In 1986, the Nintendo Entertainment System saw the release of the iconic game “Castlevania,” known for its intense monster battles, challenging gameplay, and catchy soundtrack. Since then, the series has expanded with numerous sequels and spinoffs, but Konami, the Japanese publisher, had not released a new installment since 2014.
Now, “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse” aims to attract both new and existing fans by drawing inspiration from various chapters of the series’ history and indie games influenced by it over the years. The game successfully revives the series by combining classic 2D exploration with stunning artistic design, although its high difficulty level may pose a challenge for newcomers to the genre.
The game focuses on Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, prominent characters from 1989’s “Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse.” Set in 1499 Paris under monster siege, players control Rose as she navigates the city in search of clues while dealing with a mysterious curse inherited from her mother.
As players progress through “Belmont’s Curse,” they encounter a mix of familiar and new gameplay elements reminiscent of the beloved 1997 entry, “Symphony of the Night.” The game follows a “Metroidvania” style, allowing players to explore interconnected locations within Paris and Dracula’s castle, uncovering new abilities and equipment to advance.
While the game offers a visually striking experience with its vibrant color palettes and intricate level design, it presents a significant challenge with faster and more powerful enemies. Players must rely on their skills and resourcefulness to navigate through intense battles and treacherous trap rooms.
Despite its strengths, “Belmont’s Curse” may frustrate players with its limited save points and lack of convenient backtracking options, making exploration a more tedious experience. The game’s exceptional presentation, captivating art direction, and dynamic soundtrack enhance the overall gameplay, providing an immersive journey through the world of Castlevania.
However, players using the Nintendo Switch may encounter performance issues, including visual quality and input delay problems, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Konami has promised an update to address these issues across all platforms, but it was not available at the time of this review.