Konami is continuing its revival of beloved franchises with Castlevania, and the upcoming title, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, is poised to be a significant entry. Developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells, this game marks the first new mainline Castlevania in more than ten years, aiming to blend the series' signature 2D platforming and exploration with modern sensibilities.
Set in 15th-century Paris, Belmont's Curse features Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, as its protagonist. Rose wields both her father's combat skills and her mother's arcane abilities, which manifest as tarot cards that unlock special powers and delve into the game's narrative. Initially equipped with a sword and spells, Rose gains the iconic Castlevania whip after confronting the game's first boss, a formidable figure known as The Fallen. This acquisition unlocks new layers of combat and platforming.
The reimagined whip mechanics allow Rose to grapple onto environmental elements for traversal, pulling herself to higher platforms or swinging across chasms. The game's movement is described as fluid and forgiving, making navigation through its labyrinthine maps a satisfying experience. Rose can also perform wall jumps and slides, and the whip can be used offensively to ensnare enemies, rapidly closing the distance for swift attacks. These whip-based actions are noted for feeling polished and responsive.
Visually, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse presents a distinct and refreshing aesthetic for the franchise. Characters, enemies, and environments are rendered with rich detail and fluid animation. The game showcases Paris aflame in the background, with heatwaves warping the view under a fiery red light. The boss character, The Fallen, is well-animated, and character portraits are imbued with life, contributing to a visually striking experience when the game is in motion.
Narrative elements are revealed through interactions with ghosts lingering in the haunted city and within Rose's own psyche. Following her battle with The Fallen, Rose appears to absorb his consciousness, leading to telepathic conversations between the two.
The limited demo offered a glimpse into the game's more complex systems and expansive map, hinting at references to previous titles like Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest and Order of Ecclesia. However, Belmont's Curse appears to forge its own path, with Evil Empire striving to revitalize the Castlevania series with innovative approaches rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is slated for release on October 15 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.