r/gaming • u/ChiefLeef22 Marika's tits! • 1d ago
'Castlevania: Belmont's Curse' - Review Thread
Game Title: CASTLEVANIA: BELMONT'S CURSE
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (October 15, 2026)
- XBOX Series X | S (October 15, 2026)
- PC (October 15, 2026)
- Nintendo Switch 2 (October 15, 2026)
Trailers:
- Castlevania: Belmont's Curse - Announcement Trailer
- Castlevania: Belmont's Curse - Official Bloody Tears Trailer
Developer: Konami, Evil Empire
Reviews aggregates:
OpenCritic: 85 Critic Average - 98% Critics Recommend
Metacritic: 87 / 100
Some Reviews:
GameSpot - Steve Watts - 10 / 10
Every element in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse works so well both independently and as part of the whole: flexible combat, beautifully acrobatic traversal, fine-tuned environmental puzzles, wide cast of interesting characters, and eye-catching visual panache–all wrapped within a smart tarot system that lets these ideas complement each other. Belmont’s Curse 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.
Region Free - Joonated Itkonen - 100 / 100
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is not just one of the best games this year; it's one of the best Castlevania games ever made. It is a challenging, consistently engaging, and superbly designed adventure epic that reminds us why this series defined an entire genre in the first place.
Shacknews - TJ Denzer - 10 / 10
The Castlevania series is one that’s near and dear to my heart. I’ve spent decades playing these games since the very first one, and the balance that Belmont’s Curse strikes between being an incredible platforming adventure all on its own and respecting the series’ myriad directions and gimmicks, good and bad, was impressive start to finish. Stellar gameplay, music, scenery, characters (new and old), and a great set of options for altering the intensity make this the easily one of the highest-quality action-platformers I have ever played. When the dust settles, I think there’s a case to be made that Belmont’s Curse might be the best Castlevania game of all time.
PlayStation Universe - Garri Bagdasarov - 10 / 10
Exceptional in every way, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a one of 2026's must-play titles. In a year of great games, it's hard to stand out, but Evil Empire has crafted a bonified masterpiece in one of the game's most historic franchises.
covergeek - Kieron Verbrugge - 5 / 5
After a long hiatus, Castlevania is back and better than ever. Konami's trust in Evil Empire as the stewards of a new 2D era has been well-placed, with a modern and fresh-feeling take that builds on what's always made the series so iconic while carving out its own identity. Rose Belmont is a fantastic protagonist that lends Belmont's Curse a compelling story and heightened exploration. This is an instant classic.
Saudi Gamer - Abdullah Mohammed - 5 / 5
With outstanding exploration packed with mind-blowing secrets and exceptional gameplay, Belmont’s Curse stands out in an oversaturated market, proving that Castlevania is still one of the kings of the genre.
RPGFan - Matt Wardell - 97 / 100
None of the tiny qualms I’ve listed mar the fact that Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is an incredible experience from start to finish. It looks, sounds, reads, and plays with sleek style, while asking a thoughtfulness of the player not typically seen in this genre. Taken alone in another game, any of this game’s elements would stand out. The fact that every element blends so perfectly here makes me confident to say that Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is the best Metroidvania I’ve ever experienced. It’s sure to go down as an all-time classic.
CG Magazine - Philip Watson - 9.5 / 10
Whether you’re swinging through the environment, running down a street or simply smacking a skeleton with your whip, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse keeps you fastened to your seat until “Bloody Tears” becomes ambient noise, and you won’t want to get up. I never thought I’d say this after seeing a Castlevania pachinko machine on a casino floor, but Castlevania is finally back, baby.
Game Informer - Charles Harte - 9.25 / 10
Belmont's Curse is a strong reminder of why the Castlevania series is so influential, with a rich world, tense combat, and a map chock-full of secrets. While this latest entry certainly pays homage to the Castlevanias of yore, it also breathes fresh life into the franchise, making me excited for its future. Castlevania is back, and between Rose Belmont and Evil Empire, it's in great hands.
GameTyrant - Andrew Farrell - 9.5 / 10
In the end, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is not only one of my favorite games of the year, but it has easily entered into my top three favorite games in the series. It’s got a lot to see, excellent combat, wonderful exploration, and terrific controls, making for an absolute must-play for anyone who enjoys Metroidvanias, old or new. It’s just a shame that there aren’t any additional characters or modes once you beat the game. Here’s to hoping for those to be added later.
Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 9 / 10
Despite an 18 year absence, it feels like 2D Castlevania never left. Belmont's Curse is an excellent return to this hallowed series - standing tall with some of the best Metroidvania entries in the franchise. If this is just the start of a Castlevania renaissance, I can't wait to see where it goes.
Niche Gamer - Throgmorton Belmont - 9 / 10
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a gorgeous game, and it will make any Castlevania fan feel right at home after being away so long. With Castlevania making a triumphant return, there’s no telling what the future will bring for the Belmonts, but we can always expect the same fate for Dracula as long as they are around.
COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 90 / 100
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is the perfect resurrection for the franchise. Not only does the game capture the spirit of the series, but it expands on elements to create one of the finest examples in the genre. With its tight combat and wonderful world design, this is a killer comeback for the legendary series.
