Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Japanese: 悪魔城ドラキュラX 月下の夜想曲 Hepburn: Akumajō Dracula X: Gekka no Yasōkyoku, Devil's Castle Dracula X: Nocturne in the Moonlight) is a platform-adventure action role-playing game developed and published by Konami in 1997 for the PlayStation. It is the direct sequel to Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and features Dracula's dhampir son Alucard as the protagonist. It marks a break from previous games in the series, which are action platformers. The game features more emphasis on exploration, non-linear level design, and role-playing elements.