Reverse Castle Center

Reverse Castle Center
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Japanesename(s)	逆さ城中心部 Sakasajō Chūshinbu
Boss(es)	Shaft Dracula (Alucard only)
Environment(s)	Ceremonial Room, elevator
Music	Door to the Abyss
◄ Previous stage	Black Marble Gallery
◄ Previous stage	Black Marble Gallery
Next stage ►	N/A
Next stage ►	N/A

The Reverse Castle Center (逆さ城中心部, Sakasajō Chūshinbu^?) is a location in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Overview

The Reverse Center is a sealed off area within the Reverse Castle. It is located in the same location the normal Castle Center would be at. Like the latter, the gates to the entrance are closed and can only be opened by meeting certain requirements. In the case of the Reverse Center, Alucard must reach the Black Marble Gallery's reverse clock room with all five of Dracula's remains collected. A caged lift from the clock room's sealed chamber will rise up to the Reverse Center.

The Reverse Center appears much like its normal counterpart, but upside-down. This includes hieroglyphic-like markings on the square walls of the center room, two pentagrams on opposing corners, a lack of common enemies available, and a throne room like area at the center with what appear to be closed eyes in the background. Unlike the latter location's tan cave coloring, the former location sports an ominous red tint throughout. When the center room is reached, a lift will fall down to seal anyone inside the small square room.

This is ultimately the final new area to explore. After a long journey throughout the Reverse Castle, Alucard makes his way toward the center of the main room, where Shaft awaits. After an exchange of words, Alucard does battle with the dark priest, with Alucard being victorious and eliminating Shaft once and for all. Upon his destruction, a menacing eye on the center of the room will open up, swallowing Alucard into an infinite sea of darkness, soon revealing the master of this castle and summoning a long-awaited reunion between father and son.

Because Dracula's relics do not appear in either Richter Mode nor Maria Mode, both Richter Belmont and Maria Renard can open the gate to the Reverse Center by simply reaching the reverse clock room. Once inside the Reverse Center's core room, they face Shaft just as Alucard would (without any dialogue). Defeating Shaft ends the mode, neither Richter nor Maria face True Dracula under normal circumstances.

Enemy Data

Enemy Data: Reverse Castle Center
Image	Name - Game Description	Statistics	Items	Location	Notes
Boss
	146. Shaft (jpn) - Symphony of the Night				[ edit ]
	Dark Priest of Dracula.	Strong: Poison (immune) Level: 88 HP: 1,300 Exp: n/a		Reverse Castle Center
	147. Dracula [Lv. 98] (jpn) [alt] - Symphony of the Night				[ edit ]
	Lord of Wallachia. Father of Alucard.	Strong: Fire, Thunder (both resist), Poison (immune), Dark (absorb) Level: 98 HP: 9,999 Exp: n/a		Reverse Castle Center (Alucard only)