Console Creatures - David Pietrangelo - 9 / 10
With a storied past, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse sets up the franchise for a bright (but also dark) future. Rose is a fantastic heroine with a deep, compelling story, and she wields some of the genre's most enjoyable combat mechanics. Add a few key accessibility options to make the game less punishing, and I think you have a standout title heading into the final months of 2026. Belmont's Curse is one of the best ways Konami and Evil Empire could have pushed the franchise and the genre forward.
TheGamer - George Foster - 4.5 / 5
Even when Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse had me in Bloody Tears and praying for mercy, I never stopped grinning from ear to ear and jumping right back in to see what else was hiding in Dracula’s Castle. Thanks to an engaging story, stellar exploration and combat, and a near-perfect blend of new and old, Castlevania’s return just about makes up for the decade-long wait.
SmashPad - Filippo Dinolfo - 4.5 / 5
It’s almost mind-blowing to me to be sitting here, typing up my thoughts on a new Castlevania 2D game in 2026. I never would have called this series coming back. Or if it did, I would have expected Konami to try another big-scale 3D reboot. But seeing Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse on my hard drive and being able to play it makes it feel like one part of the gaming world is working as intended. This game feels incredibly good to play, and I’d recommend checking it out as soon as possible.
Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - 4.5 / 5
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is an excellent metroidvania that loses points due to frustrating mechanics and a lack of guidance. Its rich world, great soundtrack and tight controls makes challenges feel rewarding, especially after multiple tries. I just kept coming back for more, and reaching 100% completion during the busy review season might just be the biggest compliment that I can give Belmont’s Curse.
MonsterVine - Uzair Syed - 4.5 / 5
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a strong return to the franchise’s roots. The combat is excellent, the traversal feels fantastic, and player-driven exploration is a big part of why it works. The music is easily the weakest part, but it does not drastically diminish what is otherwise a near-perfect revival.
Gamer Guides - Echo Apsey - 86 / 100
With Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, Evil Empire has brought the series back to life with an excellent Metroidvania that easily outshines much of the 2026 competition.
PSX Brasil - Victor Vitório - 85 / 100
After an 18-year hiatus for the vampire-hunting series' traditional style, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse both slakes the thirst of long-time fans and offers an entry point for a new audience. It is an adventure that plays it safe—taking a somewhat understated approach to the Metroidvania elements and facing some limitations—yet its strengths ultimately shine through, making it well worth playing. Here's hoping Rose Belmont's journey breathes new life into the franchise's future—and that the current low-resolution textures get adjusted for 4K screens.
GRYOnline.pl - Adam Celarek - 8.5 / 10.0
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a welcome return for the series, combining responsive controls, satisfying combat, and flexible character builds with striking gothic visuals. Its demanding but largely fair challenges reward experimentation, although occasionally confusing progression and frustrating save-point placement hold it back. My main issue with Belmont’s Curse is that it remains ONLY a very good example of its genre:it is a polished, compelling metroidvania that successfully brings Castlevania into the modern era.
GamesRadar - Serena Cherry - 4 / 5
Often colourful and flashy, Belmont's Curse doesn't necessarily look like a Castlevania game. But it sure does feel like one. With enigmatic puzzles, gothic atmosphere, a dramatic anime-esque storyline, and well-paced action, this is a hugely compelling Metroidvania and a triumphant return for the iconic franchise.
Radio Times - Alex Raisbeck - 4 / 5
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a fantastic return for the series buoyed by stellar exploration, puzzles and a wealth of secrets to uncover. Evil Empire was the obvious choice to bring the series back, and it has paid back that trust in spades, creating a game well worthy of Castlevania's 40th anniversary.
TechRadar - Michael Murphy - 4 / 5
In short, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is classic Castlevania brought to the modern age. Evil Empire and Konami have crafted a title that, while it’s not the huge blockbuster many would hope for, is a well-done action platformer. It doesn’t go too far outside the box, but it makes the most of what it does have. With fantastic level design and combat, the franchise is in a position to return to its glory days and its bloody reign over the action platformer genre.
IGN - Scott White - 8 / 10
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse brings Konami’s beloved series into the modern era with a fast-paced focus on action first. Convenient map tracking tools, exciting combat, a great new hero, and movement tech that will test your reflexes all help this long-awaited sequel stand tall in what has since become a crowded genre. But Belmont’s Curse is a better metroidvania generally than it is a Castlevania specifically, sacrificing some of the series’ signature charm and feel along the way. Even still, I would not be upset to see developer Evil Empire’s name attached to another Castlevania game in the future. I just hope it doesn’t take another 18 years to arrive – I don’t think my reflexes will be up to the task when I hit my mid-50s.
PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - 9 / 10.0
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a superb return to the legendary series, combining Rose Belmont’s surprisingly compelling, personal story with excellent exploration, demanding platforming challenges and satisfying combat. Evil Empire doesn’t set out to revolutionise the genre, but it makes brilliant use of its tried-and-tested foundations, offering stunning visuals, fantastic enemies and superbly balanced gameplay. This is exactly the kind of Castlevania that fans have been waiting for for years, and proof that Konami couldn’t have chosen a better team to bring the Belmont clan back.
GeekCulture - Joey Leong - 9 / 10
Although the boss battles in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse may be lacking and the story, predictable, other aspects like its game design, soundtrack, combat, and characterisation outshine its flaws and make them insignificant. The game is a delight to play and doesn’t shy away from letting players take their time unravelling the mysteries of 1944 Paris. It’s safe to say that Konami can boldly bring on the next chapter of House Belmont in future titles.
