Info about Castlevania: Belmont's Curse:

Official game description:
Midnight Edition
================
This product contains the full game, Digital Sound & Art Gallery, as well as 3 bonus in-game items.
\[Overview\]
・Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse
・Digital Sound & Art Gallery
・Bonuses (In-game items) x3
└ Trevor Style Costume
└ Sypha Style Costume
└ Family's Grace（Relic）
※The image displayed are under development
※Contents/Specs are subject to change without notice
Digital Sound & Art Gallery
===========================
It includes over 100 pieces of artwork, including concept art and sketches from the production process.
Enjoy the music used in the game via the in-app sound player.
\*Please note that the Digital Sound & Art Gallery is a separate application from the main game.
About the Game
==============
Medieval Paris, Where the Tolling Bells Herald the End
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1499\. Paris is engulfed in flames as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows.
Trevor Belmont, the hero who defeated Dracula, ventures into the burning streets with his daughter, Rose Belmont. Armed with the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer, they hunt down the beasts bleeding from the looming castle.
Rose is soon swept up in the dark conspiracy that lurks beneath. Will she succeed in saving Paris from devastation?
Satisfying Whip Action
----------------------
Castlevania's iconic whip action is more satisfying than ever!
Crack your whip to move around freely like a trapeze artist!
Master the whip mechanics and be creative to pounce on your prey like a wolf in fast-paced combat!
Diverse Bosses and the Arcana System
------------------------------------
Face-off against legendary bosses including Death, Medusa and Carmilla in addition to enigmatic new bosses such as Joan of Arc.
Once defeated, bosses are sealed into Rose's tarot cards, turning them into Arcana - use their skills to cast spells and obtain unique special actions.
Customize Your Battle Style with Weapons and Relics
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Customize Rose’s battle style by using a variety of equipment, including weapons spanning seven distinct categories and Relics that trigger powerful effects through both offense and defense.
Combine equipment you discover through exploration to create your own playstyle!
Iconic Castlevania Atmosphere, Reimagined in New Stages
-------------------------------------------------------
From iconic Gothic aesthetics to vivid, refined visuals, the game presents a fresh take on the world of Castlevania.
Explore maps filled with both new features and familiar elements inspired by classic Castlevania titles.

Release date: Oct 14, 2026

Categories: Metroidvania, Action Platformer, Soulslike Combat, Whip Traversal Combat, Tarot Card Collection, Weapon Variety, Gothic Aesthetic

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 32; verdict: Mostly works with minor tweaks; summary: Linux/Proton feedback is mixed but leans positive. Numerous users report the game running flawlessly out of the box, some without even enabling Proton, across distros like Linux Mint and CachyOS. However, a recurring minority hits a black-screen-on-launch issue that requires launch options or gamescope commands, and a few report Proton stutter, crashes, or boot failures tied to refresh rate, with one refunding for lack of Linux support. Controller input occasionally needs Proton launch options. Overall the game is playable for most Linux users with only minor tweaks.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Broken on Steam Deck without workarounds; summary: The audit reveals that the game suffers from significant technical issues on Steam Deck, most notably a frequent black screen error that prevents launch without manual workarounds such as changing refresh rate or using gamescope. Performance is often poor with stuttering and frame drops, and the UI is frequently cropped or unreadable. Some users report crashes, though a minority experience a smooth, problem-free launch. Overall, the Steam Deck version is not recommended without tinkering.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The largest Windows cohorts show mixed performance overall, with recurring black-screen startup, frame spikes, stutter, and launch workarounds on several 8GB+ VRAM systems, though many players still report smooth play. The lowest-VRAM and lower-RAM Windows cohorts are mostly positive, with only isolated severe stutter or optimization complaints.
