Belmont’s Curse Marks a Strong Return for Castlevania
The reviewer describes Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse as a difficult but outstanding comeback for a franchise that had been quiet for years. The game is said to honor older Castlevania entries while adopting ideas from newer Metroidvania titles. Its plot follows Rose Belmont, a young hunter trying to free Paris from a demonic incursion that brings Dracula back.
The writer came to the series through an earlier preview, having previously watched only the anime. After enjoying a two-hour July demo, they explored nearly every Castlevania title, and Symphony of the Night quickly became a personal favorite. That made Belmont’s Curse one of their most anticipated 2026 releases.
The full game is called brilliant and unexpectedly harsh. Its plot follows Rose Belmont, Trevor and Sypha’s daughter, as she fights a demonic invasion of Paris and Dracula’s return. A curse forces her to restrain her emotions. The art is painterly and bright, while the soundtrack is solid but not classic-level.
The revival could re-engage longtime Castlevania fans and attract newcomers introduced through the anime or modern Metroidvanias. Its emphasis on a female Belmont and a more personal narrative may broaden who sees themselves in the series, though reactions could vary. A successful comeback may encourage publishers to revisit dormant franchises, while also raising expectations for how legacy series balance nostalgia with evolution.