Gamefa - Arman Zarmehr - 8.8 / 10.0
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse marks a triumphant return for a franchise that has been absent from the Metroidvania genre and the gaming world for many years. The developers demonstrate a strong understanding of the series’ unique characteristics in most areas, delivering an experience that is deep, engaging, and at times downright addictive. The gameplay mechanics are remarkably rich, the interconnected level design encourages deep exploration, and the platforming sections seamlessly bring these elements together. While the Western-inspired art direction and distinctive soundtrack may stray somewhat from the franchise’s traditional identity, the gameplay retains the essence of what makes Castlevania so special.
Hardcore Gamer - Cory Wells - 4 / 5
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a brilliant modern platformer that has moments that feel like Dead Cells. As a Castlevania title, it's competent, but one may look at the Bloodstained franchise for a proper successor to Sympony of the Night. Belmont's Curse is extremely challenging and fun, filled with vibrant artwork and features design concepts from the best games in the series. It offers a lot of game time and the ability to customize the gameplay experience. The zoomed-out camera may attempt to add immersion, but it ends up taking away from the details of the world. This is a solid experience all-around, but manages to offer some of the best platforming out there thanks to the whip mechanics. If this is your first Castlevania experience, this particular version may be difficult, but it is a good way to get into the entire series.
Slant Magazine - Niv M. Sultan - 4 / 5
More than a decade may have passed since the last entry in the Castlevania series, and Belmont’s Curse certainly takes liberties in its interpretation of the material, but some things don’t change: Pity the demon who squares up to a Belmont.
Final Weapon - Rafael Martins Malaquim - 4 / 5
The worst thing that can be said about Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is that its design isn't crazy enough for fans of the franchise. It's a great game whose biggest flaw is lacking just a bit of ambition. Belmont's Curse will easily remind everyone why Castlevania is such a special franchise, but it's maybe not the best for those who already believed that.
Mirror - Aaron Potter - 4 / 5
Whether you’re a long-time series fan wondering what’s next or a Metroidvania diehard looking to scratch that particular itch, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a grand return to form that packs in plenty of twists and surprises. More so than that, however, it bodes well for where Konami and Evil Empire may take the franchise in the future.
ComicBook - Matthew Danielson - 4 / 5
Overall, I wish there was more interaction with certain Arcana, in spite of the game’s simple plot. This small nitpick doesn’t take away from how lovingly crafted this game is, from its story to its level design and gameplay. It’s clear to me that Evil Empire deeply treasures this franchise, a fact many understood with their Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells some time ago. This title is not just a return to form for the series, but an evolution of its past through modern refinements that make it a perfect entry point for new audiences. I can’t recommend Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse enough, as its eternal night will hook into you like a vampire’s fangs and refuse to let go until the blood has run dry and the curse lifts.
TheSixthAxis - Jason Coles - 8 / 10
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is an incredibly entertaining game and a wonderful return to form for a series I've loved since forever. While it isn't an echo of the entries I love the most, it's still a fantastic game. The game is pure Castlevania in the best way, and the story and voice acting are sublime as well. If you like any Castlevania games at all, you'll adore this.
RPG Site - Junior Miyai - 8 / 10
I don't want people to think I'm coming down on Castlevania: Belmont's Curse too harshly. The gameplay balance just isn't fully there for me, but everything else is stunningly good. Exploring the blood-soaked Catacombs of Paris, discovering secret wall chickens and stat boosts, getting absolutely pissed off at the Clock Tower ascent as I do in every Castlevania game; this game has the juice. Some imperfections don't completely sour the experience, but I did decide to reinstall some older Igavanias and get what I was missing from Belmont's Curse.
ScreenRant - Ben Brosofsky - 8 / 10
There's a lot here for Castlevania fans to enjoy, with everything from charming series staples to brilliant new ideas capable of sparking genuine joy. More than anything else, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is incredibly fun to play. At the end of the night, when Dracula is finally dead once more, isn't that what Castlevania is all about?
TechRaptor - Robert Scarpinito - 8 / 10
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse unfurls like a tapestry of mysteries. There are so many secrets to discover, and it'll constantly tug at your curiosity, beckoning you to explore its darkest corners. Powerful spells and satisfying weapons anchor a robust combat system, and certain boss fights are a real treat. However, the difficulty is a little inconsistent, sometimes to a frustrating, punishing degree.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10.0
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a fantastic return for the franchise. Mixing old and new together, it feels at once like a fresh game and something distinctly and undeniably Castlevania. It does a great job of threading the needle between the many different versions of the franchise. There are some inconsistent difficulty spikes, occasional moments of meaningless friction, and the Switch port is a little lackluster. For fans of the franchise who are looking for a return to Dracula's castle, this is exactly what it should be, and it hopefully represents a new life for the immortal franchise.
Sirus Gaming - Ray Remigio - 8 / 10
To sum it up, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a very, very mixed bag of goodies that would put even longtime players on the balls of their feet with how the enemies progress and how the platforming is done.
WayTooManyGames - Leo Faria - 8 / 10
I think Konami and its development team hit the right notes with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, especially when it comes to reintroducing a long dormant franchise to a wider audience. It’s a game of three distinct acts: a somewhat generic opening third, a middle portion that gradually picks up the pace, and a truly mesmerizing final stretch that finally feels like good old Castlevania at its finest. While I was a bit disappointed by the lack of deeper RPG elements and the absence of a proper Switch 2 version capable of taking advantage of the system’s hardware, I can’t deny that I had a great time with it. I explored every nook and cranny of Drac’s castle, soaked in its sights and sounds, and had a blast solving its puzzles and taking down its bosses. The franchise is finally back, and I couldn’t be happier.
