Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse review: a classic platformer given fresh new blood

Evil Empire and Konami have released Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a new 2D action-adventure title that serves as a spiritual successor to both the Netflix animated series and the classic Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse. Players control Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, as she navigates a monster-filled Paris to uncover the mystery behind her cursed arm. The game features traditional platforming mechanics, a variety of weapon types, and unlockable combat abilities earned through boss encounters. Critics have praised the level design for its complexity and thematic variety, noting that while the narrative is somewhat sparse, the core gameplay loop remains highly engaging. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, the title successfully revitalizes the iconic franchise by blending nostalgic elements with modern design sensibilities, making it a standout entry for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.