Incredible Dracula Is more than a fun and exciting game series. It’s also the inspiration for this post. Yes, I’ve written about Count Dracula before. And just recently, I did a nice throwback on the best Dracula movies in existence. You should really check it out again. It’s really good. The ranking of the Dracula movies was made possible thanks to the IMDB’s scores, but I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite. No way no how. Not if there’s a gun to my head. I love the old Hammer movies, but I love the new adaptations as well.
Incredible Dracula: Mixing The Old And The New
Which brings me to Dracula. And Incredible Dracula as well. No, not the Frances Ford Coppola directed movie, which is quite good I must admit. And it’s also one of my favorites I may add. No. I’m talking about the BBC produced mini-series Dracula. It’s a mini-series consisting of three 90 minutes long episodes, and as a whole, it’s a mini-series that has its own interpretation of the classic Bram Stoker book. But more on that later in this post. I Believe a word or two about the game is in order beforehand.
Adventure Awaits With Incredible Dracula
First and foremost we have plenty of other Incredible Dracula games. Not just Incredible Dracula: Ocean’s Call, although that’s one of our bestsellers. And luckily for you, all of the games in the Incredible Dracula series are currently on sale as well. However, that sale is nearing its end, so you’d better hurry up. That sale is really slipping away fast.
But, what’s Incredible Dracula: Ocean’s Call all about? Well, developed by Platinum Games and published by Alawar Entertainment, Dracula: Ocean’s Call is a humor-filled story of adventure and magic. Not to mention it has Dracula in the middle of the story. So, in this particular game, a giant creature of unknown origin has broken free of its icy prison and sparked chaos around the world.
And only the infamous Count Dracula stands between the creature and what seems to be the imminent destruction of the world. So, he will embark on a journey that will bring him face-to-face with old friends and new foes. Including a host of bizarre marine creatures that would stop him in his tracks. Are you up for the challenge?
An Eclectic Mix Of The Old And The New
An Eclectic mix with a rather modern twist. I suppose that’s the proper way to explain Dracula- the BBC mini-series. Without going into spoiler territory. I’ll try and not to cross that line, but forgive me in advance if I do.
And it’s essence it’s a game of cat and mouse between Dracula (Claes Bang) and Sister Agatha Van Helsing (Dolly Wells) that spans several centuries. Yes, this is a somewhat odd (and rather different) re-telling of the classic brook, but quite intriguing nonetheless. At times weird, but intriguing nonetheless.
Because of the blend of old and new, the characters, the twists and even the development of the story, the mini-series itself feels brand new. And much like Sherlock for instance (despite being three 90 minute long episodes in a season), other similarities signal the Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat involvement. First and foremost there’s the all famous SMS text on a screen. You can find this visual storytelling in the final episode, and over there you’ll find Mark Gatiss in a supporting role as well. As Fred, Dracula’s lawyer in this version (or R. M. Renfield for those of you who’ve read the book).
Dracula Subverts Your Expectations In 2020
If you thought that Star Wars did that, then you’ve obviously never seen the 2020 Dracula series. Here we wave a modern and sophisticated Dracula who ironically isn’t afraid of all the things we think he should be. Things like crosses, or the sunlight. Or even setting foot in a home without being invited first. He even knows how to use modern technology! Dracula is on Tinder here for Pete’s sake! But frankly, I loved how the season’s 3 episodes transitioned us from the all too familiar Gothic setting to the modern times of 2020.
It was a gradual process although the pacing in between was not that impressive. Furthermore, the second episode is the weakest link in my opinion, but I digress. However, I am quite impressed with how subdued Claes Bang’s performance of Dracula is. Instead of going the usual very theatrical, almost campy performance, his acting is much classier and natural, which I think is a nice touch. In fact, almost all of the performances (with few exceptions) are nice and toned down, which is also a nice touch. Yup! It’s A Rather Different Dracula all right.
Do you remember how I mentioned that the usual things that we associate with Dracula don’t apply here? Well, that rather true about the man himself. The character that brings out fear, and whose name epitomizes death, and horror… well over here in Dracula the mini-series is in fact afraid of it. Indeed, Dracula fears death and is deeply ashamed of it. And with all the irony in the world, everyone around him (the mere mortals like us) doesn’t seem all that bothered or scared of death. Except him. Insane right? I thought so too.
Same Writers, Different Directors
I also appreciated the fact that a huge portion of the series has a sort of „Interview with the vampire“ style of storytelling. It’s one of the very few things that feel familiar when it comes to vampire cinematic storytelling. Two characters conduct an interview and throughout that particular interview (and with flash-back scenes) we find out the events of the past. Solid right?
But in the midst of all the talking and sharing, some genuinely scary scenes are a nice reminder that it’s Dracula that we’re watching after all. And unlike the credited screenwriters, all three episodes have different directors. Sure, you can clearly see the difference in style, camera work, and the use of CGI in those episodes. At times the direction is good and rather satisfactory, and at times it’s poorly executed. However, I must stress that out of the three episodes, the second one is by far the poorest in quality. In both style and substance as well.
Incredible Dracula Is Not So Incredible In 2020
It turns out Dracula is not so incredible in 2020. And so are the rest of the characters in this version. Mina, Jonathan and Lucy’s treatment is a bit of a letdown in the mini-series, but the biggest change is in Dracula himself. And it may not be the cup of tea for everyone. Frankly it was a mixed bag for me. It has some nice moments, but some wacky ones as well. Sure the modern setting is a bit strange and the changes to the iconic characters are odd. But despite all the changes in the characters, there’s a total lack of development in all of them.
That’s my biggest pet peeve with the new format. When you have the audacity to change the very core of the characters, at least develop them properly. Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat barely scratch the surface of any of them. Not to mention the ending (and everything that leads to it) feels a bit rushed. I get what Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat were trying to do with their bold and daring changes, but the execution feels off. I get the intention, but the final product is rather disappointing and pretentious.
Your Thoughts On Dracula
Do you like this new version of Dracula? Or you hate it? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it.
