A Return to Form
Slaying vampires remains a satisfying experience, and the 2D action-adventure and exploration game Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is no exception. As the first new entry in the iconic horror platformer in over a decade, Evil Empire and Konami have crafted a heartfelt tribute to past titles that, while largely adhering to the established formula, delivers an experience worthy of the Belmont lineage.
Despite a fantastic animated adaptation and its successful spinoff series, Nocturne, the Castlevania franchise had largely been dormant, with Konami rarely revisiting the series outside of Dead Cells tie-ins and re-releases. Fans were eager for a new title to sink their fangs into.
Fortunately, the development was entrusted to Evil Empire, the team behind Dead Cells. Their expertise in the Metroidvania genre made them a reliable choice to wield the Vampire Killer whip. The source review notes that they embraced the challenge, creating a game that fans are likely to adore.
Narrative and Protagonist
The game serves as a surprising sequel to both Netflix’s Castlevania and Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse. Players take on the role of Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, as she endeavors to halt new dangers emerging in Paris.
Guided by her father’s tactics and the Belmont heritage, Rose uncovers the source of the threats and how her mysteriously cursed arm plays a part in the unfolding events.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse offers a substantial narrative, though it doesn't reach exceptional heights. It includes twists, turns, and memorable moments, but can occasionally feel sparse. While much of the enjoyment comes from the dashing and slashing gameplay, the story’s pacing can feel uneven compared to its cinematic counterparts. Nevertheless, it is engaging enough to motivate continued play and exploration.
Rose Belmont is presented as a likeable protagonist, grappling with her emotions under the newfound spotlight. The supporting cast, referred to as her Confidantes, provide crucial moral guidance, allowing Rose to choose her path. The source review praises the fantastic voice performers, noting their perfect alignment with their respective characters.
Classic Gameplay and Level Design
Upon arriving at the docks of the Seine, players are immediately immersed in classic Castlevania gameplay: battling monsters and navigating intricate obstacles. While small tutorials are present, Paris largely serves as an open world, inviting immediate exploration.
The action also echoes classic Castlevania, with Rose utilizing a variety of weapons to dispatch creatures of the night. These include the iconic whip and flashy gauntlets. Discovering new weapon variations throughout the world is consistently rewarding, as each offers unique capabilities. The source reviewer favored the whip for its ranged damage output, with the spear being a close second.
Rose’s abilities, acquired after defeating certain bosses, unlock various attacks such as throwable crosses or pillars of fire. This extensive customization allows players to tailor their combat style.
The level design in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is described as phenomenal. From trap-filled chasms to eerily beautiful vistas, the development team has created levels that appear daunting yet are enticing enough to encourage perseverance.
Rose’s journey extends beyond Paris to various regions, each featuring distinct themes and gameplay mechanics that make them memorable for both initial play and backtracking. As expected from a Castlevania title, players will revisit locations to uncover secrets and clues. New abilities like an air dash and a grappling hook whip facilitate easy and rapid navigation.
The level design expertly leverages Rose’s evolving abilities, demanding precision and quick reflexes to navigate traps and platforms. While backtracking can occasionally be frustrating, successfully overcoming a seemingly impossible challenge to find a needed item is highly satisfying.
Visuals, Performance, and Difficulty
As the first new 2D Castlevania in decades, the game showcases noticeable increases in graphical fidelity.
Belmont’s Curse merges 2D and 3D elements, adopting a Dead Cells-like visual style. While drawn silhouettes are used for dialogue, in-game cutscenes feature flat 3D rendering. Although the pixelated depth of earlier titles like Symphony of the Night and Order of Ecclesia is missed by the source reviewer, Evil Empire’s redesign is noted to work well and fit seamlessly within the series.
Frame rate performance was generally smooth, with rare stutters occurring during moments with numerous on-screen monsters. However, the source reviewer encountered a handful of audio glitches, where sound would cut in and out or restart with level transitions. Rare gameplay glitches, such as phased-out enemies or awkward platforming, were also observed.
The game is notably difficult, upholding the series’ reputation for brutality. Deaths can result in significant loss of progress, demanding patience and time. Boss battles, particularly in the late game, are exceptionally challenging, though overcoming them provides immense satisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse successfully brings classic Castlevania into the modern era. Evil Empire and Konami have delivered a well-crafted action-platformer that, while not a massive blockbuster, maximizes its strengths. It largely adheres to the established formula but excels within its confines.
With its fantastic level design and engaging combat, the franchise is well-positioned to reclaim its former glory and continue its reign over the action-platformer genre.
