Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 514 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 421 out of 514
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 514
  3. Negative: 50 out of 514
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  1. GamergodsFail
    Jun 23, 2019
    9
    iga delivers yet again. Ritual of the Night may very well be the greatest metroidvania since Symphony of the Night. Sure, it's not currently in a perfectly tuned state. There are a couple of glitches and framerate issues that I'm sure will be fixed overtime, but nothing is game-breaking as long as you play it post-patch.

    With so many different features such as shops, crafting,    iga delivers yet again. Ritual of the Night may very well be the greatest metroidvania since Symphony of the Night. Sure, it's not currently in a perfectly tuned state. There are a couple of glitches and framerate issues that I'm sure will be fixed overtime, but nothing is game-breaking as long as you play it post-patch.

    With so many different features such as shops, crafting, upgrading, loot, dozens of different magic shard powers, familiar summoning, side quests, and one hell of a story, there is more than plenty to love here from metroidvania fans to RPG vets alike. You can even change your hair and the colors of your clothes! For only $40 it would be hard to find a better 20+ hour long game this year.    … Expand
  2. kasparius
    Jun 30, 2019
    9
    I was very pleased to discover that this was a great Igavania. Early impressions and previews had been fairly negative. I would say quality wise this is in the same vein as Symphony of the Night, Aria/Dawn of Sorrow and Order of Ecclesia.

    The few issues I have is that if you grind a bit, the bosses become ridiculously easy, this was a problem in older Igavanias, but IGA had found a    I was very pleased to discover that this was a great Igavania. Early impressions and previews had been fairly negative. I would say quality wise this is in the same vein as Symphony of the Night, Aria/Dawn of Sorrow and Order of Ecclesia.

    The few issues I have is that if you grind a bit, the bosses become ridiculously easy, this was a problem in older Igavanias, but IGA had found a great balance in Ecclesia, a game that was quite challenging even if you grinded a bunch. I haven't tried Nightmare mode, but the problem is that the bosses are simply not that interesting, which is quite surprising, because even when the bosses weren't tough, they were definitely memorable in previous titles. This is not the case here, however the rest of the monsters are just as good as they used to be.

    Another slight let down is the music, it's really kind of forgettable, which again for an Igavania is kind of a shock. It's not bad by any means, mind you, I simply can't remember a single tune.

    It's also worth noting that this feels kind of like a throwback, not in a bad way, this is a great and fun game, but it is very much a by the numbers Igavania. The systems in place are more in depths than in previous titles, perhaps, but this is not the step forward that games like Hollow Knight, or SteamWorld Dig brought to the conversation.

    This game is "simply" an excellent Metroidvania, and if you are into that, then go right ahead and play it, because you will have a real blast. (Just don't get it on Switch)    … Expand
  3. The_BlueRose
    Mar 16, 2020
    7
    Bloodstained es un metroidvania clásico, puede que demasiado clásico. Y eso afecta negativamente a varios aspectos del juego.

    - La historia es bastante floja, en un inicio te interesa el universo y los personajes pero apenas se desarrollan. - Técnicamente esta bien, resultón pero con un 2.5D que no va más allá de lo aceptable. - Jugablemente es donde más flojea, recordáis cuando    Bloodstained es un metroidvania clásico, puede que demasiado clásico. Y eso afecta negativamente a varios aspectos del juego.

    - La historia es bastante floja, en un inicio te interesa el universo y los personajes pero apenas se desarrollan.

    - Técnicamente esta bien, resultón pero con un 2.5D que no va más allá de lo aceptable.

    - Jugablemente es donde más flojea, recordáis cuando dije que el juego era demasiado clásico, pues en este apartado es donde más se nota. Ya no estamos en los 90, un sistema de combate tan tan simple como el de este juego le quita bastante calidad.

    Bosses que se basan el machacar el botón de ataque y con fases, (algunos ni eso) muy poco inspiradas.

    El que haya varios finales esta bien, pero una vez más apenas aportan nada. Y el backtracking no es nada del otro mundo.

