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Few gaming franchises have a legacy as deep as Castlevania. After years of reboots, spin-offs, and a hit Netflix series, fans have wanted one thing: a proper new entry that respects the whip-cracking, castle-crawling roots of the series. The Castlevania Belmont’s Curse game is that entry. Here at Ultimate Fandom, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about it, from the story and gameplay to critic scores, platforms, and whether it’s worth your money.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a 2D action-exploration game from Konami. It’s developed by Konami in collaboration with Evil Empire, with advisory support from Motion Twin, and set in Paris in 1499, 23 years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. Evil Empire is the studio behind the long-term support of Dead Cells, including that game’s Castlevania crossover, so it already knew how to work with Konami’s world. onemoregame
The game launched on 15 October 2026, which puts it close to Halloween, the season Castlevania fans treat as a holiday of their own. gosugamers
If you’re searching for a Trevor Belmont Castlevania game, this is the closest thing you’ll get, and it comes with a twist. Trevor isn’t the star this time. You play as Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont, who wields the legendary Vampire Killer whip as she fights through the Parisian catacombs and the dark halls of Dracula’s castle. Trevor’s legacy hangs over the whole adventure, though, and his presence is felt throughout the story. Konami’s Japanese site lists Trevor Belmont among the voiced characters alongside Dracula, Medusa, Carmilla, and Death. onemoregamerpgsite
Rose also carries part of Dracula’s power in her arm, which gives her story a darker personal edge than the usual “heir picks up the whip” setup. Her struggle with that inherited curse drives the plot and gives the title its meaning. omegametroid
This new Castlevania game blends two traditions. It has the exploration-heavy structure that Symphony of the Night made famous, and it also has the demanding, precise action of older entries. The map is non-linear and covers both the castle and the surrounding city, and the Vampire Killer doubles as a weapon and a traversal tool, so movement upgrades and combat upgrades are tied together. hideoutgacha
The presentation is a big part of the appeal. The art is hand-painted 2D rather than pixel art, which sets it apart from the many retro-style Castlevania-likes. Illustrator Katsuya Terada contributed original artwork. hideoutgachaonemoregame
Combat is quick and rewarding. Critics describe a twitch-based action loop with demanding platforming gauntlets, plus a tarot card-based Arcana system for managing and upgrading spells. The tarot theme fits the gothic mood well and adds build variety beyond swinging the whip. ingamenews
Early reception has been strong. The game holds a Metacritic score of 86 and an OpenCritic rating of 85, making it the highest-rated Castlevania in roughly two decades and the sixth highest in the series’ history. Famitsu was an early supporter, giving it 32 out of 40. kitgurunintendolife
The praise centers on a few points:
Scores also vary a little by platform. Metacritic lists 86 on PS5, 88 on Xbox Series X|S and 84 on PC. That’s a small spread, and all three are solid. gameoverdrive
No game is perfect, and this one didn’t land with everyone. Some reviewers note that late-game platforming difficulty spikes may challenge players who aren’t used to the series’ precision demands. If you prefer a relaxed Metroidvania, expect to practice and retry sections. Veterans of the older games will likely enjoy that challenge, while newcomers may find it steep. ingamenews
We should be upfront that this article is based on published critical reception and official information, not a full playthrough of our own. As player impressions grow in the weeks after launch, we’ll keep an eye on how the community responds to the difficulty and any patches.
The game launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam and Nintendo Switch. A native Nintendo Switch 2 version hasn’t been announced. A demo was also available beforehand on multiple formats. playnewsprimagames
On extras, the Midnight Edition adds a digital sound and art gallery with 71 tracks plus exclusive in-game items. Early purchases and pre-orders included an Alucard Style Costume for Rose, and some EMEA retailers offered a SteelBook. Since the game has now launched, check your preferred store to see which bonuses are still available. onemoregameplaynews
If you’ve been waiting for a new Castlevania game that takes the series seriously, the answer looks like a confident yes. You get a handcrafted gothic world, a satisfying whip-based moveset, tarot-driven spell customization, and a story that connects to Trevor Belmont’s legacy. The strong critic scores back that up, and the series hasn’t earned this level of praise in many years.
It may not suit you if you dislike hard platforming or want a gentle experience. Everyone else, especially fans of Dead Cells and classic Metroidvanias, should find plenty to enjoy.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a confident, beautifully drawn return that honors the Belmont name while giving the series fresh energy through Rose. It combines exploration, combat and atmosphere, and the early reviews suggest it’s one of the best entries in decades. We’ll keep covering updates, guides, and community reactions at Ultimate Fandom, so check back as the vampire hunt continues.
What’s your take on the new Castlevania game? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and tell us whether you’ll be wielding the Vampire Killer as Rose.
When was the Castlevania Belmont’s Curse game released?
The game launched on October 15, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. A native Nintendo Switch 2 version hasn’t been announced.
Is there a Trevor Belmont Castlevania game in this release?
Trevor Belmont isn’t the playable hero. You play as his daughter, Rose Belmont, in Paris in 1499, 23 years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. Trevor’s legacy is central to the story, and he appears as a voiced character.
How well has this new Castlevania game been reviewed?
Reception has been very positive. The game holds a Metacritic score of 86 and an OpenCritic score of 85, making it the highest-rated Castlevania in about two decades. Critics praise the responsive combat, the hand-painted visuals, and the exploration.
What kind of gameplay does Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse offer?
It’s a 2D action-exploration game with fast whip combat, demanding platforming and a non-linear map covering both the castle and the city. It also has a tarot card-based Arcana system for managing and upgrading spells.
Is the game too difficult for newcomers?
Some reviewers say late-game platforming difficulty spikes may challenge players unfamiliar with the series’ precision demands. Veterans of classic Castlevania and Metroidvania games will likely enjoy the challenge. A demo was available before launch if you want to test it first.
