Apparently having no knowledge of the Ottoman Empire or World War I nor how its end led to us Turks losing the land israel now occupies after millennia, Candace Owens, Sneako & their braindead followers argue that Turkic origin explains the historical & contemporary evil machinations of what they call “fake jews.” However, a thorough examination of genetic, historical & even base logical evidence reveals the hypothesis to be fundamentally flawed. jews are jews & there are no “fake jews” Turks. This article explores these facets in detail, drawing on scholarly studies & documented timelines to provide a comprehensive rebuttal.
Genetic Evidence: No Trace of Khazar Ancestry
Central to debunking the Khazar hypothesis is the robust body of genetic research that consistently affirms the Middle Eastern origins of ashkenazi jews. A pivotal study in this regard is the 2013 genome-wide analysis published in Human Biology, co-authored by Michael Hammer of the University of Arizona. This research compared DNA samples from ashkenazi jews with populations from the Caucasus region, which serves as a proxy for potential Khazar descendants due to the historical location of the Khazar Khaganate. The findings were unequivocal: no detectable genetic similarity exists between ashkenazi jews & these groups.
Instead, the study confirmed that ashkenazi paternal lineages trace back to the Levant (the ancient Near East), while maternal lineages show European admixture, likely from conversions & intermarriages during the diaspora. This aligns with broader consensus in population genetics, as seen in works like Harry Ostrer’s 2012 book Legacy: A Genetic History of the jewish People, which emphasises continuity from ancient Levantine populations. Fringe claims, such as those in Eran Elhaik’s 2013 paper suggesting partial Khazar origins, have been widely critiqued for methodological flaws & contradicted by larger datasets. For instance, a 2010 Nature study by Behar et al. further supports negligible Turkic or Central Asian input, underscoring that ashkenazi jews share genetic markers with other jewish groups, including sephardic & mizrahi jews, far more than with any Turkic peoples.
Historical Expulsions: A Pattern Predating Khazar Conversion
A particularly compelling critique of the Khazar hypothesis comes from historical records of Jewish expulsions, which demonstrate conflicts & patterns long before any purported Khazar influence. In a widely shared X post by @BasedSamParker, the author meticulously breaks down over 1,000 documented expulsions spanning millennia, arguing that attributing tensions solely to subgroups like “Khazarians,” “Talmudists,” “Sabbateans,” “Frankists,” or “Zionists” overlooks deeper, persistent dynamics. Parker’s analysis is exhaustive: 143 expulsions occurred before the Talmud’s compilation around AD 500; 181 predated the alleged Khazar conversion in AD 740–800; 602 before Sabbateanism in AD 1665; 679 before Frankism in AD 1755; & 752 before modern Zionism in 1897.
Have you ever heard a version of the following: “They aren’t real jews, they’re [Khazarians/Frankists/Satanists/etc]”
Such a take simply ignores the full scope of history. So let’s look at these assertions through the lens of jewish expulsions throughout history:
▪️”It’s the Talmudists” (ca AD 500) There were 143 expulsions of jews before the publication of the Talmud. If it were just the Talmud that was the problem, how do we account for those prior expulsions?
▪️”It’s the Khazarians” (ca AD 800) From their flight out of Egypt until AD 800 when the alleged mythical Khazarian conversion happened, there were 181 jewish expulsions (143 before the Talmud’s publication and 38 afterward). If the problem is the “Khazarians,” how do we account for those 181 expulsions?
▪️”It’s the Sabbateans” (ca AD 1665) There were another 421 expulsions after the alleged mythical Khazarian conversion, but prior to the rise of the Sabbateans. Making 602 total before Sabbateanism. How do we account for those?
▪️”It’s the Frankists” (ca AD 1755) There were 77 more expulsions after the rise of Sabbateanism but before the creation of Frankism. That makes 679 before Frankism, so how do we account for those?
▪️”It’s the zionists” (ca AD 1897) There were 73 expulsions after the rise of Frankism but before the establishment of zionism in 1897. That’s 752 total jewish expulsions prior to the rise of zionism. How do we account for those if the problem is just “zionism?”