    - En conclusión, es un metroidvania desfasado que pretende vivir de los éxitos pasados en vez de buscar una nueva formula.    … Expand
  4. hugos
    Jun 20, 2019
    10
    Grande jogo! Varias referências a sotn. Visualmente muito bonito e trilha sonora agradável. Levei design muito semelhante à qualquer metroidvania.
  5. moothemagiccow
    Aug 13, 2020
    9
    This is an amazing game. It hooked me from the start and I put in 29 hours to beat it in under a week. Rarely does a game hold my attention so well. I finished it and I still want more.

    Some will call it a follow-up to Symphony of the Night, but it is far closer to Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow for the DS. That means there is a lot of collecting items and abilities from monsters. There is    This is an amazing game. It hooked me from the start and I put in 29 hours to beat it in under a week. Rarely does a game hold my attention so well. I finished it and I still want more.

    Some will call it a follow-up to Symphony of the Night, but it is far closer to Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow for the DS. That means there is a lot of collecting items and abilities from monsters. There is also a 'crafting' mini-game where you cook food. I was addicted to this instead of the main game for a while. There is a lot to do other than just exploring the castle.

    It would have gotten a 10 if it didn't inexplicably crash so much. Save regularly.    … Expand
  6. SethGrey
    Apr 20, 2021
    8
    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

    Graphics & Presentation: 10 Graphics, art style and presentation is excellent for what it is. The 2.5D style really works for the game. Sound Effects, Voice Acting & Music: 8 Soundtrack works for the game. Sound Effects and voice acting are both competent. Gameplay: 10 Combat and gameplay loop is very engaging and has a lot of variety through shards    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

    Graphics & Presentation: 10

    Graphics, art style and presentation is excellent for what it is. The 2.5D style really works for the game.

    Sound Effects, Voice Acting & Music: 8

    Soundtrack works for the game. Sound Effects and voice acting are both competent. Gameplay: 10

    Combat and gameplay loop is very engaging and has a lot of variety through shards and weapons. There are plenty of secrets to keep you engaged as well. Story: 4

    Serviceable but nothing to write home about.

    Performance: 10

    I noticed no noticeable frame rate drops and didn't have any crashes. Overall: 8.4    … Expand
  7. SonowRaevius
    Jun 19, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are a few issues, like slowdown in some areas due to too many elements on screen or the sheer size of the current map segment, and the various issues that came with the fix.

    Some of the quests, besides the ones for just killing demons can be a bit tedious as well, mostly due to RNG and not knowing what drops where.

    There is also a bit of confusion near the end because they don't exactly tell you the limit of what one power can do, so if you don't try you might get stuck for a moment depending on how well your puzzle solving skills are .

    That being said the game is great overall.

    The powers and gear in the game allow you to create whatever kind of build you want, including a powerful mage build if you so wish.

    Gathering items to make new food items is worth it on two levels, not only is it improving your stats each time you initially eat an item and providing good healing items on the road ahead.

    It's a fun and challenging game still though, even on the starting difficulty, but never so much that it feels impossible, ||including fighting the secret bosses ((which are re-fightable at any time)).

    This game is pretty much if they took Order of Ecclesia, Symphony of the Night, and Dawn of Sorrow, perfected the bad elements of each game, mixed them back in with the good, and then released it to the players.

    It's not perfect, but it's pretty goddamn good and easily worth the $40.    … Expand
  8. Wimpher
    Jun 21, 2019
    10
    SotN was a true masterpiece for its time. A critically-acclaimed game and heralded as one of the greatest games ever crafted. Stunning musical composition, awesome 2D sprite-based graphics, amazing level design and addictive game mechanics. It's just one of those games that doesn't shy away from being, well...a GAME! It's basically a gamers wet dream. And people have been waiting for AGESSotN was a true masterpiece for its time. A critically-acclaimed game and heralded as one of the greatest games ever crafted. Stunning musical composition, awesome 2D sprite-based graphics, amazing level design and addictive game mechanics. It's just one of those games that doesn't shy away from being, well...a GAME! It's basically a gamers wet dream. And people have been waiting for AGES on a sequel.
    Well, here it is! In spirit. This is EVERYTHING SotN was and maybe more with some top-notch voice talent even. This is a beautiful, beautiful looking game with a gorgeously orchestrated soundtrack and stunning to look at backdrops. I don't think a 2D side-scroller has impressed me THIS much since, you got it - SotN! And dammit that says a lot for me. I was very skeptical that they were going to pull this off but it is even SUPERIOR to what I could have ever imagined. This is one of those games I enjoy so damn much that I want to take my time with it. It is seriously just that good.

