Play Van Helsing (EU) Online

Van Helsing for the Game Boy Advance came out in 2004, published by Vivendi Universal Games. It was part of that wave of movie tie-ins that tried to capture the feel of the film on a handheld, a common sight in the mid-2000s when licensed games were everywhere. This one puts you right into the gothic world of the monster hunter, with all the limitations and ambitions typical for the platform.

You control Van Helsing himself, moving through side-scrolling levels filled with enemies like werewolves and vampires. Your main goal is to hunt down and defeat Dracula, which involves exploring environments, fighting through hordes of creatures, and occasionally solving simple puzzles. The combat relies on a mix of melee attacks with your sword and ranged shots from a crossbow, with some special gadgets like a grappling hook for reaching new areas. The pacing is fairly brisk, though the difficulty can spike in certain sections, demanding careful timing and resource management. It feels like a straightforward, action-heavy romp through a dark fantasy setting, where survival depends on quick reflexes and learning enemy patterns.