things going on. Perfect for an energetic romp on your way to decapitate Dracula and call him a bitch, which is exactly what I expect from the Castlevania series.

Alright, let's get a little more sinister.

For a theme that plays during a level surrounded by enough gold to give Goldmember a perpetual hard-on, this certainly doesn't make me think of riches. What it does do is carry on that sense of purpose and drive. As you progress through Dracula's castle (after swearing a lot because this game is still tough), music like this really motivates you.

Where Beginning starts energetic but slowly shows some more sinister aspects, I think the Treasury Room theme does a great job of flipping that idea and gaining back the motivation, which is perfect for carrying you through a level nearing the end of the game.

Speaking of, let's wrap this up.

I LOVE when a game reuses a motif or theme later on after introducing it early into the adventure. One of the first levels plays the Theme of Simon as a great beginning track. But it doesn't fit very well.

However, as you fight Dracula, this flares up. Now, THIS is where it shines. As you whip that stupid bloodthirsty buttmunch silly, this theme carries you as you begin a hype-slugfest with the Prince of Darkness.

Or you die like ten times, as I did because you're bad at video games.

Okay, I'm out.

Halloween Month is here. So, while most people are doing spooky houses and watching killer documentaries and brutal murders on the silver screen, I'll be vibing with things like Castlevania.

I hope your weekend slaps as hard as the music in SC4, and the game itself.

I will catch you back here next time with another suggestion from my Music Box.

Stay Brutal.

PS. Go watch the Castlevania Netflix show. Seriously, it is soooo good!