Dialogue

Dialogue Data: Reverse Castle Center (edit)
Image / Participants	Game / Location / Title Details Transcript(s) (click Expand to view when necessary)
Shaft Alucard	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Reverse Castle Center / Shaft Battle [edit] When: Battle with Shaft (When not talked with Richter) Summary: Alucard meets Shaft in the center of the second castle, who is not surprised that the son of his lord was able to make it there. He explains he made Richter the lord of the castle to defeat any other vampire hunters that would come along to stop them. Even though Alucard defeating Richter seemed to put a damper in his plans, he is certain that Alucard can replace him once he's rid him of his human side. version (original) - [transcript]: Shaft: You have done well in making it this far. I would expect no less from the son of our Master. Alucard: So you are the one who was controlling Belmont. Shaft: Yes. I am the dark priest called Shaft. This world must be cleansed in the forge of chaos. Alucard: Why did you make Belmont lord of this castle? Shaft: For centuries, vampire hunters have defeated evil with holy power. But if two vampire hunters were to fight each other... Alucard: But Belmont's power is supreme among vampire hunters. None other could defeat him. Shaft: Exactly. That's why I removed him as a threat by making him into lord of this castle. Alucard: But your plan has failed. Shaft: Has it indeed? We'll see what happens after I destroy your weak human side. version (new) - [transcript]: (Alucard enters the heart of the castle where Shaft is awaiting him. The lift gate locks) Shaft: All hail the son of our Master! Stronger than the mightiest hunter! Alucard: So you were the one controlling Belmont. Shaft: Yes. The dark priest called Shaft, come to cleanse the world in the forge of chaos. Alucard: You made Belmont lord of the castle. Why? Shaft: Because we tire of these hunters and their holy power. If they would but turn on one another... Alucard: ...Then the strongest one among them would eliminate the rest. Belmont. Shaft: Yes. So I converted him, brought him here to lure the rest, to force them all to fight and die. Alucard: But you never planned for me. And now you've failed. Shaft: Ha! Your human soul is frail as his was. You'll take his place-- I'll tear that soul apart! (Shaft transfers himself into a large crystal ball) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Shaft: よくぞ、ここまで来られた。さすが我が主の御子息よ。 Alucard: ベルモンドを操っていたのは、貴様だな。 Shaft: いかにも。我こそは暗黒神官シャフト。この世に破壊と混乱を導く者だ。 Alucard: なぜ、奴を城主として奉り上げた？ Shaft: 吸血鬼ハンターは古来より聖なる力で邪悪を滅ぼしてきた。だが、ハンター同士が戦えば…？ Alucard: ベルモンドの力は他を圧倒する。同じ性質の力なら、まず倒す事はできまい。 Shaft: その通り。奴を操り城主に据える事で、儀式に邪魔な者を排除したのだ。 Alucard: だが、それもここまでの様だな。 Shaft: それは、どうですかな。最後のいけにえとして、汝の死すべき半身を捧げる！ video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript]: (Alucard enters the heart of the castle where Shaft is awaiting him. The lift gate locks) Shaft: You have done well to come so far. I should expect no less from the son of our Master. Alucard: So it was you who'd been controlling Belmont. Shaft: Indeed. I am the dark priest Shaft... The one who guides this world into destruction and chaos. Alucard: Why did you set him up as the lord of this castle? Shaft: The vampire hunters' holy power has allowed them to annihilate the wicked since ancient times. And yet, what if they were to turn on one another? Alucard: The power of Belmont overwhelms that of others. If the forces are of the same nature, you cannot defeat them before anything else. Shaft: Exactly... So I had him manipulated and appointed him lord, eliminating those who would interfere with the ritual. Alucard: But that is as far as you'll go. Shaft: We will see how it goes. As the final sacrifice, your mortal half shall be offered! (Shaft transfers himself into a large crystal ball)
Shaft Alucard	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Reverse Castle Center / Shaft Battle (name known version) [edit] When: Battle with Shaft (When talked with Richter) Summary: Alucard meets Shaft in the center of the second castle, who is not surprised that the son of his lord was able to make it there. He explains he made Richter the lord of the castle to defeat any other vampire hunters that would come along to stop them. Even though Alucard defeating Richter seemed to put a damper in his plans, he is certain that Alucard can replace him once he's rid him of his human side. version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard enters the heart of the castle where Shaft is awaiting him. The lift gate locks) Shaft: All hail the son of our Master! Stronger than the mightiest hunter! Alucard: So you are the one called Shaft? Shaft: I am he. Alucard: You made Belmont lord of the castle. Why? Shaft: Because we tire of these hunters and their holy power. If they would but turn on one another... Alucard: ...Then the strongest one among them would eliminate the rest. Belmont. Shaft: Yes. So I converted him, brought him here to lure the rest, to force them all to fight and die. Alucard: But you never planned for me. And now you've failed. Shaft: Ha! Your human soul is frail as his was. You'll take his place-- I'll tear that soul apart! (Shaft transfers himself into a large crystal ball, summons multiple smaller crystal balls while saying "protect me!") version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Shaft: よくぞ、ここまで来られた。