NoisyPixel - Brendan Bailey - 8 / 10
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is an enjoyable and polished revival with excellent combat, rewarding exploration, and flexible customization. However, repetitive enemies, overly talkative storytelling, safe traversal abilities, and an underwhelming soundtrack keep it from fully capturing the identity and atmosphere of the series at its best.
Powerup-Gaming - Adam Mathew - 8 / 10
Ultimately, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse feels like a meaningful new direction for the franchise rather than a simple return to familiar territory. It retains the monster hunting, interconnected exploration and Gothic mythology that make Castlevania special, then builds around them with fast movement, versatile whip mechanics and a flexible combat system. The absence of deeper equipment progression may disappoint some veterans, and the commitment required by certain attacks can make difficult encounters frustrating, but neither undermines the appeal of the overall package.
SECTOR.sk - Branislav Kohot - 8 / 10.0
The Belmont clan seeks to finally break their curse and rid themselves of their arch-nemesis once and for all. But it won't be easy'far from it. The default difficulty recommended by the developers is very high; while you can adjust it, the game remains a tough challenge. Certain sections are exceptionally demanding, and the advanced controls feel clunky.
Oyungezer Online - Emre Sümer - 7.5 / 10.0
Belmont’s Curse is a solid enough return for such a long-running series after such a lengthy absence, and it becomes an enjoyable experience if you give it some time. However, with no new ideas to bring to the genre, it never manages to be more than a good Metroidvania.
Digitally Downloaded - Matt - 3.5 / 5
Konami has been on a roll in recent years, with Silent Hill in particular returning to the gaming lexicon in a spectacular fashion. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a far more modest effort to kickstart interest in the series again, and I do think opinions on it will be divided. But I also think that Evil Empire was a far better pick for the series than MercurySteam and Belmont’s Curse is, thematically and stylistically, on the right track. In theory, if the stars align, Evil Empire could continue to build on this work and really make Castlevania their own.
Creative Bloq - Alan Wen - 3.5 / 5
The real curse of a new Castlevania may be trying to live up to its legacy when so many indies have found novel ways to build on its foundations. Nonetheless, for longtime fans having to subsist on retro bundles over the years, it's still worth sinking your teeth into.
RPGamer - Ryan Costa - 3.5 / 5
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a polished title with a clear design vision, and it is executed with a craftsman’s precision. The balance in the amount of puzzles compared to meaningful combat skews towards the platforming side. This shift in focus can be a blunt hit to the senses for long-time fans of the series’ more RPG-heavy entries. The title feels at home with older fans of the franchise as well as those of modern contemporaries of the Metroidvania genre. Those who can handle difficult exploration will find taking the fight to Dracula quite an enjoyable experience.
Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 7 / 10
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse gets a lot of stuff right, but in a world where Metroidvanias are a dime a dozen, it doesn't do quite enough to really stand apart. Decent combat gets the job done, while level design and some lovely art and animation are areas where the game really shines. The game can feel a little unresponsive, leading to some frustrating deaths. It's ultimately a good Metroidvania and a valiant effort to resuscitate Castlevania, but there's little new to see for anyone who's been keeping up with the genre over the last decade.
The Guardian - Harper Jay-MacIntyre - 3 / 5
The result is an earnest, likable game. There are undeniable shortcomings and moments of curse-worthy frustration, but every now and again, there is real cleverness on display, even if Belmont’s Curse can’t quite match contemporary peers such as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown or Hollow Knight: Silksong – the trendsetter now feels like something of a trend-chaser. For most Castlevania players, this will be more than enough. You have a whip, a castle, and a dark lord. Do you really need anything else?
VGC - Chris Scullion - 3 / 5
It's great to see a new side-scrolling Castlevania game after all these years, but the genre has evolved and thrived in the series' absence, and Belmont's Curse finds itself in a world where there are a wealth of solid alternatives. While it looks and sounds excellent, the core gameplay hasn't evolved alongside it, making it feel rather outdated. That's not a terrible thing, it's still fun enough, but stands-out moments are few and far between as a result.
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u/smellyourdick 1d ago
Wow those are some high scores.
Metroidvania fans eating good.
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u/Iliketoruindresses 1d ago
The demo ran great on the deck, that alone was a buy for me, and the price point solidified the decision.
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u/Bluxen Joystick 1d ago
strange that it ran so awfully on my 4080, need to wait for steam discussions
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u/TheEpicMilkMan 1d ago
I had issues with my 7900xt until I changed my monitors refresh rate to 60. Its been a while since I had to do that honestly. Just seems like a strange port overall, very basic.
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u/Jordan_Jackson 21h ago
I don’t know what they were doing with the various ports. I would ideally want the Switch version but for some reason, there is no Switch 2 port and I have the Switch 2. This is perfect for a handheld and I’m pretty sure it could handle this game just fine. I do also have a PC and may get it there later though.
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u/TheEpicMilkMan 16h ago
I'll probably pick it up on my Switch 2 even if it's not a native port cause I love playing these in bed instead of at my desk, but I do wish they would've done more.
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u/OkPiccolo0 1d ago
Weird. Had zero issues with the demo on my 4090/5800x3d at 4K. I'm on a 240hz monitor but used the 144hz in-game FPS limit.
