July 23^rd, 2008 (3:27am) - You have to be impressed with the commitment Konami is giving to one of their most ancient and recognized franchises this year. New Castlevania entries have been announced for both the DS and the Wii, but now it seems arcade goers are going to be enlightened, too.

Currently slated as a Japan-only release, Castlevania: The Arcade, (Japanese name, Akumajou Dracula: The Arcade), will play similar to action rail-shooters like House of the Dead or Ninja Assault. The difference here is that the player uses a motion-controlled whip device to dictate the action. A trigger on the back of the whip controls your sub-weapon use and a mysterious second button is said to be used for special items later in the game. (This button is unavailable in the current kiosk two-level demo however).

Sub-weapons use up hearts but can be replenished by breaking candles along the way, just like in past Castlevania titles. When candles break, the lighting around them is even updated in realtime.

The two stages shown were an area outside Castlevania and one inside the castle itself. The first area ends with a fight to the death... with Death, himself.

The graphics are next-gen quality and classic Castlevania tunes make up the soundtrack (tell me if you’ve heard that one before).

Not since 1988’s "Haunted Castle" has the series seen a truly original entry for the arcades.

This appears to be a very interesting project Gamersmark will be sure to keep an eye on, so be sure to stay tuned for additional coverage in the future.