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Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS • 2018

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Quick resume

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up

Pros

  • Faithful retro castlevania-style gameplay
  • Multiple characters and branching paths
  • Challenging but fair difficulty
  • Great music and visuals
  • High replay value with multiple endings

Cons

  • Short main campaign
  • Some stiff controls and jump mechanics
  • Lack of modern customization options
  • No multiplayer or social features
  • Some frustrating sections and boss fights

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can choose to recruit, ignore, or kill allies, affecting routes, playstyle, and endings; character switching on the fly allows control over actions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Game offers a fair challenge with skill-based platforming and boss fights; multiple difficulties including casual and veteran modes."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal progression and exploration; no mention of ranked or competitive multiplayer features."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Multiple endings, alternate modes, and replayability encourage repeated playthroughs despite short main campaign."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Though multiple characters can be used, gameplay is single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative play."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can modify experience by recruiting or killing allies to unlock different abilities and paths, adding creative strategy."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is solo and balanced."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong nostalgic and immersive retro experience provides escape into classic gaming fantasy."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Multiple routes, character choices, and modes encourage trying new strategies and playstyles."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Levels contain multiple paths and secrets; players encouraged to explore different routes and endings."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization beyond character selection and route choices; no avatar personalization or cosmetic modifications."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in a demon-infested world with supernatural characters and abilities, evoking classic gothic fantasy themes."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Single-player experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn boss patterns, level layouts, and character abilities; multiple playthroughs foster skill improvement."

  • Health
    -5

    "Traditional sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and precise inputs; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player controls only themselves."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate abilities, unlock new characters, and access alternate routes and endings."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Game is challenging and can be frustrating; some players find it rewarding but not necessarily relaxing."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Retro visuals and chiptune soundtrack provide engaging sensory experience with nostalgic appeal."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; achievements are personal."

  • Story
    2

    "Simple narrative with multiple endings and character interactions; story supports gameplay but is minimal."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires planning character use, weapon selection, and route choices to overcome challenges."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some tension from challenging platforming and boss fights, but overall predictable patterns reduce suspense."

  • Value
    4

    "Highly praised for price-to-content ratio, especially given replayability and quality."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves defeating enemies and bosses with weapons and magic; typical action-platformer violence."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players manage health and lives to avoid death; knockback and instant death pits add survival challenge."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026