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u/_streetpaper_ 9h ago
The demo also ran great on my Ayn Odin 3 Android handheld. I played the Steam version using the Gamehub software program which lets you connect to your Steam account and download games that way. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor of the Odin 3 probably helped keep things running smooth. I can’t wait to play the full game on my Odin 3 later tonight after it releases on Steam for me at 10pm. The Odin 3 is smaller than my Steam Deck, but I love playing my Steam games on it, especially Metroidvanias because it’s so much more comfortable for long gaming sessions. I just played Fallen Tear on my Odin 3 too. It’s a great mini Steam Deck.
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u/LymansAvatar 1d ago
Silksong+Dread+Belmonts+Ravenous 😮💨
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u/Radiant-Character-61 1d ago
True Metroidvania Renaissance we're living in
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u/bigglehicks 1d ago
A new Metroid and a new Castlevania within 6 months from each other - excellence
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u/Lostboxoangst 1d ago
It will have to fight hard to beat out silver pines as my favourite metriodvAnia of the year
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u/UngaBungaLeague 1d ago
Just started Silver Pines and I cant believe how well survival horror translates to a 2d metroidvania. Its still going under the radar of a lot of people I think but I bet it'll blow up soon
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u/kidalive25 7h ago
That one came out of nowhere and it seems like anything with the slightest dash of a surreal environment seems to declare itself 'Lynchian' but Silver Pines really nails the vibe of that word in a way I'm not sure I've ever seen before. It nails the Twin Peaks vibe in a way that other indie horror titles only dream of.
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u/Juunlar 1d ago
Mio is still my goty for 2026. It's maybe the best mv of all time?
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u/guarddog33 1d ago
MIO was an awesome experience, I'm really hoping we get more games with similar storytelling elements
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u/cimmanonrolls 1d ago
it’s up there for sure. i have it alongside nine sols and probably just behind hollow knight/silksong. i was honestly floored by MiO. did not expect it to be as good as it was.
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u/Juunlar 1d ago
I am in the minority who didn't fall in love with Hollow Knight, though Silksong, Nine Sols, and Mio are certainly my top 3
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u/mucus-fettuccine 1d ago
YOU HAVE THE EXACT SAME TOP 3 AS ME.
Nine Sols
Silksong
Mio
I'm just excited to finally meet someone that shares this combination (not the order necessarily).
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u/mucus-fettuccine 1d ago
Someone else finally said it. Mio is my GotY this year as well, and my 3rd favorite MV of all time, and it's criminal how unknown it is. Same goes for my #2 game of the year, Demon Tides. No one knows it exists.
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u/Lord_Humungusss 1d ago
Sad I slept on mid physical release, didnt know much about it till it sold out
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u/DaGreatestMH 19h ago
Interesting. Mio just did not grab me at all. I played for a few hours, started playing something else, and then just never had the desire to go back. Maybe I'll give it another shot one day.
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u/Harlandus 6h ago
I really wanted to love mio but someting about it just didn't do it for me like other metroidvanias. game never hooked me. something about the floatiness, and the combat got stale for me. I need to revisit it and finish it.
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u/Dietomaha 1d ago
Silksong last year, Mio, silver pines, well dweller, echo weaver, and Belmont's curse this year. It's a buffet of fun, smellyourdick!
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u/1waffle1 21h ago
Most metroidvania fans are also zelda like fans, those genres are well connected and those releases like Mina and Elliot been serving up buffets.
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u/Accomplished_Smile23 1d ago
I have Thursday - Monday off.
I have Control Resonant, Castlevania, and Warhammer: Rogue Trader all arriving the same day.
See you next year folks
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u/FasterMoreIntense 1d ago
Rogue Trader dlc is absolutely a must get.
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u/Accomplished_Smile23 1d ago
The Rogue Trader physical edition comes with the first season pass of DLC so I'm definitely excited to work my way through it, and see how I feel about even MORE DLC on top
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u/MuptonBossman 1d ago
Konami is killing it with Silent Hill and Castlevania... Now it's Metal Gear's turn to come back in a big way.
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u/pipboy_warrior 1d ago
It's a nice comeback, I remember when Konami had all but abandoned the Castlevania IP except for the occasional gambling license.
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u/Lynchedlove831 1d ago
I want them to try their hand at another 3d castlevania. The Lords of Shadow games weren't nearly as bad as people say they were, they were just another God of War clone at a time where the market was flooded with them. Do it in a Soulsborne style to capture the difficulty of the classicvanias.
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u/Seanspeed 1d ago
People keep talking about Konami Konami Konami, but they're not actually making any of these games like they used to. They're hiring out for all these projects. They've done a good job of that, dont get me wrong, and deserve credit for wanting to bring these IP back, but they are very much limited by what kinds of studios are available to do these projects.
Basically, they really need to ensure they have the right studio for the job, and not just farm out projects to anybody who puts their hands up. And for bigger games, that reduces the amount of developers out there who can take this stuff on competently.
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u/Lord__Abaddon 1d ago
I loved the first lords of shadow, the 2nd was meh they shouldn't have tried to go openworld with it and kept it like the first. also the jump to the 31st century also didnt help.
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u/horrorwibe 15h ago
Lament of innocence and Curse of darkness are great castlevanias both in 3d, so it can be done. A soulsbourne style is a great idea, especially considering that Demons souls takes so much inspiration from castlevania to begin with
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u/AhAssonanceAttack 1d ago
Hopefully it won't be abandoned again when sales do make what they want for this game
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u/braklikesbeans 1d ago
...they finally put their baseball game on steam too in english. some of us have been waiting decades. but yes!
