357 - Return to Metroidvania

On this episode of Random Encounter, we're checking out the latest entries in two long-running and beloved series. First up, Matt is here to chat about the newest installment in the Castlevania series, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. This is not just a direct sequel to 1989's Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, but also the first real entry in the series in twelve years (eighteen if you only count the 2D entries). The team behind the game was also behind all the DLC for Dead Cells, including Return to Castlevania, so you would expect them to deliver a fantastic experience. Do they pull it off? Then, Ben dives into the absolutely massive new Fire Emblem game for the Switch 2, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. Since its first entry on the Famicom in 1990, the Fire Emblem series has been super popular... in Japan. It wasn't until 2003's Fire Emblem for the GBA that we got a chance to try it in the West. Since then, the series has had its share of ups and downs, but it looks like it is about to see a big "up" with this latest entry! Featuring: Jono Logan, Ben Love, and Matt Wardell; Edited by Jono Logan Get in Touch: RPGFan.com RPGFan Shop Email us: [email protected] Twitter: @rpgfancom Bluesky: @rpgfan.bsky.social Instagram: @rpgfancom Threads: @rpgfancom Facebook: rpgfancom Twitch: rpgfancom This Episode's Related Links: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Review Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Review Kotaku - Inside The Failed Fight To Unionize One Of Gaming’s Most Idealized Studios Kotaku - Our Interview With Tim Schafer About Unionization At Psychonauts Studio Double Fine