Video game adaptations, whether they be movies, shows, etc, have been all over the place. It seems for every good adaptation, there are ten more bad ones. With that being said, things are starting to take a turn for the better, with adaptations becoming more well-received by both critics and audiences alike. One method that seems to be working is adapting the game through a television series, therefore allowing more time to flesh out the story and characters. One show that did such a thing and did the best at it is Netflix’s Castlevania series (2017-2021).

The Show Follows Plot Beats From the Original Game

The series’ first two seasons adapt the third Castlevania game, Dracula’s Curse, wherein it follows Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) who is a monster hunter, Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynosa) who is a magician, and Alucard Tepes (James Callis) who is the son of Count Dracula (Graham McTavish) as they all go on a journey to get rid of the Count once and for all. Not only does the show take the initial premise of the game, but it also adapts key moments from it as well. Certain interactions and character introductions are taken straight out of the game. In the later seasons, the show takes elements from other games in the franchise, most notably Symphony of the Night, which expands upon Alucard’s backstory. Although the show is not a one hundred percent adaptation of the source material, with some people comparing it to how Disney adapted popular fairy tales into movies, it still has the core story elements of the games while still doing its own thing.

The Characters Are Compelling and Distinguished 

Of course, a show is nothing without interesting characters, and fortunately, the characters in Castlevania are well-defined and engaging to watch. Whether it’s the witty banter among the main trio, the dynamic between the various vampire factions that are present throughout the series, or even local townsfolk the main characters will run into, they each leave an impact and aren’t one-sided. Trevor can be often cynical but is one of the first to step into action. Alucard can be cold and distant but does show compassion towards others. Even Dracula himself is fleshed out pretty well by highlighting the more tragic side of the character, showing he isn’t a stereotypical mustache-twirling type of villain.