I'm Going on a Total Castlevania: Nocturne Embargo— Here's Why

28 August 2023

So, it finally happened. After two years of near total radio silence, Castlevania: Nocturne has finally received a release date. And like most others in my circle of Castlevania fans, I can't say that I'm too pleased about it. Unlike most others in my circle of Castlevania fans, however, I'm not interested in watching this absolute trainwreck of a show unfold, even from the distance of word-of-mouth recaps. In fact, I plan to go as far as completely blocking anyone who discusses the show in any manner— positive or negative— and maybe even leave social media altogether.

I know it may sound a bit extreme, but truth be told, I don't want to deal with the constant negativity that talking about the Netflix's Castlevania shows brings about. I'm tired of constantly getting upset about a terrible adaptation made by people who don't give a shit about the games I love. (It's part of why I've distanced myself from the Castlevania fandom as well— no matter what, the topic of Netflixvania always comes up in one way or another, even in communities full of people who allegedly can't stand the thought of it.) It exists, and it's terrible, and I fucking get it already.

Honestly, I think that the Castlevania fandom as a whole (or at least those of us who only like the games) would be much better off not talking about Nocturne at all once it comes out. I know that it can be comforting to know that there are people out there who hate the same shit that you do, especially when the object of your hatred is highly popular, but forming communities solely around negativity only makes everyone miserable, and makes a prime breeding ground for extremely toxic behaviors. (Just think about websites like Something Awful and the CWCki) Besides, at the end of the day, negative publicity is still free publicity on the internet. Netflix doesn't care if you're hate-watching and talking shit about Netflixvania, in their eyes you're still generating views and discussion for their products.

Really, I'm just trying to spare what little sanity I have left. Constantly talking about something I find upsetting isn't good for my— or anyone's— mental health. I would much rather talk about my love for the Castlevania games, and I hope that there are other fans who feel that way, too.