The game features a variety of characters, including Simon, Dracula, and several other allies and enemies. While the story is not as complex as some of the later Castlevania games, it provides a solid foundation for the gameplay and serves as a springboard for the series' continued evolution. Castlevania IV was developed by Sega's then-internal development team, now known as Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. The game was directed by Eitaro Itoyama and produced by Toru Osawa. The development team aimed to create a more action-oriented game than its predecessors, with a greater emphasis on exploration and platforming.