Play Castlevania II - Simon's Quest Online

So Simon's Quest is that weird middle child of the NES Castlevania trilogy — less linear than the first game, but not quite the full Metroidvania experience yet. You're still Simon Belmont, but now you're racing against a curse Dracula slapped on you as a parting gift. Your mission? Hunt down his scattered body parts (because of course they're everywhere) and burn them to break the spell.

What surprised me was how open it feels compared to the first game. Instead of rigid stages, you're wandering through Transylvania's countryside, poking into creepy mansions for key items, and chatting up — or more often, being lied to by — villagers. Some paths stay blocked until you find the right gear, like that moment when you realize you needed to buy the oak stake three towns ago.

The RPG bits are rough but charming. Hearts work double duty as both cash and XP — grind enough and Simon gets slightly less squishy. And that whip upgrade from the first town? Absolute game-changer against those night-time enemies. Speaking of which, the day/night cycle keeps you on your toes. Shops lock up after dark, zombies replace villagers, and everything hits harder... but at least the heart drops get juicier.