Castlevania hero Richter Belmont, who first appeared in Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, will be joining indie roguelike Dead Cells as a playable character.
This announcement comes as part of Dead Cells‘ Return to Castlevania DLC, a passionate love letter to the classic video game franchise. The DLC tasks players with navigating Dracula’s Castle alongside recognisable characters from the series, while slaying hordes of undead enemies with signature weapons like the Vampire Killer.
The DLC also includes familiar locations, scenes, and music from across the Castlevania catalogue. The appreciation for the Castlevania series really shines through, since it was a huge inspiration that led to the creation of Dead Cells.
In a secret level of the expansion, players can assume the role of Richter Belmont. He will possess his “original Symphony of the Night-inspired moveset,” bringing the nostalgia factor into overdrive.
Richter Belmont has also appeared in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as an Echo Fighter for his ancestor Simon Belmont. What’s more, the character is set to star in a spin-off of the Castlevania animated series on Netflix — Castlevania: Nocturne.
The Dead Cells team mentions that this is the “last reveal before launch day”. But one wonders if a playable Alucard will make his way into the game as well. The son of Dracula was heavily featured alongside Richter in the initial trailer for the DLC.
Dead Cells‘ Return to Castlevania DLC will emerge on 6 March 2023.