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u/cerpintaxt44 1d ago
They should remake metal gear 1 and 2
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u/SirNaves9 1d ago
I support this. The Snake Eater game (Delta?) was one of the best games I've ever played - period.
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u/JadowArcadia 1d ago
Did you play the originals. Because that basically what Delta was. A 1:1 remake that traced the original vision. I don't see them being able to remake metal gear 1 and 2 in a modern way because theres so much less to copy and they'd have to actually be creative from scratch. They wouldn't have voice acting to reuse or cinematics to replicate.
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u/cerpintaxt44 1d ago
I mean yeah it was just a polished looking mgs3 which was already one of the best games ever
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u/JadowArcadia 1d ago
I wouldn't expect that to happen personally. Metal Gear is a dead franchise without Kojima. The only option Konami have is to make 1:1 remakes like they did with MGS3 which they can only do so many times. I wouldn't trust them at all to be able to create a new metal gear game that in any way matches with Kojimas cinematography or storylines.
It will never happen but if I was Konami I would try and get Kojima to support in some kind of capacity. But after how they treated I don't see him accepting anything other than full control of the franchise (which is realistically what he deserves). I also imagine that once Physint eventually releases, that will mark the end of Konami being able to use Metal Gear as a tactical stealth franchise. Best option would be to try and create more spin offs like Revengeance etc
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u/TheYellingMute 1d ago
Honestly yeah. Only reason MGS3 delta did alright is cause it was literally just 1:1 recreation with just modernized controls. Which even that is optional. I can see them doing MGS2 the same way. Idk if MGS1 will hold up attempting to be modernized but maybe they'll pull it off if they even bother.
After metal gear survive I think it just proved they can't ever reach the same kind of cool but also self aware goofy stealthy game.
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u/asphalt_prince 1d ago
Metal gear without kojima?
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u/tinyhorsesinmytea 17h ago
I doubt he's ever working on the series or with Konami again, so that's the only way. Gameplay wise, there's certainly a talented team who can do the series justice. Narrative wise... yeah, it will be different without Kojima, but maybe that's not so bad. The series got more whacky with each new entry and I wouldn't mind it being a bit more grounded again.
They could always make some games in the existing universe with some new characters (or maybe existing ones like Frank Jaeger), or they can do a full blown reboot with Snake.
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u/enigmatic_dankness 1d ago
Hell yeah, another banger for the year.
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u/BarnabasShrexx 1d ago
Demo was good. Very pretty art, challenging boss, moderately tight controls. The jump feels quite stiff but im sure that changes later. Fuck those archer skeletons though!
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u/AlternativeAioli3501 1d ago
had more trouble with the archers then the actual boss lol
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u/BarnabasShrexx 1d ago
Yeah they were very annoying. Everything else is just like "Oh I'm a slow and dead guy" and then these archers are like I'm on another level bro
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u/ItsGevYT 1d ago
Felt the same way about the jump and saw no one else talking about it. Felt like there was glue in the floor. But other than that the gameplay was good
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u/JoinMyGuild 1d ago
Interesting how it seemed like everyone on reddit was shitting on the demo
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u/hurrdurrimanaccount 1d ago
because it is nothing like symphony of the night, therefore it's bad
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u/imadandylion 1d ago
Also Reddit is a fucking horrible place to be, especially if you enjoy things.
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u/No-Departure-3325 20h ago
No one was saying it's bad, it just doesn't feel like a Castlevania game.
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u/Cmdrdredd 1d ago
That's not why. Mostly it's because it doesn't have the feel of Castlevania. It doesn't have to be like SOTN. A lot of the criticism was about the first boss that you have to defeat and how it seemed to take elements from souls games combined with some sticky feeling controls (Dodge and slide tied to same button).
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u/TotalOwlie 1d ago
In the last two months I have replayed the advance collection, the ds collection and SOTN. This game feels closer to the new prince of Persia. I personally am more excited for the new bloodstained game. Not saying belmonts curse will be bad but just doesn’t capture the feel of the originals.
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u/hhhisthegame 13h ago
It did seem odd to me watching videos in that, it seemed sort of a generic metroidvania look to it - I haven't played a Castlevania before and I'm not sure if this is a good one to start with or if it will feel samey with other games Ive played in the past like prince of persia (even though I did enjoy it)
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u/Davinter30 1d ago
Most complains ive seen are "its very different from other 2d castlevanias" which is true and fair. Doesnt mean its a bad game. It doesnt really feel like castlevania to me so my hype died down pretty quickly, but I dont think its a bad game.
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u/VenserMTG 1d ago
2026 has been the best year for gaming in recent years. Can't remember a more stacked year than this
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u/Etherdeon 1d ago
Im old enough to remember 1998!
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u/henaradwenwolfhearth 1d ago
when the Undertaker threw Mankind off "Hell in a Cell" and plummeted sixteen feet through an announcer's table?
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u/VirtualBuffalo808 17h ago
The smoothest Metroidvania Ive ever played was Prince of Persia Lost Crown. Movement in that game was absolutely chef’s kiss. Im going to buy this game regardless as one of my favorite IP’s but I hope it will be at least as good as Lost Crown, at least in the movement department.