  - Sample size: 427 (21% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 99 reports): Reports are split: many users run the game smoothly, but others report black-screen startup, especially on high-refresh monitors, plus stuttering and frame spikes.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (mixed, 86 reports): Some players report stable 60-165 fps and no issues, while others report frequent freezes, launch failures, stuttering, and black screens.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (mixed, 67 reports): High-VRAM systems show both smooth 4K/240 fps play and a notable set of black-screen, boot, stutter, and frame-pacing problems, often requiring FPS caps or mods.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (positive, 56 reports): Most reports on lower-VRAM and under-16GB RAM systems say the game runs well with no major FPS drops, though a couple of 6GB VRAM/12GB RAM users report severe stutter.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 32GB+ RAM (mixed, 37 reports): Several high-VRAM/32GB+ RAM users report smooth play, but many others hit black screens, stutter, crashes when loading zones, or need FPS and V-Sync workarounds to launch.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (positive, 37 reports): Most users in this cohort report smooth performance, including above 100 fps and 4K 60 fps, with only occasional stutter or optimization complaints.
  - Caveats: 427 of 2020 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: Several reviews explicitly treat the $30 price point as fair, reasonable, or budget-friendly, and some call it worth full price. However, other reviews argue that the game feels too expensive at full price due to its state, polish, or competition, and recommend waiting for a sale or a slight discount. Discount suggestions generally imply roughly 20-30% off, which places the community's fair range around $20-$30 USD.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 6.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Session length is supported by two explicit continuous-play reports: a 5-hour straight session and a 7-hour non-stop session, so I used the midpoint of 6 hours. The 15%-completion quote and the 3-hour/first-three-boss quote are early progress markers only; they do not establish a full game completion time, a story completion time, or an endgame time. No provided review states finishing the target game or reaching an endgame phase with a specific hour count.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Early friction often resolves after the opening, with players reporting that fun clicks after early bosses, new abilities, or roughly 40 minutes to a few hours; a minority either enjoy it immediately or bounce off before it clicks.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After the first boss
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Unclear tutorial for weapon actions and combos; Extremely demanding early combat with no I-frames; Keyboard controls requiring too many simultaneous buttons; Performance and frame-pacing issues, especially on Steam Deck; Tedious platforming and awkward grapple/movement; Slow, uneven early pacing
  - Unlock drivers: Unlocking more abilities and weapons; Defeating the first boss and progressing past the opening; Switching from keyboard to gamepad; Reaching the Castle and hearing Bloody Tears; Learning boss attack patterns; Progression rewards like relics, weapon types, and tarot cards
  - Conditions: Patience through the opening hours; Tolerance for Soulslike difficulty; Using a controller rather than keyboard; Familiarity with Castlevania or Metroidvania expectations; Acceptance of modernized, less RPG-heavy progression; Willingness to explore and backtrack; Finding joy in challenging action games; Tolerance for PC performance issues
- Player Archetypes:
  - Classic Castlevania Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: To relive or preserve the classic Castlevania/Igavania experience and gothic identity.
    - Playstyle: Compares every system to classic 2D Castlevania games, expects RPG-like exploration and atmosphere, and rejects heavy platforming or grapple-focused modern design.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: long-time fan; old Castlevania player; fan of 2D Castlevania
    - Reference games: Symphony of the Night; Dawn of Sorrow; Order of Ecclesia; Portrait of Ruin
  - Modern Metroidvania Action Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering satisfying action combat, challenging bosses, and fluid modern metroidvania exploration.
    - Playstyle: Uses dodge, whip grappling, weapon and spell loadouts, seeks difficult bosses, and appreciates smooth traversal and customization.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Dead Cells; Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown; Blasphemous; Dark Souls
  - First-Time Castlevania Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying an accessible first Castlevania or metroidvania experience with strong visuals and combat.
    - Playstyle: Learns core combat and exploration gradually, relies on tutorials, assist or custom difficulty, and judges the game by first impressions.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: new to this genre; first Castlevania
    - Reference games: N/A
  - RPG Loot Build-Crafter (no buy)
    - Motivation: Building characters through loot, souls or items, stats, and meaningful leveling.
