Belmont’s Curse: Heir to Castlevania’s Legacy
Just like that pesky Count Dracula, the Castlevania series refuses to stay dead. Forty years after legendary vampire hunter Simon Belmont made his debut, and eighteen years after the last original 2D entry, the legacy is roaring back with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.
This is more than just a reboot; it is a triumphant return, standing as one of the best modern examples of the genre that inspired countless action-exploration platformers. By placing the action in the opulent, shadowy streets of Paris in 1499, the game immediately establishes a rich atmosphere while delivering a mechanical foundation that feels both familiar and startlingly fresh.
The narrative unfolds as a generational hand-off. Rose Belmont, the capable daughter of Trevor and Sypha Belmont, is thrust into action when they arrive in Paris, summoned by the Bishop to quell a mysterious evil. While her father is there to pass the torch, Rose must step up, taking over the family business of exploring secrets, accumulating power, and slaying mythical monsters across a sprawling map.
This theme of heritage is deeply woven into the game’s DNA, reflecting its unique development history. Belmont’s Curse was developed by KONAMI in partnership with the studios that brought us Dead Cells—Evil Empire and Motion Twin. This collaboration infused the game with a powerful blend of action-roguelike energy and meticulous world-building, resulting in a title that successfully merges the classic Castlevania aesthetic with dynamic, modern gameplay.
Visually, the game is immediately striking. Where previous entries relied on classic pixel art, Belmont’s Curse introduces a stunning visual style that blends 2D with graphic 3D and cel shading. The vibrant environments and dynamic lighting make the monsters and settings—from the haunting castles to the fiery Parisian streets—feel truly alive. Even the enemies, rendered with dynamic backlighting, possess an imaginative and unique design that elevates the genre’s established visual vocabulary.
The combat system is equally refined and kinetic. Rose is equipped with a diverse arsenal of seven weapon types, including swords, a whip, and gauntlets, each offering unique move sets. The iconic whip takes on a new dimension, serving not only as a weapon but also as a grappling hook, allowing Rose to swing through the environment and latch onto foes for devastating attacks. This kinetic fighting style, coupled with a satisfying parry mechanic, demands mastery and rewards skillful anticipation.
Beyond pure combat, the game introduces a brilliant, thematic system centered around the Tarot Arcana. Defeating bosses feeds into Rose’s inherited power, allowing her to collect spells associated with the bosses’ Arcana. These abilities are upgraded through the clever system of Works of Mercy, encouraging players to engage deeply with the world and unlock powerful new effects. Defeating a boss doesn’t just grant a trophy; it releases their spirit, turning them into powerful Arcana that provide clues and characterizations about the castle and its inhabitants.
The world itself rewards exploration with thoughtful quality-of-life touches. Areas are clearly delineated by unique music and environmental puzzles, and players can customize their build with powerful Relics that enhance offense and defense. This attention to detail, alongside dynamic map elements and modern structure, ensures that the challenge remains thrilling without sacrificing the genre’s core appeal. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse stands as an unquestionably worthy heir, invigorating a long-loved legacy with the style and bombastic energy of a new era.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is available on October 15 for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC, playable at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.
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