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u/markbraggs 1d ago
This is going to be a very competitive game of the year year. So many bangers.
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u/timotmcc 1d ago
I think best Indie game is also going to be super competitive this year, first year in a while there hasn't been a clear front runner but there's 4 or 5 that could all reasonably take it
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u/Therenegadegamer 1d ago
If denshattack isn't in the best indies discussion this year I will riot
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u/timotmcc 1d ago
could be, but there's also big walk, mewgenics, mina the hollower, cairn, order of the sinking star, and I'm still probably forgetting a few others
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u/Additional_Equal_960 1d ago
Demo wasnt bad but it didnt impress me that much, i am very glad to see such overwhelming praise, maybe once the game opens up it becomes awesome
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u/niles_deerqueer 1d ago
It’s commonly said that once the castle appears, the game opens up massively
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u/Dependabledog 1d ago
I know it's the GTA effect but this is ridiculous. SO MANY good games the last couple of months. Literally cannot keep up and it actually makes me feel bad because I want to support these devs.
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u/BrownAJ 1d ago
Now I don't even have to open these review threads, every game is at 87 Metacritic
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u/itslunaelliee 1d ago
an 87 on metacritic for a castlevania game in 2026 is actually insane. konami finally letting evil empire cook seems to have paid off. might actually be worth staying up for this one.
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u/LymansAvatar 1d ago
A great castlevania game??? What year is this??
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u/Seanspeed 1d ago
Well that's where some of the criticism seems to be coming from. If you're expecting a great classic-style Castlevania game, this game might disappoint. Still a great Metroidvania on its own, but definitely more of its own thing than a game with direct lineage from past games, which tended to be slower, stiffer and darker in tone and whatnot.
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u/LymansAvatar 1d ago
I’m a Metroid fan and there’s a wide debate among 2d and 3d games in that sub as well. I’m just happy to have a new Castlevania game that’s well received so far. Whether it scratches that classic itch or not remains to be seen for me but I won’t ever hate devs for delivering a quality game.
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u/Leepysworld 23h ago
I’m sure the game is fun and I’m kinda diggin some of the souls influence, but as someone who grew up playing a lot of the older Castlevania games, the artstyle just doesn’t feel like it fits?
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u/shaunrundmc 1d ago
Motherfuckers....I guess i need to add ANOTHER game to the wishlist. Dammit they really want me broke.
This year has really been something special for videogames It also makes Wolverine look SO MUCH WORSE.
It also is scary how much better this year could have been when you consider all the games that delayed themselves to move away from GTA 6
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u/Successful-Ear977 17h ago
A year so good that you apparently can't praise it without finding an excuse to shit on Wolverine. Crazy.
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u/shaunrundmc 16h ago
Damn right, because that was a AAA game, from a major studio, that everyone was excited for and it shit the bed and frankly a massive sign of how badly they and Sony dropped the ball
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u/harlotstoast 1d ago
Can’t wait to try it on Switch 2, but is there any word of a dedicated version?
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u/Alucard-VS-Artorias PC 1d ago edited 1d ago
Unfortunately no dedicated Switch 2 version. Just a s Switch original version that's compatible on Switch 2.
Also unfortunately it's technically the worst performing version of all the versions on every platform. Hopefully a lot of patching can fix that up shortly after release.
POST EDIT: I just read an update that for the Switch version a day-one patch fixes many of the performance issues.
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u/Cmdrdredd 1d ago
No word, I was gonna get it on switch 2 myself if it did have an upgrade option but nothing. As a result I went with PC and if I want to play portable I have steam deck which plays it well enough.
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u/Regression2TheMean 1d ago
Totally forgot this was coming out. Had it wishlisted on Steam. Guess I know what I’m doing tonight
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u/Zeramith 1d ago
My god. These past 2 months have been insane. Totally the wrong time to be a student as I can't afford all these amazing games coming... 😂
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u/HNL2BOS 1d ago
I'm having a real hard time deciding if I should get this for switch 2 or ps5
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u/Regular_Wedding_36 1d ago edited 1d ago
Please get the Playstation version, I played the demo on both consoles and the Switch version is ROUGH on the eyes.
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u/Ashencroix 1d ago
There currently is no Switch 2 version, only Switch 1, so the resolution is not that good.
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u/Bloodstarvedhunter 1d ago
PS5 for me, I would have got on switch 2 if it had a native version but sadly Konami have dropped the ball on this
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u/Cmdrdredd 1d ago
Switch 2 doesn't have a version it's a switch 1 game which leans it's locked to a low resolution. It looks horrible on switch 2 hardware
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u/Sufficient-Hunter373 7h ago
I'm redownloading the demos and am gonna have a last minute decision. Probably gonna end up being on PS5 but 2D games are meant for portable machines imo. Such a shame the textures look so rough.
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u/brwnwzrd 1d ago edited 1d ago
Not feeling the art direction, but at least it’s not AI! Will still give it a play through!
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u/NewDamage31 1d ago
I preordered it on my ps5 the other day for the alucard skin. Been waiting for a new Castlevania for so long! Plus we get another bloodstained next year
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u/EAT_UR_VEGGIES 1d ago
Don’t let castlevania fans see the good reviews, from what I saw it does one or two things different than other games in the series so it’s gutter trash that needs to be tossed in the garbage
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u/QTGavira 1d ago
Fanbase of older franchise losing their minds when a new game tries to shake things up and keep it fresh instead of just copy and pasting the first game 60 times (They will still criticize CoD and FIFA for always being the same)?
