Embark on a Gothic Adventure: 10 Dark Fantasy Games to Play After Watching Castlevania: Nocturne

If you have been captivated by the gloomy yet enchanting atmosphere of Netflix's Castlevania: Nocturne, you might be yearning for more. Fortunately, the vast world of gaming offers numerous dark fantasy adventures that are similar in tone and aesthetics. In this article, we'll delve into ten games that will satiate your craving for gothic horror and grand adventures, all while being reminiscent of the beloved Castlevania franchise.

1. Castlevania: Rondo Of Blood

As a starting point, it's hard to overlook Konami's classic, Castlevania: Rondo Of Blood. This game served as a foundational inspiration for Castlevania: Nocturne. It introduces us to the brave monster-hunter, Richter Belmont, who embarks on a daring journey through Dracula's castle to rescue his love. With its engaging platform gaming, dual protagonists, and immersive combat mechanics, it's an iconic gem from the 16-bit era that still holds up impressively well today.

2. Bloodborne

FromSoftware's Bloodborne is a challenging yet beloved game that takes you on a journey through the plague-ridden land of Yharnam. As the Hunter, you confront the infected beasts that lurk in the shadows. Despite its gothic and Victorian-era setting, it's not centered around vampires but still shares the same dark-fantasy atmosphere that makes Castlevania so compelling. It's a masterclass in gothic fantasy gaming, weaving horror and cosmic mysticism into the narrative.

3. Lies Of P

Lies Of P by Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio is a refreshing spin on the Souls-like subgenre. This game takes inspiration from the timeless Italian novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and stitches it into its own unique dark-fantasy narrative. It shares a similar gothic-Victorian aesthetic with Castlevania: Nocturne and provides an inventive setting accompanied by gameplay systems that draw heavily from the Souls series.

4. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Often hailed as the franchise's crown jewel, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night stands as a testament to the series' enduring legacy. This game sees Alucard, Dracula's son, trekking through his father's castle as he uncovers a sinister plot. Praised for its intricate action-RPG elements and customization options, Symphony of the Night is a must-play for anyone seeking a deep, dark fantasy adventure.

5. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

As a remake of the fan-favorite Rondo of Blood, The Dracula X Chronicles brings Richter's adventure to a new generation. Although it remains faithful to the original's retro gameplay controls, the game adds a modern touch with its pleasing 2.5D graphics style. It’s a fantastic way to experience the story in a fresh light.

6. Blasphemous 2

Building on the success of its predecessor, Blasphemous 2 by The Game Kitchen blends dark fantasy aesthetics with heavy religious themes. Players once again step into the role of the Penitent One, tasked with preventing the rebirth of a terrible curse. Its exploration and combat mechanics make it a rewarding play for fans of the Castlevania series.

7. Hollow Knight

Team Cherry's Hollow Knight is a modern classic that has received high praise for its unique take on the Souls-like and Metroid-vania genres. The game follows the titular Knight as he navigates the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallowenest, ravaged by a strange disease. Although it might not be as dark as Castlevania, its eerie atmosphere and non-linear level designs provide a similar emotional depth.

8. Dead Cells

Motion Twin's Dead Cells offers a unique blend of rogue-like and Metroid-vania gameplay. Playing as the Prisoner, you must traverse through an island prison to overthrow the king and regain your freedom. Despite its dark fantasy setting, the game uses a vibrant color palette that is sure to enthrall Castlevania fans. Plus, its Return to Castlevania DLC is an excellent homage to the beloved series.

9. Darkest Dungeon II

Darkest Dungeon II by Red Hook Studios takes players into the darker side of fantasy. Form a party of unique characters and prevent the apocalypse unleashed by an Eldritch monstrosity. Its gritty tone and innovative gameplay elements including managing party stress levels, make it a thrilling experience for those craving a more challenging dark fantasy adventure.

10. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night by ArtPlay proudly showcases its inspirations from the Castlevania series. As a spiritual successor to the franchise, it maintains the classic Metroidvania gameplay loop and gothic artistic direction. The modernized rendition of Symphony of the Night's style, wrapped in a new premise, makes it a compelling play for any fan of Castlevania: Nocturne.

Conclusion

From challenging Souls-like games to modernized Metroidvania adventures, this list offers a range of dark fantasy games perfect for fans of Castlevania: Nocturne. Each game brings its unique twist to the genre, but all share the same gothic charm and immersive narrative that made us fall in love with the world of Castlevania. So, it's time to grab your controller and embark on these thrilling adventures!