Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is a retro inspired 2D action platformer. Designed as a homage to the classic 8 bit Castlevania titles, the game revolves around tight movement and branching level paths.

Back to the castle

Originally conceived as a stretch goal for the main Bloodstained Kickstarter campaign, Curse of the Moon is a retelling of early NES classic games with modern performance. This original formula is so closely followed that it is a wonder no lawsuit followed. Players start as the sword wielding Zangetsu before meeting 3 other playable characters through completing bosses. Everything from the monster designs to branching level paths and the inclusion of a somewhat familiar whip screams Castlevania, but the overall experience is more than just a revamp. The shift to a less clunky movement system is a welcome change and makes platforming less of a chore while the graphical improvements are subtle enough not to ruin the retro feel. Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the length with only a few short hours of content on offer, albeit with different endings and difficulties.

Little change

Curse of the Moon feels like a lost NES game. Fans of the classic games will delight in the nostalgia but others may find it all too much.