Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse marks the franchise's return after 12 years away from a mainline entry, developed by Evil Empire in collaboration with Konami. The action-RPG metroidvania features a female protagonist named Rose and is designed to appeal both to longtime series fans and players new to Castlevania. Rather than a roguelike structure, the game emphasizes classic side-scrolling exploration with modernized pacing and combat mechanics.

Recent coverage has focused on the game's October 15, 2026 simultaneous launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC - confirming the Switch version won't face delays as once seemed possible. Hands-on previews have been largely positive, with developers highlighting how the game balances honoring the series' legacy while innovating within the metroidvania genre. The cinematography draws inspiration from the Netflix anime adaptation, though the game exists as a separate story. Early impressions describe fast-paced, whip-driven combat paired with substantial level design, positioning it as an entry point for Metroidvania enthusiasts unfamiliar with Castlevania's history.