Key information
The free demo for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, which launched on October 1, 2026, offers players a glimpse into the combat mechanics of the upcoming title. Set in 1500s Paris, the game features protagonist Rose Belmont, who utilizes a sword and magical tarot cards to navigate the environment.
A notable discovery in the demo is a secret weapon known as Cestus, a pair of brass knuckle-style MMA gloves. This weapon rewards aggressive playstyles by stacking damage on enemies with consecutive hits. Upon completing an attack sequence with the Cestus, Rose performs unique, randomized poses.
Fans have identified these poses as direct references to iconic fighting game characters. According to social media user StockeTepes, the animations mirror the stances of Ryu, Chun-Li, Oro, Sagat, Mai Shiranui, and Akuma, alongside a pose reminiscent of Spider-Man from Marvel vs Capcom 2. Additionally, players noted that the air-to-air combo mimics specific aerial attacks from fighting game history.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled for an official release on October 15, 2026. The inclusion of these references continues a long-standing tradition within the franchise, which has previously incorporated fighting game-style inputs and special move mechanics in titles such as Symphony of the Night and Portrait of Ruin.
