Renowned for its monster-slaying action, challenging gameplay, and catchy tunes, the 1986 hit game Castlevania stood out on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Since then, the franchise has birthed numerous sequels, spinoffs, and cross-media adaptations. However, its publisher, Konami of Japan, had kept it dormant since the release of its last new installment back in 2014.
Enter Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a game aimed at captivating both new and seasoned fans by drawing inspiration from various chapters of the series’ history and indie games it has influenced over the years.
The outcome is a revitalization of the series, merging classic 2D exploration with striking artistic design. Yet, the game’s high level of difficulty may pose a challenge for newcomers to the genre.
Return to the Belmont Legacy
Belmont’s Curse puts players in the shoes of Rose Belmont, a monster hunter and the offspring of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, key characters from 1989’s Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse.
Set in 1499 amidst a besieged Paris, players control Rose as she navigates the city streets while grappling with a hereditary curse—a crimson mark creeping up her arm, passed down from her mother who fell victim to it during a battle with Dracula two decades earlier.
As the story unfolds, Trevor goes missing, and Dracula’s castle emerges from beneath Paris, wreaking havoc on the cityscape, including the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Throughout the roughly 15- to 20-hour gameplay, the narrative delves into both familiar and unexpected aspects of the series’ extensive lore.
Engaging Combat and Exploration
Belmont’s Curse follows a similar style to the beloved 1997 title Symphony of the Night. Drawing influence from Nintendo’s Metroid and Zelda franchises, players guide Rose through Paris and Dracula’s castle, filled with intricate, interconnected areas such as eerie graveyards and perilous clock towers.
Rather than linear progression, the game encourages exploration, with players encountering obstacles that require revisiting after acquiring new abilities or gear.
For instance, early in the game, Rose gains a whip that aids in traversing spike traps and engaging enemies, offering a fresh dynamic to combat with an array of weapons at her disposal.
Challenging Gameplay
While familiar foes like zombies and skeletons make a return, their increased speed and strength present a formidable challenge. Players must utilize strategy and reflexes to navigate intense battles, especially early on before expanding health and magic resources.
Trap rooms pose an additional hurdle, featuring intricate layouts that demand precise timing and skill, adding to the game’s unforgiving nature.
Backtracking and exploring previously visited areas are essential but may become tedious, as save points and shortcuts are scarce, prolonging travel times and intensifying the gameplay experience.
Exquisite Art and Sound
Despite certain gameplay challenges, Belmont’s Curse shines through its exceptional visuals and artistry. The game presents vivid environments, from dark catacombs to lush cemeteries, all brought to life with vibrant color schemes.
The approach to Dracula’s castle is a standout, featuring a grandiose structure atop Paris’ ruins, accompanied by a compelling musical score that blends classical elements with contemporary beats.
The game’s soundtrack complements the gameplay, f