    I cannot stress this enough. If you like SotN or Castlevania games in general, this is something you simply cannot miss. This is probably the best Castlevania game that isn't called "Castlevania." And I think simply for that reason people will dismiss it and reviews may not be as high as SotN's. If this had the "Castlevania" name, it would probably get like 95/100 across the boards.

    Guys, IGA did it! Castlevania has basically returned in spiritual form. I'm actually not finished with the game yet but played enough to know when I see a masterpiece. This is already one of the best gaming experiences I've had in a very, very long time.    … Expand
  9. The_Follower
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    One of the most fun games I've played in the last couple years. Extremely satisfying crafting/upgrading systems alongside interesting maps made this game a gem. The combat was one of the weakest portions of the game, being fairly repetitive, but given how short the game is it didn't feel overly repetitive for me. I will say the flying sword and its upgrade were utterly broken, makingOne of the most fun games I've played in the last couple years. Extremely satisfying crafting/upgrading systems alongside interesting maps made this game a gem. The combat was one of the weakest portions of the game, being fairly repetitive, but given how short the game is it didn't feel overly repetitive for me. I will say the flying sword and its upgrade were utterly broken, making combat far easier than it should've been due to their range and flight path. This was a great thing for grinding areas for shard ranks but that it did trivialize most maps.… Expand
  10. frederik1478
    Sep 26, 2022
    9
    For me, this is the second best metroidvania game I have played and I enjoyed it way too much even so much I got a platinum trophy. I was surprised by how good this game Look it satley it not pixel art but I really enjoyed it. it was awesome trying all the different weapons and finding the difference techniques to the weapon.
    I got a platinum on this game. It was not fun. It was a tedious    For me, this is the second best metroidvania game I have played and I enjoyed it way too much even so much I got a platinum trophy. I was surprised by how good this game Look it satley it not pixel art but I really enjoyed it. it was awesome trying all the different weapons and finding the difference techniques to the weapon.
    I got a platinum on this game. It was not fun. It was a tedious grind so I will not recommend it, but I got a trophy and I enjoy the game so hey maybe it is worth to you if you are really is platinum hungry like me    … Expand
  11. th3w1ll
    Jun 22, 2019
    9
    A fantastic game with incredible depth and high replayability. Iga is back in action.
  12. liquidEvolution
    Jun 18, 2019
    9
    Yeah, another Kickerstart backer here, and for good reason. The game delivered on so many levels.

    Snappy input/ output, gorgeous settings, beautiful atmospheric music, player customization is spot on and not just from a visual perspective either. With a host of techniques to learn (think Street Fighter, Tekken combo inputs) but are not forced/ mandatory for success, to spells/ abilities    Yeah, another Kickerstart backer here, and for good reason. The game delivered on so many levels.

    Snappy input/ output, gorgeous settings, beautiful atmospheric music, player customization is spot on and not just from a visual perspective either. With a host of techniques to learn (think Street Fighter, Tekken combo inputs) but are not forced/ mandatory for success, to spells/ abilities (shard magic) that can be active, passive, and even passives-made-permanent (without having to equip them!), once max level’d up. Weapons, onto the host of weapons and armor that can change your stats and appearance (some can be toggled on/ off, accessories, etc.).

    Want a tank that hits hard or a glass cannon spell caster using a flaming two-handed axe? Whatever your style, chances are you’ll have it soon or not and maybe you have to find/ farm some enemies. That’s the fun though. It helps promote exploring, and explore you want to, for bonus loot and stat enhancements that are permanent.

