Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Hands-On Preview - The Beloved Franchise Returns After 12 Years With a Metroidvania Masterpiece

After 12 years without a mainline Castlevania title, and 18 since a proper 2D entry, the franchise's return was always going to be momentous. But the first hands-on previews for Castlevania: Belmont's Curse suggest something far more than a nostalgic victory lap. Held in a deconsecrated church in Paris, the three-hour preview event has left many major outlets calling it a genuine classic-in-the-making. This is the story of how a small French studio earned Konami's trust, how the Netflix anime revived fan interest, and why Belmont's Curse feels like the Castlevania game we have been waiting for.

How Castlevania Came Back: From Netflix to Evil Empire

The last mainline Castlevania, Lords of Shadow 2, launched in 2014 to a mixed reception. The last proper 2D entry, Order of Ecclesia, arrived in 2008. In the years since, fans had little to sustain them beyond re-releases and the celebrated Netflix animated series. That drought made the announcement of Belmont's Curse in early 2026 a genuine event.

Konami producer Tsutomu Taniguchi described the task of reviving the series after more than a decade as “happy pressure,” as reported by IGN. Speaking at the preview event – held in a deconsecrated church in Paris to reflect both the game's French setting and Evil Empire's Parisian roots – Taniguchi noted that the Netflix Castlevania anime (2017-2025) directly influenced the decision to greenlight a new game. The show introduced a generation of viewers to the Belmont lineage and Dracula's curse, creating an audience of potential players who had never touched the titles. Taniguchi and his team methodically rebuilt interest by re-releasing classic collections: the Anniversary Collection in 2019, the Advance Collection in 2021, and the Dominus Collection in 2024. These releases served as a reminder of what the franchise could be, and they set the stage for something new.

Belmont's Curse itself originated from the Dead Cells “Return to Castlevania” DLC (2023). Evil Empire, the French team best known for that DLC and The Rogue Prince of Persia, approached Konami about a crossover, and the DLC's massive success opened the door for a full standalone title. Evil Empire spent four years developing Belmont's Curse, with advisory support from Motion Twin. The preview event's venue was a symbolic passing of the torch: a small studio that had proven its love for Castlevania through a single DLC now entrusted with the future of the series. Taniguchi explained that the decision to work with Evil Empire was driven by trust and shared vision. “We really wanted to capture the essence of the series,” he said. The result is a game that feels neither like a cynical cash-in nor a radical departure. It is a faithful continuation.

Rose Belmont and the Curse of Her Bloodline

Set in 1499 Paris, Belmont's Curse follows Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades. That places the story 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and 20 years after Curse of Darkness. It is a direct sequel to the classic canon, not a reboot. Konami is signaling that Lords of Shadow was a temporary detour; the real timeline is back.

Rose is a compelling protagonist. She carries a cursed arm that feeds on aggression and anger, forcing players to control her emotions during combat. This is not just narrative flavor. It is a gameplay mechanic that adds strategic depth. Let aggression run unchecked, and the arm may act in ways the player does not intend. The previews suggest this creates a tense balancing act, rewarding measured play over reckless button-mashing.

The setting of 1499 Paris is also a fresh backdrop for the series, moving away from the familiar Transylvanian castles. Historical figures like Joan of Arc appear (as a boss encounter), blending classic Castlevania iconography with real-world myth.

Classic Metroidvania, Modern Refinements

One of the most reassuring details from the previews is that Belmont's Curse is deliberately NOT a roguelike. It is a traditional Metroidvania with handcrafted levels, no permadeath, and no procedural generation. This returns to the style of Symphony of the Night – exactly what longtime fans wanted.

Combat has been modernized without losing its essence. Seven distinct weapon families, each with unique movesets and unlockable weapons, offer deep customization. The preview build showcased a range of options, from whips and greatswords to daggers and throwing axes. The fluidity of combat drew universal praise. PC Gamer described it as “like playing classic Castlevania on fast-forward.”

Difficulty is also adjustable. Players can tweak sliders for damage dealt and damage taken, and they can enable auto-respawns outside boss doors. This ensures the game is accessible to newcomers while still offering a challenge for veterans. It is a thoughtful compromise that respects both sides of the audience.

Boss encounters confirmed so far include The Fallen, Joan of Arc, Medusa, and Death. Each appears to be a distinct set piece, building on the series' tradition of imposing, pattern-driven fights. The previews hinted that the full roster will be substantial.

Hands-On Praise, Why Critics Are Calling It a Classic

After three hours with the game at the Paris preview, nearly every major outlet at the event – including IGN, Eurogamer, GamesRadar, and Destructoid – came away impressed. IGN noted that the long wait may have been worth it. Eurogamer praised the level design. GamesRadar declared it already “feels like a classic.” The Guardian highlighted the innovative Joan of Arc boss fight. Destructoid called it “beautiful and ambitious.”

Common themes in the coverage include the fluid combat, the gorgeous pixel art that rivals Dead Cells in detail, and the careful balance of nostalgia and innovation. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second on all platforms, with the visual style evoking the Symphony era but with modern lighting effects.

If this preview roundup is any guide, Belmont's Curse is not just a good Castlevania game. It is a frontrunner for action game of the year.

The Curse Lifted, A New Dawn for Castlevania

With a release date of October 15, 2026 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse stands as a masterclass in franchise revival. Konami trusted a studio that had proven its love for the series through a DLC. The team respected the classic timeline and built a pure Metroidvania experience with modern quality-of-life features. The result is a game that honors the past while looking forward.

For the first time in over a decade, the Belmont legacy feels secure. If this preview roundup is any guide, the curse has truly been lifted. The future of Castlevania looks brighter than it has in years.