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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Item: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Platformer, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 18, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperArtPlay

Overview

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a gothic horror action side-scrolling RPG set in 19th century England. A paranormal force has summoned a demon-infested castle, revealing crystal shards infused with tremendous magical power. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse which slowly crystallizes her body. To save humanity, and herself in the process, Miriam must fight through the castle and defeat the summoner, Gebel. Collect, craft and unlock a vast array of weapons, equipment and loot to defeat the countless minions and bosses of hell that await!

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night are quite varied. Some critics, such as Daily Star and NintendoWorldReport, appreciate the premise of the story, with its focus on a protagonist named Miriam who must stop her friend Gebel from leading an army of demons against mankind. They find the concept of Shardbinders, characters who can absorb demonic crystals to gain special powers, intriguing and engaging. The Indie Game Website also mentions that the story is fitting for a Castlevania-inspired game, which suggests that it successfully captures the essence of the genre. However, there are critics who express disappointment with the story. Pure Nintendo mentions that the story is goofy and melodramatic, while RPG Fan feels that the plot twists and turns are formulaic and the characters are mere archetypes. DarkStation criticizes the lack of emotional weight in the story and finds the main villain dull. PlayStation LifeStyle also points out a lack of narrative depth and jargon-filled narration as weaknesses in the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some appreciate the story's premise and its connection to the Castlevania genre, others find it cliché, predictable, and lacking in emotional depth. The story's strengths lie in its interesting world and characters, as mentioned by IGN and TheSixthAxis. On the other hand, weaknesses include formulaic plot twists, uninteresting characters, and uninspired voice acting, as noted by RPG Fan and DarkStation. It is worth mentioning that some critics, such as Game Rant and MondoXbox, feel that the gameplay takes precedence over the story, suggesting that the narrative may not be the main focus of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Some praise its premise centered around protagonist Miriam's battle against demons, while others criticize it for being cliché and lacking emotional depth. Overall, the story is seen as fitting for a Castlevania-inspired game, but some find it lacking in originality and character development. Ultimately, the game's gameplay seems to overshadow its narrative according to some reviewers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, considering it to be a quintessential Metroidvania experience with satisfying combat and exploration. They highlighted the ability to improve and swap out skills through the use of random drops called 'shards', which added a layer of build diversity to the game. Critics such as Daily Star and Game Rant commended the gameplay for its similarity to Igarashi's Castlevania games, featuring platforming, combat against hordes of monsters, and a variety of weapons and spells to use. They found the combat to be engaging and never boring, with a sense of progression that felt rewarding. The gameplay was also praised for its quality-of-life improvements, such as a large map with varied locales, giving players ample scope to create their own builds and carve their way through the game as they see fit (GameSpew). While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was positive, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. Softpedia mentioned that the combat could feel clunky and slow at times, and some puzzles were unintuitive. DarkStation noted a lack of focus in the gameplay and mentioned that certain skills made the game too easy on Normal mode. RPG Fan brought up the issue of three-dimensional environments where it was not clear where one platform ended and another began, causing some frustration. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of critics still found the gameplay to be enjoyable and addictive. In conclusion, the gameplay of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night received high praise from the majority of critics. They appreciated the game's quintessential Metroidvania experience, with satisfying combat, exploration, and a sense of progression. The ability to improve and swap out skills through 'shards' was highlighted as a positive aspect, allowing for build diversity. The gameplay was compared favorably to Igarashi's Castlevania games, with its platforming elements, diverse combat, and character progression. While there were some criticisms regarding clunky combat, unintuitive puzzles, lack of focus, and occasional platforming issues, these were minor concerns in the overall consensus. