Bram Stoker's Dracula

The Good
The CD version of Bram Stoker's Dracula is the same as its cartridge cousin, except that it has improved music, sound effects and (thanks to the storage capacity of a CD) some grainy digital pictures and other sort props and imagery from the 1992 film

In theory, a beat 'em up, side-scrolling platformer, based on a horror film, would make a great game. Well, if you played any of the Splatter House games, then you know that the theory can be made into a reality. Sadly, in this case once you get past these "bonus features" the the Sega CD version has many of the same faults as its cartridge cousin.

The Bad
Jonathan Harker is tough to control and easy to be hit by just about anything. If you are able to master his moves, you will come to the conclusion that has so very few of them.

Yes, Harker was not an action hero or martial arts expert in the 1992 film. However, the game adaption could have just as easily been done as a graphic adventure or role playing game. Heck, it probably would have been a better game.

So, If you are going to have Harker punch and kick his way through the game (which already has little to do with the film), then you might as well give a wide range of defense and offensive moves that can be easily executed. Heck, you might as well add in a few other playable characters.

The Bottom Line
The Sega CD version of Bram Stoker's Dracula only offers the standard extras that do substantially improve on the Sega Genesis version. Too often Sega CD games would suffer the grim fate of being only, slightly, improved editions of Sega Genesis games.

If you really want to fight some vampires on the Sega, then I would suggest giving, "Dracula Unleashed" a go. Otherwise, the best thing that can honesty be said about this game is, well, its noticeably less painful then watching a 'Twilight' movie.