- Release Year: 2019
- Platforms: Android, iPad, iPhone, Luna, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows Apps, Windows, Xbox One
- Publisher: 505 Games S.p.A., Game Source Entertainment, H2 Interactive Co., Ltd., Netease Interactive Entertainment Pte. Ltd.
- Developer: ArtPlay Co., Ltd.
- Genre: Action, Metroidvania, Platform, RPG
- Perspective: Side view
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Gameplay: Alchemy, Bestiary, Explorable platformer, Metroidvania, Multiple endings, New Game+, Survival cooking
- Setting: Fantasy, Horror
- Average Score: 84/100
- Adult Content: Yes
Description
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a gothic, horror-infused fantasy world. Players take on the role of Miriam, an orphan afflicted by a demonic curse that slowly crystallizes her body, as she battles through a cursed castle filled with monstrous creatures and powerful bosses. With RPG elements, crafting, and a vast array of weapons and abilities, the game blends exploration, combat, and narrative depth, drawing inspiration from classic titles like Castlevania.
Gameplay Videos
Where to Buy Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Free Download
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Cracks & Fixes
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Patches & Updates
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Mods
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Guides & Walkthroughs
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Reviews & Reception
metacritic.com (90/100): Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has had me hooked like no other game released this year.
ign.com (88/100): Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a whole new castle to crash full of unexpected monsters and mysteries in the vein of classic Castlevania.
nintendolife.com : Bloodstained obviously isn’t part of the Castlevania series, but it takes so much inspiration from Igarashi’s previous efforts in the series that it almost feels like a fan-made homage rather than a stand-alone game.
pcgamer.com (77/100): Bloodstained: ROTN faithfully recreates the metroidvania experience of the 2000s—a feast for fans of a very specific experience; a bit too old-fashioned for anyone else.
opencritic.com (83/100): The wait was worth it – this spiritual successor to Castlevania is a gorgeous, accessible 2D platformer stuffed with nostalgia.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Cheats & Codes
PlayStation 4
Enter codes as a case-sensitive file name when starting a new game.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| BLOODLESS | Play as the Vampiress, Bloodless. |
| TEAMFAT | Unlocks ‘A Kinda Funny Mask’ accessory. |
| BIGHEAD | Activates Big Head mode. |
| AWESOMEVIDEOGAMES | Unlocks ‘Big Mustache’ accessory. |
| JEPSON | Unlocks ‘Clockwork Blade’ weapon. |
| ALPHAOMEGASIN | Unlocks ‘Darkness Descends’ weapon. |
| Akuma | Unlocks ‘Dominus’ weapon. |
| INTHEBATHROOM | Unlocks ‘Dumping Helmet’ head. |
| DUNGEONITE | Unlocks ‘Dungeonite Sword’ weapon. |
| TheSpeedGamers | Unlocks ‘Final Hour’ weapon. |
| 8MEGAPOWER | Unlocks ‘Game Sack Strip’ weapon. |
| EGGFARM | Unlocks ‘Guardian Egg Helm’ head. |
| Egoraptor | Unlocks ‘Hey I’m Grump’ accessory. |
| Grumps | Unlocks ‘I’m Not So Grump’ accessory. |
| Jarvis Meower | Unlocks ‘Mega64 Helmet’ head. |
| swimmingbird | Unlocks ‘Plague Doctor Face’ accessory. |
| STEPHENPLAYS | Unlocks ‘Sicilian Slicer’ weapon. |
| chuggaaconroy | Unlocks ‘Space Helmet’ head. |
| BULLFIGHTER | Unlocks ‘The-Baz Mask’ accessory. |
| NIGHTMARE | Unlocks Hard/Nightmare modes. |
| SPONGYVINE | Unlocks ‘Vine Sword’ weapon. |
PC
Enter codes as a case-sensitive file name when starting a new game.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| BLOODLESS | Play as the Vampiress, Bloodless. |
| TEAMFAT | Unlocks ‘A Kinda Funny Mask’ accessory. |
| BIGHEAD | Activates Big Head mode. |
| AWESOMEVIDEOGAMES | Unlocks ‘Big Mustache’ accessory. |
| JEPSON | Unlocks ‘Clockwork Blade’ weapon. |
| ALPHAOMEGASIN | Unlocks ‘Darkness Descends’ weapon. |
| Akuma | Unlocks ‘Dominus’ weapon. |
| INTHEBATHROOM | Unlocks ‘Dumping Helmet’ head. |
