- After years of dormancy, Castlevania returns with Belmont's Curse, developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind the Castlevania-inspired Dead Cells.
- The game introduces a new protagonist, Rose Belmont, who is summoned to Paris with her father Trevor to confront a supernatural siege.
- The game will be released Oct. 15 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
- Reviews highlight that combat is the game’s strongest component, with frenetic action and boss fights that demand focus and skill.
- The game world is inconsistent: the castle library offers notebook-worthy puzzles, but other areas like underground waterways are packed with uninspired combat challenges.
- Rose seeks to prove herself and avenge her cursed arm, a condition tied to Dracula and inherited from her late mother.
- The game follows Rose Belmont, daughter of Sypha Belnades and Trevor, as she investigates dark happenings in Paris and confronts Dracula.
- The game features hyperstylized 2.5D visuals that render a striking, comic-like setting, with Paris becoming a ghost town.
- While the first few hours are linear, the game opens up with branching paths and substantive secrets that reward exploration.
Konami's *Belmont's Curse* marks a significant return for the Castlevania franchise, featuring Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont, as she battles demons in a hauntingly beautiful Paris.12341112
The game, developed by Evil Empire, is praised for its intense combat and engaging mechanics, though it suffers from an inconsistent game world.6789
Players navigate a gothic Paris, facing off against a variety of monsters, with combat described as frenetic and at times overwhelming. The game minimizes traditional role-playing elements, focusing instead on twitch-based action that may frustrate purists but keeps battles exciting.
The exploration aspect is also a mixed bag; while some areas offer clever puzzles and challenges, others feel uninspired. “The castle library offers notebook-worthy puzzles,” one review notes, contrasting with “uninspired combat challenges” found in underground waterways.
Despite its flaws, *Belmont's Curse* is seen as a strong reminder of the series' legacy, with a rich world and a map filled with secrets. “Castlevania is back, and between Rose Belmont and Evil Empire, it's in great hands,” a review concludes, highlighting the game's potential to attract both new players and long-time fans.
The game is set to release on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, on October 15.
“The game is the first mainline installment in over a decade, built on Dead Cells' gameplay, and releases Oct. 15 on Switch, PS5, PC, and Xbox. Reviewers highlight the Arcana Cards mechanic and a 16-hour playthrough reaching 92% completion.”
The GuardianGame Informer