Other major jewish groups & movements have overlapped those time periods above: Babylonian exiles, Samaritans, Hellenized jews, pharisees, sadducees, zealots, rabbinic judaism, zohar/kaballah, illuminati, Bolshevism, etc.
▪️Atheist Bolshevik jews: emerged prominently with the Russian Revolutions, 1905-1925 ▪️Illuminati: founded 1776 ▪️Frankists: established around 1755 ▪️Sabbateans: established around 1665 ▪️Zohar: first published around AD 1280–1290 ▪️Kabbalah: began to take shape around the 12th–13th centuries, c. 1100s–1200s AD ▪️Alleged Khazars Conversion To judaism: allegedly occurred starting around AD 740-800 ▪️Talmud judaism: talmud completed c. 400–600 AD ▪️Rabbinic judaism: began to take shape around the 1st century AD, solidified c. 70–200 AD. Led to full talmudic judaism. ▪️Zealots/Sadducees/Pharisees, ca 1st Century AD ▪️Edomites’ Conversion to judaism: occurred 125–110 BC ▪️Hellenized jews: emerged by the 3rd century BC (c. 300–200 BC) ▪️Samaritan jews (distinct identity): began to form around 722 BC (solidified c. 500–400 BC) ▪️Babylonian Exiles (black magic/usury skills): c. 597–539 BC
It doesn’t matter the period of history: there’s always something going on within the tribe of people who now call themselves jews—and it’s always leading to them being expelled. One revolutionary, subversive, or supremacist movement after another.
Laying blame at the feet of only one of these movements ignores the long arc of history. These people have had problems with their neighbors for a long time.
Who are the “real” jеws now & who are the “fake” ones? Who knows! Are any of them real or fake? Different factions of jews tell different stories–accusing some factions of being fake & claiming the mantle of authenticity for themselves: “zionists aren’t real jews,” or “Sabbateans aren’t real jews,” or “those are Talmudists, they aren’t real jews,” or “The ADL isn’t actually jewish,” etc etc etc. Whenever there’s a problematic or unpopular jewish movement, the rest of jewry “disavows” them: “They’re not real jews.” And often tries to offload the blame onto some Gentiles.
But at this moment in time, they all seem to band together with each other against the rest of us–and it’s been this way for millennia. No matter which time frame you choose, jеws were having problems getting along with non-jews. 3000 years ago or 3 years ago, that’s remained consistent.
Whatever they are; whoever they are; wherever they come from; whatever you call them–they call themselves jews, and they can’t seem to get along with the rest of us.
Drawing from sources such as Paul Johnson’s A History of the jews & compilations on jewishVirtualLibrary.org, Parker illustrates how these events reflect overlapping influences, including Edomite conversions around 125–110 BC, Babylonian exiles from 597–539 BC, & Kabbalah’s emergence in the 1100s–1200s AD. He dismisses attempts to scapegoat specific sects as deflection, noting that self-identified jews have historically united against non-jews, as evidenced in ancient texts like Flavius Josephus’ Antiquities of the jews. This timeline not only predates Khazar involvement but also challenges the notion of a fabricated Turkic identity, as expulsions from places like ancient Egypt to medieval Europe occurred without any Central Asian context.
Parker’s post stands out for its rigorous use of historical data to refute subgroup narratives, emphasising that the Khazar theory serves as a convenient excuse to ignore broader patterns of perceived subversion or supremacism. For those researching “jewish expulsions history” or “Khazar myth origins,” this perspective provides a grounded counterpoint to conspiracy-driven claims, reinforcing that the hypothesis fails to account for millennia of documented interactions.