    In he meantime, there is crafting to help fill the blanks for weapons and armor, and, yes, food! Recipes to find, farmers to give seeds to, which can then grow food for you. Quests. Yes, there are eve quests.

    All of that reads like an RPG, and rightly so. The director was responsible for changing the way 2D side-scrollers’ mechanics work.

    In short, a lot to do and see and while there is a lot of freedom to theory craft builds that suit your play-style, as well as help overcome situations, it doesn’t fall short of delivering that classic atmosphere of an A+ Igavania gem. That’s what it is, a gem.    … Expand
  13. Orvar83
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    Magnificent return to Metroidvania type games, amazing music, tight gameplay, loads of content. Koji Igarashi has delivered and amazing game, filled with care and details for the fans to enjoy.
  14. bear00766
    Feb 6, 2021
    10
    The best game is a metrolvania very very good is grand history and gameplay good
  15. AgriasReign
    Jun 25, 2019
    10
    A lot of us have been waiting for this game's release and it does not disappointed. The true Metroidvania spiritual successor created by the original game director himself. With the many games that come out these days, you simply lose interest after a few hours. However, this game is designed so well with the gameplay, music, and RPG elements that I can't stop playing it. Kudos to allA lot of us have been waiting for this game's release and it does not disappointed. The true Metroidvania spiritual successor created by the original game director himself. With the many games that come out these days, you simply lose interest after a few hours. However, this game is designed so well with the gameplay, music, and RPG elements that I can't stop playing it. Kudos to all those that backed this game on Kickstarter. With all the reviews so far, we can just hope that there will be sequel in the near future and that this game would be the 1st of many. If you are a fan of this genre then I implore you to purchase it to support the developers.… Expand
  16. BelcrowHD
    Jul 13, 2021
    10
    Increíble juego, sin duda es lo mejor y supero a Casttlevania SOTN… me duele admitirlo
  17. SailorSonic
    Jul 14, 2019
    8
    It's great! Kinda surprised it turned out so well! Great gameplay, memorable music. It's all here!
  18. Mbuckets
    Jun 18, 2019
    10
    It’s exactly what you want it to be. A great Castlevania game in the same vein as SOTN and the Gameboy renditions of SOTN style gameplay.
  19. LeoChross
    Jul 15, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So good so good. Nr 2: after, CSoTN. … Expand
  20. Josef217
    Jun 20, 2019
    9
    This game is a love letter to Castlevania fans, especially if you love symphony of the night.
  21. VirgoCave
    Jun 24, 2019
    9
    The same way we destroyed MIGHTY n9 for bein trash , we must give love to developers that love his baby. This is case of Iga and Bloodstained. The only problem i have with it is that is a little stiff, but the item and weapon variety and secrets it has is underwelming , ande you can tell that is game made with love and not only for the money.
  22. Eskie64
    Jun 30, 2019
    8
    If you're a fan of the Castlevania SotN or Super Metroid, then you should probably try this game. But still, this game feels like a clone of the Symphony. But a very good clone, though. It's like playing the spin-off of Symphony with better graphics and new mechanics. So you probably have to try this.
  23. ZXSth
    Apr 5, 2020
    8
    While understandably short (similar to its spiritual predecessor, Symphony of the Night), this game takes the best ingredients found across the journeys of Alucard, Soma Cruz and others (and even some minor elements from the Belmonts' adventures), and kicks it all up a notch. While somewhat lacking in polish and story, Bloodstained knocks it out of the park in terms of the element IWhile understandably short (similar to its spiritual predecessor, Symphony of the Night), this game takes the best ingredients found across the journeys of Alucard, Soma Cruz and others (and even some minor elements from the Belmonts' adventures), and kicks it all up a notch. While somewhat lacking in polish and story, Bloodstained knocks it out of the park in terms of the element I believe most players care about: Gameplay.

