PGC NEWS

Koji Igarashi, a veteran of the Castlevania series, sought $500,000 on Kickstarter to revive the spirit of the beloved franchise. His project, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, shattered expectations, exceeding its funding goal in record time. Among the stretch goals unlocked was a “prequel” titled Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon. While Ritual of the Night‘s release was still uncertain, Curse of the Moon offered a glimpse into the future, delivering a nostalgic 8-bit experience reminiscent of classic Castlevania titles. This review explores whether this appetizer lives up to the hype.

A Nod to Nostalgia

alt text: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon gameplay screenshot showing 8-bit graphics and a character wielding a sword

Curse of the Moon embraces a retro aesthetic, transporting players to shadowy forests, eerie dungeons, and imposing castles, all rendered in classic 8-bit glory. The game’s visuals, coupled with a haunting soundtrack, evoke a distinctly Castlevania atmosphere. Populating these environments are a variety of monstrous foes, seemingly inspired by classic horror literature, from werewolves and vampires to Frankenstein’s monster.

Combat Takes Center Stage

While the game’s visuals are stunning, Curse of the Moon prioritizes combat over exploration. Players begin their demon-slaying journey as Zangetsu, and along the way, have the opportunity to rescue three companions. Each character boasts unique weapons, abilities, and strengths, allowing for diverse gameplay. Switching between characters on the fly adds a tactical layer to the experience, encouraging players to utilize each hero’s strengths to overcome various challenges and uncover hidden secrets.

alt text: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon gameplay screenshot showcasing the character selection screen with four different characters

This system also provides a degree of forgiveness. When one character falls, the others can continue the fight. Only when the entire party is defeated is the game over. This encourages players to experiment with different characters and their playstyles.

Interestingly, Zangetsu can choose to eliminate his potential allies rather than rescuing them. This unlocks unique powers for Zangetsu but forces him down a darker, solitary path.

Challenging Boss Battles

Curse of the Moon‘s boss battles are straightforward yet memorable. These encounters embody the game’s classic approach, relying on a smaller number of attacks that demand precise timing and strategic thinking to overcome. Each boss is distinct in appearance, behavior, and attack patterns, contributing to a satisfyingly challenging experience.

A Short but Sweet Experience

alt text: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon gameplay screenshot displaying the main character Zangetsu fighting a boss in a castle setting.

Being a bonus game, Curse of the Moon‘s limited content is understandable. The relatively short playtime, with levels that can be completed in mere minutes for experienced players, might leave some wanting more.

alt text: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon gameplay screenshot showcasing in-game action with multiple enemies and environmental details

However, Curse of the Moon‘s value lies not in its length but in the experience it offers: a nostalgic trip down memory lane for veteran Castlevania fans, a compelling introduction to the series for newcomers, and a tantalizing taste of what’s to come in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. To extend the experience, players can explore different character paths and challenge themselves with higher difficulty modes.

Conclusion

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon successfully captures the essence of classic Castlevania titles. While its short length might be a drawback for some, its tight gameplay, challenging boss battles, and retro charm make it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans. It effectively serves as both a standalone retro experience and an exciting appetizer for the main course that is Ritual of the Night.