Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse hands-on report

Key Points:

• Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, developed by Evil Empire and published by Konami, is set to launch on PS5 on October 15, offering a modern yet classic Castlevania experience with smooth combat, expansive magic, and quality of life improvements.
• The game introduces Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont, as the protagonist navigating a ravaged 1499 Paris to prevent Dracula’s resurrection, blending traditional gothic aesthetics with a fresh character arc.
• Combat emphasizes fast, fluid mechanics with versatile dodges, combos, and seven distinct weapon types, alongside a mana system for spells and healing, aiming to balance classic Castlevania spirit with modern gameplay.
• Relics return to provide customizable bonuses, and defeating challenging bosses rewards players with Arcana tarot cards that unlock spells, skills, and upgrades, encouraging strategic play and mastery.
• The development team is responding positively to fan reactions while managing high expectations, promising a challenging and faithful Castlevania adventure that respects the series’ roots.