Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse will launch on PS5 on October 15, giving the long-running series a new protagonist, a large interconnected map, and a combat system built around weapons, magic, Relics, and boss abilities. A hands-on report published by the PlayStation Blog offered a closer look at Evil Empire’s action adventure ahead of release.
Konami and Evil Empire have worked on the game for four years. The project was revealed during the February 12 State of Play, where the announcement caught the development team off guard during its watch party. Marketing Director Bérenger Dupré said the team quickly saw positive fan reactions after the trailer appeared.
Rose Belmont takes the lead
The story takes place after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. In 1499, Paris has been left in ruins as Dracula’s resurrection draws near. Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose enter the city after receiving a suspicious letter from the Bishop. Trevor investigates the clergy while Rose moves through the undead-filled streets.
Rose brings a different perspective to the Belmont legacy. Her mother’s death weighs heavily on her, and that loss is represented through her tarot deck and the red curse spreading from her elbow to her hand. Both details are tied to her character arc and the abilities she gains during the adventure.
A classic structure with modern controls
Belmont’s Curse avoids permadeath and procedurally generated stages in favor of a traditional Castlevania-style world. Its map includes destructible secret walls and areas that remain out of reach until Rose acquires the right skill. The design also uses clear visual hints to point toward future abilities.
Rose’s movement combines the familiar weight of the series with quick responses. Wall jumps, swings across instant-death hazards, and environmental attacks all play a role in getting through the city. Enemies include skeletons, zombies, and bats, and hazards can damage them as well as Rose.
Some abilities remain locked during the early portion of the game. A double jump was not available during the hands-on session, although the level layouts suggested that Rose would gain more movement options later.
Whips, weapons, magic, and Relics
Combat centers on evasion, combos, and the Arcana Whip. Rose can dodge or slide with Circle, double-tap the button to flip backward, and use the whip grapple with R2 to attack or swing across gaps. Mana returns when enemies are defeated and powers spells assigned to Triangle, along with healing through L1.
The weapon system includes seven types, each with its own moves and bonuses. The longsword rewards attacks immediately after a backdash, while the shorter-range cestus gauntlets build damage as Rose continues landing hits.
Relics return with bonuses for combat and traversal. Rose can equip up to three at a time, allowing players to adjust her setup. One early example is the Crypt Key, which restores health and mana whenever Rose opens a chest.
Bosses become part of Rose’s deck
Boss fights demand careful timing. Dodging attacks, learning patterns, and using invincibility frames are all important when facing enemies such as The Fallen and Joan of Arc. The battles shown during the hands-on session included large attacks that filled the screen and forced Rose to keep moving.
Defeating a boss also adds that enemy to Rose’s tarot deck as an Arcana. These cards unlock spells, skills, and special actions. The Holy Cross from The Fallen becomes usable after the fight, while Joan’s Holy Light lets Rose pass through Chaos Shards and deflect attacks with precise timing.
Each Arcana includes up to three Works of Mercy, which are tasks tied to that ability. Completing them unlocks a Blessing, and assigning the Arcana can provide another bonus called a Gift. For example, the Cursed Flame’s fireball can gain a larger area and stronger knockback.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled to arrive on PS5 on October 15. Evil Empire and Konami are pairing the series’ gothic atmosphere and exploration-focused structure with faster combat and a deeper ability system.
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