Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Scores 32/40 in Famitsu, Enters Gold Hall
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is set to launch on October 15, 2026, and its first review scores have now arrived. Japanese outlet Famitsu awarded the game four scores of 8 from its four editors, for a total of 32 out of 40, placing it in the publication’s Gold Hall. The title is being developed by Motion Twin and Evil Empire, the studios behind Dead Cells, and it continues the story of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse from the perspective of a new Belmont protagonist, Rose Belmont, with the setting moved to Paris.
Famitsu’s review notes that the game features no equipment drops from defeated enemies and no money system, keeping to traditional exploration-style gameplay. Players use whips and other weapons for aerial movement, and the action is described as demanding. Each card obtained carries its own tasks and puzzles. The story picks up from Castlevania III, and the difficulty leans hardcore — ordinary enemies take longer to defeat, while boss battles reportedly carry a “death game” feel.
The detailed backgrounds of Paris and Dracula’s Castle, combined with the music, are said to deepen immersion. Areas are filled with traps and mechanisms, and segments that require using the whip to jump between scenes are described as thrilling. After leveling up, players can challenge powerful bosses, and a range of assist features is available to help. Defeated bosses reappear inside tarot cards, where they converse with the player — an unusual touch highlighted in the review.
Famitsu observed that finding effective weapons and tactics can dramatically lower the difficulty once mastered, recreating an old-school Castlevania experience. However, the outlet also noted that the action and visual style lean closer to recent Western indie games rather than traditional Castlevania, something it says may be a matter of personal taste. This is one to watch for fans of classic exploration-driven action when it arrives on October 15, 2026.
