Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

 Switch
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 167 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 167
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 167
  3. Negative: 13 out of 167

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  1. newwabisabi
    May 24, 2018
    10
    An absolute must-have for any fan of the classic Castelvania games. The soundtrack is phenomenal, the game has a lot of replayability, and the difficulty is just right.
  2. SagaTristan
    May 29, 2018
    10
    As a big fan of all castlevania games, not only classics i have drop tears with this game, literally you get transported to the NES era playing Castlevania 3, this game takes the "spiritual succesor" title and make it 3 times better
  3. Stamantha
    Jun 26, 2018
    8
    This game has been carefully made to reproduce the classic 8-bit Castlevania experience to perfection and even improve upon the classic formula just enough to not feel so dated. Controls are tight, level design is great and difficulty is balanced. The game is rather short on duration but with 4 characters, multiple paths to take and such a classic gameplay it provides a lot of replay value!
  4. greeze
    May 30, 2018
    9
    From the gorgeous 8bit-esque graphics to the incredible chiptune soundtrack, Curse of the Moon acts as an homage to the great Castelvania games of the NES. The tight controls make the experience worthwhile, and the sheer variety of characters opens up branching paths depending on your roster. Curse of the Moon lacks in the amount of levels, but makes up for it with multiple paths in eachFrom the gorgeous 8bit-esque graphics to the incredible chiptune soundtrack, Curse of the Moon acts as an homage to the great Castelvania games of the NES. The tight controls make the experience worthwhile, and the sheer variety of characters opens up branching paths depending on your roster. Curse of the Moon lacks in the amount of levels, but makes up for it with multiple paths in each level. For the low price, this is a must buy for Castelvania fans.… Expand
  5. MarkyShark
    May 25, 2018
    10
    Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon brings back the classic style of Castlevania that we didn't know we've been missing for so long. Inspired from the past and with features from current technology, it's a pretty solid game for its low price. The additional characters and extra difficulty modes allow some backtracking and replay value.
  6. dunnyone
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A must play.

    Great retro graphics, sounds, TIGHT controls and honestly the music is Castlevania SOTN levels sometimes.

    The game truly reveals itself when you finish it, as the Nightmare mode unlocks. I know it's rote to say this, but it TRULY felt a 2D Dark Souls, even more so thank Salt & Sanctuary, You need to follow strict patterns, learn each boss and play like a PRO to finish that mode.

    And after that, it gets even harder. I rate this as good as Shovel Knight. GET IT!    … Expand
  7. Sakomo
    May 29, 2018
    9
    Although the Castlevania games of the past, especially from my generation, I can say I was just as surprised that despite the actual teasers that I remembered seeing, it took a step back and went to the very beginning, starting with difficulty.

    However, I'm being fair to say that I must deduce a bit from it being a perfect score due to the fact that there were some things I honestly    Although the Castlevania games of the past, especially from my generation, I can say I was just as surprised that despite the actual teasers that I remembered seeing, it took a step back and went to the very beginning, starting with difficulty.

    However, I'm being fair to say that I must deduce a bit from it being a perfect score due to the fact that there were some things I honestly don't understand, let alone the areas that seem to pretty much scream at you that you need to go that way. The so called 'bodies of adventurers past', were not helpful at all, mostly because I wasn't sure how to read them right. (Some were clearly pointing, but there was one that absolutely wasn't. I was very confused by this.) Some enemies I could not get past and the controls were to me at least, sticky. The story didn't exactly make sense, and I could not possibly find any way to enjoy the characters aside from their abilities. (Then again, I'm very picky about that. Like not full biography, but enough to understand them a little.) You can't backtrack in case you missed something.

