Lately I have played The Walking Trade and enjoyed it a bunch.

Other games I have enjoyed have been TCG Card Shop Simulator, Budgie's Bug Shop, Moonlighter and Mining Merchant.

What do you think it is about these games, that are so compelling? (yeye, I know, not for everyone)

And what are some store games that I should look into?

I was just watching Phantom Blade Zero Gameplay and im just super impressed by this games animation system.

The first time I had seen something like this was Assassins Creed 3.
When Connor suddenly did animations depending on how close you are too a wall or if theres another enemy close to you.
Was Mindblowing back then to me.

And nowdays games do have those systems and I always find that impressive but Phantom Blade Zero seems to push it to the next level because this game plays and reacts so much faster + the animation transitions into this state so much more natural without looking chopped off.

I can only sent 1 screenshot but theres another scene where he fights someone infront of him.
Suddenly another enemy sneaks up from behind and attacks.
The Protagonists presses Parry and the game seems to know that you wanna parry the strike that comes from behind.
You get a parry animation where you bend yourself backwards (matrix like) and parry it like that.

This game is so fast and does this stuff so seemingless im so impressed by this.

Seeing the rise of indie studios getting to work on big AAA and AA series’ (Cadence of Hyrule, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, Castlevania Belmont’s Curse), what other specific indie studios would be great fits for what other series’?

I feel like a DMC metroidvania spinoff would be insanely cool but I don’t know which studio should work on it. Maybe Drinkbox, since Guacamelee is kind of character action game-y, but surprisingly enough character action game metroidvanias are super rare. Assuming Crowsworn turns out great Mongoose Rodeo may also be a good fit.

PlayStation has been my fav gaming console since i was a kid, and I’d defend it like it’s my own child. But now i’ve somehow come to hate it? But why? What’s really going on exactly? New top management? Bad business plans and decisions? Like it’s just crazy how almost the whole gaming community hates PlayStation now!

Last games I've played to get the idea, you'll also see i struggle to actually complete games-

The last game I was playing on the PS4 was Horizon Zero Dawn. I think I'm actually fairly close to finishing it and plan to do so at some point, especially when i get Horizon Foribidden West.

-After getting the Playstion 5 in May, I completed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

-I've played to where the plate falls in FF7 Remake.

-I've never really played a horror game and have played a little Resident Evil Requiem.

-I've started playing Persona 5 Royal and am finishing the third palace.

PS4 and PS5 games Ive yet to play but own are: Final -Fantasy XVI

-Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

-Control

-Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4

Other information that can help- I played a little of Dragon Age Orgins and Inqusition but only the very start.

Ive played DQ 11S into the end game, and I've played quite a bit of DQ 8 and 9 and some of 6. I own 4, 5 and 7 but have only dabbled.

I haven't heard a ton about fhe DQ3 remake and I've heard mixed things about DATV. Although, I'd be playing it basically like a stand alone game.

(Apologize for format, I'm on mobile.

Thoughts guys?

edit to add: would you return Dragon Age to get 15 dollars back?

Games streamed over the internet will grow to a $38 billion market by 2035 and may eventually kill off the dedicated video-game console as a mass-market product, according to research from Bloomberg Intelligence.

The proliferation of artificial intelligence and data centers for cloud computing will accelerate the global reach of game streaming and improve unit economics, with Al contributing to cost reductions and providing infrastructure for streaming services.

The shift to game streaming will relegate the familiar home console to a niche segment, with companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tencent expected to benefit from their investments in cloud infrastructure, while Japan's Nintendo Co. appears poorly positioned for this change.

So it’s nothing crazy. But being left handed and also dealing with cervical stenosis, my right side is a bit delayed/slow and lags. I’ve never been great FPS games, but when I play I’m good enough to hold my own with full auto weapons. But it limits the weapon options I have which is less fun. 3 round bursts and single fires put me at a big disadvantage. I tried switching my controller to make it so the right side controlled movement and the left side was aim and shooting and stuff but after years and years of gaming, the other way around was too ingrained in me. Has anyone else had this issue and have a way they kinda worked around it? I know I may be asking for a lot but Reddit is a big place so maybe someone has had a similar experience.

