A multilevel information recording apparatus is disclosed, which includes a control unit that inputs signals to a strategy generating unit and a laser drive unit based on the multilevel information being recorded, a signal indicating the playback and recording state, and a clock signal indicating the cell frequency that is in synch with the multilevel information. The strategy generating unit generates a pulse signal in accordance with the timing of the laser beam emission of a write pulse, an off pulse, a bias pulse, and a space pulse based on the signal from the control unit and the clock signal. The laser drive unit determines the driving current of a laser light source based on a delayed playback signal/delayed recording signal that is obtained by delaying the playback signal/recording signal for a processing time of the strategy generating unit, a pulse signal from the strategy generating unit indicating the emission timing of the pulses, and an intensity signal predetermined for each pulse.