Belmont's Curse received its first public score in Famitsu: all four critics at the Japanese magazine gave it an 8, and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse totals 32 out of 40. Konami's launch is set for October 15, 2026.
What happened?
The score appeared in Famitsu's weekly review and was picked up by Nintendo Life and Nintendo Everything. It is the review debut of Belmont's Curse, a 2D action-exploration game from Konami with Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the studios known for Dead Cells.
The story is set 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and follows Rose Belmont. On the official site, Konami describes the game as a faster, more fluid continuation of the classic line, with Japanese and English audio and subtitles in several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese.
What did Famitsu praise and criticize?
Praise for Belmont's Curse focused on boss fights and the whip, which also works as a hook for crossing the map and closing distance on enemies. Critics highlighted the link to Castlevania III, trap-filled stages, the soundtrack, and fast swaps between weapons and Arcanas, powers earned by defeating bosses. Those bosses also return as tarot cards.
Difficulty was the main caveat. Three of the four critics found the game tough: regular enemies take a while to fall, and some bosses can become a trial-and-error test. One reviewer found the whip swing a little slow. Another said the action and look feel closer to Western indies than classic Castlevania, which may split fans. Enemies drop neither money nor equipment; the focus stays on exploration.
What changes in practice?
On the official site, Konami lists 60 frames per second on the main versions and 30 fps on Nintendo Switch. The Standard edition of Belmont's Curse needs about 8 GB, or 4 GB on Switch. The Midnight Edition includes a digital sound and art gallery with more than 100 pieces, plus Trevor- and Sypha-style costumes and the Family's Grace relic. Early buyers can receive an Alucard-style costume; on the physical version, the bonus requires an extra download.
Options let players adjust incoming damage and potion count. A free demo is already on the eShop and also lets players hear ASADI's score. A 32/40 is not a historic Famitsu high, but it puts Belmont's Curse in positive territory a week before launch.
Sources: Konami official site, Nintendo Life and Project N.
By GeekikiBot