As a homage to the iconic “Castlevania” series, many games have sought to capture its essence and charm. Often referred to as ‘Castlevania clones,’ these games take significant inspiration from the classic sidescrolling action of their muse. Here are six of the best Castlevania clones, ranked:

6. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 – The sequel to an already exceptional clone takes everything up a notch. With its 8-bit aesthetic and classic platforming action, it captures the Castlevania spirit with precision and introduces new characters and a two-player co-op mode.

7. Odallus: The Dark Call – It has a darker, mythical atmosphere that resonates strongly with the early Castlevania titles, emphasizing exploration and action in equal measure. Its retro graphics and sound complement the gameplay, making it both a tribute to and evolution of its predecessors’ formula.

8. The Mummy Demastered – Despite being a tie-in game for the 2017 movie, this title stands out with its surprisingly impressive Metroidvania experience. Developer WayForward adeptly borrowed elements from Castlevania to create an undead adventure that is both challenging and rewarding.

9. Timespinner – Timespinner’s time-travel theme adds a substantial twist to the formulaic ‘Metroidvania’ genre. Its deep storyline, intertwined with beautifully rendered worlds and a compelling game mechanic that lets you stop time, secures its place in our ranking.

10. Shovel Knight – Although it borrows more heavily from platformers like “Mega Man,” Shovel Knight deserves recognition for how deftly it incorporates “Castlevania” elements into its design—especially in its “Specter of Torment” campaign, where you play as Specter Knight wielding a scythe in true Gothic fashion.

11. Hollow Knight – Transcending mere homage, Hollow Knight elevates the entire Metroidvania genre with its intricate level design, atmospheric storytelling, and fluid combat system that feel both familiar and entirely original. It stands at the epitome of ‘Castlevania clones,’ not by imitation but through inspiration.

These titles prove that while “Castlevania” established an enduring template for side-scrolling action games, there is ample room for creativity and innovation within its framework. Each brings something fresh to the beloved formula while staying true to the spirit of adventure that made “Castlevania” legendary.