Akumajou Dracula - Vampire Killer (Japan)

Getting Started: When you start the game, you choose between two characters: John Morris, who uses a traditional whip, or Eric Lecarde, who fights with a spear and has a different move set. The core loop involves progressing through linear stages, defeating enemies, collecting hearts to use sub-weapons (like the axe or holy water), and reaching the end-of-level boss. You have a health bar and lives; dying sends you back to a checkpoint, but you can continue by spending a credit.

The game is fully in English for dialogue and menus despite being the Japanese version, so navigation is straightforward. Use the D-Pad to move, press X to jump, S to attack with your weapon, and Z to use a sub-weapon. Pressing down while jumping does a downward attack with the whip or spear. The run button (hold S while moving) is crucial for gaining speed to clear large gaps. Each stage has hidden walls and items, so explore thoroughly. If you get stuck, remember that some platforms can be climbed by holding up while standing on them.