| DUNGEONITE | Unlocks ‘Dungeonite Sword’ weapon. |
| TheSpeedGamers | Unlocks ‘Final Hour’ weapon. |
| 8MEGAPOWER | Unlocks ‘Game Sack Strip’ weapon. |
| EGGFARM | Unlocks ‘Guardian Egg Helm’ head. |
| Egoraptor | Unlocks ‘Hey I’m Grump’ accessory. |
| Grumps | Unlocks ‘I’m Not So Grump’ accessory. |
| Jarvis Meower | Unlocks ‘Mega64 Helmet’ head. |
| swimmingbird | Unlocks ‘Plague Doctor Face’ accessory. |
| STEPHENPLAYS | Unlocks ‘Sicilian Slicer’ weapon. |
| chuggaaconroy | Unlocks ‘Space Helmet’ head. |
| BULLFIGHTER | Unlocks ‘The-Baz Mask’ accessory. |
| NIGHTMARE | Unlocks Hard/Nightmare modes. |
| SPONGYVINE | Unlocks ‘Vine Sword’ weapon. |
Xbox One
Enter codes as a case-sensitive file name when starting a new game.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| BLOODLESS | Play as the Vampiress, Bloodless. |
| TEAMFAT | Unlocks ‘A Kinda Funny Mask’ accessory. |
| BIGHEAD | Activates Big Head mode. |
| AWESOMEVIDEOGAMES | Unlocks ‘Big Mustache’ accessory. |
| JEPSON | Unlocks ‘Clockwork Blade’ weapon. |
| ALPHAOMEGASIN | Unlocks ‘Darkness Descends’ weapon. |
| Akuma | Unlocks ‘Dominus’ weapon. |
| INTHEBATHROOM | Unlocks ‘Dumping Helmet’ head. |
| DUNGEONITE | Unlocks ‘Dungeonite Sword’ weapon. |
| TheSpeedGamers | Unlocks ‘Final Hour’ weapon. |
| 8MEGAPOWER | Unlocks ‘Game Sack Strip’ weapon. |
| EGGFARM | Unlocks ‘Guardian Egg Helm’ head. |
| Egoraptor | Unlocks ‘Hey I’m Grump’ accessory. |
| Grumps | Unlocks ‘I’m Not So Grump’ accessory. |
| Jarvis Meower | Unlocks ‘Mega64 Helmet’ head. |
| swimmingbird | Unlocks ‘Plague Doctor Face’ accessory. |
| STEPHENPLAYS | Unlocks ‘Sicilian Slicer’ weapon. |
| chuggaaconroy | Unlocks ‘Space Helmet’ head. |
| BULLFIGHTER | Unlocks ‘The-Baz Mask’ accessory. |
| NIGHTMARE | Unlocks Hard/Nightmare modes. |
| SPONGYVINE | Unlocks ‘Vine Sword’ weapon. |
Classic Mode (Konami Code)
Enter the code on the title screen of Classic Mode.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → X/Square B/Circle | Unlocks 1986 Mode. |
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night: A Modern Masterpiece of Gothic Horror and Metroidvania Design
Introduction
In the pantheon of video game history, few titles have carried the weight of expectation quite like Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Conceived as the spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, this 2019 release from ArtPlay and legendary developer Koji Igarashi (IGA) was tasked with reviving a beloved subgenre while carving its own identity. The result is a game that simultaneously honors its lineage and innovates within the Metroidvania framework, delivering a richly atmospheric, mechanically deep, and narratively compelling experience. This review will dissect Bloodstained across its development, narrative, gameplay, artistry, reception, and legacy, ultimately arguing that it stands as both a triumphant homage and a bold evolution of the Igavania formula.
Development History & Context
The Birth of a Spiritual Successor
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night emerged from a perfect storm of industry shifts and fan demand. Koji Igarashi, the architect behind Castlevania‘s Metroidvania renaissance (Symphony of the Night, Aria of Sorrow, Order of Ecclesia), departed Konami in 2014 amid the company’s pivot away from traditional gaming. His exit left a void in the hearts of fans who had grown accustomed to the “Igavania” style—a blend of exploration, RPG progression, and Gothic horror.
Igarashi’s solution was crowdfunding. Inspired by Keiji Inafune’s Mighty No. 9, he launched a Kickstarter campaign in May 2015 with a modest $500,000 goal. The response was overwhelming: the campaign raised over $5.5 million, making it one of the most successful video game Kickstarters at the time. This financial backing allowed Igarashi to assemble a dream team, including:
- ArtPlay: The primary developer, handling core mechanics and level design.
- DICO: Assisted with localization and global development.
- WayForward: Polished the game’s 2.5D presentation and animations.
- Michiru Yamane: The iconic Castlevania composer, who returned to craft Bloodstained‘s haunting soundtrack.
