After a long hiatus, Castlevania makes a welcome return, albeit a cautiously safe one. The game brings vibrant anime-inspired art and a dynamic heroine, Rose Belmont, who navigates the fiery streets of Paris with ease. However, it’s hard not to compare it to its many modern peers and feel it could have taken more risks.

The game’s controls, though fluid, sometimes feel fiddly, and the accessibility features, while appreciated, may not be enough to compete with the challenges of some indie titles. Boss fights are engaging, with a twist in their interaction, but the overall gameplay feels like a blend of ideas from other successful Metroidvanias.

Despite its high visual quality and rich narrative, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a reminder of the genre’s complexity. It excels in atmosphere and traversal but lacks the groundbreaking innovation that might have set it apart.

For those long-awaited by a new entry in the series, it’s a solid return, if not a daring one. Whether it can truly stand the test of time, in a world filled with so many inspired successors, remains to be seen.