It has been a rough development cycle for Koji “Iga” Igarashi’s upcoming Castlevania spiritual successor, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. However, it looks as the game is close to the development being wrapped up, as publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay has released a new trailer. Not only does this new trailer show off graphics differences of the game since we last saw it. It also provides a June 18, 2019, release date for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam). The canceled Wii U version is now arriving on the Switch, and releases on June 25, 2019.
Judging from the trailer, it appears that Iga and gang have been paying attention to the feedback and frustration of fans and those who backed the game on Kickstarter. Myself, included, as I was clearly frustrated on the status of the game when I got several chances to play it. More than anything, I felt that the visuals were headed in the wrong direction. I’ve stated many times since then that I wasn’t sure if this would end up being another Mighty No. 9 situation (ARGH!). Thankfully, this new trailer has shown me and hopefully others that game looks to be in a good place. It looks way better than the last time I saw it.
The gameplay was already decent and the music, thanks to Michiru Yamane (Castlevania: Symphony of the Night) was already amazing composed. The visual was the only concern and that’s been addressed. I can’t wait to get my hands on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night if I’m being honest. I spent so many hours playing Castlevania: Symphony of the Night when I was younger. If this turns out to be as good or even better than the PS2 classic, we’re all in for a treat and some long play sessions.
Here is an overview of the game, provided by 505 Games:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”red” class=”” size=””] 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! Key Features- Igavania Spiritual Successor – Koji Igarashi, one of the renowned godfathers of the genre, is creating a new, modern side-scrolling action RPG experience that will satisfy long time Castlevania fans.
- Vast and Deep Gameplay – Unlock spells and powers, find, craft and upgrade several types of weapons and special items to change Miriam’s appearance, mix and match gear and abilities to find your playstyle.
- High Fidelity 2.5 Graphics – Everything in Bloodstained is rendered in loving 3D detail on a 2Dside scrolling environment that changes and evolves as you play.
- Lots of Ways to Play – With several online and offline modes like Boss Rush, Speed Run, Classic, Nightmare, and Roguelike mode, Bloodstained has unparalleled replay value found nowhere else in the genre.
- Orchestral Music by Industry Legends – With music by Michiru Yamane and Ippo Yamada, respectively, veterans of the Castlevania Franchise and Capcom brand, Bloodstained’s music is an unforgettable experience.
- Iga’s Biggest Castle – Bloodstained’s game world is the biggest of Koji Igarashi’s entire career, with a map size almost 2x as big as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
- Multiple Characters to Choose From –Aside from the enigmaticMiriamthere are secret playable characters awaiting discovery.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night releases on June 18, 2019, for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam). The Switch version releases on June 25, 2019.
