In 1986, the Nintendo Entertainment System’s game, Castlevania, stood out for its monster-fighting action, challenging gameplay, and catchy soundtrack. Over the past nearly 40 years, the series has expanded with numerous sequels, spinoffs, and crossover content. However, Konami, the Japanese publisher, had not released a new installment since 2014, allowing the franchise to lie dormant.
Enter Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a game designed to appeal to both new and long-time fans by drawing inspiration from various chapters in the series’ history and indie games it has influenced. This title marks a revival for Castlevania, blending classic 2D exploration with stunning artistic design. Nonetheless, the game’s high difficulty level may pose a challenge for newcomers to the genre.
The storyline of Belmont’s Curse follows Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, prominent characters from Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse. Set in 1499 in a besieged Paris, players control Rose as she navigates the city seeking answers while carrying a curse inherited from her mother.
Gameplay in Belmont’s Curse mirrors the structure of the beloved 1997 title Symphony of the Night, drawing influences from Nintendo’s Metroid and Zelda series. Players guide Rose through Paris and Dracula’s castle, exploring interconnected locations with diverse challenges and enemies. The game features a “Metroidvania” style that involves backtracking to access previously unreachable areas with newly acquired abilities.
While the game’s combat and movement mechanics offer engaging gameplay, the heightened difficulty level may prove daunting for players. From faster and stronger foes to intricate trap rooms, players must hone their skills and strategy to progress. Additionally, the lack of frequent save points and limited healing options can make backtracking a tedious aspect of the game.
Despite its challenges, Belmont’s Curse shines in its presentation and artistry. The game’s visuals showcase vibrant color palettes, intricate environments, and detailed character designs. The soundtrack complements the gameplay with a blend of classical elements and modern music styles, enhancing the immersive experience.
Notably, the Nintendo Switch version of Belmont’s Curse faced performance issues during the review period, including low-resolution visuals, longer load times, and input delay. However, the Xbox Series X version demonstrated improved visuals and responsiveness. Konami has promised a Day 1 update to address these issues across all platforms.