Koji Igarashi is best known to video game fans as producer of the Castlevania series, having worked on Symphony of the Night back in the 90s, and continuing to work on Castlevania games right up until 2011’s Harmony of Despair.
With Konami more interested in Pachinko machines, it seems that Igarashi felt that his time could be spent better elsewhere, so he left Komani and set up a Kickstarter for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a spiritual successor to Castlevania. Bloodstained broke records when it raised $5.5 million dollars.
Initially due to be released in March 2017, Bloodstained is nearly here, a good two years late. But has the wait been worth it? I’m glad to to report that it seems that it totally has.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a 2D side scrolling RPG with 3D artwork. A good thing about Bloodstained is that if you’ve played Castlevania, you should feel right at home here. If not then not to worry, as Bloodstained feels very natural to play. Attacking, dodging and sprinting through beautiful levels all feel seamless. Items can be picked up along the way, each with their own attributes which can give you bonuses during fights, these are mostly weapons and armour, but there are also items such as potions to boost HP.
Throw in some great character and enemy designs, as well as what looks to be some huge bosses then Bloodstained could be the game that Konami doesn’t want to make.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is due for release this summer on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. If you fancy trying something a little old school, then the retro inspired Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, is out now.
Check out the rest of our Rezzed 2019 coverage here.
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