The Castlevania franchise is set to receive another thrilling installment with Castlevania: The Belmont's Curse, a new 2D action-adventure game developed by Evil Empire in collaboration with Konami. Known for their daring and inventive take on the series during the Return to Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells, the French studio is now stepping into the spotlight as they partner again with Konami to mark the franchise's 40th anniversary. This time, the Belmonts take the fight against Dracula's forces to 15th-century Paris, promising a blend of gothic horror and rich historical atmosphere.

The Setting: Paris in Gothic Ruin

According to Evil Empire's Matt—a prominent figure representing the studio—the game is set in a meticulously crafted version of 1499 Paris. It is a city under siege by Dracula's minions, offering players an evocative backdrop filled with iconic landmarks transformed into battlegrounds. Players will scale the intricate spires of Notre Dame, explore the eerie, bone-filled catacombs beneath the city, and face corrupted figures drawn from legendary history. Matt humorously noted that while their team brought a distinctly French influence to the game’s setting, he, as an Englishman, provided some balance.

The trailer teases a compelling twist with the appearance of Joan of Arc as one of the enemies. Presented as a corrupted legend, this bold reinterpretation of a national hero exemplifies Evil Empire's willingness to play with historical and mythological figures to dramatic effect. Dracula's castle looms in the distance, raising questions about its ultimate significance in the game's story.

Gameplay Evolution: Action Takes the Spotlight

Castlevania: The Belmont's Curse moves away from the roguelike roots that garnered Evil Empire acclaim in Dead Cells. Instead, this title focuses on delivering a cohesive 2D action-adventure experience. While no detailed gameplay footage was revealed, the studio’s expertise in tight, responsive controls and intricate level design is sure to transfer seamlessly to this installment. Fans of the genre can likely expect classic platforming alongside deep combat mechanics, staples that have defined the franchise since its inception.

The inclusion of Paris as a setting introduces unique architectural diversity, which could translate into inventive level designs. The catacombs alone, with their maze-like structures, are primed for exploration, while scaling Notre Dame suggests verticality will play a pivotal role. These elements align well with the Castlevania formula, while leaving room for creativity from Evil Empire's developers.

The Collaboration: A Celebratory Partnership

This project marks a continuation of the partnership between Evil Empire and Konami, sparked by the success of Return to Castlevania. Taniguchi, also speaking in the trailer, remarked on Konami’s trust in Evil Empire’s creative vision, calling their tribute to the Castlevania series in Dead Cells so impressive that another collaboration felt inevitable. While the French studio is steering much of the design and development, Konami’s involvement ensures that the project remains faithful to the franchise's legacy.

The collaboration is perfectly timed for the 40th anniversary of Castlevania, celebrating its enduring legacy as one of gaming's most iconic series. Both studios bring their strengths to the table: Konami’s vast history with the franchise, and Evil Empire's bold approach to modern games rooted in retro aesthetics.

Historical and Mythical Fusions

The decision to set The Belmont's Curse in 1499 Paris allows for ample fusion of historical and mythical elements. The streets, catacombs, and landmarks serve not just as set pieces but as integral elements of the story. This bold setting opens up opportunities to integrate French legends and lore, further distinguishing this entry from its predecessors.

Joan of Arc is a standout example of this blending of history and fiction. Her posthumous transformation into an enemy character parallels the fate of other historical figures twisted by Dracula’s influence. Such reinterpretations may give the project a unique narrative depth while appealing to fans eager to see fresh concepts in the series.

What’s Next for Castlevania?

While the trailer left many details to the imagination, it succeeded in building excitement among fans. From a narrative perspective, the tease about Dracula’s castle appearing in Paris suggests this will be a major narrative climax. How Paris changes after the castle’s emergence, and what role the Belmonts will play in the transformation, remains central to the story’s intrigue.

For now, gameplay specifics, such as available weapons, abilities, or enemy types, remain under wraps, but Evil Empire is no stranger to creating challenging yet highly rewarding combat systems. If Return to Castlevania is anything to go by, fans can reasonably expect a game that pays homage to classic gameplay while incorporating modern refinements.

A Perfect Tribute for Fans Old and New

The Belmont's Curse strikes a balance that is sure to resonate with fans of the Castlevania franchise while inviting new players to dive into its gothic, action-packed world. The decision to step away from roguelike mechanics in favor of a more structured 2D experience reflects the studio's commitment to evolving its gameplay to suit the franchise's storied history. Simultaneously, the bold choice of Paris as the setting and the reinvention of historical figures like Joan of Arc demonstrate Evil Empire’s creative ambitions.

With the release timed to honor Castlevania’s 40th anniversary, the collaboration is a fitting tribute to the franchise’s enduring impact on the gaming industry. While the wait may feel long, early glimpses suggest Castlevania: The Belmont’s Curse will be worth the anticipation as it blends old and new in an ambitious reimagining of the series.