Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Reviews
Exceptional in every way, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a one of 2026's must-play titles. In a year of great games, it's hard to stand out, but Evil Empire has crafted a bonified masterpiece in one of the game's most historic franchises.
There's no doubt about it: with this highly accomplished new entry, Konami marks the grand return of its franchise after twelve long years away. Castlevania Belmont's Curse may not be the most intricate or the most original metroidvania we've seen in recent years, but it arrives with real personality and a charm that will have no trouble winning over fans of the genre. The game developed by Evil Empire also makes for an excellent entry point for newcomers to the series, which could well make it the ideal springboard for a genuine Castlevania revival in the years ahead.
Review in French | Read full review
“Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse” represents a nice return to old-school form for the franchise with a surprisingly affordable price tag. From its hand-drawn style to its side-scrolling action and exploration, it just evokes classic Castlevania while adding its own new spin on the series. The action-platforming mechanics have some wonky moments and folks who prefer their Castlevania to be even more old-school with just straight up, linear action might not be as pleased. But if you loved the exploration in Symphony of the Night and the Castlevania games on portable Nintendo systems, then you’ll likely take to this game like vampire fangs to an exposed neck.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse has all the elements necessary to attract both historical enthusiasts and those looking for a solid, modern Metroidvania.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Belmont’s Curse is a tightly crafted, enjoyable modern Metroidvania, even if its Castlevania branding distract from its strengths.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse has excellent presentation and style, but some frustrations lead to a fairly uneven experience until it eventually finds its footing.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse unfurls like a tapestry of mysteries. There are so many secrets to discover, and it'll constantly tug at your curiosity, beckoning you to explore its darkest corners. Powerful spells and satisfying weapons anchor a robust combat system, and certain boss fights are a real treat. However, the difficulty is a little inconsistent, sometimes to a frustrating, punishing degree.
To say that the Castlevania series is long-running wouldn't be quite right. True, it began in 1986, and has kept us more or less stocked ever sinc...
Despite an 18 year absence, it feels like 2D Castlevania never left. Belmont's Curse is an excellent return to this hallowed series - standing tall with some of the best Metroidvania entries in the franchise. If this is just the start of a Castlevania renaissance, I can't wait to see where it goes.
Every bloody aspect of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse triumphs and coagulates into an astounding adventure. This is an essential masterpiece.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a must play title and a return to form for one of video gaming's most prominent franchises.
I’m generally pleased with the end result of Castlevania: Curse of Belmont. It’s a metroidvania that manages to balance keeping the old-school Castlevania thematic alive and well while simultaneously refining platforming and combat mechanics that haven’t yet been possible. Knowing that Evil Empire, Motion Twin, and Konami are seeking to reimagine the now-40-year-old franchise for new players, it feels like they made a valiant effort to retain what longtime fans love most while giving new players just enough to enjoy a Castlevania title for the first time.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a worthy revival of the franchise and whose foundation could easily sustain the next big entry. However, it's own fundamentals need some serious work.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a welcome return for the series, combining responsive controls, satisfying combat, and flexible character builds with striking gothic visuals. Its demanding but largely fair challenges reward experimentation, although occasionally confusing progression and frustrating save-point placement hold it back. My main issue with Belmont’s Curse is that it remains ONLY a very good example of its genre:it is a polished, compelling metroidvania that successfully brings Castlevania into the modern era.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is undoubtedly an excellent relaunch for the historic series. Returning to two dimensions has demonstrated that Konami's celebrated IP, if put in skilled hands, still has a lot to offer, even to today's players.
Review in Italian | Read full review
I can appreciate what Castlevania: Belmont's Curse does well, and I genuinely enjoyed returning to Castlevania. But overall, it feels like a game that inherits both the strengths and the flaws of modern indie Metroidvanias, resulting in something that looks like a natural fit on the surface but never truly feels like one.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a gorgeous game, and it will make any Castlevania fan feel right at home after being away so long.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a must-play if you like metroidvania games, a solid continuation for the legendary series, and it offers a serviceable, fun story and a massive map for you to check out.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a superb return for one of the best franchises in the Metroidvania genre. With an excellent blend of engaging combat against enemies and bosses, rewarding exploration, stunning art direction, and challenging yet enjoyable platforming, the game delivers a thoroughly satisfying experience. It’s an easy recommendation for both longtime fans who grew up with the classic entries and newcomers looking to discover Castlevania for the first time. If you enjoy the genre, this 15-hour adventure is well worth your time.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a far more modest effort to kickstart interest in the series again, and I do think opinions on it will be divided.