Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

Evil Empire completes the 'unfinished' Curse trilogy, with Konami officially confirming Curse of Darkness as the prequel.

Summary

1499, 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse.

A great evil has descended on Paris.

The moon burns red and the city is in pandemonium, as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows.

Trevor Belmont entrusts his daughter Rose to save humanity from devastation.

A tragic tale of agony and despair unfolds.

No sacrifice is without blood

Visually beautiful and an absolute joy to play - this was surprisingly brilliant.

Yes game. You belong in this world!

Rose (who shares similarities with Sonia from de-canonised Game Boy entry Castlevania Legends), explores a non-linear map consisting of the Parisian streets, Holy Innocents' Cemetery, the Catacombs and of course - Dracula's Castle.

As with any Metroidvania, locations are split into numerous areas, with a decent chunk only becoming accessible after learning the correct skills.

Equipment tab covers Arcana, Armoury and Relics.

Traditional sub-weapons are represented as Tarot cards and acquired by absorbing Arcana after beating bosses.  Completing mini challenges/objectives dubbed "Works of Mercy" unlock "Blessings" to upgrade weapons.

Spells also stem from Tarot cards and require Mana to cast.  For example, defeating The Prophetess (Medusa) rewards Petrifying Gaze and The Zealot (Isaac) gives Chronomantic Dive.

Some don't deal damage, but essential to progress the story.  Dealing with The Warrior (Joan of Arc), awards Holy Light, allowing Rose to disperse Chaos Shards (bypass walls) and create bridges.

Tarot cards are the equivalent of the Dual Set-up System (DSS) in the first GBA outing Circle of the Moon, centred around Nathan Graves pairing Action and Attribute cards to modify weapons, boost stats and create spells.

At set periods, we interact with spirits who give clues about locating bosses.  Conversely, Seer Statues inside Dracula's Castle do the same thing, as they think Rose is the Lord of Darkness.

Mirrors of Life act as save points and The Ferryman's Wharf serves as a fast travel point to areas you've already discovered.

The first fly we must swat is The Fallen, who very kindly gifts us the Arcane Whip, primarily used to grab onto sharpened anchors and negotiate fiendishly difficult obstacle courses.

Geezer later reveals himself as Leon Belmont, the protagonist of Lament of Innocence, who used the Whip of Alchemy to hook and swing around rooms.

He would've died in 1094, but Dracula used his desire for justice and revenge and cursed him with extended life.

Optional boss The Temptress (Succubus) disguises herself as Sypha.  Demon previously adopted the guises of Lisa (Alucard's mother) and Sara (Leon's love) in SOTN and LOI respectively.

Once inside Dracula's Castle, soundtrack weeps an excellent remix of Bloody Tears, while a bevvy of classic enemies launch a frenzied attack.

Beyond fucking cool.

Bosses come thick and fast towards the end, including The Occultist (Carmilla), The Builder (Talos) and The Shadow (Death), with Dracula waiting impatiently on his chair.

Depending on gameplay decisions, three outcomes are available:

Belmont's Fall (False), The Hunt Goes On (Normal) and Curse Lifted (True).

Dracula may be 'destroyed', but remember, it does not take long to make a cemetery.

Verdict 9/10