Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Original Platform: Game Boy Advance

Virtual Console Platform: Wii U ($7.99)

This was the follow-up to Symphony of the Night, excellently crafted despite the absence of series caretaker Koji Igarashi’s input. The spritework is fantastic, the environments are impressively large, and protagonist Nathan Graves’ moveset is expansive and satisfying. The music is great, too. Even though a large number of monsters are color swaps, I’m always impressed by how different each encounter is. The boss monsters are also huge and challenging. There’s a somewhat overcomplicated magic system that keeps the combat interesting and the usual Symphony-era RPG mechanics at play. I’d say this is required playing for fans of Metroidvania games.

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

Original Platform: Game Boy Advance

Virtual Console Platform: Wii U ($7.99)

Igarashi got back on the horse for this one, but it’s probably the worst of the GBA Castlevanias. The spritework takes a big dive, especially blown up on your TV (restrict this one to your GamePad), and the music is terrible—it sounds like it was made for lesser hardware. There are two castles to explore this time, but the convoluted methods of getting around hampers the experience. You’ll get lost a lot. On the other hand, boss battles are common and pretty fun and some of the environments are nifty. This is definitely the black sheep of the GBA trilogy, but I’d say try the other two first, and if you’re thirsting for more, take the Harmony plunge.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Original Platform: Game Boy Advance

Virtual Console Platform: Wii U ($7.99)

If you can only buy one of these three games, make it Aria of Sorrow, full stop. It’s the RPG mechanics that are in full swing here, with lots of armor to equip and a ton of different weapons to try. The magic system is very inventive and kind of Pokémon-esque in its “collect ‘em all” aspect. The graphics are sublime and the music is some of the best on the GBA. The thing you’ve got to remember about Aria is that it’s hard as nails compared to Harmony. Take it slow, do some grinding, and be on the lookout for the Claimh Solais sword. This is one of the finest GBA games ever produced, as well as maybe the best Symphony-era Castlevania game.