Konami’s Castlevania* franchise is stepping into uncharted territory with Belmont’s Curse, a 2D action-adventure game that marks the series’ first foray into classic-style gameplay since 2014’s Lords of Shadow 2. But what sets this announcement apart isn’t just the return of a beloved formula—it’s the confirmation that this is only the beginning. The game, developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, is positioned as the first in a wave of new Castlevania projects, each building on the franchise’s 40-year legacy while carving out fresh narratives.
The story unfolds over two decades after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, dropping players into 15th-century Paris, where a new Belmont heir wields the iconic Vampire Killer whip to combat a surge of monstrous threats. Unlike previous entries, the whip isn’t just a weapon—it’s a traversal tool, letting players swing across environments to access hidden areas, solve puzzles, and engage in dynamic combat from unexpected angles. The game’s castle, a hub of secrets and traps, promises deep exploration, with developers emphasizing that uncovering its mysteries will be just as rewarding as the battles themselves.
While Belmont’s Curse arrives on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, Konami’s broader ambitions for the franchise extend beyond this single title. The announcement hints at a deliberate strategy to revitalize Castlevania as a recurring series, much like its heyday in the ‘90s, where each entry offered a distinct twist on the Belmont saga. For fans who’ve waited years for a return to the series’ 2D roots, this isn’t just a game—it’s a reset.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/XSetting: 15th-century Paris, decades after Castlevania IIIGameplay: Classic 2D action with whip-based traversal and explorationKey Feature: Castle filled with secrets, puzzles, and deadly trapsLegacy: First in a planned series of new Castlevania projects
The focus on exploration and traversal mechanics suggests a departure from the linear dungeon-crawling of older titles, instead embracing a more open-ended approach. This could appeal to players who’ve grown accustomed to modern action-adventure games like Metroidvania titles, where mastery of movement unlocks hidden paths and deeper lore. Whether Konami’s series revival will match the depth of its ‘90s classics remains to be seen, but Belmont’s Curse sets a bold precedent—one that may redefine what it means to be a Castlevania* game in 2026 and beyond.
