Dracula's castle is a procession of crumbling halls, clockwork hazards, and classic monsters, all asking Simon Belmont to commit to his movements. His whip has reach, but its attack takes time, and a jump cannot simply be steered out of trouble halfway through.
Candles supply hearts and subweapons, turning preparation into part of each encounter. An axe reaches above you, while holy water can hold an enemy in place. The stages reward learning where danger begins and choosing a safe place to stand before attacking. Its horror comes as much from the next staircase as from the creatures waiting at the end of it.
