Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon 2 - Retail Reviews

[@JamesNintendoNerd]

See Mike's review on the original Curse of the Moon game! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6POh6epeKeJnqM

[@personausermike1]

Thanks for linking this. I just bought the sequel

[@Iivaitte]

Have either of you guys played Castlevania: Harmony of Despair? What are your thoughts?

[@personausermike1]

@@Iivaitte I know you're talking to them, but I think Aria of Sorrow is one of the better ones. The ability to take enemy's skills like RotN is one of the best mechanics

[@albert09]

Agree, they could also go for 16 bit style Bloodstained. Just like Rondo of Blood. That would be great.

[@lh9591]

Agree. There isn’t really a “Maria” character.

[@dieseldust27]

This is what I'm hoping for

[@tunzv7282]

Omg, that would be awesome

[@kootsda]

Dominique has one of the most broken magic

[@mysterwhymedia]

Inti Creates could easily follow Sabotage’s lead and make Bloodstained a la The Messenger with switching between the two...

[@Realbreather]

The Bloodstained games are building up a hell of a reputation, CV fans were hungry for this sort of thing for a while, will definitely be picking this up.

[@christiankirbo]

Dont tell James the Immortal is being released on Nintendo Switch >_>

[@aungthuhein5418]

Christian Kirbo I have the same thought 😂

[@keithrichards8526]

I lost a lot of respect for them after the J&M Monday episode featuring The Immortal. It's yet another case of them being terrible at a great game, but this one took it so much further. It's almost like they were intentionally being stupid while playing it. The game says "You are incinerated" and they think they beat the level. Don't even get me started on how ridiculous their combat strategy was. They couldn't even see that spamming attacks raised the red bar which makes you swing slower. It's a good time to dodge, if you decide you ever want to hit the other button... I'm glad it's coming out on Switch. People will play it and find out for themselves. Pick it up, get into one fight, and instantly see how wrong James got this one.

[@FreakGeSt]

@@keithrichards8526 well, they are the same guys who don't get it DKC3, really some episodes is more entertaining by the topic they talk than the game they play, the game is just like an excuse to talk, and that's fine, but sometimes when they play a game you like and they don't care, hurts man.

[@lazytomakeaname4676]

Can james make a soundtrack of the game

[@yetanotherretroreview4476]

Really?

[@barnhouseproductions]

Happy 40th James! 🥳🥳

[@bicentenialkid]

Happy birthday dude.

[@sidewinder2057]

James is 40? What?!

[@howHumam]

That's a trip, I second the happy birthday.

[@TheJohnmarston72]

@@sidewinder2057 yep, born july 10th 1980

[@ClellBiggs]

Happy Birthday!

[@jimmydoescardtricks5057]

Happy Birthday Nerd! Thanks for making me smile with all the content over the years. Here’s to another 40 years of Earth enjoying the Nerd

[@DrGamelove]

New “retro” is the best. It’s like these Indie developers took decades of learning what works well in games and modern innovation and go back and retrofit it into old style games. Shovel Knight is a perfect example, way better than Ducktales which was already excellent. I know it’s so different it’s weird to compare them, but clearly Ducktales was it’s inspiration. I thought Axiom Verge was better than old Metroid games but I know fans probably don’t agree.

[@dohctorclark]

Ryan looks great. Seems like he’s been hitting a home gym during quarantine.

[@RFNY315]

Kinda looks like billy Mitchell

[@wzrdofgore9845]

Great? He looks terrible.

[@robertbektas1810]

WZRDOFGORE why?

[@grimnir6169]

@@robertbektas1810 I think he means he looks better but “great” is taking it a bit far.

[@synboc]

Ryan is underrated, I love seeing him on Cinemassacre

[@XxD3ADW0LFxX]

No

[@synboc]

@@XxD3ADW0LFxX your face looks like its prolapsed

[@Cymricus]

If you haven’t played ritual of the night, it’s incredible

[@sethknarr4879]

it's incredible that you haven't played it, or it's an incredible game?

[@LordDragox412]

@@sethknarr4879 Yes.

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

It's just ok. Maybe for players who are unaware about metroidvanias, they can have more fun with the "new" experience. Now if you played metroid before, especially other igavanias, ritual of the night doesn't feel special at all. Arguably at the same level of portrait of ruin, maybe not even that. The music has some sparks, graphics are just ok, the map design is average at best (my biggest concern), combat is ok, all the looting/grinding and sheer amount of items are excellent (the only thing this game does better than other igavanias). I was playing axiom verge alongside with ritual of the night, little playtroughs every weekend or so... and damn, axiom verge is much better. Then Ori 2 was released and made me stop playing both, Ori is also much better than ritual of the night. That's the "issue", the genre has many examples of better games than ritual of the night, the standards are way too high. Hollow Knight is on a whole nother level, it makes every metroidvania pales in comparison, even super metroid and symphony, imagine poor little ritual of the night?

