Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Review: A Modern, Action-First Revival
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a new 2D entry from Evil Empire, the studio behind the Dead Cells Return to Castlevania DLC. Set in Paris 23 years after Castlevania III, it follows Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor and Sypha, as she confronts Dracula and other familiar foes. The review says it mixes classic series elements with modern action-focused design, though it is not a fully faithful revival of the early 2000s games.
Evil Empire, which handled 2023’s Dead Cells Return to Castlevania add-on, developed this new 2D installment. It arrives almost twenty years after the previous core 2D game and places Rose Belmont, Trevor and Sypha’s daughter, in a burning Paris 23 years after Castlevania III. Dracula’s return drives the 10–15 hour quest.
Sypha’s Tarot cards and the title curse shape the plot. Defeated bosses, including the Fallen, Joan of Arc, and Medusa, speak inside Rose’s mind. The review notes that this modernized approach mixes old and new ideas but differs from a fully faithful early-2000s revival.
The release may appeal to longtime Castlevania fans and action-game players, especially those who enjoyed Dead Cells. Its modernized design could draw newcomers while possibly disappointing purists seeking a faithful early-2000s revival. If successful, it may encourage publishers to revisit dormant franchises through external studios, affecting developers, fans, and the broader action-platformer market.