Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, developed by Inti Creates, is a brilliant homage to the classic Castlevania series, particularly those from the NES era. Released in 2018 as part of the stretch goals for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, the game expertly blends modern design sensibilities with the retro charm of 8-bit platformers. While it is a companion piece to Ritual of the Night, it has enough polish, depth, and content to be a standout title.
The story of Curse of the Moon is straightforward, reminiscent of older action-platformers: you play as Zangetsu, a cursed swordsman seeking revenge against demons. Along the way, you encounter three additional playable characters—Miriam, Alfred, and Gebel—each with their abilities and backstories. Together, they journey through demon-infested lands to reach the final boss: a massive, multi-stage demonic entity.
The multiple endings elevate the narrative. Depending on your choices—whether you recruit or kill your companions—the story unfolds in slightly different ways, adding replayability and depth to the otherwise simple plot. The grim, gothic setting evokes the best of Castlevania, with moody castles, decrepit ruins, and eerie forests.
This is where Curse of the Moon shines. Its core mechanics are rooted in classic NES action platformers like Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. Players control Zangetsu, but the ability to switch between characters on the fly adds layers of strategy and variety. Each character feels distinct:
- Zangetsu is a balanced melee fighter with decent health and reach.
- Miriam wields a long whip, akin to Castlevania's Simon Belmont, and has excellent jumping ability.
- Alfred is the fragile sorcerer, trading durability for powerful spells that can control the battlefield.
- Gebel is a shapeshifting vampire who can turn into a bat to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
This diversity not only gives the player options in combat but also in exploration. Some levels are designed with specific character abilities in mind, encouraging you to switch characters strategically. Losing a character in combat doesn't result in a game over; you continue with the remaining characters, further pushing you to adapt to new challenges with a reduced party.
One of Curse of the Moon's strongest features is its level design. The game consists of eight stages, each offering distinct visual and thematic elements, from gothic castles to eerie dungeons and perilous mountain passes. The stages feature branching paths, which give a sense of exploration and replayability.
Inti Creates successfully evokes the retro style of NES-era platformers but with modernised, more forgiving mechanics. For instance, you can choose between "Veteran" mode (which mimics the challenge of older games with knockback and limited lives) or "Casual" mode, which removes some of the harsher penalties for dying and makes for a smoother, more accessible experience.
The combat feels tight, responsive, and rewarding. Each character’s attacks and abilities are distinct, allowing for strategic decision-making, especially during boss fights. The sub-weapons—special attacks powered by limited resources—are also a nod to the Castlevania series, with everything from throwing knives to magical barriers that protect you from damage.
The bosses are the game's highlight, offering a mix of creative designs and challenging patterns. They’re large, multi-stage enemies that often require learning their movesets and adapting your strategy. This keeps the game from becoming repetitive and gives each stage a climactic finish. Some bosses, like the giant demon hound or the towering mechanical monstrosity, are memorable for their difficulty and their design and impact on the game’s atmosphere.
The 8-bit art style of Curse of the Moon is gorgeous. It strikes a perfect balance between nostalgic retro graphics and modern visual clarity. The sprite work is highly detailed, and the animations are smooth, capturing the essence of classic Castlevania while enhancing it with a more refined aesthetic. The environments are varied, colourful, and rich in atmosphere, with each stage conveying a distinct tone.
The soundtrack is equally impressive. Inspired by the chiptune music of the NES era, it blends energetic, catchy tunes with moody, atmospheric tracks that elevate the tension in key moments. The composer, Ippo Yamada, does an exceptional job capturing the spirit of Castlevania while making the music fresh and engaging.
In addition to the branching paths and multiple endings, Curse of the Moon offers a variety of modes that significantly increase its replay value. After completing the game once, you unlock "Nightmare Mode," which changes the story and lets you play with all the characters right from the start. There’s also a Boss Rush mode for those who want to test their skills against the game’s most challenging enemies.
The various difficulty settings cater to different types of players. "Veteran" mode is ideal for those seeking a traditional, punishing platforming experience, while "Casual" mode allows players to enjoy the game without the frustrating difficulty spikes that characterised older titles.
While Curse of the Moon is a fantastic game, it’s not without its minor flaws. The game’s relatively short length (around 3-5 hours for a single playthrough) might be disappointing for some players, though the branching paths and different endings encourage multiple playthroughs. Also, while the challenge is well-balanced for the most part, some sections in Veteran mode can feel frustratingly difficult due to the knockback mechanic, a staple of old-school platformers but can feel outdated by today’s standards.
Additionally, some might argue that it plays it too safe in paying homage to Castlevania without introducing many innovations beyond the character-switching mechanic. However, this familiarity may also be seen as a strength by fans of the genre.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is a near-perfect retro-inspired platformer that successfully channels the essence of Castlevania while offering its own unique gameplay twists. Its balance of modern and classic design elements, combined with tight controls, varied characters, and atmospheric presentation, make it a must-play for fans of old-school platformers and action games alike. While its brevity and occasional difficulty spikes may frustrate some, the overall experience is one of satisfying, nostalgic fun.
This game is an essential addition to any retro gaming fan’s library, offering a rewarding experience that perfectly captures the magic of the NES era while still feeling fresh and exciting in its own right.