The Ottoman Empire: Logical Inconsistencies in the Khazar Narrative
The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire offers one of the most glaring logical flaws in the Khazar hypothesis, particularly when considering the land now occupied by israel. For centuries, Ottoman Turks ruled Palestine as part of our vast empire that endured until the end of World War I in 1918. If ashkenazi jews were truly ethnic Turks descended from Khazars, there would have been no impetus for them to infiltrate & sabotage our empire to seize control of the region. Such actions would amount to Turks undermining our own dominion, a self-defeating endeavour akin to someone bombing their own house to get their own food from their own refrigerator. Historical records show zionist movements & external pressures contributing to the empire’s fall, leading to the British Mandate & eventual establishment of israel, but these were driven by jewish nationalist aspirations rooted in ancient israelite claims. The absence of any affinity or alliance with the Ottomans—despite shared “Turkic” origins under Khazar theory—exposes the hypothesis as historically incoherent, as jews resisted Ottoman rule rather than embracing it as compatriots.
Ottoman Control Over Palestine for Centuries: The Ottoman Empire, established in the late 13th century, expanded to include Palestine by 1516 under Sultan Selim I, maintaining dominion over the region for over four centuries until 1918. This period saw Palestine as an integral part of Ottoman territories, governed through vilayets (provinces) & subject to Turkish administrative & legal systems, with no significant challenges from purported “Khazarian” jews who, if ethnically Turkic, would logically have integrated rather than opposed the regime.
World War I & the Empire’s Dissolution: The Ottoman Empire allied with the Central Powers during World War I (1914–1918), facing defeats in key campaigns such as the Arab Revolt (1916–1918, supported by British forces) & the Sinai & Palestine Campaign (1915–1918). These military setbacks, compounded by internal nationalist movements & economic strain, led to the empire’s fragmentation via the Armistice of Mudros in October 1918 & subsequent treaties like the Treaty of Sèvres (1920), which partitioned Ottoman lands & ended Turkish sovereignty over Palestine.
The Balfour Declaration & British Mandate: Issued on 2 November 1917 by British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, this declaration expressed support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the jewish people,” amid the ongoing war & as British forces advanced into Ottoman-held territories (e.g., the capture of jerusalem in December 1917). It paved the way for the League of Nations to grant Britain the Mandate for Palestine in 1920, effectively transferring control from the defeated Ottomans to British administration, which facilitated increased Jewish immigration & set the stage for the 1948 establishment of Israel—actions that proponents of the Khazar theory illogically attribute to “Turkic” jews wresting land from their own ethnicity.
zionist Infiltration & Sabotage Claims in Context: Historical narratives often highlight zionist diplomacy & alliances with Britain (e.g., through figures like Chaim Weizmann) as contributing to Ottoman decline, but under the Khazar hypothesis, such “infiltration” becomes absurd: why would ethnic Turks sabotage a Turkish empire to claim Palestinian land already under their broader ethnic control? This contradiction underscores the theory’s failure, as real motivations stemmed from religious & historical ties to ancient israel, not fabricated Turkic origins.
Deflection Tactics: Shifting Blame from Core Doctrines
A recurring theme in critiques of the Khazar hypothesis is its role as a deflection, serving only to redirect scrutiny away from judaism & jewry. This tactic, often employed by christians, avoids addressing fallacies in their own religious doctrines or historical behaviours by framing issues as the work of “fake” jews with Turkic roots or “fake” jews worshipping Baal, Moloch, Satan or any other cope they can think of instead of rebuking all judeo aspects of themselves. However, as genetic & historical evidence shows, such theories lack substantiation & instead perpetuate myths that contradict genuine data. They ignore comprehensive DNA data & have been dismissed by mainstream historians for selective interpretations. By emphasising “Khazarian Turks,” proponents deflect blame, but this only underscores the hypothesis’s weakness when confronted with facts.
Conclusion: Towards Evidence-Based Understanding
The Khazar hypothesis is completely bunk. Genetic studies from institutions like the University of Arizona, detailed expulsion timelines as outlined by Parker, & logical analyses of events like the Ottoman Empire’s fall all converge to debunk any substantive links between jews & Turks. For those exploring “debunking Khazar theory” or “jewish genetic history,” prioritising peer-reviewed sources over social media narratives is essential. Blacks are generally not known for intellectual acumen, but allow one to speak & they will spread dangerous misinformation such as this, whether intentionally or not. It’s well known that every single AI video fools them. That this repeatedly debunked claim even reared its goofy face again is a testament to the dangers of giving a monkey like Candace a platform in the first place. She should be deported back to Africa for this.
