Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Is a Fantastic Return to Form
The latest entry in the long-running Castlevania series has finally arrived! Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a fun, heavily stylized return to the classic Metroidvania franchise we all know and love. It brings back familiar faces and iconic threats while introducing new characters, weapons, and, of course, another member of the Belmont family.
What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse takes place 23 years after Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse and follows Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont, in an all-new 2D action-exploration adventure from KONAMI, Evil Empire, and Motion Twin.
Like the best Castlevania games, Belmont’s Curse blends fast-paced combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving as you venture through 1499 Paris. The city is burning, monstrous creatures are emerging from the shadows, and a looming castle holds even greater dangers waiting to be discovered.
Armed with the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer, Rose must follow in her father’s footsteps and face the horrors threatening the city. But while the game draws heavily from the series’ roots, it introduces plenty of new mechanics to keep this adventure feeling fresh.
New Tools, Old Atmosphere
One of the first things you’ll notice about Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is how much the iconic Vampire Killer has evolved. Rose can use the legendary whip to grapple onto enemies, swing from designated points, and interact with objects like mirrors, adding a whole new dimension to traversal and combat. It’s a welcome twist that makes exploring the castle feel more dynamic than ever.
Rose also has a unique connection to Tarot Cards, allowing her to wield a variety of magical abilities and weapons, including powers inherited from her father, Trevor. These abilities come in handy when facing the many dangers lurking throughout the castle.
Of course, no Castlevania adventure would be complete without a few familiar faces. Players will encounter legendary foes like Death, Medusa, and Carmilla, alongside mysterious new bosses such as Joan of Arc. Defeating these powerful enemies does more than clear the path forward, too. Rose can seal them into her Tarot Cards, transforming them into Arcana that grant new spells and special actions.
With seven distinct weapon categories, Relics, and Arcana to discover, there’s plenty of room to experiment and develop your own playstyle. Combine different equipment and abilities to find what works best for you, and keep an eye out for the hidden powers and secrets scattered throughout the castle. After all, uncovering the unknown has always been a big part of what makes Castlevania so special.
Overall, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a fantastic new entry in the series. It keeps the challenging combat, rewarding exploration, and unmistakable atmosphere that fans love while introducing exciting new mechanics that help it stand on its own. With its striking art style, fresh combat options, and plenty of secrets to uncover, Rose Belmont’s adventure is a welcome return to one of gaming’s most beloved Metroidvania franchises.