After a 18-year hiatus since the last mainline 2D entry, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse aims to satiate fans' hunger for classic Castlevania gameplay. Developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells, this new title is set 23 years after Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse and continues its narrative.
The game opens with Trevor Belmont being summoned to a monster-infested Paris. He is joined by his daughter, Rose, who is eager to carry on the family's monster-hunting legacy. Early impressions suggest a gameplay experience that strongly echoes the fluidity and movement found in Dead Cells, but with its own distinct Castlevania flavor.
Rose's combat kit incorporates a variety of weapons, each with unique basic, charged, and grapple attacks. The signature whip, while not primarily a direct combat tool, functions as a traversal mechanic for swinging across gaps and pulling Rose towards enemies. Executing a grapple attack while closing the distance results in different moves depending on the equipped weapon, offering significant depth and encouraging experimentation.
Beyond weapons, players can equip up to three relics that provide passive bonuses, often found as rewards for overcoming difficult optional challenges. Furthermore, Rose can wield Arcana, which are spells learned by defeating bosses. These Arcana can be upgraded through a "Works of Mercy" system, which presents achievement-like tasks. Completing these tasks grants points that can be spent on meaningful upgrades, influencing how the Arcana are used rather than simply increasing damage numbers.
The game features a rogues' gallery of familiar Castlevania enemies, including zombies, medusa heads, skeletons, and gargoyles. While the initial hours present a notable challenge, the game offers generous checkpoint spacing and three health-restoring flasks. Unlike many modern action games, the penalty for death is minimal, primarily consisting of enemy respawns and returning to the nearest checkpoint.
Boss encounters, such as the battle against Medusa, are designed to test player reflexes and pattern recognition, utilizing Rose's mobility options. These fights offer brief windows for offense and require players to make the most of their opportunities without being overly demanding.
Visually, the game boasts gorgeous art and animation. The combat system is dynamic, supported by a wide array of weapons, Arcana, and relics that allow for personalized playstyles. Exploration is described as rewarding, with numerous secrets hidden within the environments. If Evil Empire can maintain the quality of level, enemy, and boss design throughout the full campaign, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse could stand as a worthy successor to the series' legendary status.