Konami announces Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

Next title in the legendary Castlevania series for the PlayStation 2 due out in autumn 2005

January 28th 2005

Konami of Europe announced today that Castlevania®: Curse of Darkness^TM for the PlayStation®2 will be available in fall 2005. While past Castlevania® games have focused on the struggle between Dracula and the Belmont clan, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness introduces players to an entirely new storyline and main character – Hector, one of two Devil Forgemasters, who had once refined his skills under Dracula. Told in true Castlevania style, this action-packed tale of betrayal and revenge takes players on a journey through an expansive world filled with formidable foes and beautifully rendered environments to the ruins of Dracula's castle.

Disillusioned with the ideals of his mentor, Hector fled Vallachia to pursue a more normal life, leaving Dracula vulnerable to the Belmonts. Now, three years after Dracula was defeated in battle, the magic power of the curse released upon his death has infected all of Europe. As the continent succumbs to pestilence, heresy and mob violence, Isaac – a former friend and fellow Devil Forgemaster – suddenly appears. Believing their master's death was a result of Hector's betrayal, Isaac implicates his friend's beloved in a deadly witch trial. Fueled by revenge, Hector sets off on a journey to his former home, which is now completely morphed in dark magic, to confront Isaac.

Armed with the unique new abilities of Devil Forgery, gamers will be able to forge trusty allies – "Innocent Devils" – who will help defeat a variety of powerful enemies. More than 30 evolving allies will develop unique abilities ranging from those that can open heavy doors, to those that can help Hector fly. They will aid players in conquering various enemies, avoiding perilous traps and solving challenging puzzles. As players progress through the game and gain experience points, their character's strength will increase, reminiscent of the same gameplay found in the critically acclaimed Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

"Castlevania: Curse of Darkness takes the series in a fresh new direction – complete with new heroes and villains," says Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of Product Management of Konami of Europe. "The conflict between Hector and Isaac will allow players to explore Dracula's inner sanctum from a different perspective and provide fans of the Castlevania series plenty of new gameplay experiences to enjoy."

© 1986 2005 KONAMI & Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. "CASTLEVANIA" and "KONAMI" are registered trademarks of KONAMI CORPORATION. "CASTLEVANIA: Curse of Darkness" is a trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.

• Go to the game information page for Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (Sony PlayStation 2).
• More information regarding Konami, including games developed and published.
• View the listing of Sony PlayStation 2 press releases.