Entertainment · Gaming · 2 hrs ago
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse earns strong reviews, with some questions about its style
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse has received strong reviews as the series’ first mainline game in more than 10 years.
Konami worked with Evil Empire, a studio that supported Dead Cells, to make the new game.
Review averages stand at 86 on Metacritic and 85 on OpenCritic.
Critics have praised its combat, exploration and updated approach to the series.
Some reviewers say the changes smooth away classic Castlevania elements, including features that helped give the series its distinct feel.
The reviews therefore point to a well-received return, while leaving open whether the game fully captures what longtime fans expect from Castlevania.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse has received strong reviews, with critics praising its combat, exploration and modernization of the series.
The game’s average scores are 86 on Metacritic and 85 on OpenCritic.
Some reviewers question whether the game retains the distinctive feel and features of Castlevania.
The game was made by Evil Empire, a studio that supported Dead Cells.
It is the first mainline Castlevania installment in more than 10 years.
- Who
- Konami published the game, which was made by Evil Empire.
- What
- Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse received strong reviews, though some critics questioned its style and connection to the series.
- When
- Reviews were reported on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Critics praised the game’s combat, exploration and modernization, while some felt it lacked elements that distinguish Castlevania.
Critics praising the game
Critics questioning its Castlevania identity
Combat
Critics praising the game
Praised its responsive combat and strong action.
Critics questioning its Castlevania identity
Some felt the game’s streamlined combat came at the expense of classic series characteristics.
Series identity
Critics praising the game
Saw it as a triumphant return and a smart modernization.
Critics questioning its Castlevania identity
Said it felt like a solid metroidvania with a superficial Castlevania skin.
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania established the groundwork for the collaboration between Konami and Evil Empire.
Polygon reported that reviews of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse were strong, while some critics questioned whether it captured the series’ spirit.
- Metacritic average
- 86
- OpenCritic average
- 85
- Developer
- Evil Empire
- Series status
- First mainline Castlevania installment in over 10 years
- Previous collaboration
- Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania, 2023
What people are saying
one of the best Castlevania games, and one of the best metroidvania games, of all time
So much else of what usually sets this series apart within this genre has been smoothed over with Belmont’s Curse, which leaves the whole package feeling a bit like a really solid metroidvania wearing a superficial Castlevania skin
Arguably, it's a better sequel to the show than the game; the art style and character designs have clear anime inspirations, and many voice actors, including Trevor Belmont, reprise their roles
Sources
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