    - Playstyle: Farms enemies, optimizes gear and builds, and expects stat progression and equipment choices to matter.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: Aria of Sorrow old players
    - Reference games: Symphony of the Night; Bloodstained; Aria of Sorrow


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Beautiful art style and visuals (weight 0.39): The art style is beautiful, appealing, and gorgeous, with stunning visuals and exceptional visual direction. Players love the pastel feel and colorful graphics.
- Smooth fluid combat controls (weight 0.33): The combat and movement feel incredibly smooth, responsive, and fluid, with great controls. Players frequently highlight the satisfying and crisp feel of gameplay.
- Authentic Castlevania experience (weight 0.27): The game feels like a genuine Castlevania, with classic atmosphere and elements from classic tracks. It is considered a worthy addition to the franchise.
- Satisfying weapon feel variety (weight 0.24): Combat weapons feel satisfying, unique, and fun to use, with distinct properties and variety. The weapon feel and responsiveness are highly praised.
- Fun and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.24): Players consistently describe the game as fun, enjoyable, and a blast to play. Many are having a good time and find the overall experience very positive.
- Overall masterpiece and excellence (weight 0.19): The game is widely praised as a masterpiece, wonderful, excellent, and crafted with care. Reviewers are thoroughly impressed with its quality.
- Excellent music and soundtrack (weight 0.14): The music is consistently described as good, great, amazing, and incredible. It adds significantly to the experience and is praiseworthy.
- No technical issues (weight 0.13): Players report no bugs, crashes, or technical problems. The game runs well overall without stutters or issues.
- Addictive and challenging combat (weight 0.12): Combat is addicting, fun, and satisfying with a punchy impact. It is also challenging and refreshing, appealing to players seeking intensity.
- Great voice acting (weight 0.1): Voice acting is consistently praised as great, good, and exquisite. It never breaks immersion and enhances the story experience.
- Good metroidvania overall (weight 0.08): The game is viewed as a good metroidvania, with solid overall quality. Some consider it just okay, but most find it enjoyable within the genre.
- Enjoyable and loving game (weight 0.08): Reviewers express strong enjoyment and love for the game, often stating they are loving it so far. It is a great and fun experience for many.
- Fun exploration with secrets (weight 0.08): Exploration is genuinely fun and rewarding, with plenty of secrets and shortcuts to discover. It adds a lot of value to the gameplay.
- Challenging and rewarding bosses (weight 0.07): Boss fights are intense, very hard, and challenging but rewarding. They are also a visual delight and add to the gameplay experience.
- Great platforming challenge (weight 0.07): The platforming is challenging, enjoyable, and feels very good. It is considered a standout feature that adds to the game's appeal.

Common complaints:
- Black Screen on Launch (weight 0.35): A prevalent bug causes the game to display a black screen at startup, preventing players from reaching the main menu. This issue often requires workarounds like toggling V-Sync or changing refresh rates.
- Not a Castlevania Game (weight 0.3): Many players feel the game fails to capture the essence of classic Castlevania, citing a lack of the series' signature feel, mechanics, and style. This sentiment is widespread across multiple clusters.
- Poor Steam Deck Performance (weight 0.12): The game runs poorly on Steam Deck, with reports of low frame rates, crashes, and general instability. Performance remains unsatisfactory even after adjusting settings.
- Technical Issues at Release (weight 0.12): The game launched in a buggy and unfinished state, with various technical problems persisting. Players express frustration over these unaddressed issues.
- Platforming Difficulty (weight 0.09): The platforming sections are considered challenging and sometimes annoying, especially for those less skilled in platformers. There are also complaints about excessive jumping sections.
- Feels Like Dead Cells (weight 0.09): Several players note that the game's design and feel are more reminiscent of Dead Cells or Hollow Knight than Castlevania. This comparison highlights a departure from traditional Castlevania gameplay.
