After more than a decade without a new entry, Konami’s storied Castlevania franchise is finally returning with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a 2D action-platformer set in a burning 1499 Paris and starring Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor and Sypha. Developed by Evil Empire—the studio behind the critically acclaimed roguelike Dead Cells—and published by Konami, the game launches on October 15th across PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC. Rather than merely recapping the series’ Metroidvania legacy, Belmont’s Curse fuses that classic exploration formula with soulslike combat, difficulty modifiers, and the animated Netflix series’ characters and voice cast, positioning itself as both a nostalgic throwback and a modern contender in the genre.
The title’s most striking feature is its deliberate bridge between the games and the Netflix adaptation. Rose Belmont serves as the central protagonist, descending from the Belmont bloodline that has defined the franchise since its early days. Her parents—Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades—first appeared in 1989’s Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse and later became two of the three main protagonists of the original animated series. Trevor himself makes a brief appearance, effectively acting as a connective thread between the show and the game before handing over the whip to his daughter. The influence of the two Netflix series is unmistakable throughout the project, with Evil Empire even securing the return of several voice actors from the show, including Alejandra Reynoso reprising her role as Rose’s mother, Sypha, and Graham McTavish returning as Dracula.
A Collaboration That Became a Full Game
The existence of Belmont’s Curse traces back to a bold proposal from the developer. At a hands-on event in July, Konami series producer Tsutomi Taniguchi explained to Kotaku how the project came to be, revealing that the initiative originated from Evil Empire rather than Konami itself. The studio had approached the publisher with an idea for a Castlevania collaboration DLC for Dead Cells, and Taniguchi had already been contemplating what a fresh Castlevania title might look like. Describing the proposed collaboration as a “fantastic opportunity,” he gave the team his approval—and that green light empowered the developers to pitch a full standalone game instead of a mere downloadable addition.
“It was actually [Evil Empire] who approached us and said, ‘Hey, do you want to create a [Castlevania] collaboration DLC [for Dead Cells]?'”
Tsutomi Taniguchi, Konami Series Producer
That origin story reflects a broader reality for the franchise: with the animated series winding down after Nocturne concluded its second season last year, and the games themselves left dormant since 2014, the timing for a new Castlevania has never been more opportune. Genre fans have been kept busy by titles like Hollow Knight and Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, which have held the Metroidvania seat warm enough for a true-blue Castlevania to return.
A Soulslike Twist on a Classic Formula
Given the series’ long hiatus—punctuated only by collections of older entries—the developers at Evil Empire knew they could not simply replicate a traditional Castlevania experience. Instead, Belmont’s Curse injects a distinct soulslike energy into the mix, delivering tough-as-nails combat alongside difficulty modifiers that let struggling players dial back the challenge. The game also introduces regenerating enemies, a variety of weapons beyond the iconic Vampire Killer whip to accommodate different playstyles, and magical sub-weapons known as Arcana. These systems combine to give the title a modern, punishing edge while preserving the exploration-driven structure that has always defined the franchise.
The narrative also nods to the series’ second animated installment, which centered on a Paris in turmoil. Belmont’s Curse picks up in that same burning backdrop of Paris in 1499, though set a few centuries later. While none of the previews explicitly mention Alucard—the half-vampire son of Dracula and the animated series’ third protagonist—his absence is unlikely to be permanent. With Belmonts running rampant across the story, longtime fans can expect the enigmatic character to make an appearance down the line.
Looking Ahead
As the franchise prepares for its most anticipated return in years, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse arrives on October 15th for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC. The release marks a meaningful moment for both the Metroidvania community and the series’ dedicated fanbase, offering a fresh entry point for newcomers drawn to the Netflix adaptation while rewarding veterans with the Belmont legacy they have long awaited. With its hybrid combat, rich character roster, and seamless integration of the animated series’ cast and setting, Belmont’s Curse aims to prove that Castlevania is not merely an homage to its own past, but a living, evolving genre icon ready to reclaim its place at the forefront of the action-platformer landscape.
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