I remember trying to play this on the 3ds virtual console in college and finding it way too hard. I don't know if I am just wiser now, but I didn't have any trouble until the Grim Reaper. I never figured out the trick, I just scraped by once and thanked the lord above. Dracula on the other hand took me many days to finally crack. Once I finally figured out his patterns though, it only took me two more tries. I had a lot of fun with this game and feel proud that I didn't go to the internet for advice for any of the bosses. I do have to admit that I made a save state just before the Grim Reaper, so I could ram my head against him faster, but that was the only time.
It was cool to learn that the game is supposed to be a movie where you play as the protagonist. I guess the start menu film reel borders should have given it away.
I played it on an Everdrive GBA Mini running PocketNES, so I could play on my Gamecube and Gameboy.
I've heard that Castlevania II is way more confusing to navigate. Is it a totally different experience? I would rather just skip to III if it's as convoluted as I have heard. I am going to play Darkwing Duck next.