    Every bit of the mechanical superiority of the Metroidvania games that Koji Igarashi worked on before Bloodstained is here in spades. The game controls excellently, and the transition to the new generation of consoles hasn't seemed to cause Bloodstained to suffer through excessive technical issues. Though the game has crashed once on me over 40 hours, which was mildly annoying, I rarely encountered any discouraging issues. And while I can't say the graphics are anything to write home about (the character models seem a bit slipshod, if I'm going to nitpick), I can think of little else to critique this game for.

    I would dare to suggest that I enjoyed Bloodstained even more than Symphony of the Night, and at least as much as I enjoyed both Aria and Dawn of Sorrow. High praise (perhaps unduly so, for many), but understandable, as it seems to refine everything positive that its wonderful predecessor brought to the table.    … Expand
  24. M1tbus
    Jan 26, 2021
    9
    Best modern Castelvania! Must Buy for all Genre-Lovers. good Leveldesign, tons of updates and modes, deep gameplay and the Devs are Gods. Only Con is the Performance. In some Fights the FPS drops.
  25. Oinkmoo
    Jun 18, 2019
    10
    Dont listen to AceAscendus, hes an idiot giving 0 / 10. He's a moron.

    If you like Metroidvania style, get this game/

    Why 10/10? This game plays like Aria of Sorrow, need to say more?
  26. BongoYoda
    Jun 18, 2019
    9
    I may have to bump this up to a 10 after the patch comes out but I'm very pleased with this game. I backed the kickstarter and have been following the release notes for years...Iga and his team have poured their hearts into this and after 3 hours of gameplay...it shows. Tons of secrets and SotN homages. My only complaint is that it seems a bit glitchy but I feel like the patch will fixI may have to bump this up to a 10 after the patch comes out but I'm very pleased with this game. I backed the kickstarter and have been following the release notes for years...Iga and his team have poured their hearts into this and after 3 hours of gameplay...it shows. Tons of secrets and SotN homages. My only complaint is that it seems a bit glitchy but I feel like the patch will fix the text and cutscene jumps. If Iga delivers on the largest (inverted) castle he's ever made, we're in for a wild ride. Final gripe...Gebel is a stupid name but Zangetsu totally makes up for it!! Great music, smooth gameplay, macabre Metroidvania setting...all for $35....go buying this! game!!… Expand
  27. jpsnow85
    Jun 19, 2019
    9
    A spectacular game. There's so much love poured into this title that any fan of Symphony of the Night will feel like they're wandering the halls of their childhood home.

    With that being said, it's not strictly a SOTN clone either. The crafting and cooking systems are a fantastic addition that are a great example in how to encourage people to engage in these systems without making them    A spectacular game. There's so much love poured into this title that any fan of Symphony of the Night will feel like they're wandering the halls of their childhood home.

    With that being said, it's not strictly a SOTN clone either. The crafting and cooking systems are a fantastic addition that are a great example in how to encourage people to engage in these systems without making them needlessly complex.

    The visuals are fantastic, with the cel-shaded graphics really causing the colors to pop off the screen.

    The music is from the same composer who did SOTN, so you get a new iteration of the sweeping instrumentals that transport you to castle halls and underground waterways.

    Controls and combat are razor sharp, with various weapons having unique abilities that are triggered with fighting game-style inputs like quarter-circle forward + attack. Layered onto this is the shard system, which allows you to have passive magical boosts, an additional magic attack, and even summon familiars to your side. The loadout options are insane, and in time you'll unlock "shortcuts" to quickly switch between them.

    There are easter eggs and tributes to the fans throughout the game. Minor details in equipment and bestiary notes bring a smile to your face.

    So many games get caught up in wanting to be "intense", wanting to channel the difficulty of "The Game Which Shall Not Be Named". Bloodstained isn't particularly interested in that. Are there some challenging fights? Sure. Will you break a controller in the process of exploring this vast castle? Likely not.

    Now, there are still some hiccups and bugs here and there, but nothing game-breaking. Still, the blemishes are enough to mar a perfect score.