[@Salacious_T]

Blasphemous was even better.

[@supershyguymkw2107]

@@RRRRRRRRR33 I like more all metroidvania Castlevania games and Metroid games than hollow knight, I haven't played Ori 1 and 2 but I plan play both

[@DBul3000]

Glad to see another retail reviews and curse of the moon sequel!

[@jkajmo]

I'm so glad I got a physical copy of "Curse of the Moon" It looks so good in my collection :)

[@spearpig1034]

Nice! I've never played it.

[@stephendavenport316]

I mistakenly bought the Limited Run Games copy of Curse of the Moon, thinking it was the current gen game. I kept it sealed since I already beat the game digitally, think I might do it with the second one too!

[@ReIigionlsForIdiots]

@@stephendavenport316 Those are incredibly rare now.

[@stephendavenport316]

@@ReIigionlsForIdiots Nice I still have it sealed mint

[@nickluft3006]

I found it difficult to switch from "Curse of the Moon" to "Castlevania" because of the stairs. Stairs can just be so frustrating in the original games. I kept falling through.

[@RobotacularRoBob]

There is supposed to be a "Classic mode" update coming to Ritual of the Night by the end of the year, I just hope it means a 2D 32 bit graphics style like SOTN.

[@TheNateWalking]

Or maybe just more difficult? That game gets way too easy pretty quickly.

[@fenomozo9108]

Maybe is like in the DS games where is the same game but withouth items and more lineal.

[@BootlegSkeleton]

Apparently it's just going to be the same assets as the base game, just arranged in a more linear, level based structure kinda like Curse of the Moon.

[@RobotacularRoBob]

If that's true, that's a definite bummer. It should have been 32 bit inspired from the beginning.

[@JoakimOtamaa]

@@TheNateWalking Until the area with lava. Only positive thing there are the graphics and music. And the oriental place, hate that too.

[@SeanOkita]

Bring back Rental Reviews

[@randomguyisbleh]

You guys are an amazing duo! This video was a lot of fun to watch :D

[@minokimakina832]

Thank you so much for unintentionally advertising this game to me by making this video i didnt know they made another curse of the moon title until i saw the tag for this video going to get this game immediately this totally makes my day. :)

[@frenchtoast1953]

Cinemassacre: Talking about things that always makes someone smile.

[@brisco_jr]

I want more Ryan on this channel. He is articulate and knowledgeable, and he and Mike have a good repartee.

[@loki.odinson]

James, Happy Birthday! "Congraturations" on making it to Level 40.

I hope you'll do a 2nd review of this too with knowing everything about the game! I'm glad you guys like Bloodstained!

[@unluckyorpheus4749]

Holy SHIT Ryan, you're looking good these days, man!

[@Uncle-Jay]

The Super Soaker made me kind of sad. Years ago I was helping an Ex clean up some property they had and I dared to explore a old rotting trailer they had on the property, the floors where constantly threatening to collapse, the place was covered in mold, it wasn't a great place to be, but tucked in a closet in the back I found the holy grail, a OG Soaker CPS 2000 and it was in great condition. I loved that thing, I used it all the time to get the drop on friends and family. Eventually we ended up breaking up, such is life, but what really upset me was that she took the CPS 2000 with her, not because she played with it, not because she wanted it, but because she knew I loved that thing and she wanted to just twist that dagger a little bit more when she left. She also took my Nintendo Wii that she had gifted me, which I had painstakingly modded and customized until it was perfect. *Sigh*.

[@sarsattacks]

The Castlevnia 3 that we got in the US was actually the hard mode so they could increase rent sales for Blockbuster.

[@gregswitala]

They were actually trying to fight blockbuster rentals and thought this would encourage people to buy the game.

[@flotador7]

Is the screenwave media crew in some sort if fit regime now? Ryan & James look more in shape recently.

[@g-nuts1219]

Happy Birthday James (AVGN)

[@mathiasmorqubus]

It’s nice to see a Mike and Ryan only video again.

[@Unquestionable]

Grew up play the old Castlevania series and loved them but it's great to see modern games in the same vein (pun not intended). Ritual of the Night is an excellent representation of the games I loved as a high school student (SotN, Megaman X/Zero) while Curse of the Moon is what got me into gaming. I wouldn't call either superior to the other but a showcase of how great each era was.