- Grappling Hook Frustrating (weight 0.07): The grappling hook mechanic is often described as clunky, with poor hit detection and frustrating controls. Many players find its implementation lacking.
- Generic Metroidvania (weight 0.06): Some players feel the game is a standard Metroidvania without unique elements, leaning more towards Metroid than Castlevania. It fails to stand out in the genre.
- Sparse Save Points (weight 0.05): Save points are placed inconveniently, often far apart and not before bosses, leading to tedious backtracking. This design choice is a common complaint.
- Clunky Movement (weight 0.05): The character's movement is imprecise and feels clunky, affecting overall gameplay smoothness. This issue is noted by several players.
- Tedious Backtracking (weight 0.05): The lack of fast travel or teleportation forces players to backtrack extensively, which becomes tedious. The map system is criticized for this flaw.
- Useless Leveling System (weight 0.05): Leveling up provides minimal benefits, with negligible increases to attack and defense, and no meaningful skill progression. Many players find the system unrewarding.

Gameplay feedback:
- Metroidvania Castlevania Genre (weight 0.38): The game is a 2D metroidvania with Castlevania-style exploration, backtracking, and secret walls. It combines soulslike elements with a modern take on the Castlevania formula, offering build variety through relics, weapons, and powers.
- Weapon Variety Playstyles (weight 0.3): There are seven weapon types with multiple variants, each providing distinct gameplay and playstyles. Weapons can be unlocked through progression and exploration.
- Fast Fluid Combat (weight 0.25): Combat is dynamic, quick, and aggressive, with snappy movement and satisfying impact. It is more challenging than expected and has a soulslike feel.
- Whip Traversal Combat (weight 0.23): The whip is a central mechanic used for both traversal and combat, including swinging, grappling, and dynamic action. It supports platforming challenges and enemy targeting.
- Intense Boss Fights (weight 0.18): The game features multiple bosses with movesets that require repeated attempts and figuring out patterns. Some boss fights include platforming elements.
- Precise Platforming Challenges (weight 0.16): Extensive platforming sections require precise jumps and include timed sections. Some areas feature spikes and chainsaws.
- Adjustable Difficulty Settings (weight 0.12): The game offers several difficulty settings and accessibility options, allowing players to customize the challenge.
- Secrets Hidden Exploration (weight 0.11): Exploration involves finding secrets, shortcuts, and hidden rooms in each new area. Optional rooms and trap/puzzle rooms add to the discovery.
- Dead Cells Similarities (weight 0.09): The game has elements of Dark Souls and Dead Cells, with combat that blends Blasphemous and Dead Cells. It plays similarly to Dead Cells and Rogue Prince of Persia.
- Character Progression System (weight 0.06): The game includes a leveling up system and character progression. New weapons and abilities are unlocked through exploration and boss defeats.

Performance notes:
- Mixed Optimization Reports (weight 0.19): While some players report poor optimization and terrible performance, others experience smooth gameplay on modest hardware. The inconsistency suggests varying system configurations affect performance.
- Steam Deck Performance Varies (weight 0.17): Steam Deck performance is inconsistent; some report smooth gameplay at locked 60 FPS, while others experience poor performance, crashes, and stuttering, especially in larger areas.
- Cutscene Stuttering and Frame Drops (weight 0.14): Many players notice frame rate drops and stuttering during cutscenes and transitions between gameplay and cutscenes, though the issue often stabilizes afterward.
- General Stuttering and FPS Drops (weight 0.14): Stuttering and sudden FPS drops occur during gameplay, even on decent hardware. Some report drops to as low as 10 FPS in certain areas or during interactions.
- Black Screen Linked to Vsync (weight 0.13): A significant cause of the black screen and launch failures is related to Vsync settings. Disabling Vsync can fix the issue for some, while for others it causes crashes or prevents relaunch, making it a double-edged sword.