    At the end of the day - this game is fun. It's damn fun, and one of the best titles I've played in the last few years. Buy it.    … Expand
  28. sctthydn711
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    I will admit when I first seen the first pics and videos of the game I was on the fence about backing it on Kickstarter. I love Castlevania and it was one of my favorite 2D side scrolling games when I was a kid besides Contra. Symphony of the Night was my favorite out of all the Castlevaina games and I have pretty much played them all. When Koji seen all the hate the game was getting; himI will admit when I first seen the first pics and videos of the game I was on the fence about backing it on Kickstarter. I love Castlevania and it was one of my favorite 2D side scrolling games when I was a kid besides Contra. Symphony of the Night was my favorite out of all the Castlevaina games and I have pretty much played them all. When Koji seen all the hate the game was getting; him and his team took that to heart and made a lot of changes to make the game look so much better. When I found out what they did and seen the game I had to get it. One of the best choices I made and I wished I backed it. I played it last night and it was so hard to put down. I got a little emotional cause it was so great and so worth the 4 year wait. I'm not really far into it but just blown way by everything such as the look, music, playability, upgrading system and much more. I can't wait to leave work to get home and play more. All hail Koji Igarashi for knowing what fans wanted and that's a kick ass Castlevania game. Many many thanks!!!!!… Expand
  29. mrenanpx
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    simply fantastic, SOTN's true spiritual successor, the game I always hoped for, thank you Iga..
  30. Escher
    Jun 20, 2019
    9
    Igavania is back! This game feels like a sequel to Symphony of the Night (Gebel may as well be Alucard!), but it comes with advanced graphics and new gameplay elements. The graphics have beautiful 3D renderings, and many of the cutscenes actually pull the camera into the scene, creating a greater sense of immersion. The gameplay took the best of Symphony of the Night and the DS and 3DsIgavania is back! This game feels like a sequel to Symphony of the Night (Gebel may as well be Alucard!), but it comes with advanced graphics and new gameplay elements. The graphics have beautiful 3D renderings, and many of the cutscenes actually pull the camera into the scene, creating a greater sense of immersion. The gameplay took the best of Symphony of the Night and the DS and 3Ds Castlevania games, while using the best of modern dual-stick controllers to add more to the gameplay. This is a side scroller that feels wholly new and modern. And within 10 minutes of playing, you forget the fact that it is a side scroller, it is that immersive and addicting. Even on normal mode the game is challenging, but in way that feels rewarding. You will find yourself experimenting with various moves in order to defeat various enemies, but it never becomes tedious. A quick button function for potion/item uses would be nice, so that may be one of the few reasons I am giving this a 9. A skill tree associated to leveling up may have also been nice, but with Castlevania games, your skill/attributes are largely determined by your equipment and level. Great voice cast, great dialogue, great story! This game definitely has dozens of hours of playtime. Looking forward to the online co-op modes and local split screen!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PS4 Game of 2019
32
#32 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
16
#16 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. Games.cz
    Aug 19, 2019
    90
    An awesome spiritual successor to old Castlevanias. The story is the weakest point, true, but everything else is splendid, especially the level design and the sheer amount of creative ideas. If you want a great action RPG platformer, you’ve got one right here.
    Read full review
  2. PSX Extreme
    Aug 8, 2019
    85
    Bloodstained has a lot going for it. Satisfying gameplay, many secrets to find, and a huge castle to explore. There is a lot to discover in how you play, especially as you find more secrets and items. The shard system is an interesting way to customize your gameplay style. It is very much more of what you love from Symphony of the Night and other Castlevania games of that era. But Bloodstained doesn’t do anything new with the genre. It borrows many concepts to create a game with more of what people loved about the other games. In short, if you’re a fan then give this one a go. Minus a few iffy aspects, Bloodstained is fun experience. Whether it falls into the realm of one of the greats is unlikely but I enjoyed my time anyway.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Aug 2, 2019
    85
    The king of Metroidvanias is finally here with a new title. A few bugs and weird animations will not prevent it from sitting on the throne.
    Read full review
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