Akumajou Densetsu

Akumajou Densetsu is a 2D action-platformer and the third mainline Castlevania game, released on the Famicom/NES. Players control Trevor C. Belmont, descendant of Simon Belmont, wielding the Vampire Killer whip to battle Dracula's undead forces across eight castle stages with branching paths, ghost ship, and town areas. Gameplay features whip attacks, magic, and item-based progression in a non-linear structure with multiple endings. You can recruit and swap between three companions: Sypha Belnades (sorceress with elemental magic), Grant Danasty (pirate with wall-climbing and mid-air throws), and Alucard (Dracula's son who turns into a bat and shoots fireballs). The story follows 1476, where the Church summons Trevor to stop Dracula's genocidal army ravaging Europe; companions join to assist in the final assault on Dracula's keep. It stands out as an early metroidvania with branching routes, the first use of multiple playable characters, and expanded exploration beyond the castle, influencing later Castlevania titles.