Konami has unveiled ’s first major Castlevania title in over a decade: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. Announced during Sony’s State of Play presentation, the game is a 2D action-exploration title developed in collaboration with Evil Empire, known for Rogue Prince of Persia, and Motion Twin, the studio behind Dead Cells. The game is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Belmont’s Curse is set 23 years after the events of Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse, placing the action in a dark reimagining of medieval Paris in the year 1499. The city is plunged into chaos as monstrous creatures emerge from the shadows, with burning churches, ruined streets, and a looming castle serving as the backdrop for the game’s narrative. Players will assume the role of a descendant of Trevor Belmont, wielding the iconic Vampire Killer whip to hunt these creatures and prevent the city’s complete destruction.
The whip is central to the gameplay experience, functioning not only as a weapon but also as a crucial tool for traversal. Players can swing from the environment, reach previously inaccessible areas, and initiate swift attacks during exploration. Konami emphasizes that combat will be fast-paced and strategic, requiring players to master the whip’s mechanics. Beyond the whip, additional weapons will also be available to players.
The game aims to blend classic Castlevania elements with a fresh visual identity. The developers are retaining series traditions such as hidden rooms, secret items, and destructible walls, suggesting a focus on exploration and discovery. The emphasis on “technical combat and dynamic movement” points to a gameplay loop that rewards precision and skillful execution, building on the foundations laid by previous 2D Castlevania titles.
This announcement marks the beginning of celebrations for the Castlevania series’ 40th anniversary. Konami has indicated that Belmont’s Curse is the first of several announcements planned throughout to commemorate the franchise’s four decades of existence, beginning with its debut on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The series has since expanded to include critically acclaimed and popular animated adaptations on Netflix.
Evil Empire’s previous work on Rogue Prince of Persia demonstrates their aptitude for crafting engaging 2D action games with a focus on fluid movement and challenging combat. Motion Twin’s Dead Cells, a roguelike metroidvania, showcases their expertise in tight controls, responsive gameplay, and intricate level design. The combination of these two studios suggests a strong foundation for Belmont’s Curse, potentially delivering a Castlevania experience that honors the series’ legacy while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics.
The choice of setting – a gothic Paris – is a departure from the traditional Transylvanian locales often associated with Castlevania. This shift in location offers a unique aesthetic and narrative potential, allowing the developers to explore new themes and challenges within the established Castlevania universe. The description of the environment – churches ablaze, streets in ruins – paints a picture of a city on the brink of collapse, heightening the sense of urgency and danger.
While a specific release date within has not yet been announced, the game is currently available to wishlist. The developers have highlighted the importance of the whip in the new title, stating it’s “more important than ever!” and encouraging players to “be creative” with its use in combat. This suggests a deeper, more versatile whip system than seen in previous installments, potentially offering a wider range of offensive and defensive options.
The announcement of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse has been met with considerable excitement from fans who have long awaited a new entry in the 2D Castlevania series. The involvement of experienced developers and the promise of a fresh setting and innovative gameplay mechanics suggest that this new installment has the potential to revitalize the franchise and introduce it to a new generation of players.