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In the rapidly evolving world of portable photography & videography, DJI continues to refine its offerings through regular firmware updates. The most recent update for the DJI Nano, just released in February 2026, brings the firmware version to v01.01.27.51. Available via the DJI Mimo app for both iOS (v2.6.12) & Android (v2.6.12), this update introduces practical improvements designed to enhance creative flexibility & device reliability. For users encountering installation issues, DJI advises restarting the camera & app, ensuring Wi-Fi & Bluetooth are enabled, & reconnecting before attempting the update again. Persistent problems should prompt contact with DJI Support. This follows a prior update in November 2025 (v01.01.16.50), which added features such as Natural Wide FOV, HorizonCorrection, & improved microphone integration with the vision dock. Below, we explore the new additions in detail, highlighting how they benefit content creators & enthusiasts.
Native 9:16 Aspect Ratio Support in Video Mode
The addition of support for a 9:16 aspect ratio in video mode represents a user-focused enhancement tailored to the growing demand for vertical content in social media & short-form video platforms. This feature allows the DJI Nano to natively capture footage in a portrait orientation, which aligns perfectly with formats used on apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, & Snapchat, eliminating the need for post-production cropping that could degrade image quality or alter the intended composition. By adjusting the sensor’s output to prioritise height over width, users can achieve fuller utilisation of the camera’s resolution—typically up to 4K in this mode—resulting in sharper, more immersive vertical videos. This is especially beneficial for creators on the go, such as vloggers or social influencers, as it streamlines the workflow from capture to upload, saving time while maintaining professional-grade results. Additionally, it opens up creative possibilities for storytelling, like emphasising tall subjects or vertical panning shots, without compromising on the device’s gimbal stabilisation or intelligent shooting modes.
Introduction of Film Tone in Photo & Video Modes
The introduction of the “Film Tone” option to image parameters in both photo & video modes brings a layer of cinematic sophistication to the DJI Nano’s capabilities, allowing users to apply pre-set colour grading effects that mimic the aesthetic of traditional film. This mode adjusts key elements such as colour balance, contrast, & saturation to produce a more dramatic & evocative look, often with warmer tones, deeper shadows, & controlled highlights that evoke the feel of classic cinema. Unlike standard colour profiles, Film Tone is designed for users who want to infuse their content with artistic flair right at the point of capture, reducing reliance on editing software for basic corrections. It can be particularly advantageous in low-light scenarios or when shooting narrative content, as it enhances dynamic range & preserves details in highlights & shadows. Creators can toggle this option via the DJI Mimo app, experimenting with it alongside other parameters like sharpness or exposure to customise the output, making the Nano a more versatile tool for aspiring filmmakers or photographers seeking a polished, ready-to-share result.
Resolution of Minor Bugs for Improved Performance
The fixing of minor bugs in this firmware update underscores DJI’s commitment to ongoing device optimisation, addressing subtle issues that could impact user experience without introducing major disruptions. These corrections typically target areas like software stability, such as resolving occasional app crashes during live previews, improving Bluetooth connectivity reliability for smoother remote control, or refining algorithm accuracy in features like subject tracking or auto-exposure. While the specifics are often kept general to protect against potential exploits, such updates collectively enhance the Nano’s performance, leading to fewer interruptions during shoots & more consistent battery efficiency. For users, this means a more dependable tool in real-world scenarios, whether filming action sequences or casual clips, & it helps prevent cumulative frustrations that might arise from unaddressed glitches over time. Overall, these bug fixes contribute to the longevity & resale value of the device by ensuring it remains responsive & up-to-date with evolving user needs.
This firmware update positions the DJI Nano as a competitive choice in the compact camera market, catering to both amateur & professional users who value portability without sacrificing quality. By incorporating vertical video support, cinematic colour options, & essential stability improvements, DJI addresses key trends in content creation while maintaining the device’s core strengths in gimbal technology & ease of use. Users are encouraged to update promptly to access these features, & those new to the DJI ecosystem may find the Nano’s blend of innovation & reliability particularly appealing. For the latest details & troubleshooting, refer to the official DJI website or community forums.
