Castlevania: Belmont's Curse – A Gothic Return to Form

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse wastes no time in establishing its stakes—pun intended. Set two decades after the events of Dracula’s Curse, you slip into the boots of Rose Belmont, a new heir to the legendary vampire-hunting bloodline. The "Crimson Curse" hook adds a personal twist that promises more than just a monster-slaying romp, and early impressions suggest the narrative might actually deliver some emotional heft alongside the action.

What Is It?

At its core, Belmont's Curse is a 2D action-RPG that marries classic Castlevania combat with the sprawling exploration of a modern Metroidvania. Rose starts with a basic moveset—whip strikes, jumps, and a sub-weapon—but the skill trees and equipment system gradually unlock whip combos and more meaningful sub-weapons that feel integral rather than tacked on. The loop is familiar: fight through gothic environments, find upgrades, backtrack to previously inaccessible areas, and chip away at the mystery of the curse.

Strengths

The pixel art immediately stands out, striking a careful balance between retro nostalgia and modern polish. Detailed gothic backdrops—crumbling castles, misty graveyards, candlelit corridors—are elevated by lighting effects that sell the oppressive atmosphere. Sound design appears equally thoughtful, with a soundtrack that echoes the series' musical legacy while giving combat a satisfying crunch. The RPG depth, including adjustable difficulty and custom volume controls, hints at a game that respects both newcomers and veterans. Steam Cloud support and full controller compatibility (including DualSense) mean you can pick up and play wherever, a welcome touch for a game likely to thrive on the Steam Deck.

Potential Drawbacks

Not everything looks flawless. Early editor notes point to inventory management that can become clunky during extended sessions—a friction point in a genre where you’re constantly juggling gear and consumables. The platforming, while precise, reportedly punishes impatience, which might frustrate players less inclined toward pixel-perfect timing. And while the voice acting is minimal and well-delivered, some may find themselves muting it to soak in the score, suggesting it’s competent but not essential. At $29.99, the price feels fair, but those expecting a genre revolution might find it more evolutionary.

Who It’s For

If you’ve ever lost hours to a 2D action-exploration game—whether it’s a classic Castlevania or a more recent entry like ELDEN RING (in spirit, if not perspective)—Belmont’s Curse seems calibrated to scratch that itch. It’s best suited for players who value atmosphere, methodical combat, and a story that doesn’t just phone in the vampire-hunting premise. Completionists will find plenty of nooks to uncover, while the adjustable difficulty and Steam Achievements offer hooks for repeat visits.

Verdict

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse doesn't reinvent the whip, but it cracks it with confidence. Rose Belmont’s debut looks like a worthy addition to the franchise—respectful of the past, sharp enough for the present, and priced to move. If you can stomach a few rough edges in your inventory screen and some demanding platforming, this gothic revival is likely to sink its teeth in deep.

Expected score: 8/10