Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon similar games & best alternatives
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
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
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Autonomy4
"Players can choose to recruit, ignore, or kill allies, affecting routes, playstyle, and endings; character switching on the fly allows control over actions."
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Competence3
"Game offers a fair challenge with skill-based platforming and boss fights; multiple difficulties including casual and veteran modes."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on personal progression and exploration; no mention of ranked or competitive multiplayer features."
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Continuation3
"Multiple endings, alternate modes, and replayability encourage repeated playthroughs despite short main campaign."
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Cooperation-3
"Though multiple characters can be used, gameplay is single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative play."
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Creativity2
"Players can modify experience by recruiting or killing allies to unlock different abilities and paths, adding creative strategy."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is solo and balanced."
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Escapism4
"Strong nostalgic and immersive retro experience provides escape into classic gaming fantasy."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or pressure."
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Experimenting3
"Multiple routes, character choices, and modes encourage trying new strategies and playstyles."
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Exploration3
"Levels contain multiple paths and secrets; players encouraged to explore different routes and endings."
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Expression-3
"Limited customization beyond character selection and route choices; no avatar personalization or cosmetic modifications."
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Fantasy4
"Set in a demon-infested world with supernatural characters and abilities, evoking classic gothic fantasy themes."
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Fellowship-4
"Single-player experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."
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Growth3
"Players learn boss patterns, level layouts, and character abilities; multiple playthroughs foster skill improvement."
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Health-5
"Traditional sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-4
"Requires focused attention and precise inputs; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."
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Intimacy-5
"No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual gameplay."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements; player controls only themselves."
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Progression3
"Players accumulate abilities, unlock new characters, and access alternate routes and endings."
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Relaxation-2
"Game is challenging and can be frustrating; some players find it rewarding but not necessarily relaxing."
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Sensation3
"Retro visuals and chiptune soundtrack provide engaging sensory experience with nostalgic appeal."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or ranking systems; achievements are personal."
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Story2
"Simple narrative with multiple endings and character interactions; story supports gameplay but is minimal."
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Strategy3
"Requires planning character use, weapon selection, and route choices to overcome challenges."
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Thrill2
"Some tension from challenging platforming and boss fights, but overall predictable patterns reduce suspense."
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Value4
"Highly praised for price-to-content ratio, especially given replayability and quality."
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Violence3
"Combat involves defeating enemies and bosses with weapons and magic; typical action-platformer violence."
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Survival2
"Players manage health and lives to avoid death; knockback and instant death pits add survival challenge."
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Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026