Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Promises a Return to Classic 2D

Being a teenager with a Game Boy Advance and a Nintendo DS in the early 2000s was a wonderful time, because almost every year, there was a new Castlevania game to sink my fangs into.

After an 18-year hiatus from proper 2D Castlevania games, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse emerges as a fresh entry in the series, developed by the team behind Dead Cells. Set 23 years after Castlevania 3, the game follows Trevor Belmont and his daughter, Rose, on a monster-hunting mission in a chaotic Paris. The gameplay combines elements from Castlevania and Dead Cells, offering fluid movement, whip mechanics for traversal, and unique weapon abilities.

In addition to weapon-based combat, players can experiment with relics and spells, adding depth to the gameplay. Relics provide passive bonuses, while spells, known as Arcana, are rewards for defeating major bosses. Upgrades for Arcana are earned by completing specific challenges, enhancing gameplay variety. The enemy roster includes classic Castlevania foes like zombies, medusa heads, and skeletons, promising a nostalgic yet challenging experience for fans of the series.