Castlevania: Nocturne Review - The connection with the games and what to expect!

The second season of Castlevania: Nocturne has arrived on Netflix, bringing more action, new challenges, and deepening the series' connection with the games. However, like any adaptation, Nocturne takes some creative liberties, adjusting characters, events, and even the setting to create something new.

But how faithful is the series to the original work? And what can we expect for the third season?

Let’s analyze what Nocturne retains from Castlevania and what it reinvents for its own story.

The main inspiration for Castlevania: Nocturne comes from two classic games in the franchise: Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The protagonist, Richter Belmont, is a descendant of the legendary vampire-hunting family, and the presence of characters like Maria Renard and Alucard reinforces this connection with the games.

However, the series is not just a simple adaptation; it introduces significant changes to the story and characters to create something fresh within the Castlevania universe.

Even though it is based on the games, Nocturne makes several changes to the original material. Some are subtle, while others significantly alter the story's context.

Maria Renard and Her New Characterization

In the games, Maria Renard first appears as a 12-year-old girl in Rondo of Blood, but the series ages her up, making her more akin to her version in The Dracula X Chronicles. Additionally, her visual design was adjusted in the second season to better reflect her personality and abilities.

This change allows Maria to play a more active role in the story without losing her determined essence and magical connection. Her development throughout the season was even more notable, especially with the introduction of her ability to summon magical familiars—an essential aspect of her character in the games that was initially absent from the series.

Olrox’s Story

Olrox is one of the characters who benefits the most from the adaptation’s changes. In the games, he is a powerful vampire who faces Alucard in Symphony of the Night, but the series expands his story by connecting him directly to Richter. Here, he is responsible for the protagonist’s mother’s death, creating a more personal conflict between the two.

This approach adds depth to the character and makes his presence in the story more significant than just another secondary villain.

The French Revolution as a Setting

While the Castlevania games often take place in vague historical periods, the series firmly sets its story within a real event: the French Revolution. This adds a new perspective to the narrative, blending political and social elements with the battle against vampires.

This setting gives Nocturne a unique identity, distinguishing it from other adaptations in the franchise and exploring a historical period rarely used in anime and Western animation.

Drolta as the True Villain

One of the biggest twists in the second season was the revelation that Erzsebet Báthory, the supposed main antagonist, was not actually the greatest threat. Instead, Drolta, her loyal servant, emerges as the true villain, taking on a much more active role in the story than fans might have expected.

This change was not a last-minute decision but something planned from the beginning by the series’ creators. They wanted to contrast Erzsebet’s looming presence with Drolta’s unexpected rise to power, making the narrative even more unpredictable.

For those who may have missed some details, here’s a quick recap of the key events in the second season:

- Richter Belmont and his allies continue their fight against Erzsebet Báthory, who is now possessed by the spirit of the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet.

- Alucard takes on a central role in the battle, demonstrating an even greater level of power than before.

- Maria struggles internally as she tries to reconcile her worldview with the weight of her responsibilities.

- Annette receives a significant power boost, becoming a key player in the fight against Erzsebet.

- The grand battle in Paris in Episode 7 is one of the franchise’s most spectacular animated sequences, featuring multiple fights happening simultaneously.

- The revelation that Drolta is the true villain shifts the story’s direction and sets up a new threat for the future.

At the time of writing, Netflix has not yet officially confirmed the series’ renewal, but the second season’s ending makes it clear that there is much more story to tell.

One of the biggest expectations for the future is the potential adaptation of elements from Symphony of the Night, one of the most beloved games in the franchise. Alucard’s introduction paves the way for this, and his relationship with Maria could be further explored, similar to the games. However, since the series aims to differentiate itself from the games, it may take an even more unique approach.

The creators have also expressed interest in exploring stories of other Belmonts, such as Juste Belmont, and even the possibility of spin-offs or animated films within the Castlevania universe. Ultimately, it all depends on the series’ performance and audience reception.

Castlevania: Nocturne remains faithful to the essence of the games while making bold choices to create a unique story. The changes to character development, plot, and setting make the series more accessible to new viewers while still honoring the original franchise.

With the potential arrival of a third season, we can expect even more references to Symphony of the Night and a deeper exploration of the relationships between the protagonists. The creators have already hinted at numerous possibilities within the Castlevania universe, whether through continuations, spin-offs, or even new adaptations.

The question remains whether Netflix will continue investing in the series and maintaining the high quality of previous seasons. What do you think of the changes made in Nocturne? Do you prefer faithfulness to the games, or do you enjoy the different approach? Share your thoughts in the comments!