Say it aint so
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u/No-Departure-3325 20h ago
No way, the fanbase is losing their minds when a new game from the franchise they loved hasn't been released in a decade, are disappointed when a new game that plays nothing like Castlevania comes out, who could have seen this coming ?
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u/niles_deerqueer 1d ago
I’ve been a fan since Circle of the Moon and this discourse drives me fucking crazy, as if Castlevania hasn’t always been an ever evolving beast like the castle itself.
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u/takethatskeletor 1d ago
yeah the fan reaction has been all over the place. why people still expect IgaVanias despite him no longer being part of development blows my mind.
Been playing Castlevania since the 80s and was there to experience SOTN and the IGA games in real time, those did not do very well commercially and a series this old is going to take different forms after so long. Lot of people seem unwilling to let go of the past and accept that the longer a game series stays around, the more it will (and should) try to reinvent itself in some ways.
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u/kevdeath666 1d ago
I didn't know this was a full on Metroidvania! I'm so hyped!!!! Finally something to play!!
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u/niles_deerqueer 1d ago
Apparently the map is massive as hell with secrets around every corner, difficult platforming, and challenging puzzle solving
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u/HardlyW0rkingHard 1d ago
Danny asadi on the OST is fucking awesome. That guy is hella talented and his rogue prince of persia OST still gets regular playtime in my car.
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u/johnjaymjr PlayStation 1d ago
I'm already a fan of Good MVs, but this art style is sooooo good. I'm excited to buy and play....as soon as I can peel myself away from Marathon.
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u/trusttt 1d ago
Its not necessary to play other castlevania games right?
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u/infernal2ss 1d ago
No, but if you’ve never played Castlevania: Symphony of the Night holy hell grab that one at some point. About as perfect as a game can get.
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u/trusttt 1d ago
I will for sure, the only metroidvania game ive played was Record of Lodoss War and i loved it!
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u/richmondody 1d ago
The Deedlit one? Oh yeah, that was great. Suggest you try to pick up the GBA and DS Castlevania collections too, though they do play very differently from this latest one.
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u/borghe 1d ago
Saw Switch 2 and was like "whoa wait really?????????"
no. there in no switch 2 version. I'm sure there will be in like 4-6 months with no upgrade path for folks who bought the switch 1 version though.
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u/Cmdrdredd 1d ago
Supposedly a day 1 patch helps with the performance and visuals. I can't say how much and I dunno if I want to take the risk on that version.
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u/CrimsonArrowXIII 1d ago
Another to add to the wishlist, have so much to get through before November
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u/niles_deerqueer 1d ago
I knew the reviews for this were going to be good, I had a feeling but DAMN. I’ve read over 50+ of them because this is my all time favorite franchise and we’ve been waiting for a return to form since 2008 and this is absolutely a dream come true. There are so many elements in this game that just seem right up my alley. I cannot wait for a more involved story and challenging puzzle solving.
For Switch 2 owners, there will be a day 1 patch that improves visuals and performance for us. It’ll still be a switch 1 version but it’s nice to know.
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u/lionheart4life 1d ago
I didn't think the trailer looked that good, but I'm happily going to buy this. These are outstanding reviews.
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u/DCDTDito 1d ago
The game looked decent in the trailer my issue is that it didnt feel castlevania ish but just deadcell with a coat of castlevania paint.
My question is thus, is it more castlevania game or a deadcell game.
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u/Cmdrdredd 1d ago
There is a demo available on all platforms. To me it plays like a mix but has the look of dead cells
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u/disagreeable_man 1d ago
Indies and AA absolutely carrying this year with reasonable prices to boot once I finish possesor(s) I'm onto this.
Ps capcom please continue the zx series I need it more then ever right now.
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u/QuinSanguine 1d ago
Long live 2D games. There was a time I thought we'd never see a new 2D Castlevania, well any new Castlevania.
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u/asuxkeerea 1d ago
the real review i needed was for the soundtrack and the bloody tears trailer already sold me. i will absolutely be listening to vampire killer remixes on the bus like a normal functioning adult
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u/goodgord 1d ago
Woah, I may have to actually stop playing Dead Cells for the first time in 8 years…
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u/TheCrownJools 20h ago
Getting smoked by that first boss. Took me a while you still take damage when dodging/ sliding lol
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u/andualyx 20h ago
Evil Empire teaming up with Konami is literally a match made in heaven. After everything they did with Dead Cells, seeing them nail a proper Castlevania with an 87 on Metacritic is so well deserved.
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u/DaGreatestMH 19h ago
I was getting this regardless of reviews bc the demo was cool, but holy hell the reviews are great! The general consensus seems to be if you're not married to the old style of Castlevania games (which I am not) the only real negative is difficulty spikes, which I can handle. This month is about to put a hurting on my wallet 😩
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u/TheKinkyGuy 8h ago
Any idea what the MIDNIGHT EDITION is or contains?
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u/MikeTheHedgehog 8h ago
[Overview] contains the full game, Digital Sound & Art Gallery, as well as 3 bonus in-game items. ・Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse ・Digital Sound & Art Gallery ・Bonuses (In-game items) x3 └ Trevor Style Costume └ Sypha Style Costume └ Family's Grace（Relic）
I hope this helps 👍
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u/Drokeep 1d ago
I CANT KEEP UP WITH GAMES THIS YEAR STOPPPPP