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1996年のデビュー以来、吸血鬼の陰謀、断片的なタイムライン、そして反英雄的な運命を描いた複雑な物語で、Legacy of Kainシリーズは世界中のゲーマーを魅了してきました。しかしながら、日本ではこの西洋ゴシックフランチャイズは、限定的なローカライズと熱心なオンラインコミュニティによって、より控えめな印象を維持してきました。リマスター版のリリースで人気が再燃し、22年以上ぶりの新作となる2Dプラットフォームゲーム『レガシー・オブ・ケインのアセンダンス』が2026年3月31日の発売を迎える中、この記事では、この吸血鬼ゲームシリーズの日本における存在感を振り返ります。
リリースは少なかったものの、熱心なファンベースがオンラインプラットフォームを通じて『Legacy of Kain』の伝承を守り続けてきました。2012年に設立された「Legacy of Kain研究所」atwikiでは、シリーズ全時代における脚本、タイムライン分析、マップ、歴史的解説の包括的な日本語訳を提供しています。更新ペースは鈍化していますが、このシリーズが持つシェイクスピア的なテーマと哲学的な含意への深い関心を物語っています。
The Legacy of Kain series, with its intricate narratives of vampiric intrigue, fractured timelines & antiheroic destinies, has captivated gamers worldwide since its debut in 1996. In Japan, however, this Western gothic franchise has maintained a more subdued profile, marked by selective localisations & dedicated online communities. As remasters revive interest & 2D platformer Legacy of Kain: Ascendance — the first new title in over 22 years — approaches its March 31, 2026 release, this article provides a retrospective on the vampire gaming series’ presence in Japan.
A Selective Release History in Japan
Japan’s engagement with Legacy of Kain has been characterised by limited official releases, often tailored to appeal to fans of action-adventure titles with dark fantasy elements. Publishers such as BMG Interactive, Titus Software & more recently U&I Entertainment have handled ports, but several entries were confined to imports or outright cancellations due to market considerations.
The series’ localisation efforts varied: some featured full Japanese dubs to enhance immersion, while others retained English audio with minimal adaptations. Physical editions, now collector’s items, included unique elements like colour manuals with character bios to bridge cultural gaps.
The Legacy of Kain series has had a varied presence in Japan, with some titles receiving official localizations while others were limited to imports or canceled. Starting with Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain from 1996, it was released in Japan under the title Kain the Vampire (カイン・ザ・ヴァンパイア) on PS1 on March or May 30, 1997, published by BMG Interactive and Crystal Dynamics. It featured a full Japanese dub over an English gameplay base, with box art evoking Castlevania aesthetics and including a color manual with bios and posters, though it’s rare on auction sites today. Next, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver from 1999 had a PC-only Japanese title of ソウル・リーヴァー on Windows with an unspecified release date and no publisher listed; localization was possibly limited to Japanese text. The PS1 version was planned by Capcom but canceled, leading to prevalent imports, and a remastered version bundled with Soul Reaver 2 came out on December 10, 2024 for PC and Xbox, followed by July 10, 2025 for Switch, PS4, and PS5 by U&I. Soul Reaver 2 from 2001 was localized as レガシー・オブ・カイン ソウルリーヴァー2 on PS2 in 2002, published by Titus Software with a full Japanese dub identical to the US version, including a color manual with bios, bonus FMVs for series recaps, and violence warnings. Blood Omen 2 from 2002 had no Japanese title, platform, release date, publisher, or localization, relying solely on imports with no confirmed digital JP PSN release. Similarly, Legacy of Kain: Defiance from 2003 lacked a Japanese title, platform, release date, publisher, or localization, available only via imports, but a remastered version is set for March 3 or 4, 2026 on PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox, and PC at ¥3,630. Finally, the upcoming Ascendance from 2026 retains the title Legacy of Kain: Ascendance on PS5 (with others to be announced) releasing on March 31, 2026, published by Crystal Dynamics and Bit Bot Media with Japanese text and subtitles; it has an official JP PS Store page with a localized description highlighting pixel art and Nosgoth lore.