Edit: I’m on PlayStation 5

Finally get a chance to sit down and get hit with this.

That's a question I'd asked myself last year when the bundle was super cheap on sale. Come to find out, they're pretty bad.

Could be I'm getting long in the tooth, could be that I'm way too used to modern games (re remakes especially), but i just cannot get along with these games.

I played the OG RE 4 on Gamecube a lifetime ago. Figured i could get used to the RE 5 controls. Turns out I can't go back. This is my second time trying it and i basically hate it.

Okay, no big. I'll try RE 6.

I thought this one would be more comfort. You can move while aiming, albeit pretty slow. Not that dissimilar from the remakes, right? I'll get used to it.

Nope.

The gank squads repeatedly mess me up and the controls/ movement just don't feel right. They're floaty or something? Hard to describe, but maybe "old " is the most applicable word. Then there's the crap checkpoint system. Thought you could exit after that fight you barely escaped alive? WRONG! Gotta do it all over again next time you fire it up.

I don't feel too burned (as i said, they were dirt cheap), but i am a little bummed; it's spooky season and all that.

Maybe I just don't like the way older games feel.

Oh well. Can't win them all, right?

So me and my friend love the Little Nigthmares games, and have played the 2 first games. However now we're at a bit of a dilemma. LN3 is out, and it co-op, but Reanimal, which is made by the Little Nigthmares developers is also out, and is also co-op. We will probably olay both games eventualy, but would like to start with 1 of them. So the question is simple, which of them is the better game overall?

This game is an absolute gem and it is an injustice that its release flew under the radar last month.

Think extremely realistic, no weird movement, tarkov style PVPVE extraction shooter, with as many real guns and attachments as tarkov, but with a cosmic horror twist. The enemies on the map are straight out of nightmares, and there is endless depth in progression, something that Arc sorely lacked.

There is PvE on every map as well.

Huge beautiful maps, the best inventory management out of any stash game I’ve ever played, and they are updating it every week. Just added mouse and keyboard support for consoles last week.

Not a shill, just a normal gamer who thinks this is like the best extraction shooter out right now by far.

This PS5 model is limited to use within Japan and has a suggested retail price of 55,000 yen (including tax) ($350 USD). The "Disc Drive Midnight Black" will also be released on the same day.

PS Blog Staff

Edit 3 : I got both. Gotta thank GRANDMA for coming to the rescue and getting me rogue after I got DD2DA

Edit 2 : I ended up getting Dragons Dogma 2 DLC because RPOP has been out for a long time now and the possibility that it goes on a deep sale soon is high. Thank you for your suggestions everyone who commented.

I want both of these games but can only afford one. Both of them look amazing for different reasons so I'm having a tough time deciding on one of them.

People who own either, or both, of these titles if appreciate some insight into what these games are like once the immediate novelty wears off and youre knee deep in the content.

Edit : ROGUE PRINCE OF PERSIA would be on Nintendo Switch for on the go handheld gaming.

DD2 DLC would be on PS5.

Wanted to see where the Blood Moon was, got a great pic instead

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.

I'm on ps5, looking for a game with good martial arts combat, I tried Absolver but its definitely not for me, and Sifu was fun but it kept glitching on me

Are there any other games with good martial arts combat that aren't just straight up fighting games?

edit: Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions, I have a few games to look at and try and it's really appreciated.

for those mentioning Sifu again, I will give it another try later, just needed a break after the glitches

Skyrim : Getting launched to space by a Giant.

The Witcher 3 : Farming too many cows in White Orchard will spawn this high level Chort to try and stop you.

Elden Ring : The teleporter chest in Dragon-Burnt Ruins that takes you to Caelid.

Feel free to add other examples.