さすが我が主の御子息よ。 Alucard: 貴様がシャフトか？ Shaft: いかにも。 Alucard: なぜ、ベルモンドを城主として奉り上げた？ Shaft: 吸血鬼ハンターは古来より聖なる力で邪悪を滅ぼしてきた。だが、ハンター同士が戦えば…？ Alucard: ベルモンドの力は他を圧倒する。同じ性質の力なら、まず倒す事はできまい。 Shaft: その通り。奴を操り城主に据える事で、儀式に邪魔な者を排除したのだ。 Alucard: だが、それもここまでの様だな。 Shaft: それは、どうですかな。最後のいけにえとして、汝の死すべき半身を捧げる！ version (fan translated) - [transcript]: (Alucard enters the heart of the castle where Shaft is awaiting him. The lift gate locks) Shaft: You have done well to come so far. I should expect no less from the son of our Master. Alucard: So you are Shaft? Shaft: Indeed. Alucard: Why did you set Belmont up as the lord of this castle? Shaft: The vampire hunters' holy power has allowed them to annihilate the wicked since ancient times. And yet, what if they were to turn on one another? Alucard: The power of Belmont overwhelms that of others. If the forces are of the same nature, you cannot defeat them before anything else. Shaft: Exactly... So I had him manipulated and appointed him lord, eliminating those who would interfere with the ritual. Alucard: But that is as far as you'll go. Shaft: We will see how it goes. As the final sacrifice, your mortal half shall be offered! (Shaft transfers himself into a large crystal ball)
Shaft Alucard	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Reverse Castle Center / Defeating Shaft [edit] When: After defeating Shaft Summary: Shaft is defeated by Alucard, who tells him to dwell in darkness forever. Shaft is shocked, but satisfied that he achieved his goal in resurrecting Dracula. version (original) - [transcript]: Shaft: Ugh...No! Alucard: You claim to love the darkness. Go then and dwell there for all eternity! Shaft: But... but my goal is achieved... Count Dracula has come to purify this corrupt world with the searing flames of chaos! version (new) - [transcript]: (Shaft is defeated by Alucard) Shaft: Ugh... No! Alucard: Your beloved darkness awaits you. Dwell there for all eternity! Shaft: Ha... I die victorious... Count Dracula rises even now! Let him purge the world in flames! Hahaha! (Shaft vanishes with screaming) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Shaft: ば、馬鹿な！ Alucard: 自分の肉体を捨てた者に、この世での居場所などない。貴様の好きな暗黒へ旅立つがいい。 Shaft: ぐっ、だ、だが…。我が野望は成就した…。我が主、ドラキュラ伯爵よ！腐りきった世界に破壊と混沌を！ (dialogue at 2:29) version (fan translated) - [transcript]: (Shaft is slashed by Alucard's sword) Shaft: I-Impossible! Alucard: There is no place for the one who cast aside his own flesh. Begone to the darkness that you desired. Shaft: Ungh! R-Regardless... My goal has been achieved... My Lord, Count Dracula! Bring destruction and chaos to this corrupt world! (Shaft vanishes with screaming)
Alucard Dracula	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Reverse Castle Center / Final Battle [edit] When: Final battle with Dracula Summary: Alucard faces his newly resurrected father, who is proud of his achievement. Alucard insists he must stop him and they reminisce on what the humans did to his mother. Alucard is not happy, but refuses to seek vengeance on the humans for it. Dracula believes he will come around once his human side has been purged and they start fighting. version (original) - [transcript]: Alucard: Father... Dracula: Well met. my son! It's been a long time. Alucard: I was hoping we would not see each other again. I can't allow you to leave here. Father. Dracula: You have ever been the ally of humans. Have you forgotten what they did to your Mother? Alucard: Think you I would forget such a thing? No. But neither do I seek revenge against them. Dracula: Still uttering the same nonsense. No matter. Now is the time to put aside your weak human side and join me in remaking this world! Alucard: Dracula. in the name of my mother. I will defeat you again. version (new) - [transcript][video]: (The throne of Dracula is shown. Alucard faces his father) Alucard: Father... Dracula: Well met, my son! It's been a long time. Alucard: Not nearly long enough. I can't allow you to leave here, Father. Dracula: Do you still side with humanity? Have you forgotten what they did to your mother? Alucard: You think I would forget such a...! No, But neither do I seek revenge against them. Dracula: Enough of your nonsense! Away with your humanity! Stand with me as Prince of all the world! Alucard: You will never touch this world again. In Mother's name, I swear it! (The lightning sparkles) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Alucard: 父上… Vlad Țepeș Dracula: ほう、誰かと思えば…。 久しいな、我が息子よ。 Alucard: 出来るなら、 会いたくはなかった…。 こうなった以上、ここから先に 行かせるわけにはいかない。 Vlad Țepeș Dracula: 相も変わらず人間どもの 味方をしておるのか…。 よもや、奴等が お前の母親にしたことを、 忘れた訳ではあるまいな。 Alucard: 忘れられるものか。 だが、母は人間への復讐を 望んではいなかった。 Vlad Țepeș Dracula: まだ、そんな世迷言を言うか。 まあよい。 今度こそ下賎な血を消し去り、 我が眷族に加えてやろうぞ。 