Spin-offs like Nosgoth (2015) saw no Japanese distribution. These releases reflect the series’ niche appeal in a market favouring JRPGs & lighter narratives.
Despite sparse releases, a committed fanbase has preserved Legacy of Kain‘s lore through online platforms. The “Legacy of Kain 研究所” (Research Institute) atwiki, established in 2012, offers comprehensive Japanese translations of scripts, timeline analyses, maps & historical breakdowns across the series’ eras. Although updates have slowed, it demonstrates the depth of engagement with the franchise’s Shakespearean themes & philosophical undertones.
Recent remasters have reignited discussions: Outlets like 4Gamer, Denfaminicogamer & Automaton highlighted Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered as a long-awaited domestic console debut, noting enhanced visuals & CERO Z ratings. On X (formerly Twitter), Japanese users express enthusiasm under tags like “レガシー・オブ・カイン” or “ソウルリーヴァー”, with older posts from 2013 referencing domain registrations & the series’ dark fantasy allure.
Fan art on Pixiv merges Nosgoth’s aesthetics with JRPG styles, while import shops stock remaster editions. This community, though small, underscores the series’ enduring narrative appeal.
Revival & Future Prospects in Japan
The 2024-2026 wave of releases—Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered, Defiance Remastered & the pixel-art prequel Ascendance—represents the series’ most significant push in Japan. With Japanese subtitles standard & pricing around ¥3,000-4,000, these target retro enthusiasts & new players alike. Ascendance, blending 2D platforming with vertical exploration & fluid combat, positions itself as a fresh entry in Nosgoth’s lore.
In a landscape dominated by expansive JRPGs, Legacy of Kain persists as a compelling outlier, its revival potentially broadening its Japanese audience. As Nosgoth’s tales unfold anew, the series’ legacy in Japan may yet ascend.
Unless otherwise noted, image assets above are NOT original content & are shared under fair use doctrine with NO claims to authorship or ownership. Contact necrolicious@necrolicious.com for credit or removal.
This post was sponsored by…ME! If you’d like to support, please buy my original meme merchandise or check out my affiliate links to get yourself some other cool things. Additional affiliate links may be contained in the above article. If you click on an affiliate link & sign up/make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This does not increase the price you pay for the product or service, so it helps support this website at no cost to you.
五十嵐氏がコナミを離れ、 『悪魔城ドラキュラ』の真の精神的後継作を追求するにあたり、彼は誰よりも信頼を寄せていた唯一の協力者、飯田氏に目を向けました。飯田氏は迷うことなくArtPlayに入社し、『Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night』のクリエイティブディレクターに就任しました。2019年にリリースされた本作は、イガヴァニアのフォーミュラである滑らかな戦闘、広大なマップ、そして紛れもない発見の感覚を忠実に再現したことが高く評価され、批評的にも商業的にも成功を収めました。
飯田氏は健康状態が悪化する中、続編『Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement』のクリエイティブディレクターとして深く関わり続けました。五十嵐氏は、飯田氏のビジョンと情熱を引き継ぎ、プロジェクトが最終段階にあることを発表しています。
飯田周太郎氏は献身の体現者だった。『ARIA of SORROW』における完璧なジャンプアークの創造から、 『Dawn of Sorrow』におけるソウルシステムの微調整まで、あらゆるプロジェクトに変わらぬ情熱で臨んだ。彼の仕事は、このジャンルがノスタルジアへと薄れゆく危機に瀕していた時代に、古典的名作「悪魔城ドラキュラ」の精神を息づかせることに大きく貢献した。
The world of 2D action-platformers has lost one of its most influential figures. On 10 February 2026, Shutaro Iida—known to fans as SHUTARO, the Curry Hermit, Curry Sage & Curry the Kid—passed away at the age of 52 following an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. The announcement, first shared by his family & then amplified in a moving tribute from his longtime collaborator Koji Igarashi, has prompted an outpouring of respect across the gaming community.