- High Refresh Rate Causes Launch Failure (weight 0.12): Systems with monitor refresh rates above 60Hz frequently fail to launch, showing a black screen. Workarounds include capping the refresh rate or FPS to 60 or 120 via Nvidia control panel or in-game settings.
- FPS Cap Locked at 60 by Default (weight 0.07): The game enforces a 60 FPS cap by default, which can prevent the game from launching on high refresh rate monitors unless adjusted. Some players must manually set the cap to 60 in Nvidia settings or in-game.
- Persistent Launch Failures Despite Workarounds (weight 0.07): Some players report that the game constantly fails to launch or struggles to start, even after attempting various workarounds. This indicates a deeper compatibility or software issue.
- Workarounds with Vsync and Anti-Aliasing (weight 0.04): Players find that adjusting Vsync (either on or off) and changing anti-aliasing settings (e.g., to SMAA) can resolve some launch and performance issues, though results are inconsistent.
- Occasional Stutter in Specific Rooms (weight 0.03): A few players notice minor FPS drops in certain rooms or areas, with frame rates dropping by around 30 FPS, but this is not widespread.
- Good Performance on Steam Machine (weight 0.03): Players using a Steam Machine report high frame rates at 4K and 2K resolutions, with stable performance around 90-160 FPS depending on settings.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for Metroidvania Fans (weight 0.23): Many reviewers consider this a must-buy for Metroidvania enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy modern takes on the genre. It is frequently recommended alongside similar titles like Dead Cells.
- Strong Castlevania Fan Appeal (weight 0.14): A large portion of feedback recommends the game specifically to Castlevania fans, citing its lore and vibes. However, many also caution that it departs from classic series conventions.
- Alternatives Suggested Over This (weight 0.1): A number of reviewers recommend playing Bloodstained, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, or older Castlevania titles instead. They feel those games better satisfy the desire for classic or high-quality Metroidvania experiences.
- Worth the Price (weight 0.09): Reviewers widely agree that the game offers good value for money, with many calling it a great buy, especially on sale. The price-to-content ratio is considered fair.
- General Recommendations (weight 0.08): Many reviewers simply give a strong recommendation without specific caveats, often rating it 10/10. The overall sentiment is very positive from those who enjoy the genre.
- Wait for Patches (weight 0.06): A few reviewers recommend holding off on purchase until technical issues and bugs are addressed. They suggest waiting for future patches before buying.
- Try It Yourself (weight 0.06): Several players suggest giving the game an honest shot or trying the demo before deciding. They believe personal experience is the best way to judge it.
- Skip for Castlevania Purists (weight 0.05): Some fans of the Castlevania series explicitly advise skipping this game, saying it does not meet their expectations. They cannot recommend it to fellow series fans.
- Welcomed New Direction (weight 0.05): Some fans appreciate the new direction for the series, feeling that Castlevania is back in a fresh form. They encourage trying it despite the changes.
- Recommended Despite Issues (weight 0.04): Even with negative reviews and technical problems, some players still recommend the game. They believe the positives outweigh the drawbacks.
- Not Recommended at All (weight 0.04): Some reviewers do not recommend the game to anyone, citing various issues. They advise against purchasing it.
- Ignore Negative Reviews (weight 0.03): A small number of reviewers urge others to disregard negative reviews and judge the game for themselves. They feel the criticism is overstated.
- Slow Start but Worth It (weight 0.03): A couple of reviewers note that the game picks up slowly but eventually becomes enjoyable. They encourage players to give it a chance.
- Wait for Bloodstained 2 (weight 0.03): Some reviewers prefer to wait for Bloodstained 2 instead of buying this game. They do not recommend it for those seeking a similar experience.

Other player notes:
- Compared to classic Castlevania games (weight 0.24): Frequent comparisons are made to classic Castlevania titles such as Symphony of the Night, Aria of Sorrow, and Dawn of Sorrow. These comparisons focus on both similarities and differences in design and expectations.