    Now I've been a long time fan of Castlevania, however the only one I ever beat was SOTN. I have never beaten any other ones due to difficulty and frustrating controls. I hope this is a more honest and up close review that would be heavily considered.    … Expand
  8. PolishJohn
    May 26, 2018
    10
    Close to perfection - improves on Castlevania 3 in everyway but game length. From use of characters in the branching path designs, to the sprite art, to smoothness of gameplay, game is a pleasure to play. Music is at least as good/better. For 10 bucks the game length is legit. Castlevania 3 is a bit longer/would have loved another level or 2. Literally my only complaint. Just finished itClose to perfection - improves on Castlevania 3 in everyway but game length. From use of characters in the branching path designs, to the sprite art, to smoothness of gameplay, game is a pleasure to play. Music is at least as good/better. For 10 bucks the game length is legit. Castlevania 3 is a bit longer/would have loved another level or 2. Literally my only complaint. Just finished it and am starting on Nightmare Mode immediately. Created an account just to rate this.… Expand
  9. chavaflyfree
    Jun 18, 2018
    8
    Great homage to the classic Castlevania NES games (specifically Castlevania III) but with faster/better control and nice little added touches. It has great replayability and, though it's short (finished the standard and nightmare modes under 5 hours) you keep coming back.
    If you're a fan of the 8bit Castlevania, you can't go wrong with this game, and gives great hope for the next    Great homage to the classic Castlevania NES games (specifically Castlevania III) but with faster/better control and nice little added touches. It has great replayability and, though it's short (finished the standard and nightmare modes under 5 hours) you keep coming back.
    If you're a fan of the 8bit Castlevania, you can't go wrong with this game, and gives great hope for the next Bloodstained game.    … Expand
  10. Zurce
    Jun 27, 2018
    9
    Un juego con alma de clásico pero que trae consigo un gran frescor, nos recuerda lo mucho que echamos en falta los metroidvania de este corte.
  11. BlueFalcon90
    Dec 1, 2018
    9
    A castlevania inspired game what more can you ask for. It has that classic N.E.S. look in the graphic department and plays just like one. It gives the option to play as a casual or veteran depending on your choice. Controls are on point and any mistakes are defiantly on the player. Music is par nothing to great. Gameplay offers a variety of options depending on the character you play as.A castlevania inspired game what more can you ask for. It has that classic N.E.S. look in the graphic department and plays just like one. It gives the option to play as a casual or veteran depending on your choice. Controls are on point and any mistakes are defiantly on the player. Music is par nothing to great. Gameplay offers a variety of options depending on the character you play as. It will take about 3-5 hours to beat it in one go depending on the level you chose. That's not a bad thing as there are branching paths and a variety of endings depending on if you kill, pass, or join the characters you cross paths with. All in All I recommend this game to veterans of Castlevania 1-3 and newcomers who are looking into action side scrolling games.… Expand
  12. rbrazil89
    Nov 13, 2018
    9
    The first time I played this game, my Castlevania reflexes kicked in, and I realized I was in love.
    It plays so much like Castlevania it's almost criminal, being able to switch between characters is very helpful and adds to the exploration of all levels.
    Secondary weapons come in handy when all other tactics have failed, the Wizard is a secret weapon. I'm very much looking forward to    The first time I played this game, my Castlevania reflexes kicked in, and I realized I was in love.
    It plays so much like Castlevania it's almost criminal, being able to switch between characters is very helpful and adds to the exploration of all levels.

    Secondary weapons come in handy when all other tactics have failed, the Wizard is a secret weapon.
    I'm very much looking forward to 'Bloodstained Ritual of the Night' to find out the rest of the story.    … Expand
  13. kagekirazuul
    Aug 19, 2018
    10
    This was a perfectly executed game. It was what every castlevania fan wanted after Dracula's Curse. But, then Konami went on to make SCV4. All the cool mechanics and branching paths from CV3 were thrown aside. It's so much fun to play.

    As a person with action platformer mastery, greater that 20 years plus playing these, it is refreshing to see all the polish and perfect ability to    This was a perfectly executed game. It was what every castlevania fan wanted after Dracula's Curse. But, then Konami went on to make SCV4. All the cool mechanics and branching paths from CV3 were thrown aside. It's so much fun to play.

    As a person with action platformer mastery, greater that 20 years plus playing these, it is refreshing to see all the polish and perfect ability to control the characters. The recent resurgence in pixel art games have flooded the market with many action platformers. Some are good, but some are shoddy.