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's gameplay was widely regarded as enjoyable, rewarding, and reminiscent of classic Castlevania titles.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for its top-notch Metroidvania gameplay, satisfying combat, and exploration. They loved the skill customization with 'shards' and compared it favorably to Castlevania games. Despite some minor criticisms like clunky combat and puzzle issues, the majority found the gameplay addictive and enjoyable, offering a rewarding experience reminiscent of classic titles.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night are generally positive. Critics such as Daily Star, NintendoWorldReport, God is a Geek, Softpedia, and USgamer praise the game for its gothic architecture, detailed environments, and imaginative enemy designs. They appreciate the game's homage to the Castlevania series and its old-school vibe. The visuals are described as capturing the atmosphere and charm of Castlevania, with gorgeous art styles, striking designs, and a variety of unique locations to explore. The hand-drawn graphics and stained-glass aesthetic are also commended for their visual appeal and painterly style. Additionally, the game's lighting effects, moonlit vistas, and darkly beautiful sights in the castle are highlighted as impressive by IGN and IGN Italia. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Game Rant, GameSpot, Pure Nintendo, RPG Fan, DarkStation, and Push Square express concerns about graphical downgrades, technical issues, muddy backgrounds, lack of detail on character models, and occasional frame rate issues. They mention that the Switch version, in particular, suffers from visual downgrades, lack of color, lighting, texture, and motion, which can affect the overall experience. RPG Fan criticizes the stiff and awkward speaking animations, suggesting that the game would be better off without moving mouths. DarkStation also notes heavy slowdowns in visually busy areas, which can impact gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has a visually appealing design that captures the essence of the Castlevania series. The game's gothic architecture, detailed environments, and imaginative enemy designs are praised by multiple critics. However, there are concerns about graphical downgrades, technical issues, and occasional frame rate problems, particularly in the Switch version. Despite these drawbacks, the game's overall visual appeal and level design are commended for their cleverness, rewarding exploration, and the joy of discovering secrets and Easter eggs. The positive aspects of the graphics and visual design outweigh the negatives, making Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for its gothic architecture, detailed environments, and imaginative enemy designs, capturing the essence of Castlevania with gorgeous art styles and unique locations. However, some critics express concerns about graphical downgrades, technical issues, and frame rate problems, especially on the Switch version. Despite drawbacks, the game's visual appeal and level design are commended for cleverness and rewarding exploration, making it an overall enjoyable experience for genre fans.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, considering it a strong aspect of the game. GameSpew, NintendoWorldReport, CGMagazine, DarkStation, Easy Allies, IGN Italia, PlayStation Country, Push Square, Slant Magazine, and Video Chums all expressed positive opinions about the soundtrack and sound design. They highlighted various aspects such as the brilliant soundtrack, strong accompaniment to different sections of the castle, gothic rock soundtrack that creates a personality for fights and locations, and a fantastic soundtrack that captures the vibe of each area wonderfully. The quality of the music, composed by Michiru Yamane, was also praised by CGMagazine and Video Chums. The sound design was generally enjoyable, with Push Square mentioning the overall sound design being enjoyable and Softpedia mentioning that the music adds to the Castlevania atmosphere. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the sound design and music of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. RPG Fan mentioned that the music was forgettable and didn't reach the same level as Symphony of the Night, a classic Castlevania game known for its iconic music. TheSixthAxis also stated that while the music was mostly great, it lacked the same impact as the iconic tracks from previous Castlevania games. These criticisms suggest that some players may have been expecting more memorable and impactful music, particularly in comparison to the legacy of the Castlevania series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night were very good. The positive opinions from multiple reviewers outweigh the reservations expressed by a few critics. The soundtrack was praised for its quality, capturing the atmosphere of the game, and adding personality to different areas and fights. The sound design was generally enjoyable, even if it didn't reach the same level of impact as some iconic tracks from previous Castlevania games. Considering the majority of the critics' opinions, it can be concluded that the sound design and music of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night were a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly loved the sound design and music in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, praising its brilliant soundtrack that adds personality to the game. Some critics felt the music was forgettable compared to classic Castlevania tracks, but overall, the consensus is positive. The majority agree that the sound design and music enhance the game's atmosphere and are a standout feature.