Alucard: 母の名にかけて…。 ドラキュラ。 再び、貴方を倒す。 video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript]: (The throne of Dracula is shown. Alucard faces his father) Alucard: Father... Vlad Țepeș Dracula: Ah, I wondered who it was... It has been too long, my son. Alucard: I had hoped that we would not meet again... But now that it has come to this, I cannot allow you to go any further. Vlad Țepeș Dracula: Are you still adamant about siding with humans...? Surely you have not forgotten what they did to your mother? Alucard: I could never forget... But Mother never wished for revenge against mankind. Vlad Țepeș Dracula: You're spouting the same old nonsense again. Very well. Let your lowly-born blood drain, let you rejoin our family this time. Alucard: In Mother's name... Dracula, I will defeat you once more. (The lightning sparkles)
Alucard Dracula	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Reverse Castle Center / Defeating Dracula [edit] When: After defeating Dracula Summary: Alucard defeats Dracula and tells him his mother's last words. Dracula begs her forgiveness and bids his son farewell as he vanishes from this world. version (original) - [transcript]: Alucard: Go back whence you came! Trouble the soul of my mother no more! Dracula: How? How is it that I've been so defeated? Alucard: You have been doomed ever since you lost the ability to love. Dracula: Ah...sarcasm. 'For what profit is it to [a] man if he gains the world, and loses his own soul'?. Matthew 16:26 I believe. Alucard: ......... Dracula: Tell me. What... what were Lisa's last words? Alucard: She said "Do not hate humans. If you cannot live with them, then at least do them no harm. For their's is already a hard lot." She also said to tell you that she would love you for all of eternity... Dracula: Lisa, forgive me. Farewell my son... version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard slashes his father with his blade) Alucard: Go back to the abyss! Trouble the soul of my mother no more! Dracula: H-How?! How could I have lost?! Alucard: You lost your heart. Your soul. You'll never win without them. Dracula: Ah, how poetic. So I tragically sacrificed all I held dear in a search for power, did I? Alucard: ...Did you not? Dracula: ...Hmph. Tell me. What... What were Lisa's last words? Alucard: She said, "Do not hate humans. If you cannot live with them, then at least do them no harm, for theirs is already a hard lot." ...She also said that she would love you. For eternity. Dracula: Lisa, forgive me... Farewell, my son... (Dracula fades away. Alucard takes his leave from the heart of the castle) (dialogue at 6:11) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Alucard: 在るべき所に帰れ！ これ以上、母を苦しめるな…。 Vlad Țepeș Dracula: な、なぜだ…。なぜ、私はこうも敗れる。 Alucard: 力とは、護るものがあってこそ、限界を越えることができる。愛する者を失い、愛することを止めた時。貴方は既に負けていた…。 Vlad Țepeș Dracula: そうか…、皮肉なものだ…。力を求めるがゆえに失ったものが、私の敗因であるとはな…。 Alucard: ………。 Vlad Țepeș Dracula: アルカードよ、教えてくれ。リサは最期に何と言ったのだ…？ Alucard: 人間を怨んではいけない。もし、人間が許されない存在であるなら、自ら滅びの道を歩む。その世界の住人に在らざる者は、手を下すべきではないと…。そして、父上…。貴方を永遠に愛していると…。 Vlad Țepeș Dracula: リサ…。私は、間違っていたのか…。 version (fan translated) - [transcript]: (Alucard slashes his father with his blade) Alucard: Go back whence you belong! Do not torment my mother anymore...! Vlad Țepeș Dracula: H-How...? How could I be destroyed like this...? Alucard: The power... When you have something to protect, you can overcome your limits. You lost the one you love; and when you stopped loving, you had already lost... Vlad Țepeș Dracula: I see...... How ironic... So you're saying that what I lost because I sought power...was the cause of my defeat...? Alucard: ............ Vlad Țepeș Dracula: Alucard, tell me. What did Lisa say in the end? Alucard: "Do not hate humans. If you do not forgive humans, you'll walk on the path of your own destruction. Beings from outside shouldn't pass judgment on the residents of this world." And then, Father... she said she would love you for all eternity... Vlad Țepeș Dracula: Lisa... So I... was mistaken, then...? (Dracula fades away. Alucard takes his leave from the heart of the castle)

Gallery

The elevator to the Black Marble Gallery.

Bottom corner of the main room.

Trivia

• After visiting the center room where Shaft resides, it is possible to use a Library Card (Alucard only) to escape the room and save the visited map square without clearing the game.
• Loading zones are present behind the leftmost wall of the center room and top spacing above the lift.
  • The top spacing's hidden (white) square is where True Dracula's boss battle is initiated and can be saved on the map if cheats or glitches are used.
  • If the left loading zone is reached, Alucard will immediately reach the final boss arena. Using this loading zone is the only possible way for Richter and Maria to battle True Dracula, but doing so will softlock the game once the ending sequence plays (where Alucard speaks to Richter and Maria, which does not occur in either Richter Mode or Maria Mode. Alucard has no text for this scenario and the dialogue scene cannot be skipped).