# Classic Action Game Reboots Konami’s Belmont's Curse Brings 2D Metroidvania Action By Colin Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-02-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belmonts-curse References: [pcgamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/castlevania-is-finally-back-and-its-in-exactly-the-right-hands/)  Belmont's Curse is a new 2D action-exploration Castlevania game from Evil [Empire](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/csgoempire) with Motion Twin advising, released by [Konami](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-hill-townfall). The title features a whip-wielding protagonist in 1499 Paris, designed to blend platforming and combat with an emphasis on whip mechanics and mobility. Evil Empire led development after proving the concept in Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania DLC, while Motion Twin supported the project in an advisory role. [PlayStation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-gaiden-ragebound) materials described it as a “2D exploration action game,” and the reveal showcased sword and whip usage with promises of additional weapons and abilities. For players, Belmont's Curse revives a classic franchise in a contemporary metroidvania format, offering tight traversal and skill-based encounters that echo recent retro-revival trends. Its release signals renewed investment in side-scrolling action heritage and gives fans a modern avenue to revisit Castlevania-style design. Image Credit: Konami ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 65% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro-revival Franchises:** Reviving legacy IP in modern formats can reshape monetization and fan engagement models by blending nostalgia with contemporary design expectations. - **2D Metroidvania Resurgence:** A renewed appetite for skill-based side-scrolling exploration opens room for innovation in level design, procedural content, and precision-focused control schemes. - **Indie-and-studio Collaborations:** Cross-pollination between nimble indie teams and established publishers may redefine production pipelines and creative ownership structures within major franchises. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Video-game Publishing:** Publishers that adopt flexible IP strategies could disrupt traditional release cadences and licensing deals by prioritizing niche revitalizations with high fan ROI. - **Game-development Tools:** Toolmakers that optimize for 2D physics, whip-like animations, and tight traversal mechanics are positioned to change how small teams prototype and ship high-quality action games. - **Platform-marketing and Distribution:** Evolving discoverability approaches tailored to retro-style titles can alter platform curation and revenue share dynamics by surfacing heritage franchises to new audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Remastered Classic Arcade Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pacman-world-2-repac.md) - [Console Exclusive Roguelike Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hades-ii-switch.md) - [Remastered Supernatural Detective Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raidou-remastered.md) - [Retro-Inspired Platforming Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-gaiden-ragebound.md) - [Wild 3D Platforming Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/donkey-kong-bananza.md) - [Skill-Rewarding Action Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blades-of-fire.md) - [Remastered Iconic Role-Playing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dragon-quest-hd.md) - [Punishing Gotchic Role-Playing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-duskbloods.md) - [Iconic Horror Game Remasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/system-shock-2-remaster.md)