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has received mixed opinions from the critics. On the positive side, IGN and IGN Italia both praise the voice acting, mentioning that all characters are capably voice acted, with David Hayter lending his talent to the game. Push Square also commends the voice acting, specifically highlighting David Hayter's performance, where he channels his iconic Solid Snake voice. This adds to the enjoyment of the game for these critics, creating a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for players who are fans of Hayter's previous work. However, on the negative side, COGconnected and DarkStation express their disappointment with the voice acting. COGconnected describes it as "pure ham," suggesting that it may come across as over-the-top or exaggerated. DarkStation goes further, stating that the voice acting is "uninspired and stale," which ultimately detracts from the narrative experience. Slant Magazine also raises concerns about copyright infringement, noting that one NPC and his voice actor come close to crossing the line, although it's acknowledged that the character is largely inspired by previous works by the game's creator. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a mixed bag. While some critics, such as IGN and IGN Italia, find the voice acting to be well-executed and enjoyable, others, like COGconnected and DarkStation, feel that it falls short in terms of inspiration and freshness. TheSixthAxis mentions that while the voice acting features familiar voices from the Castlevania series, there is a risk of new characters losing their identity. Trusted Reviews highlights the positive impact of David Hayter's involvement in voicing a character, contributing to the overall experience of the game. Ultimately, the reception of the voice acting in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is subjective, with some critics appreciating it while others find it lacking in certain aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Some praise David Hayter's performance for adding nostalgia, while others criticize it as over-the-top and uninspired. Overall, opinions vary from well-executed and enjoyable to lacking freshness and identity.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, there are both positive and negative aspects for each gaming platform. Starting with the positives, the Xbox One X version, as mentioned by MondoXbox, runs well in 4K, providing a smooth gameplay experience. Additionally, the PlayStation 4 version, according to PlayStation LifeStyle, only has minor performance issues and localization typos, which are barely worth mentioning. On the other hand, there are several negative aspects regarding the technical performance across different platforms. The Nintendo Switch version, as criticized by multiple reviewers including Daily Star, Game Rant, GameSpew, GameSpot, and Pure Nintendo, suffers from various issues such as frame rate hitches, graphical downgrades, slowdown, crashing, input lag, and long load times. These technical problems significantly impact the gameplay experience on the Switch. IGN also mentions that the PC version has major performance issues, although specific details are not provided. Moving on to the PlayStation 4 version, DarkStation highlights heavy slowdowns in visually busy areas, while Easy Allies encountered game crashes and boss fight glitches, although these bugs did not lead to major issues. Push Square and Slant Magazine also mention graphical and gameplay glitches, occasional frame rate issues, and game crashes, which detract from the overall polish of the game. USgamer adds that there are bugs, hitches, and glitches, including frame rate drops and instances of the game locking up. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has significant technical performance issues on the Nintendo Switch and some issues on the PlayStation 4. While the Xbox One X version is praised for running well, the PC version is criticized for major performance issues without specific details. The technical problems on the Switch, including frame rate hitches, graphical downgrades, slowdown, crashing, and input lag, are particularly disappointing. However, it is worth noting that the publisher has indicated that they will be addressing some of these issues with patches, as mentioned by NintendoWorldReport. Despite the technical difficulties, the game still offers enjoyable gameplay experiences, as mentioned by critics such as Pure Nintendo and Easy Allies.

