"Vampire Killer", released in 1986 for the MSX 2 computer and developed alongside the original "Castlevania" (the two share the same title in Japanese), departs from the more straightforward platforming gameplay of "Castlevania", instead introducing an open-ended, exploration-heavy form of gameplay. "Castlevania II: Simon's Quest" featured non-linear gameplay even more open-ended than that of "Vampire Killer", with several exclusive elements such as a world map the player was free to explore and revisit. The player could also purchase supplies, equipment and weapon upgrades in several different towns, making it more like an action role-playing game. It also introduced a persistent world with its own day-night cycle which altered gameplay, and offered three possible endings depending on the time it took to complete the game. "Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse" for the NES has more in common with the original NES Castlevania but also added new features, including non-linear elements such as alternate branching paths with different stages and alternate endings depending on the player's choices, as well as multiple player characters.