Iida was far more than a name in the credits. For those who grew up with the handheld Castlevania titles of the 2000s like me, he was the quiet force whose programming, design & meticulous balance turned ambitious concepts into enduring masterpieces. His partnership with Igarashi began on Castlevania: Symphony of the Night & endured for more than two decades, producing some of the most celebrated entries in the series.
The Architect of the Handheld Castlevania Era
Iida’s contributions to Castlevania are impossible to overstate. He served as chief programmer on several landmark titles, shaping everything from player movement to enemy behaviour & intricate level design. His credits include:
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003) — Chief Programmer (and System & Player Programmer, credited as “Curry the Kid”)
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (2003) — Enemy Programmer
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005) — Chief Programmer
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (2006) — Chief Programmer
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (2008) — Chief Programmer
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (2010) — Director & Stage Designer
These were not mere technical roles. Igarashi has repeatedly credited Iida with the very essence of what made these games special. In a 2024 post reflecting on their collaboration, Igarashi wrote:
“In the works that I produced, especially the highly acclaimed ones, the programming, of course, as well as the game design & adjustments, were all done by SHUTARO’s hand. Without a doubt, it is thanks to him that I am here now.”
When the Castlevania Dominus Collection launched later that year, Igarashi urged fans to play the three titles directed by Iida—Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin & Order of Ecclesia—as a gesture of support during his illness. “I’m playing through them now… they’re quite difficult, but so much fun,” he noted. “Let’s clear all three as a prayer for him to overcome his illness.”
Igarashi later described the entire DS-era Castlevania lineage & the original Bloodstained as “essentially produced with SHUTARO as director at the centre. They can truly be called his works.”
From Konami to ArtPlay: A Partnership That Lasted a Lifetime
When Igarashi left Konami to pursue a true spiritual successor to Castlevania, he turned to the one collaborator he trusted above all others. Iida joined ArtPlay without hesitation & became the creative director of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The 2019 release was a critical & commercial triumph, praised for its faithful recreation of the Igavania formula—fluid combat, sprawling maps & that unmistakable sense of discovery.
Even as his health declined, Iida remained deeply involved with the sequel, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, serving as its creative director. Igarashi has confirmed the project is in its final stages, carrying Iida’s vision & passion forward.
Igarashi’s Tribute: A Testament to Two Decades of Shared Passion
In his official statement, Igarashi captured the depth of their bond with characteristic restraint & sincerity:
“I have worked with him since Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It is no exaggeration to say that many of the titles praised as masterpieces would not have been possible without his contributions. His talent was truly exceptional… Before I knew it, he had been supporting me for over 20 years. He was someone who always thought about games & threw his whole life into development.”
He added a note of quiet relief amid the sorrow:
“The year-and-a-half battle that followed must have been unimaginably grueling. While his passing is deeply regrettable, there is also a sense of relief knowing he is now free from suffering. Having run at full speed until the very end, I hope he can now rest peacefully.”
A Legacy Etched in Pixels & Memory
Shutaro Iida was the embodiment of dedication. He approached every project with the same intensity, whether crafting the perfect jump arc in Aria of Sorrow or fine-tuning the soul system in Dawn of Sorrow. His work helped keep the spirit of classic Castlevania alive at a time when the genre risked fading into nostalgia.
To his family, his colleagues at ArtPlay & the countless players whose evenings were spent exploring his meticulously designed castles: our thoughts are with you.
And to Shutaro—thank you. For the hidden rooms, the perfectly timed dodges, the bosses that tested our resolve & the worlds that felt alive. Your castles stand eternal.
Rest in peace.
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Unless otherwise noted, image assets above are NOT original content & are shared under fair use doctrine with NO claims to authorship or ownership. Contact necrolicious@necrolicious.com for credit or removal.
This post was sponsored by…ME! If you’d like to support, please buy my original meme merchandise or check out my affiliate links to get yourself some other cool things. Additional affiliate links may be contained in the above article. If you click on an affiliate link & sign up/make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This does not increase the price you pay for the product or service, so it helps support this website at no cost to you.