    Playing this game was like throwing out all the fakes. After beating this game, I had vision of the scene from Lion King where adult Simba is running to the pridelands ready to expel the hyenas and takeover his rightful rulership. IGA is back, and by god, LONG LIVE THE KING ! ! !    … Expand
  14. T-Razor
    May 30, 2018
    8
    A really great tribute to 8-bit Castlevania and a nice little appetizer before Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night comes out!
  15. jroldans
    Jun 6, 2018
    8
    Even though Koji Igarashi itself never worked on a NES Castlevania, he nailed it with Bloodstained Curse of the Moon. The game is an excellent execution that combines old school graphics, superb music and a ranging difficulty to please newcomers and hard core veterans alike. The game itself has a uniqueness through the new characters and bosses, but it lacks in the history side and theEven though Koji Igarashi itself never worked on a NES Castlevania, he nailed it with Bloodstained Curse of the Moon. The game is an excellent execution that combines old school graphics, superb music and a ranging difficulty to please newcomers and hard core veterans alike. The game itself has a uniqueness through the new characters and bosses, but it lacks in the history side and the development of the characters. The game feels rather short with the 9 chapters included, I would have expect longer chapters with more story telling. There is bunch of replay value to explore the different paths that can be taken to complete each chapter including the new game+ mode. All in all a great deal for the current $10 MSRP.… Expand
  16. dharma
    Nov 18, 2019
    8
    Bloodstained is the best Igavania around because, heck..it is made by the master himself. Started out as a kick starter project from 4 years ago, this long gestating game is finally completed and it is a joy to play. Igarashi has done a stellar job in bringing his brand of gaming to the modern era. The bad news for Switch fans? Well, the so called performance issues, but hey...have youBloodstained is the best Igavania around because, heck..it is made by the master himself. Started out as a kick starter project from 4 years ago, this long gestating game is finally completed and it is a joy to play. Igarashi has done a stellar job in bringing his brand of gaming to the modern era. The bad news for Switch fans? Well, the so called performance issues, but hey...have you seen yesteryear's portable titles on the Gameboy. People nitpick too much these days. Still a great game no matter what you call it.… Expand
  17. tdub154420
    May 28, 2018
    10
    This is literally a dream come true for Castlevania fans. The word "spiritual successor" is often used when describing retro-inspired indie games, but I don't think that description does this game justice. Its almost too faithful in style and gameplay to be called a "spiritual successor", this feels like an actual recovered sequel to Castlevania 3, a polished game from the NES era lostThis is literally a dream come true for Castlevania fans. The word "spiritual successor" is often used when describing retro-inspired indie games, but I don't think that description does this game justice. Its almost too faithful in style and gameplay to be called a "spiritual successor", this feels like an actual recovered sequel to Castlevania 3, a polished game from the NES era lost in time. But somehow its a new game. If you are a fan of classic Castlevania, this is the game you have been waiting for.… Expand
  18. freshtodhef
    Aug 24, 2018
    9
    If you loved classic Castlevania side scrollers than this game is almost perfect. It captures the sound, graphics, and challenging gameplay from the NES era in a perfectly paced games. Buy it. Beat it in a few hours and then try again on Nightmare mode.
  19. Enkindled
    Nov 2, 2019
    9
    This game is a must-have for all Castlevania fans, fans of 2D action platformers, pixel art enthusiasts and horror-based games fans. This game was heavily based on Castlevania III in terms of gameplay but polished like Castlevania 4. More bellow!

    Pros: - Artwork: Hot damn this game is beautiful. The pixel art is absurdly amazing and polished. It`s colorful, appealing and atmospheric. I    This game is a must-have for all Castlevania fans, fans of 2D action platformers, pixel art enthusiasts and horror-based games fans. This game was heavily based on Castlevania III in terms of gameplay but polished like Castlevania 4. More bellow!

    Pros:
    - Artwork: Hot damn this game is beautiful. The pixel art is absurdly amazing and polished. It`s colorful, appealing and atmospheric. I have only praises here.
    - Combat: Fluid and perfect for the genre. Keep in mind that this game is an 8bit game, made to look like an NES game. That might make you think this game is stiff and clunky but it isn`t! Tee developers polished this game thinking about the new audiences so you will not hame drawbacks like that. It is also hella fun because you can change characters on the fly, like in Castlevania III, and they are all great to use. Numerous power ups, and amazing boss fights!
    -Soundtrack: Great 8bit music.
    -Multiple Playthroughs: Yep, this game is made for you to finish more than once, and in the 2nd time, it gives you more of the story. It is also made for you to have different endings to explore, which impact on the difficulty of the game. Thus, it goes way beyond what you would expect from this kind of game.

    Cons:
    - My only complaint here is that the game is too short, you will finish it fast. They try to make it longer with the different playthroughs but for you to have an idea, I completed two of them in 5-6 hours.

    Overall, people, just don`t miss out this game, its a gem!    … Expand
  20. JordaoMemoria
    Aug 13, 2018
    8
    Um jogo bom para quem procura um jogo retro. Antes de comprá-lo talvez fosse interessante jogar os "Castlevanias" mais antigos. Comprei para apoiar a nova franquia descendente de Castlevania.
  21. cosmo0
    Jul 4, 2019
    8
    Bloodstained is a Castlevania in all but name.

    It has the aesthetics, the gameplay, the level design, even the (fake) box cover and the logo. Even the title Curse of the Moon riffs on Circle of the Moon. The jumps are rigid, many enemies are a throwback to the first episodes, etc. The game is a huge homage to these three first games of the acclaimed series. That being said, it also    Bloodstained is a Castlevania in all but name.

    It has the aesthetics, the gameplay, the level design, even the (fake) box cover and the logo. Even the title Curse of the Moon riffs on Circle of the Moon.
    The jumps are rigid, many enemies are a throwback to the first episodes, etc.
    The game is a huge homage to these three first games of the acclaimed series.

    That being said, it also brings a lot of new things.

    The main novelty of the game is that you can control various characters, 4 in total, and you can switch at any time with the triggers.
    These characters are sufficiently diverse to be useful in different situations, with specific characteristics : life, reach, jump height, spell power, etc.

    Bloodstained CotM has secret passageways only accessible with some characters, even early on when you don't have them yet. You'll have to complete the game in New Game+ to access them.
    Generally, the levels are varied, and the bosses are interesting.