- First Castlevania in years (weight 0.2): Reviewers highlight that this is the first new 2D Castlevania game in over a decade, marking a significant return for the series. It is seen as a fresh and properly priced entry that delivers on long-awaited expectations.
- Strong Dead Cells comparisons (weight 0.18): Many reviewers compare the game to Dead Cells, citing similar movement, combat feel, visual style, and overall gameplay DNA. This comparison is often positive and reinforces the game's quality for fans of Dead Cells.
- Hollow Knight and metroidvania peers (weight 0.16): The game is often compared to Hollow Knight, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and other metroidvanias, particularly regarding platforming difficulty and overall quality. Some recommend it as an alternative to these games.
- Developed by Dead Cells team (weight 0.13): The game is developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, known for their work on Dead Cells. Reviewers note the involvement of the Dead Cells developers, which contributes to the game's refined feel and expectations.
- Not classic Castlevania formula (weight 0.13): The game departs from the traditional Castlevania formula, offering a different take that modernizes the series. While it retains the essence of Castlevania, it is not a faithful continuation of the old style.
- Unfavorable Dead Cells comparisons (weight 0.12): Some reviewers compare the game unfavorably to Dead Cells, citing issues with action, difficulty curve, and movement speed. It is sometimes described as a skin-swapped version rather than a distinct experience.
- Blasphemous and Prince of Persia comparisons (weight 0.08): The game is compared to Blasphemous for its platforming difficulty and feel, and to Princeof Persia: The Lost Crown for its metroidvania design. These comparisons highlight its place in the modern metroidvania landscape.
- Souls-like elements present (weight 0.07): Reviewers note that the game incorporates Souls-like design, with comparisons to Dark Souls and descriptions of it as a Soulsvania. This blend of Castlevania and Souls-like mechanics is a notable aspect.
- Return of Castlevania saga (weight 0.07): The game is widely regarded as a fantastic return for the Castlevania franchise, reviving the IP after a long hiatus. It is seen as a significant and welcome comeback for the series.
- Published by Konami (weight 0.06): Konami is the publisher of the game, marking their involvement after many years. This is noted as a notable fact by several reviewers.
- Bloodstained comparisons (weight 0.06): The game is compared to Bloodstained, with some feeling it aligns more with classic Castlevania gameplay. However, some comparisons are unfavorable, suggesting Bloodstained is more faithful to the classic style.
- Love letter to Castlevania (weight 0.05): Described as a love letter to the Castlevania series, the game includes fanservice and homages to classic titles. Its aesthetic and references appeal to longtime fans.
- Part of Castlevania franchise (weight 0.05): Reviewers affirm that the game is an official entry in the Castlevania series, continuing the franchise's legacy. It is recognized as a mainline Castlevania title.
- Ranked among best Castlevania (weight 0.05): Some reviewers rank the game among the best in the Castlevania series, potentially in the top 3. It compares favorably to classic titles.
- Metroidvania genre (weight 0.05): The game is classified as a metroidvania and platformer, fitting into the genre popularized by Castlevania. This genre classification is consistently mentioned by reviewers.
- Sequel to Castlevania 3 (weight 0.05): The story is a direct sequel to Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse and technically continues from Castlevania: Curse of Darkness. This narrative connection is highlighted by reviewers.
- Indie Castlevania interpretation (weight 0.05): Some reviewers feel it resembles an indie game's take on Castlevania, capturing the spirit but with a different tone. It is seen as on-brand but distinct from previous entries.
- Follows Netflix series plot (weight 0.05): The plot is noted to follow the Netflix Castlevania series, continuing its storyline. This connection is mentioned by several reviewers.
