Circle of the Moon Walkthrough: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Welcome to our Circle of the Moon walkthrough, a detailed guide to one of the most challenging and rewarding games in the Castlevania series. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for hidden secrets or a newcomer trying to navigate the game’s treacherous paths, this walkthrough will provide you with all the tips, tricks, and strategies needed to conquer Circle of the Moon.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Story and Setting
3. Controls and Gameplay Mechanics
4. Walkthrough

1. Area 1: Castle Entrance
2. Area 2: Catacomb
3. Area 3: Underground Warehouse
4. Area 4: Chapel Tower
5. Area 5: Underground Gallery

5. Boss Strategies
6. Tips and Tricks
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Circle of the Moon is a game developed by Konami for the Game Boy Advance and was released in 2001. As a member of the Belmont family, you play as Nathan Graves, a vampire hunter on a mission to rescue his kidnapped mentor from the clutches of Dracula. The game features a nonlinear exploration-based gameplay, intricate level design, and challenging boss battles.

Story and Setting

The game is set in 1830, several years after the defeat of Count Dracula in previous games in the series. However, Dracula’s minions have kidnapped Morris Baldwin, Nathan’s mentor, in an attempt to revive their master. Nathan must navigate through Dracula’s castle, facing various creatures and obstacles, to rescue Morris before it’s too late.

Controls and Gameplay Mechanics

Circle of the Moon follows the classic side-scrolling action-adventure formula of the Castlevania series. You control Nathan using the Game Boy Advance’s directional pad, and you can jump, attack with various weapons, and use magical cards to unleash powerful spells. The game also incorporates a “DSS” system, allowing you to combine cards to create different effects and abilities.

Walkthrough

Now, let’s dive into the heart of our Circle of the Moon walkthrough, a step-by-step guide that will help you progress through the game.

Area 1: Castle Entrance

In the Castle Entrance, you’ll encounter various enemies and traps. Explore each room thoroughly and collect as many hearts and items as possible. Be cautious of Medusa Heads, an enemy that can turn you into stone.

Area 2: Catacomb

In the Catacomb, make sure to grab the Whip power-up, which allows you to break certain walls and progress further. Beware of the numerous skeletons and other undead enemies in this area. Their unpredictable movements can be challenging to deal with, so be prepared to dodge and attack with precision.

Area 3: Underground Warehouse

The Underground Warehouse contains many platforms and gaps that require precise jumping to navigate. Use your whip to swing across larger gaps and watch out for falling debris that can harm you. Take advantage of the various sub-weapons you’ll encounter, such as the axe and holy water, to make progress easier.

Area 4: Chapel Tower

As you ascend the Chapel Tower, be prepared for more difficult enemies and challenging platforming sections. Use your whip to swing across chasms, and be cautious of bird-like enemies that can knock you off platforms. This area is also home to the first boss battle, where precise timing and dodging will be essential.

Area 5: Underground Gallery

In the Underground Gallery, be cautious of falling spikes and rotating blades that can cause significant damage if not avoided. Use your sub-weapons and cards effectively to take down enemies and overcome obstacles. This area is also where you’ll encounter another challenging boss battle, so make sure you’re well-prepared.

Boss Strategies

Circle of the Moon’s boss battles can be incredibly challenging, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind when facing bosses:

• Study their attack patterns and learn when to dodge or counterattack.
• Use sub-weapons and magical cards to exploit the bosses’ weaknesses.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and utilize the environment to your advantage.
• Upgrade your whip and equipment whenever possible to increase your chances of success.

Each boss battle will require a specific strategy, which we’ll cover in more detail in a separate blog post dedicated solely to Circle of the Moon boss fights.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to enhance your gameplay experience:

• Explore every nook and cranny to find hidden rooms and valuable items.
• Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress.
• Experiment with different card combinations to unlock powerful abilities.
• Don’t be discouraged by challenging sections or repeated failures. Persistence is key to overcoming difficult obstacles.

Conclusion

By following this Circle of the Moon walkthrough, you should now have a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics, locations, and strategies needed to progress. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. With determination and skill, you’ll surely conquer Dracula’s castle and save Morris Baldwin.

Good luck on your journey through Circle of the Moon!