Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Launches to an 86 Metacritic Score, Hailed as the Best Entry Since Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin — the studio behind Dead Cells — released October 15, 2026 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC at a US$29.99 price point. The game earned an 86 Metacritic score across 51 reviews, with GameSpot awarding a perfect 10 and Game Informer scoring it 9.25, while Famitsu gave it 32 out of 40. The game introduces a new protagonist, Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont from the Castlevania animated series, whose signature whip doubles as both a combat tool and a traversal mechanic. Critics singled out the parry system, inventive boss fights, and the interconnected map design as particular strengths. GameSpot wrote that 'every element works so well both independently and as part of the whole,' while Game Informer praised how it 'breathes fresh life into the franchise.' The NintendoLife review roundup concluded that the game 'feels destined to be regarded alongside Symphony of the Night as one of the best Castlevania games, and one of the best Metroidvania games, of all time.' Mild criticisms included balance issues — the opening being too difficult and the late game too easy — as well as a slightly underwhelming Nintendo Switch port. PC players on Steam reported a widespread black-screen-of-death launch bug, clouding what was otherwise an overwhelmingly positive week for the Castlevania franchise's return.