Castlevania: Belmont's Curse rises again from Paris sewers with Joan of Arc as a boss; after 3 hours hands-on it feels like a classic
Rose BelmontEvil EmpireKonami

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse rises again from Paris sewers with Joan of Arc as a boss; after 3 hours hands-on it feels like a classic

Set in 1499 Paris, 'Castlevania: Belmont's Curse' revives the classic series with Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor, wielding a versatile whip and magical tarot cards. Players face iconic foes, including a reimagined Joan of Arc, in a visually stunning 2.5D world, releasing on October 15, 2026.

The Guardian The Guardian+3 sources40 min ago
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Set 23 years after Castlevania 3, 'Belmont's Curse' marks a return to the franchise's platforming roots, featuring Rose Belmont as the protagonist. Players navigate the demon-infested streets of 1499 Paris, utilizing a versatile whip and magical tarot cards to defeat enemies and bosses.234

The game introduces a unique combat system where killing enemies earns XP, enhancing attack and defense stats. Players can seal defeated bosses into tarot cards, transforming them into powerful arcana spells. Joan of Arc is reimagined as a formidable boss, reflecting the game's blend of history and fantasy.5

Developed by Konami and Evil Empire, the game emphasizes responsive controls and a non-linear exploration of Paris, rewarding players with hidden treasures and XP statues. The art style is described as a beautiful blend of modern and classic aesthetics, appealing to both new and veteran fans.

Despite some concerns about the game's difficulty curve, early impressions suggest a promising experience that balances nostalgia with innovation. Belmont's Curse is set to release on October 15, 2026, aiming to stand alongside modern classics like Hollow Knight and Dark Souls.6

Key Insight
“Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is set 23 years after Castlevania 3 and stars Trevor's daughter Rose with a whip and arcana system. Producer Taniguchi said, 'It's about balancing the new audience with the old fans,' as the game aims to join the ranks of Hollow Knight and Dark Souls.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
The GuardianThe Guardian
“Set 23 years after the events of 1989’s Castlevania 3 – the same setting as the hit Netflix show – Belmont’s Curse shakes off the series’ 3D ambitions and takes the Belmonts back to basics.”
The Guardian →
2
Eurogamer.netEurogamer.net
“Castlevania Belmont's Curse is a grand return to the series' platformer roots. Developed by Konami and Evil Empire, it's a gothic cathedral built with new material, upon the strongest of genre foundations.”
Eurogamer.net →
3
GamesRadar+
“Castlevania Belmont’s Curse is a Metroidvania with a capital Vania 'V'. It’s the first proper Castlevania game in 12 years”
GamesRadar+ →
4
KotakuKotaku
“Belmont’s Curse is beautiful. Its art style feels simultaneously modern and true to Castlevania.”
Kotaku →
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