Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Revives Series in 1499 Paris

Konami is reviving its dormant Castlevania series with "Castlevania: Belmont's Curse," scheduled for an October release. This new title marks a return to the franchise's 2D side-scrolling roots, a departure from its recent 3D ambitions. The game is set in 1499 Paris, 23 years after the events of "Castlevania 3," aligning with the timeline of the popular Netflix adaptation.

Players will step into the role of Rose, the daughter of Trevor Belmont, a character featured in "Castlevania 3." The narrative begins with a bishop imploring the Belmonts to cleanse Paris of an ancient evil. Rose's quest will lead her through the city's sewers, armed with a longsword, to confront demonic forces. The developers at Evil Empire aim to honor the legacy of the original Castlevania games while appealing to the modern "metroidvania" genre audience.

"Belmont's Curse" is designed to resonate with players who have grown up with games inspired by the seminal Castlevania titles. The developers are focusing on fresh gameplay mechanics and a return to the classic side-scrolling format that defined the series. Notably, the game will feature Joan of Arc as a boss character, adding a historical figure to the game's roster of adversaries. This strategic inclusion aims to blend historical elements with the established fantasy lore of the Castlevania universe.