For fans of gothic action-RPGs, few items generate the same quiet excitement as physical merchandise tied to Symphony of the Night. The Castlevania Dracula X: Symphony of the Night Dramatic Figure Vol.2 set from Konami captures two characters from a game that redefined an entire genre. Produced during an era when Konami still regularly released in-house figures for its own franchises, these pieces have quietly become sought-after by long-term Castlevania collectors. This particular two-figure set represents a specific slice of late-1990s to early-2000s Konami merchandising that is increasingly hard to find in complete condition.
Japanese scale figures occupy a distinct place in the collectibles world. Compared to Western statue releases, Japanese figures often prioritize character accuracy, sculpted detail, and printed graphics on box art that treats the source material with reverence. Konami’s Dramatic Figure line — released almost exclusively for the domestic Japanese market — reflects that sensibility, and locating them today typically means sourcing from Japanese resellers who preserved the originals in their home country.
About This Item
The Castlevania Dracula X: Symphony of the Night Dramatic Figure Vol.2 is a two-figure set produced by Konami as part of their Dramatic Figure series, which was released in the early 2000s to celebrate iconic characters from the publisher’s back catalog. Vol.2 followed the initial release with a second pairing of characters drawn directly from the 1997 PlayStation classic. Each figure in the set features detailed sculpting, painted finishes, and pose work intended to reflect the gothic atmosphere of the original game, right down to costume folds, weapon detail, and character-appropriate stances.
These figures were manufactured by Konami directly rather than farmed out to a major figure specialist, which gives the line a specific in-house aesthetic recognizable to collectors who follow Konami merchandise. The Dramatic Figure format positioned the characters on themed bases, adding scenic elements consistent with Castle Dracula. This example is pre-owned condition, carefully inspected, and shipped from Japan where the majority of surviving stock has remained since original release.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: Konami
- Series/Franchise: Castlevania (Akumajō Dracula) — Symphony of the Night
- Type: Scale Figures (Dramatic Figure Vol.2, 2-figure set)
- Condition: Pre-owned, inspected before shipping
- Origin: Japan
The Castlevania Franchise: Why Collectors Care
Castlevania began in 1986 as a Famicom Disk System title and has since grown into one of Konami’s flagship franchises, spanning over 30 games across nearly every major platform. Symphony of the Night, first released in Japan in March 1997 under the title Akumajō Dracula X: Gekka no Yasōkyoku, is widely regarded as the series’ creative high point. Directed by Toru Hagihara with Koji Igarashi serving as assistant director, the game introduced non-linear castle exploration, RPG mechanics, and Michiru Yamane’s now-legendary orchestral soundtrack. According to Konami’s own historical retrospectives and coverage on the Symphony of the Night reference page, the game co-defined what fans and critics later termed the “Metroidvania” subgenre.
Rarity and Value Factors
Konami’s own merchandise from the late-1990s and early-2000s Castlevania era was produced in relatively small quantities compared to shonen-anime tie-in figures of the same period. Symphony of the Night, despite its cult status, was not a mass-market blockbuster at launch, and merchandise volumes reflected that. In my experience handling Konami-branded figure sets, complete boxed examples with all inserts, base pieces, and unassembled accessories are the exception rather than the rule. Sets like Dramatic Figure Vol.2 typically appear on the Japanese secondary market in single-digit listings per month, and prices have trended upward as the game’s reputation continues to grow. Original owners often displayed these pieces long-term, meaning UV-related paint fade on lighter costume elements is a real concern that directly affects value.
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- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
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Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
When evaluating a Dramatic Figure set from this era, condition assessment starts with the box itself. Konami used printed cardboard boxes with window fronts, and those windows commonly show scuffing, edge crushing, or yellowing over two decades of storage. Inside, the blister trays that hold each figure can develop stress cracks, and small parts — weapons, cape edges, or base decorations — are the most frequent casualties of previous handling. We inspected this piece for surface wear, verified the box flaps are intact, and checked that painted details on both figures remain crisp with no significant chipping.
Paint quality is where Konami’s in-house figures show their age most visibly. Look closely at facial detail, edge lines on armor or clothing, and any translucent accessories that may have yellowed. Because this is a two-figure set, pricing assumes both figures are present, matched to the correct base, and free of aftermarket repairs. A missing accessory can reduce value by 30% or more. For general reference on collecting Konami-era figures, you can also Browse more collector guides on our blog.
Condition Checklist
- Paint integrity: Inspect faces, weapon edges, and small trim lines for chipping or rubbing
- Small parts: Confirm all accessories, capes, and base decorations are present and unbroken
- Base fit: Verify the figures peg into their intended bases without wobble
- Yellowing: Check translucent or white elements for UV discoloration
- Packaging: Original box, inserts, and any promotional inserts significantly increase collector value
Price Guide
Pricing for the Dramatic Figure Vol.2 set varies considerably with condition. Loose or incomplete examples typically trade in the $40–$70 range. Complete boxed sets with intact figures and minor box wear generally sit in the $90–$150 bracket. Mint-in-sealed-box examples, when they surface, can reach $180–$260 or higher depending on demand and buyer competition. The strongest price drivers are box condition, presence of all accessories, and absence of paint fade. Because Konami never reissued this specific line, supply is fixed and slowly shrinking as pieces get damaged or opened over time.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to this set typically also pursue other Konami-produced Castlevania merchandise. The Dramatic Figure Vol.1 pairing is a natural companion piece and rounds out the initial character lineup. Konami also released trading figure sets and the later Trading Figure Collection based on Symphony of the Night artwork, which offer smaller-scale alternatives at more accessible prices. For high-end collectors, First 4 Figures produced licensed Castlevania statues in more recent years — larger and more expensive, but often considered part of a complete Castlevania display. Soundtrack CDs, particularly the original Japanese pressing of the Nocturne in the Moonlight OST composed by Michiru Yamane, are widely collected alongside these figures and complete the atmosphere of a dedicated Castlevania display.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture places unusual emphasis on preservation. It is common for domestic owners to keep boxes, plastic wrap, and even the original store price stickers intact for decades. Konami’s Dramatic Figure line was never distributed internationally in meaningful quantities, meaning virtually all surviving stock originated in Japan and has stayed there. Sourcing directly from Japanese sellers means access to examples that never left their original retail region, reducing the risk of counterfeits and increasing the odds of finding truly complete sets. Specialist sellers in Japan also tend to grade condition conservatively, which benefits buyers looking for accurate descriptions rather than optimistic ones. Contact our team if you have questions about authenticity, and refer to our returns policy for inspection guarantees.
Summary
The Castlevania Dracula X: Symphony of the Night Dramatic Figure Vol.2 set is one of those quietly essential pieces for any serious Castlevania collector — tied directly to the most beloved entry in the franchise, produced in small numbers by Konami itself, and increasingly difficult to source in complete condition. For collectors who value the 1997 classic and appreciate late-90s Japanese figure craftsmanship, this pre-owned set represents a meaningful addition to a display shelf and a tangible link to a landmark moment in gaming history.
Published: 2024 · Last reviewed: January 2025 · Author: by Haruki Tanaka, collector-editor
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