- Steam Deck compatible (weight 0.05): The game runs well on Steam Deck, as confirmed by multiple reviewers. This portability is a positive point for players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players report severe technical problems like black screen on launch, crashes, and performance issues requiring workarounds. Gameplay frustrations include clunky controls, unreliable dodge and parry, excessive traps, difficult bosses with long runbacks, and forced platforming. Negative reviews and complaints from other players also contribute to frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): The game fails to capture the Castlevania feel, with generic music, art style, and a focus on Soulslike mechanics instead of classic Igavania design. Launch issues, poor performance, and missing features like NG+ add to the disappointment. Many expected a true Castlevania experience but received something more akin to Dead Cells.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.11): Players find the combat fluid and satisfying, with fun platforming, bosses, and exploration. The whip mechanics, grappling hook, and movement feel great, and the music and art are often praised. Despite some difficulty, the game provides an enjoyable metroidvania experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): The game runs well, has challenging but fair combat, and rewarding exploration. Players appreciate the modernized Castlevania formula, the variety of weapons and abilities, and the ability to adjust difficulty. It meets expectations and provides a satisfying experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Fans are thrilled about the return of Castlevania with new gameplay layers, a female protagonist, and connections to the show. The whip mechanics, boss fights, music, and art direction generate excitement and anticipation for more.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): The game is praised for its beautiful art, music, and atmosphere. The developers' efforts, accessibility options, and reverence for the series are appreciated. The visuals, sound design, and weapon system are highlights.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Players are annoyed by excessive jumping sections, long runbacks to bosses, and sparse save points. Negative reviews from older generations and complaints about wokeness also irritate. Technical issues like ghost inputs and stutters add to the annoyance.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger stems from poor movement and jumping sections, creative liberties that don't fit Castlevania, and frustrating design like long corpse runs and unfair enemies. Technical issues, forced female lead, and killing off beloved characters also provoke anger.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for its fluid movement, great art style, and enjoyable combat. Nostalgia for Castlevania and the Dead Cells DNA contribute to the affection. The demo was loved, and the game feels like a love letter to the series.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is expressed for the game's gorgeous art direction, smooth mechanics, and excellent map design. The music, hit feedback, and atmosphere are top-notch. It's considered a masterpiece and a passionate love letter to Castlevania.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players hope technical bugs get fixed and the game reaches its potential as a true gem. They want more Castlevania games, challenging late-game bosses, and for negative comments to be buried. Support for Konami and the series' future is strong.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from the game being a return to form for Castlevania, with beautiful visuals, satisfying combat, and great music. Exploring the map and swinging through areas is a delight. It works well on Linux, adding to the happiness.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by precise combat, fluid movement, and engaging platforming. Players can't wait to play more, recommend it at its price, and appreciate the unique mechanics. The game is wonderfully crafted and challenging.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players look forward to spending more hours, 100% completing the game, and seeing sequels. They eagerly await DLC and more bosses. The wait for a Castlevania game like this has been long, and they're excited for what's next.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction arises from poor sound mixing, music worse than the composer's earlier work, and lack of Castlevania essence. Platforming is unrewarding and the map design is arbitrary. The game isn't fun despite looking okay.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by memories of playing Castlevania on SNES and Symphony of the Night. Familiar faces, classic atmosphere, and haunting organ music resonate with long-time fans. It brings back childhood memories.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration comes from the swinging mechanic targeting wrong enemies, backtracking due to lack of teleports, and whip direction issues. Boss RNG and FPS drops add to the annoyance. Rose's heavy movement and slide-only traversal also frustrate.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stems from not understanding the negative reviews and mixed Steam rating. Hook point grabbing enemies instead of hooks and getting lost in areas add to confusion. A black screen issue also perplexes players.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement comes from fighting Joan of Arc in a fist fight and the playful confirmation of 'Castle' and 'Vania'. Funny negative reviews from self-styled pros with low playtime and complaints about it not being a true Castlevania are entertaining.
- Irritation (weight 0.01): Irritation is caused by traversal puzzles taking too many tries, formulaic AI-like BGM, and bosses with cheap attacks. Save rooms are too infrequent and combat rooms overwhelm. Lack of ultrawide support and wrong button prompts also irritate.}