This game is great on its own merits. However, it is a breakaway from the traditional Castlevania level based format. Second of all, you are not one of the Belmonts, or a human at all (you are a half-vampire). Thirdly, you do not have a whip, you have a sword. Despite the breaking of many of the Castlevania traditions, this is a spectacular game. Great graphics, great music, great gameplay. As a consolation, there is a way to play as Richter Belmont after beating the game.