Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is set to launch on October 15 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with both versions available at no additional cost through Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to access the game on console and PC with shared progress. The announcement comes from KONAMI, who developed the title in partnership with Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the studios behind Dead Cells.
This release marks the first original 2D Castlevania title in 18 years, continuing the series’ legacy within the action-exploration genre it helped popularise. The game centres on Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades—characters familiar from the Netflix animated adaptation—who takes over the family’s vampire hunting duties in 15th-century Paris.
Collaboration with Dead Cells Developers Shapes Gameplay and Visuals
The development involved Evil Empire, the studio managing Dead Cells updates after spinning off from Motion Twin, whose expertise influenced Belmont’s Curse. The game inherits key elements from Dead Cells’ fast-paced combat and pixel-art aesthetic but places them in a fixed world environment rather than procedurally generated levels, providing a more traditional exploration experience.
Belmont’s Curse employs cel shading techniques on 3D models to achieve a distinctive 2D graphic style, featuring dynamic lighting effects that enhance the atmosphere. This approach highlights detailed enemy design and environmental backdrops, notably in scenes with striking colour palettes, such as magenta flames illuminating Paris.
Expanded Combat System and New Mechanics
The title offers Rose seven different weapon types, each with unique move sets, expanding combat options beyond series staples like the whip. The whip itself serves a dual function, doubling as a grappling hook for traversal and offensive manoeuvres. Developers have included a parry mechanic to complement enemy telegraphs, requiring player precision and timing during fights.
Combat intensity is notably high in boss encounters, which have been described as challenging but fair, demanding players master enemy patterns and utilise tactical approaches. Tarot-themed spells, obtained from defeated bosses, add strategic depth; these arcana derive from Rose’s late mother Sypha and can be upgraded via the in-game Works of Mercy system tied to specific achievements.
By expanding on both combat mechanics and narrative elements through character lineage and tarot-based magic, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse aims to balance homage to its roots with refreshed gameplay innovations.
