A Gothic, supernatural Anime based on the popular Konami games.
Just some quick thoughts from a non-gamer POV...
This is officially my first time watching an Anime series with English as the original language and let's just say I was surprised with how much I enjoyed quite a large portion of the series. With four episodes in season 1 and eight for season 2 it is a binge watch that can easily be done if you have the energy, especially since each episode is around half an hour. Season 3 has been green-lit with ten episodes so it will be interesting to see how the story will be laid out and that the characters will all get some opportunity to gain momentum in their adventure or be given further depth as individuals.
The fight scenes in this series is insane with the gore. I can tolerate blood and violence in animation to a specific point but as long as it does not involve serious rape or abuse. Hentai and the like in particular is just some porn paradise for folks who enjoy that kink. Musical score is fantastic in the epic orchestra department and perfectly fits the sombre feel of the story. However there are cheery tunes when there are comedic scenes with the main characters. It's been a long time since I appreciated a working OT3/trio who are all fleshed out and can stand on their own feet as characters but compliment each other too. The rude brotherly banter between Trevor and Alucard is gold!
While he is deemed the big boss/villain, Dracula in this series was certainly tragic but so was his son Alucard. Season 2 episode 7 and 8 undoubtedly broke my soul a little and it was probably the most angsty/dramatic moment. I agree with those saying season 2 was a slow-burner/dragged a little and season 1 was just setting the main plot up. The main trio of Sypha, Trevor and Alucard slightly took a back seat in season 2 and there were more characters added, including other humans like Hector and Isaac (all I can say right now when I think of what happened to Hector is, "I hope he can escape").
I was sad with how Isaac's story was shown though. It was depressing to see he was a slave especially as he was the only Black male in this series and perhaps gay who loved his previous master. The so-called diversity in the Vampire General gang could have been better if the Asian vampires were given lines and not just let the Caucasians talk. They looked interesting for sure but so was Isaac in all his masochistic, self-harming his back nature and BAMF fighting skills. He has a lot to offer as a character and I hope the writers will expand on this. I also hope someone hugs Alucard because boy he needs it.
Another thing I never expected from Castlevania was the profanity. Oddly enough I enjoy it when a British-speaking character is whisked to another country or world and while trying to blend in to their new environment still maintain their Britishness...usually through swearing or light cursing. Castlevania does not hold back on the swearing and I find it funny hearing Richard Armitage go off non-stop while he's in Trevor Belmont mode. The whole voice acting cast did a great job and while I still have trouble getting used to Richard Armitage simply voice-acting, he effectively brought out hilarious sarcasm of Trevor. Jaime Murray as Carmilla was terrifying. She made this vampire cruel and conniving to great effect. Peter Stormare as Godbrand was hilarious. When he plays a demented character it's OTT and fun. Recalling his acting in the Constantine film as Lucifer.
On a side note - I managed to hear the dubbed Japanese version of season 1 to see if I could pinpoint the Seiyuu and it's interesting to see how the voices sound versus the English speaking cast. I couldn't recognise Okiayu Ryoutarou straightaway as Trevor since his voice was lowered and more nasally than what I'm used to hearing. Miki Shinichirou as Alucard was definitely easier to spot.
Castlevania did its job in making my inner Anime fangirl heart quite satisfied and I haven't felt that way in a long time (reminds me that I still have to watch other Anime that I am halfway through). Good characters, good music and good voice acting. Just praying the future episodes in season 3 will be worth the wait. Netflix are upping their game in bringing interesting series it seems and while I've never played the games in the past, Castlevania really is worth a watch either way.