Famitsu hands Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse a 32/40 in its first review ahead of the game's Nintendo Switch launch on October 15, 2026.
The score — four individual 8/10 ratings from Famitsu’s four reviewers — is the earliest substantial critical response to Konami’s collaboration with Evil Empire, the studio known for its work on Dead Cells.
This entry is the first brand-new Castlevania title in years and arrives as the series returns to 2D action-exploration roots.
Famitsu’s assessment summarized core gameplay and design decisions.
Reviewers noted the game leans into traditional exploration rather than loot-driven progression: there are no equipment drops or money gained from enemy kills, and progression is tied to exploration and ability acquisition.
Airborne movement, especially using the whip to hook and swing, is emphasized as a central mechanic that demands precise control and contributes to the title’s athletic difficulty.
On narrative and series context, Famitsu’s critics described the story as a direct continuation from Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, praising the Belmont-family protagonists and the return of classic bosses.
Several reviewers said the game’s combat balance skews toward a tougher experience than some recent entries: normal encounters can be slower and more punishing, and boss fights initially feel like high-stakes challenges until players learn the effective weapons and tactics.
Visually and aurally, the magazine highlighted detailed backgrounds — including Paris and castle environments — and a soundtrack that deepens immersion.
Reviewers pointed to inventive traps and stage mechanisms, and specifically called out whip-based traversal sequences as highlights.
They also complimented the controls, the satisfaction of switching between weapons and Arcana, and the game’s progression systems, noting that leveling and assist options help players manage difficulty.
Famitsu also described some distinctive presentation touches: defeated bosses appearing on tarot-style cards that include spoken lines, and an exploration structure where Arcana obtained from bosses expand playable areas — a classic design familiar to long-time Castlevania fans.
One reviewer observed that the action and visual tone occasionally recall recent Western indie aesthetics more than traditional Castlevania style, a point they framed as a matter of personal taste.
With its October 15 release on Nintendo Switch, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse now heads into the wider critical and commercial spotlight.
Konami and Evil Empire’s collaboration has produced an entry that Famitsu finds challenging, mechanically focused, and faithful to core franchise pillars.
The score — four individual 8/10 ratings from Famitsu’s four reviewers — is the earliest substantial critical response to Konami’s collaboration with Evil Empire, the studio known for its work on Dead Cells.
This entry is the first brand-new Castlevania title in years and arrives as the series returns to 2D action-exploration roots.
Famitsu’s assessment summarized core gameplay and design decisions.
Reviewers noted the game leans into traditional exploration rather than loot-driven progression: there are no equipment drops or money gained from enemy kills, and progression is tied to exploration and ability acquisition.
Airborne movement, especially using the whip to hook and swing, is emphasized as a central mechanic that demands precise control and contributes to the title’s athletic difficulty.
On narrative and series context, Famitsu’s critics described the story as a direct continuation from Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, praising the Belmont-family protagonists and the return of classic bosses.
Several reviewers said the game’s combat balance skews toward a tougher experience than some recent entries: normal encounters can be slower and more punishing, and boss fights initially feel like high-stakes challenges until players learn the effective weapons and tactics.
Visually and aurally, the magazine highlighted detailed backgrounds — including Paris and castle environments — and a soundtrack that deepens immersion.
Reviewers pointed to inventive traps and stage mechanisms, and specifically called out whip-based traversal sequences as highlights.
They also complimented the controls, the satisfaction of switching between weapons and Arcana, and the game’s progression systems, noting that leveling and assist options help players manage difficulty.
Famitsu also described some distinctive presentation touches: defeated bosses appearing on tarot-style cards that include spoken lines, and an exploration structure where Arcana obtained from bosses expand playable areas — a classic design familiar to long-time Castlevania fans.
One reviewer observed that the action and visual tone occasionally recall recent Western indie aesthetics more than traditional Castlevania style, a point they framed as a matter of personal taste.
With its October 15 release on Nintendo Switch, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse now heads into the wider critical and commercial spotlight.
Konami and Evil Empire’s collaboration has produced an entry that Famitsu finds challenging, mechanically focused, and faithful to core franchise pillars.
