Rose Belmont's Parisian Descent: Navigating the Catacombs to Face Death

Key points

• Players must navigate the Catacombs of Paris to obtain the Whip, the first weapon that deals damage to enemies.
• The walkthrough covers obtaining the Death Mark Clue, Pair of Longswords, and Necro Charm.
• Rose confronts Death, a boss she cannot defeat at this stage, leading to a narrative shift.
• The section ends with Rose reaching the Ferryman's Wharf to unlock fast travel and approaching Dracula's Castle.
• The game was released on October 15, 2026, developed by Evil Empire and published by Konami.

Background

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse launched on October 15, 2026, marking a significant return for the franchise after a long hiatus. Developed by Evil Empire and published by Konami, the game features Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor and Sypha, hunting Dracula's forces in 1499 Paris. Earlier coverage noted mixed critical reception, with praise for combat and visuals but criticism regarding platforming difficulty and the soundtrack. Konami has confirmed this title is part of a new cycle for the series.

How outlets are covering it

Rock Paper Shotgun provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough emphasizing mechanical progression and platforming challenges, noting the difficulty of certain sections like the 'Crazy Platforming Sequences.' The Guardian reviews the game as a whole, praising its frenetic combat and gothic atmosphere but criticizing inconsistent level design and platforming that resembles Super Meat Boy. TechRadar's review focuses on the game as a classic platformer with fresh mechanics, though the provided text is largely obscured by website code. All sources agree on the game's release date and core premise but differ in their assessment of the gameplay balance between combat and platforming.

Why it matters

The Catacombs of Paris section is pivotal for unlocking the Whip, a core weapon in the Castlevania series, and fast travel mechanics. It also introduces the boss Death, a recurring antagonist in the franchise, and sets the stage for the final confrontation with Dracula. This progression is crucial for players navigating the game's challenging platforming and combat systems.

What to watch

Players are expected to proceed to the Main Hall of Dracula's Castle, as indicated by the walkthrough's final step. Future coverage will likely focus on the castle's interior, the final boss fight, and the game's conclusion. Konami has hinted at future Castlevania titles, suggesting continued support for the franchise.