The popular indie title ‘Vampire Survivors‘, is preparing to expand its universe with the extra content package they have called “Ode to Castlevania”. This expansion, which will be released on October 31, 2024in addition to paying tribute to Konami’s iconic series, will also mark the largest expansion created by the developer Poncle to date. The new DLC promises to take the experience to another level, adding more than 20 characters and 40 weaponsincluding eight types of whips, and more than 30 music tracks inspired by the ‘Castlevania’ series.
Explore Dracula’s Castle
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Ode to Castlevania’ is the introduction of such iconic characters as Simon, Richter, Trevor and Sonia Belmont, as well as other heroes such as Alucard and Sypha from the classic series. This cast will be able to experiment with a rich variety of skills and styles. In parallel, the incorporation of new elemental magic spells, along with the famous collection of whips, promises unique opportunities to customize the experience.
The new map a representation of Dracula’s castleit will be the biggest stage ‘Vampire Survivors’ has had so far. This environment, which promises to be visually stunning, will be (almost) free of vampires, which adds a very intriguing element to the exploration. In this sense, the developers at Poncle have hinted that the scenario will include numerous tributes to the Konami franchise.
we’ve created an old-school Castlevania guestbook for you all to leave your comments 👀
plus a countdown timer until launch so you can sit and stare at it until the 31st 🦇
⚠️ please lower your volume before entering ⚠️https://t.co/8EQYUeHuSepic.twitter.com/Ey6qcqP2a3
— Vampire Survivors 🦇🧄 Ode to Castlevania 31st Oct (@poncle_vampire) October 21, 2024
Have I seen a vampire?
In addition to the characters and weapons, the DLC will include emblematic enemies from ‘Castlevania’, such as the feared Dracula, something that seems insubstantial, but which puts an end to the famous incongruity of a format that dispenses with vampiric creatures in a game whose name completely promises opposite.
In any case, the publication of ‘Ode to Castlevania’ not only represents a significant expansion of the game’s content, but also a gesture from Poncle to its roots and the inspirations that led to the creation of ‘Vampire Survivors’. Previous collaboration with Konami for DLC’Operation Guns‘ had already established a relationship, but this new context promises an even deeper tribute to the classic series.
Sales and growth of an indie
Since its appearance in 2022, ‘Vampire Survivors’ has stood out for its addictive gameplay and a marked retro aesthetic. In its first month of release, the game generated nearly $7 million in sales and sold approximately 2 million copies, a success that surprised critics and players alike. The combination of a unique experience and a low entry price, which remains below five euros, has allowed the game to reach a diverse global audience.
Curiously, the developer Poncle has grown significantly since its creation. Luca Galante, the creator of ‘Vampire Survivors’, began working on the game in 2020 inspired by ‘Castlevania’ and other titles, while he was unemployed. Four years later, his success has positioned him among the most recognized developers in the United Kingdomgenerating an estimated revenue of around £40 million.