Symphony of the Night

Part of a GA-HQ Contributor's Art Collab going on; where collaborators who help keep awesome are given a choice of a game they wish to draw a tribute to.

Immediately the one game I thought of which to this day remains the most influential game I ever played was 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.'
And this image hopefully shows you why.

The gothic atmosphere, the lore of vampires and other dreaded creatures, the awesomeness of it's main protagonist Alucard, and the amazing soundtrack! All add up to one of the finest gaming experiences I ever played. And for many people; it's style of gameplay dubbed 'Metroidvania' greatly influenced them as well.

The idea behind this tribute was to have Alucard walk to the forefront carrying his sword and shield and looking very determined. He is then surrounded by many of the game's bosses. However he doesn't seem perturbed or unsure. He strides forward with confidence, cape bellowing out from him ready to strike down the unearthly creatures.
Now for a pic this big; obviously not all of Symphony of the Night's staggering boss roster could make it on here. Some ended up on the cutting room floor; most grievously The Werewolf and Minotaur. Others not included are the Doppelganger, Lesser Demon, Scylla, Karasuman, Granfaloon, Fake Grant/Trevor/Sypha, Beelzebub and Galamoth.
Those included serve two functions. One being some of the most iconic in the game and the other serving as plot devices.
The ones serving as plot devices includes Richter Belmont, Shaft, The Succubus, Death and Dracula himself.
Others served as not only the means to collect Dracula's remains to destroy him; but as a throwback to the bosses of the very first Castlevania. That would be the huge bat (known as Darkwing Bat); the mummy Akomodan II, Frankenstein's monster, the gorgon Medusa, and Death himself.
Rounding out the cast are the more unique creatures such as the spear wielding bird-like Slogra and the blue demon Gaibon. Mythological creatures like the red feathered Hippogryph and three-headed Cerberus also add to the roster.
Inbetween Shaft and Death is also the other true vampire in the game that isn't Alucard or Dracula. Count Olrox I had to include given how the Castlevania series is noted for doing a lot of horror themed motifs involving the Lord of the Vampires....except fill their games with more vampires. I also like Count Olrox for being a true image of a vampire with his Nosferatu-like appearance.

I feel after working many days on this picture and adding the last minute details; the results came out how I wanted them and I am proud of my overall work. Perhaps what i could've done better is how I fit in Maria Renard. She is obscured somewhat behind Alucard. She is meant to be in the background symbolizing her following the enigmatic (and no doubt to her; sexy) vampire prince. But I think she came out too small; and there was no real way to fix it being obscured by the Hippogryph's wings.

Other than that; this pic I create to capture the reasons why fans love Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. A huge entire castle filled to the brim with monsters and demons while experiencing Super Metroid-style gameplay and music!! That is an experience I always loved and this long overdue tribute to my favorite game hopefully clarifies it.

Castlevania, Alucard, Richter Belmont, Maria Renard and all other Castlevania characters belongs to Konami. (though it's spirit and legacy belongs more to Mr. Igarashi)