Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

 Xbox One
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. XBLA Fans
    Sep 13, 2019
    100
    If someone asked me right now, what my favorite game of the year was it would be Bloodstained, hands down. Even after completing it, I still felt an addiction to find every single item and upgrade all abilities. I can play for hours and not get bored. It has everything you could imagine a platformer to have. I played on normal and have a feeling I’ll start a new game plus on a harder difficulty. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is easily going to be a favorite for many people. I am beyond impressed with the production value as well as the combat and excellent story. I can’t express how much I recommend this to everyone. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
  2. XboxAddict
    Jul 31, 2019
    95
    I have never taken over a week to write a review, but this one took a while because I was too busy enjoying all of it from start to finish and didn't want to put it down. I love, love LOVE Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. A lot of heart went into making this amazing title, and it shows. What are you waiting for? Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is waiting... and so is Gebel. The fate of the world rests on your shoulders. No pressure.
  3. God is a Geek
    Jun 28, 2019
    90
    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an incredibly well-made adventure, and a heartfelt ode to games past.
  5. Xbox Tavern
    Jun 25, 2019
    90
    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is one of the best metroidvania games of the gen, sitting in a league shared only by an elite few. Everything from its deep story and its diverse combat systems, right through to its remarkable gameplay variation and mechanical depth, is quite simply outstanding. Despite the occasional bug, this is as close to perfect as a game of this type can get, and one that’s certainly been worth the lengthy wait; this, is a must have.
  6. SomosXbox
    Jun 24, 2019
    90
    Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night is pure hardcore Igavania. The game is so well executed, so beautifully done, so plenty of content it shows how talented Koji Igarashi's team still is and how great genres and great games will never be forgotten. Despite its bugs, Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night is easily one of the best games from Castlevania's family.
  7. Jeuxvideo.com
    Jun 28, 2019
    85
    We didn’t expect Bloostained: Ritual of the Night to be that good. But it is, really. Even if one can see how complicated the development was, the gameplay and level-design are simply great. An amazing Metroidvania.
  8. Generación Xbox
    Jul 1, 2019
    83
    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is without a doubt a fine successor of Castlevania. Maybe it doesn't reach the great level of refinement of Symphony of the Night, but it's a great game.
  9. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Aug 8, 2019
    80
    Bloodstained: ROTN is a deceptively hard game (that’s a good thing), so careful exploration of each room and a considered approach to each encounter is required in order to reach the next big boss with enough health and magic points. [Issue#180, p.85]
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  10. MondoXbox
    Jul 1, 2019
    80
    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night feels like a real, unlicensed 2D Castlevania sequel, with tactic combat, great variety and and impressive depth. It's not perfect, mainly due to a pretty much anonymous look and the lack of real improvements on the classic metroidvania formula, but it's definitely a must buy for any Castlevania lover.
  11. 4P.de
    Jun 28, 2019
    79
    If you are desperately waiting for a game that captures the spirit of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night almost to the dot, look no further. It has its flaws, but it is exactly what Koji Igarashi promised to deliver: A game from IgaVania-Fans for IgaVania fans.
  12. TheXboxHub
    Jul 12, 2019
    60
    The visuals don’t live up to the standards that one would normally expect at this price range. Bloodstained doesn’t offer much in terms of narrative either, and most of its characters – bar Zangetsu – are downright awful. If you really want to experience this latest project by Koji Igarashi, then consider waiting for it to land on sale, which I think will happen sooner rather than later.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best Xbox One Game of 2019
40
#40 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 123
  3. Negative: 16 out of 123
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jun 22, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night puts you in in the shoes of Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist curse which slowly crystallizes your pale skin. You must battle your way through a demon-filled castle summoned by Gebel, your old friend whose body has become more crystal than flesh. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night Is simply gorgeous and a true homage to SOTN. It has a supernatural storyline, as well as a ton of gameplay value and a challenging game to relish in as well. Simply breathtaking artwork throughout the game accompanied by beautifully composed soundtracks as well. If you were a fan of Symphony Of The Night this will be a must buy for you, and definitely a great addition to your Xbox One library. Even if you're not familiar with SOTN, I have full confidence in recommending Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night to you. It is extremely well done and 505 games has published a masterpiece for the Xbox One family of consoles. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night has a vast array of fighting styles and weapons to choose from to keep you from every getting bored or finding ways to continue pushing on with your quest. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night is filled with mini side quests, some of which are easily accomplished through just playing or doing a little grinding to level up and complete. I recommend always having two way-stones in your inventory and do a little grinding here and there to make the experience flow even smoother. Know where all your safe rooms are, and explore all areas to be sure to find all the items necessary to complete your epic journey. Break all the lanterns and candelabras etc for loot and mana. When you get the Carabosse as a companion then play the piano in the depths of the garden with her. You won't be disappointed...… Full Review »
  2. Therealccl
    Jun 25, 2019
    10
    Amazing Metroidvania. I find it funny how many negative reviews mentioned Hollow Knight. Why cant they both be good in their own way? IAmazing Metroidvania. I find it funny how many negative reviews mentioned Hollow Knight. Why cant they both be good in their own way? I personally like Bloodstained a lot more but I enjoy the crafting and leveling which are no where to be found in Hollow Knight a game that enjoys punishing the players… Full Review »
  3. Emperor_Guam
    Oct 2, 2019
    6
    I love SOTN. The castle is part of my DNA. I wanted to love Bloodstained. I tried to get into this game. However Miriam is painfully slow andI love SOTN. The castle is part of my DNA. I wanted to love Bloodstained. I tried to get into this game. However Miriam is painfully slow and some of the enemies are too fast for her to deal with. This is something that I could probably look past if it weren't for the bad collision system and unresponsive controls. If Miriam is air born and you press the attack button slightly before you hit the ground the attack never happens. If she is slightly higher in her jump and you press the attack button her attack animation will play but the attack will not land because you where in the air. It is infuriating. I didn't enjoy the small amount of time I spent with this game despite REALLY wanting to like it.… Full Review »
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