Review Roundup Weighs Whether Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Revives the Series

This review roundup examines critical reactions to Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, the first original Castlevania in 12 years. It asks whether the series can reclaim its place in the Metroidvania genre amid strong competition. The piece aggregates reviews from multiple outlets to assess the game's reception.
The roundup, published by Game Rant on Oct. 14, 2026, and written by Noah Waterman, gathers critical reactions to Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. It notes that twelve years have passed since the franchise's last original installment.
During that gap, many well-regarded Metroidvanias appeared, raising questions about whether Castlevania can return to the top of a genre it once led. The article also refers to the title as Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts in its description, while asking whether the game meets its legacy or has been overtaken by newer competitors.
The critical reception could affect longtime Castlevania fans, Metroidvania players, and developers considering revivals of dormant franchises. Positive reviews may encourage publishers to revisit older series, while mixed reactions could reinforce that newer titles now shape the genre. The roundup may also influence consumer expectations before purchase, though its broader societal impact is likely confined to entertainment culture and fan communities.