In the first level, do not hit the first candle. Now when you come to the 11th candle, hit it to reveal a 1-Up.
Hard Mode
Much like other Castlevania games, you can keep on playing with harder difficulties after the credits roll. Once 'The End' appears on the screen, press the A button to play through the game again with damage from creatures increased twofold. This will continue to increase with each subsequent loop through the four stages. - Stage 5 to 8: Enemy damage x2 - Stage 9 to 12: Enemy damage x4 - Stage 13 to 16: Enemy damage x8 - Stage 17 to 20: Enemy damage x16 (Instant Death) Clearing Stage 20 will not increase the difficulty any further. However, your score and the Stage number will still increase.
Secret Room In Stage 1
You must climb the ropes to get through the level. The second to last rope, on the right hand side of the screen, leads to a platform with a tree stump and two graves with crosses visible. If you climb up this rope, you can continue through the brick wall at the top. This leads to a hidden room with four power-ups.
Secret Room In Stage 2
In the second part of the stage, where you have to choose between between ropes, go right and then left. You will enter a room where you go down stairs and giant eyeballs speed towards you. Kill an eyeball while it's on the middle step. Once done, a hole will open up. Climb down it for power-ups.
The fastest way to kill the level 1 boss
First when you start to fight the level 1 boss, you will see two platforms on each side. If you see the boss walking to the right, jump on the platform when he gets closer. Jump on the next one. Jump off and then hit him. Do this a couple times to kill him.
Unlimited Lives
Locate the secret room in level 1 that contains a rope. Climb the rope to the top of the screen and through the ceiling. Collect the extra life, then find the extra life that appears later in the level. After both are collected, intentionally die and repeat this procedure.
Extra Life in level 1...