Technological and Design Challenges
The game’s development was not without hurdles. Initially slated for a 2017 release, Bloodstained faced delays due to the sheer ambition of its stretch goals (e.g., multiple playable characters, boss rush modes, and classic modes). The transition from Wii U to Nintendo Switch and the cancellation of Vita, Linux, and macOS ports further complicated production. However, these setbacks allowed the team to refine the game’s visuals and mechanics, culminating in a June 2019 release that largely delivered on its promises.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
A Gothic Tale of Betrayal and Redemption
Bloodstained is set in an alternate 18th-century England, where the Alchemy Guild’s desperate bid to retain power unleashes a demonic invasion. The story follows Miriam, a Shardbinder—a human infused with demonic crystals—who awakens from a decade-long slumber to find her childhood friend Gebel summoning demons to destroy humanity. Accompanied by Johannes (a guilt-ridden alchemist) and Dominique (a vengeful exorcist), Miriam infiltrates Gebel’s castle, the Hellhold, to uncover the truth behind his betrayal.
Themes of Corruption and Free Will
The narrative explores themes of corruption, free will, and the cost of power. Miriam and Gebel’s crystallization curse serves as a metaphor for their internal struggles: Gebel succumbs to his demonic influence, while Miriam resists, embodying the game’s central question: Can one retain humanity when wielding inhuman power? The true ending reveals that Dominique, the seemingly benevolent exorcist, is the ultimate antagonist—a woman who, after losing her faith in God, seeks to usurp divine authority by summoning the demon king Bael.
Character Depth and Voice Acting
The game’s cast is brought to life through strong voice acting and nuanced writing:
– Miriam (Erica Lindbeck) is a stoic yet compassionate protagonist, her sparse dialogue masking deep trauma.
– Gebel (Ray Chase) oscillates between tragic and menacing, his descent into madness palpable.
– Dominique (Fryda Wolff) delivers a chilling performance, her piety masking a nihilistic rage.
The supporting cast, including Zangetsu (David Hayter) and Alfred (Christopher Swindle), adds layers to the world, though some characters (like the quirky O.D.) lean into campy humor.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Core Gameplay Loop: Exploration and Progression
Bloodstained excels in its Metroidvania design, offering a sprawling castle filled with secrets, abilities, and interconnected paths. The gameplay loop revolves around:
1. Exploration: Traversing the Hellhold’s labyrinthine halls, uncovering hidden rooms and shortcuts.
2. Combat: Engaging in fluid, skill-based combat with a vast arsenal of weapons and shards.
3. Progression: Acquiring new shards (abilities) and equipment to access previously unreachable areas.
Combat and Shard System
The combat system is a standout feature, blending melee, ranged, and magical attacks:
– Weapons: Nine categories (swords, whips, guns, etc.), each with unique move sets and techniques.
– Shards: The game’s equivalent of Castlevania‘s souls, shards grant abilities ranging from summoning familiars to manipulating gravity. The shard fusion system allows players to combine shards for enhanced effects.
Innovations and Flaws
While Bloodstained adheres closely to the Igavania formula, it introduces several innovations:
– Crafting System: Players can forge weapons and items using materials dropped by enemies.
– Multiple Playable Characters: Post-launch updates added Zangetsu (a fast-paced swordsman), Bloodless (a vampire with unique mechanics), and Aurora (from Child of Light).
– Randomizer Mode: A stretch goal that shuffles item locations for replayability.
However, the game is not without flaws:
– Technical Issues: The Nintendo Switch version suffered from performance problems at launch, though patches mitigated these over time.
– Pacing: Some areas feel overly punishing, and the backtracking can be tedious without fast-travel options.
World-Building, Art & Sound
A Hauntingly Beautiful Castle
The Hellhold is a masterclass in Gothic horror aesthetics, blending:
– Architectural Diversity: From cathedrals to clock towers, each area has a distinct visual identity.
– Atmospheric Lighting: Dynamic shadows and particle effects create an oppressive, immersive environment.
Michiru Yamane’s Soundtrack
Yamane’s score is a triumph, evoking the grandeur of Symphony of the Night while introducing fresh motifs. Tracks like “Exorschism” (Zangetsu’s theme) and “The Executioners” (boss battle music) are standout pieces that enhance the game’s dramatic moments.
Reception & Legacy
Critical and Commercial Success
Bloodstained received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its faithfulness to the Igavania formula while noting its technical shortcomings. The game sold over 2 million copies by 2023, cementing its place as a modern classic. Its legacy includes:
– Influence on the Genre: Proving that crowdfunded games could deliver AAA-quality experiences.
– Expansion of the Franchise: The success led to sequels (Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement) and spin-offs (Curse of the Moon series).
Awards and Accolades
The game was nominated for multiple awards, including:
– New York Game Awards: Best Indie Game.
– NAVGTR Awards: Control Precision.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a triumphant return to form for Koji Igarashi and a love letter to Castlevania fans. While it occasionally stumbles in execution, its strengths—deep combat, rich exploration, and a hauntingly beautiful world—far outweigh its flaws. It stands as both a faithful homage and a bold evolution of the Metroidvania genre, ensuring its place in gaming history.
Final Verdict: 9/10 – A modern masterpiece that honors its legacy while forging its own path.