TL;DR

technical performance

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night shines on Xbox One X with smooth 4K gameplay, while PS4 has minor issues. Nintendo Switch suffers from various technical problems like frame rate issues and crashes. PC version also faces major performance issues. Despite issues, patches are expected to improve gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night are generally positive. Many critics highlight the multiple endings and side quests as factors that contribute to the game's replayability. Daily Star, Game Rant, and PC Gamer all mention the presence of multiple endings and side quests as reasons to revisit the game. Game Informer also mentions that the player obsessively scoured every nook and cranny of the map even after defeating the last boss, indicating a high replay value. These features provide players with incentives to explore different paths and make new choices, enhancing the overall replayability of the game. On the negative side, RPG Fan criticizes the side quests, stating that they offer little to the imagination and feel like tacked-on filler. However, this seems to be a minority opinion, as most critics do not mention any significant negatives regarding the replay value of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. While MondoXbox and Softpedia do not provide much information about the replayability, their reviews still acknowledge the presence of additional elements such as different difficulties, boss run mode, and speed run mode, which can contribute to the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night offers a high level of replay value. The game's multiple endings, side quests, secret areas, unlockable modes, and post-launch DLC are frequently mentioned as factors that enhance the replayability. Critics such as CGMagazine and TheSixthAxis specifically highlight the different difficulty settings and boss rush modes as additional features that add to the game's replay value. The variety of weapons, abilities, and stats to unlock, mentioned by God is a Geek, also contribute to the game's replayability. The general sentiment among the critics is that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night provides ample reasons for players to revisit the game, making it a worthwhile and enjoyable experience with long-lasting appeal.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's high replay value, praising its multiple endings, side quests, and additional modes. While some criticize the side quests as filler, the majority agree that the game offers a wealth of incentives for players to explore new paths and make different choices. With features like different difficulties, boss rush mode, and a variety of unlockables, the consensus is clear: this game is a must-play for those seeking a deeply engaging and replayable experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics, indicating a very good overall verdict. The game was praised for its excellent combat, satisfying gameplay, and rewarding exploration. Critics such as Daily Star, GameSpew, and Pure Nintendo highlighted the game's well-designed mechanics and its ability to capture the essence of the Metroidvania genre. The flexible shard system, intense boss fights, and impressive visuals were also commended by Easy Allies and Game Informer. The game's strong gameplay and design were appreciated by TheSixthAxis, who mentioned that it holds up well to scrutiny from long-time fans of the genre. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. The most notable issue was the technical problems, particularly in the Nintendo Switch version, as mentioned by GameSpot and NintendoWorldReport. These technical issues were seen as a drawback, with GameSpot recommending playing on a different platform if possible. PC Gamer also noted that the game lacked innovation compared to other games in the genre, which may make it feel familiar for those who have played similar games before. RPG Fan mentioned that Bloodstained fails to compare to Symphony of the Night in various aspects, but still found it to be a competent Metroidvania for newcomers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a highly enjoyable and satisfying experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre. The game successfully captures the essence of classic Castlevania games, as praised by GameSpew and CGMagazine. The positive aspects, such as the rewarding traversal, brilliant soundtrack, and impressive visuals, outweigh the negatives mentioned by a few critics. The game was considered a worthy successor to past Castlevania games, as mentioned by Easy Allies and DarkStation. The majority of critics recommend the game, especially for fans of the genre or Koji Igarashi's previous work, as highlighted by Gaming Age and PlayStation LifeStyle. Despite some technical issues and lack of innovation, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is seen as a triumphant return to the genre and a must-play for Metroidvania enthusiasts.

TL;DR

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a hit among critics, praised for its stellar combat, exploration, and Metroidvania essence. While some mention technical problems on Switch and lack of innovation, the game's strong gameplay and design shine through. Overall, it's a highly satisfying experience for genre fans, offering a worthy successor to classic Castlevania games. Despite a few flaws, it's a triumphant return to the genre and a must-play for Metroidvania enthusiasts.

MONSTER

Reviews

179 reviews found

100

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Jun 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is praised as a great treasure-hunting adventure that captures the essence of Igarashi's Metroidvania titles. It is described as a timeless game that rewards and values the player's time.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jun 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an incredible feat in independent video game development and is highly recommended. The reviewer plans to come back to the game for years to come.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Jul 3, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer suggests picking up Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, especially for fans of Koji Igarashi's previous work.

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GameSpew

Nintendo Switch

Jun 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a modern-day classic, with a brilliant soundtrack and satisfying gameplay. It loses a little something without the iconic Dracula as the big-bad, but it surpasses previous Castlevania games created with the same formula.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Jun 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a worthy game for fans of Symphony of the Night and the Castlevania series on Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. It successfully incorporates all the genre's elements and offers a satisfying experience.

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PlayStation Country

PlayStation 4

Jul 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is potentially the finest example of the Metroidvania genre. It plays incredibly well, has great audio, and is a moreish game. Some minor graphical nuances let it down a bit, but it is still highly recommended.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Jul 9, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loves the game and thinks it is great, despite the technical issues and lack of direction at times. The game is addictive and likely to make the reviewer's top 10 list for the year.

God is a Geek

Xbox One

Jun 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an incredibly well-made adventure that pays homage to old games. It is immensely playable and lovingly made.

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Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Jun 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a near-masterwork that offers a familiar yet highly enjoyable gameplay experience with a compelling story, stunning graphics, and a versatile soundtrack. While it suffers from technical issues, it still provides a rewarding and replayable experience.

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The Indie Game Website

Jun 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer praises Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night as a dream for Metroidvania fans and a refreshing game that knows what it wants to be.

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