On June 19, 2026, an introduction and hands-on event for 'Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts' was held at the 'Chapelle de Jeanne d'Arc' in Paris, France. The event featured a panel including KONAMI producer Tsutomu Taniguchi, as well as Emmanuel Nouai and Bérenger Dupré from the France-based developer Evil Empire.

'Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts' is the first authentic 2D entry in the series in 18 years. The development team stated that they built the game with the goal of 'returning to the roots,' explaining that as the series celebrates its 40th anniversary, the project aims to provide a modern reinterpretation of the essence of the classic Castlevania series.

A defining feature of this title is that it is set primarily in France. Paris in 1499 has fallen into darkness due to mysterious circumstances, and the protagonist is Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont (Ralph C. Belmont in the original work), who was the main character of the animated series. Her mother, Sypha Belnades, also makes an indirect appearance.

Unlike previous titles that typically used the 'Demon Castle' itself as the stage, this game features various locations throughout Paris as fields. This means the game depicts the journey from Paris toward the Demon Castle. Having played through 'Curse of the Belmonts,' which incorporates numerous changes and new attempts, I have compiled my impressions below.

A Game Structure Defined by the 'Whip'

While 'Curse of the Belmonts' introduces several new systems, the most significant is undoubtedly the 'Arcana Whip.' The whip has always been an iconic weapon in the Castlevania series, but in this title, while it is not a weapon in the traditional sense, it functions as a vital tool that drives the game's core mechanics.

The whip has two primary uses: it can be hooked onto 'rings' scattered throughout the map for traversal, or used to grapple directly onto enemies for a quick approach. This simple yet symbolic system serves as the core of 'Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts.

In the process of sequentially exploring the expansive 2D maps characteristic of the Metroidvania genre, the Arcana Whip is effectively the star. Most topographical obstacles must be overcome using this whip, and timing your release while swinging from a ring becomes a test of skill that determines whether you successfully clear an area.

The ability to grab and dash toward enemies is also highly useful. It can be used to close the distance on enemies performing ranged attacks, and you can even weave in a special 'dash attack' while approaching. However, its greatest utility lies in using the enemies themselves as a means to traverse the terrain. You can grab flying enemies to reach otherwise inaccessible areas, or use your whip on enemies in the back row to bypass front-line obstacles and create new attack routes.

Above all, this 'Arcana Whip' exists in various forms. While only the basic whip is available in the game, quest information suggests that at least three different types exist.

Combat Divided by Tarot Cards and Weapons

If the whip is the key to movement, the core of combat lies in weapons and spells. Each spell exists in the form of a tarot card, which is unlocked one by one throughout gameplay. As is common in many games, the system allows you to select and utilize one from a variety of available spells.

Weapons are also discovered as you play. There are seven types in total; the hands-on build allowed for the use of the basic 'Sword,' the dual-wielded 'Cestus,' the 'Spear,' and the 'Harpe and Aegis' set. I also confirmed the existence of a two-handed sword, though I did not have the chance to play with it myself.

Every weapon possesses unique actions and functions.

For instance, the Cestus features increased damage with each successful hit, and its dash attack is an uppercut that launches enemies into the air, neutralizing them. For the two-handed sword, holding and releasing the X button allows for a powerful charged attack, while the spear can be thrown at enemies when using a charged attack.

Because each spell and weapon offers a different combat style, unique actions, and situational responses, 'Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts' allows for a vast array of combat combinations. You can stick to the iconic 'Grand Cross' technique, or focus on a petrification beam to turn enemies to stone.

While it is inherently fun regardless of your choice, the game allows you to freely change your equipment and spells to suit your preferred weapon or playstyle.

Challenging, Yet Adjustable Gameplay

'Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts' is an exemplary game. The developers' promise of 'modernizing a long-standing series' is accurately realized here. Of course, one must consider that the hands-on build is not the final release and I could not play the entire game—meaning it could potentially suffer from a weak second half or hidden fatal flaws—but the early gameplay was highly satisfying and exemplary of the Metroidvania genre.

The game is not easy. Even the first boss is quite a challenge; among those playing alongside me, it was not uncommon to see players attempt the first boss more than 10 times. Fortunately, 'Curse of the Belmonts' features very detailed difficulty settings. You can adjust everything from damage multipliers for both the player and enemies to the presence of respawn points. This means that if you choose, you can enjoy the game at a leisurely pace.

However, one thing that cannot be changed by difficulty settings is map traversal, the heart of any Metroidvania. While the design isn't maliciously difficult like 'Super Meat Boy'—most traps can be cleared with a little practice—there were times when finding the path forward was confusing. There were moments where I wandered for a long time, completely unsure of where I was supposed to go.

While these instances were rare, the fact that most other players at the event also got stuck in the same sections suggests there are some shortcomings in pathfinding guidance. However, with three months left until release, I believe this is a fixable issue.

In summary, 'Castlevania: Curse of the Belmonts' is a game that does no dishonor to the great name of 'Castlevania.' When the initial trailer was released, there was criticism that it was 'too bright for a Castlevania game,' but I felt these sections were included to provide a sense of contrast. The actual gameplay backgrounds are not quite that bright.

While one must account for the fact that the demo build was intentionally crafted to highlight the best parts, the experience was quite satisfying—enough to make me look forward to the full release.