Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Delivers Frenetic Action, Flawed Platforming
The new Castlevania title drops on October 15, 2026. It immediately immerses players in relentless platforming challenges.
Players assume the role of Rose Belmont, descendant of Trevor and Sypha, who wields a magical tarot deck that grants spells from defeated bosses, including powers borrowed from Leon Belmont and Joan of Arc, while Medusa serves as a rival. The system blends classic Castlevania elements with modern Metroidvania design.
Combat feels poorly tuned; the opening boss fight against Leon demands precise timing, often overwhelming early players, though later encounters remain manageable. Critics note that the difficulty spike can frustrate newcomers.
Platforming suffers from sluggish controls; Rose’s whip grapple and overall movement feel slower than rivals such as Hollow Knight: Silksong, creating frustration in time‑critical sections. The mismatch between action speed and required precision hampers the experience.
The massive map expands as purple zones transform to brown upon discovery, revealing treasures and unlocking powerful upgrades through “Works of Mercy” quests. These upgrades can make the player overwhelmingly strong, trivializing later battles.
Spells such as a sky‑dropping fist and a holy cross provide varied combat options, and each can be upgraded via special quests. The system rewards exploration, granting new abilities as players clear undiscovered areas.
Developers Evil Empire and Motion Twin delivered detailed scenery, varied biomes, and puzzles that enhance the Metroidvania experience, earning praise for exploration and visual depth. Reviewers cite the strong artistic direction as a highlight.
Critics highlight floaty controls, a difficulty curve that peaks early then tapers, and the absence of Alucard as notable drawbacks. These issues affect overall enjoyment despite the game’s other strengths.
The title launches on PS5, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch, with a 24‑hour playthrough achieving 94 % completion, demonstrating strong engagement despite control shortcomings. Its frenetic thrills keep players engaged throughout the experience.