Castlevania: Belmont's Curse review – a comeback worth waiting for

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Konami's 26th mainline entry in the Castlevania franchise and the first standalone title since 2014's Lords of Shadow 2, marks the series' 40th anniversary. Set in 1499, the game follows Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, as she investigates evil forces in Paris while battling an inherited curse.

Fantastic gameplay returns with Metroidvania-style mechanics, allowing Rose to wield a variety of weapons, including whips, swords, and spears, and progress through the game without an inventory. Difficulty settings can be adjusted in-game, and Rose can carry up to six healing potions. The game's traversal features include sliding, double-jumping, dashing, and whiplashing, opening up previously inaccessible areas.

Save points are found through Mirrors of Life, while the Hall of Mirrors enables travel between them. Hidden passages and items are often revealed by suspicious-looking dead ends, cracked walls, and unusual whip anchor points. Tarot cards created by Rose's mother, Sypha, allow her to absorb powers from defeated bosses, which can be upgraded through Works of Mercy and lead to the powerful Absolution spell.

Rose also faces bosses like Brauner, Carmilla, and Medusa, as well as historical figures like Joan of Arc. The game's bosses reveal bits of their backstory, offer advice, and seemingly atone for their transgressions. Castlevania: Belmont's Curse includes familiar sub-weapons, a cross, and themes from previous games. Its post-game content, including multiple endings and DLCs, offers potential for downloadable content.

Despite some minor issues, the game is a fantastic return for the series with plenty of potential for future downloadable content.