Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse doesn’t seem to raise the stakes, but should still be worth sinking your teeth into
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse marks the franchise’s return to side-scrolling gameplay after a 13-year absence from the genre. According to hands-on coverage from Video Games Chronicle, the game delivers a solid entry in the series that should satisfy fans, though it doesn’t fundamentally reshape or elevate the genre’s conventions. The side-scrolling action space has become significantly more competitive in the years since the franchise last explored this format, with numerous indie and AAA titles establishing strong standards in the space. Despite not appearing to break new creative ground or substantially raise the bar for what’s expected from modern side-scrolling action games, the title is positioned as a worthwhile experience for those interested in the Castlevania series. The game enters a crowded marketplace where side-scrolling games have evolved considerably, making the Belmont’s return to this style particularly noteworthy for long-time franchise followers.