After years of inactivity, the Castlevania franchise reappears with Belmont’s Curse, a title developed by Evil Empire, the studio best known for the Castlevania‑inspired game Dead Cells. The new entry introduces a fresh perspective, a brand‑new protagonist and a combat system described as “whip‑smart” by reviewers.
Players follow Rose Belmont and her father Trevor as they are summoned to a Paris besieged by supernatural forces. Rose seeks to prove herself to a father who killed Dracula 23 years earlier while also pursuing revenge for a cursed arm she inherited from her mother, a lingering mark of Dracula’s power. The premise is straightforward, and while the narrative does not delve into deep complexity, Rose’s personal arc provides memorable moments.
Although technically a sequel to Castlevania III, the game is designed to stand alone for newcomers. Its visual style draws clear inspiration from anime, and several voice actors from the Netflix adaptation of the series reprise their roles, creating a sense of continuity that bridges the game with the show.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The centerpiece of the experience is a tarot‑card system gifted to Rose by her late mother, Sypha. Each card acts as a vessel for the power of Paris’s most influential figures, whether ally or adversary. As players approach targets, they gather clues that shape investigations ranging from linear early‑game segments to expansive, map‑spanning quests later on. Capturing a target’s soul transfers it into a tarot card, allowing Rose to converse with the entity and unlock a spell—options include fireballs, a magic cross, and a blast that turns foes to stone. Each spell is tied to a “Works of Mercy” achievement list that upgrades the ability after specific tasks, such as using the spell twenty times or defeating a set number of skeletons.
Combat and Progression
Combat is highlighted as “magnificent,” with Rose becoming increasingly agile as she acquires new abilities, eventually moving like a “whirlwind of death.” Players can choose from six weapon categories, a variety of relics that grant perks, and the tarot‑card deck, offering extensive customization. The reviewer notes frequent mid‑fight loadout changes to adapt to enemy patterns. Battles are challenging yet fair, supported by a forgiving checkpoint system that prevents repeated deaths from becoming frustrating. Boss encounters against Dracula’s minions are described as inventive and intense.
The reviewer logged roughly 16 hours of playtime, achieving 92 percent completion before revisiting earlier zones to explore new areas unlocked by recently acquired traversal abilities. The game contains roughly two dozen weapons, health and mana upgrades, and several large optional zones, encouraging players to strive for a full 100‑percent finish.
Critical Assessment
According to the review, Belmont’s Curse serves as a strong reminder of why the Castlevania series remains influential, combining a rich world, tense combat and a map dense with secrets. While the title pays homage to classic entries, it also injects fresh life into the franchise, prompting optimism for future installments. An editorial note clarifies that an earlier version of the review incorrectly credited Richard Armitage with voicing Trevor Belmont, and that reference has been removed.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
