Anzu Castle Gracula (2024)
a FREE game by ‘RainbowCemetery’ for MS-DOS donations welcome
Written for BrewOtaku #003 by Usman A. Khan
When did you last fight undead monsters as a battled-hardened bird in a gothic castle? ‘Anzu Castle Gracula’, crafted by ‘RainbowCemetery’, brings this platform action adventure to life with pure VGA graphics and a non-linear experience.
GONE WITH THE UNDEAD
The game unfolds in a gothic castle full of eerie charm, where undead enemies and items respawn whenever you leave and re-enter a room. Players possess a metallic chain flail to keep enemies at bay but can also collect secondary weapons like throwing daggers. These weapons require ammo in the form of hearts collected from enemies or breakable objects. Saving progress is possible near large statues, ensuring you can pick up from your last point either from the main menu or after a loss. The game boasts smooth programming, giving it the look and feel of a commercial title from the late 80s or early 90s. The FM synth soundtrack is quite infectious, complementing the polished, authentic retro art. The castle design is beautifully intricate, and the atmosphere is so rich it feels like a character in its own right. Combat is exhilarating, featuring a variety
of enemies with differing difficulty levels.
Players must be wary of giant frogs and enjoy the thrill of throwing knives at adversaries. While the game shows Metroidvania traits, it lacks item-based progression, offering instead a straightforward yet tough adventure. Boss battles are intense, with Skultopus being the hardest.
Conclusion
Written in QuickBasic 4.5, Anzu Castle Gracula is a fun treat, with stunning graphics, challenging gameplay, and a soundtrack that never gets stale. If you’re a fan of classic platformers, this game will keep you entertained. Can you survive the haunted halls and emerge victorious?
