Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Review

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a new entry in the 40-year-old Castlevania series that aims to bring fresh life to the franchise. Developed by Evil Empire, the game stars Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, who takes up the mantle of the famous whip-wielding hero after her family’s tragic demise. Set almost 23 years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, Rose embarks on a quest to stop Dracula from rising from the dead and wreaking havoc once again.

While the game does incorporate some unique twists, such as the titular "curse" and mysterious Tarot cards left by Sypha, it largely follows the familiar pattern of the series. Rose is a strong-willed and focused heroine, though she occasionally displays impulsive behavior. She forms relationships with various bosses in the form of souls sealed away in Tarot cards, and while there are moments of amusing banter between these bosses, more interaction from other characters would have been appreciated.

The game utilizes modern conveniences, such as area percentage trackers, map markers, and fast travel between save rooms, which proves to be quite helpful for players who get lost or forgetful in these types of games. The whip and protective shield of light abilities, along with the Tarot cards, offer a new magic spell system for Rose to utilize in her fight against Dracula. The whip enables her to swing from objects, pull herself towards them, and deal stronger hits when timed with her attacks.

Overall, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse offers an engaging story, a unique set of mechanics, and a few helpful modern conveniences that make it a worthy addition to the beloved series. However, fans looking for a completely faithful revival may be disappointed by the game's departure from the style of the early 2000s Castlevania titles.