    The game is very short (2h to finish it the first time), but it has enough content for you to hang on a bit longer: new game+, boss rush, hard mode...

    In short, I recommend it to all fans of NES-era Castlevania.    … Expand
  22. BarkFishy
    Jun 18, 2019
    10
    For a Castlevania fan this is a perfect game to play. I hope we get to see more from this universe.
    I am glad this kickstarter worked out and produced a great game.
  23. Chloe_A
    Jul 24, 2019
    8
    Honestly, I love this game, the only other game I have ever played of it's genre is Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow and I love that they brought this genre back, and to the switch for an amazingly low price for a new release. I can just tell that a lot of love and care has gone into this game, and from the creators of the genre itself, I didn't support this on kickstarter, but seeing how goodHonestly, I love this game, the only other game I have ever played of it's genre is Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow and I love that they brought this genre back, and to the switch for an amazingly low price for a new release. I can just tell that a lot of love and care has gone into this game, and from the creators of the genre itself, I didn't support this on kickstarter, but seeing how good this game is, I wish I did.

    I know there are a lot of issues with some people's games with bugs and lag, but I have been playing 5 hours now and haven't seen a single bug, nor has my frame-rate dropped once, so i guess I got lucky.

    But this game keeps going and keeps surprising me, you start off in a ship under attack and obtain 6 weapons within 30 minutes so you can choose your fighting style, I chose the claymore as I like the extra damage per swing, and this was a great way to start the game, the rest you just experience yourself.

    I love this game and it's been a while since I have actually been excited to pick up and play a game again.    … Expand
  24. SenseiMiguel
    Sep 1, 2019
    9
    Me encantan los juegos retro. Y este juego, al igual q shovel knight, esta bien hecho. Estilo castlevania con su toque de ninja gaiden. Me encanta. Debio ser mas larguito en cuestion de niveles, y no repetitivo para sacar el final completo. Repetir todos los niveles por segunda vez para sacar el final completo se pudo haber evitado o mejorado
  25. alucard5
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    This is an amazing game, a real throwback to older Castlevania titles (especially CV3) but made in a modern way. I enjoyed the soundtrack a lot, too. I like this game better than the main Bloodstained title.
  26. Cabezaurio
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Un juego unico, increible. A pesar de no llevar el nombre, es un Castlevania en toda su ley.
  27. JustinThyme
    Mar 5, 2020
    8
    The game is hard yet fun. I didn't mind losing all my lives and starting the level again.
    Switching between characters on the fly is a fun mechanic.
    The game looks and sounds great in terms of achieving the retro aesthetic.
  28. GabFire
    Aug 10, 2020
    8
    É um jogo que tem a cara do Switch, foi muito bacana esse aí e num console portátil fica perfeito.
  29. daikengo
    Sep 15, 2020
    8
    21세기의 악마성 전설. 주인공인 잔게츠가 아무리봐도 닌자용검전(FC)의 류 하야부사 짭으로밖에 보이지 않는 것만 빼면 저 표현에 부족할 것이 없다. 솔직히 리추얼 오브 나이트보다 훨씬 잘만든 게임이라고 생각함.
  30. SALVADORM
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Excelent game, Nice stage desing, great music and awesome narrative plot. It's Also a HARD Game To conquest like in old times
  31. soahknam
    Jan 17, 2022
    8
    Good game, it is fun, but not outstanding in its history or visual graphics. however, its essence is sufficient to play it.

    GAMEPLAY: 8
    MUSIC: 9
    STORY: 5
    VISUALS: 7

    PERSONAL SCORE: 8 >
  32. Traumvita
    Sep 6, 2023
    8
    Basically an accessible modern day Castlevania with cleaned up NES visuals. It’s good and simple fun.
  33. IamSquid
    Jan 2, 2022
    8
    Thirsty for retro-Castlevania? This will do the trick! A short game, but lots of fun.
  34. Joaozow
    Oct 22, 2022
    8
    Muito bom jogo, ele pega elementos de diversos Castlevanias e mescla de um jeito genial, e dar pra ver em alguns detalhes que foi feito com muito carinho

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best Switch Game of 2018
37
#37 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
95
#95 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Sep 5, 2018
    90
    If Konami won't give us our Castlevania fix, at least we know its legacy is in bloody good hands! [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 18]
  2. IGN Japan
    Jun 26, 2018
    80
    This 8-bit spin-off of Koji Igarashi’s Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is at the same time a nostalgic linear sidescroller and a modern game that manages to be accessible to new players.
    Read full review
  3. Meristation
    Jun 20, 2018
    85
    Beautiful pixel art, good music, well designed levels and several endings to promote replay. Only a few more levels and maybe a more modern controls would have improved what's already a game no Castlevania fan should miss.
    Read full review
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