January 28^th, 2005 (1:31am) - Earlier in the week we revealed that Konami and Castlevania series director Koji "IGA" Igarashi are hard at work with a new 3D Castlevania game for the PS2 title Castlevania: Curse of Darkness. Today, Konami officially revealed the game to the press and here are some of the very first screenshots of the game in action.

While past Castlevania games have focused on the struggle between Dracula and the Belmont clan, 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 Matt Knoles, Product Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment - America. "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."