[@HiroesX81]

I need to play both of these

[@brianmercerjr2282]

Well that was a Coincidence i Got Three Notifications about "Bloodstained: Cruse Of The Moon 2" from Here, GameXplain, and Nintendo

[@darkgerry92]

NDAs are lifted

[@brianramsay7056]

Ha, I just commented about the same thing

[@mr.eggawott8372]

Same

[@fissilewhistle]

And now SomecallmeJohnny.

[@TheKilluminati714]

Some call me Johny too

[@agent_of_cthulhu]

Konami not being involved is a good thing. They would have just ruined it like they ruined all their original franchises. I love these Curse of the Moon games. I didn't even know this sequel was coming out until I just happened to check the Nintendo eshop randomly yesterday. So glad I did because now I'm probably halfway through 2 and it is excellent.

[@ChrisX_212]

I think it was already proven that if Konami ever touches their old IPs again, with their downsized staff members, they'd surely ruin it. I think they are aware of that... that's why they're just publishing an indie game of an indie dev team now. Publish. Not develop.

[@steffd3510]

Good to see Ryan again!! Nice vid guys

[@charlesthorndike2702]

Happy 40th birthday, James! Been a fan since 2008, love your videos, keep em' coming!

[@lascheque]

That beard looks so good on Ryan.

[@Starfals]

Hard games just annoy me as a grown person. As a kid? I loved them and the harder the game = the better. Idk what happen to me, but now if i cant pass a level or a boss within 10-20m, i might even delete the game lol. Dark Souls kind of games are sooo not for me anymore. It is great that they add normal and easy options to those games. I will keep buying them and supporting them as long as i dont have to feel like sh*t

[@irishjoe2941]

Nick learn to code

[@maxa.molinar6751]

Happy Birthday James.

[@8-BitEric]

Love bloodstained! Also on another note Ryan dogging the new look and can tell you been slimming down dude! Keep it up

[@thatguyyoudontknow]

Love you guys. Ryan, you look great man! Keep up the good work.

[@jkwolf2]

Talking about the original Castlevania NES series and how they stand on their own is true. I would like to add that while all the new flashy updates with quick character switching and less death penalty, if you play the original Castlevania, you will appreciate some of the little things that Bloodstained series offers.

[@eugenealive]

Happy birthday James! 🎂

[@justinlaboy6837]

man, how amazing would a Castlevania 2 remake be?

[@Intervence]

Happy birthday, James. May no BS and shitty games come in your way!

[@Sephifhy]

Happy 40th James!!

[@tomlinson1710]

Happy Birthday, James!!!

[@SotNist]

I definitely enjoyed the main Bloodstained game more, but love Curse of the Moon too. I remember being surprised to get the code for it from the kickstarter when it surprise released.

[@MrXabungle]

Wow, Ryan is in great shape!

[@looweegee252]

@@sailormoon732 hahaha as far as dad bod goes he has certainly reached hot daddy level So many females are into that!!! The older and chubbier I get the more ass I get hahaha He looks healthier and the beard makes him look manned up and dadded out a bit more too

[@theguyishere249]

What about bloodstained ritual of night.

[@RT-bt5ql]

What about it

[@MrNoot39449]

Did he play it?

[@theguyishere249]

@@RT-bt5ql he should play and talk about it as well.

[@torinux4980]

Holy shit! I've been hella busy, missed like 1 year of videos and man such a surprise! Ryan looks amazing, healthy af :D

[@maximpact24]

Can't wait for Curse of the Moon 3. Love this series!

[@Amp1771]

Good to see you guys again. Missed you guys

[@StevenBeverage]

I'm very much back into the Castlevania series. From going back and playing the Anniversary Collection to the Netflix series to these Bloodstained games which technically aren't Vania, they're all awesome. I'd even be into an anime if they brought one out.

[@toryficarola]

Clearly the Curse of the Moon games are mainly Zangetsu-adventures, while Ritual of the Moon was all (until a certain bonus DLC mode) Miriam. Miriam is kind of like the Alucard (even though Gebel acts and looks more like him) to Zangetsu's Richter Belmont. Kinda wish ROTN had Gebel as the main protagonist and I really wish Rondo of Blood/Dracula-X had a post-SOTN sequel too.

[@richarddukard8989]

can we talk about the clutch switch at 9:37? props to whoever's gameplay that was.

[@trucane]

Always nice with a video featuering Ryan. Also Ryan, you look great, keep it up!

[@MoarRushPl0x]

Happy Birthday James!

[@EricAndre615]

The music track and the very end is so chill

[@DarkNewBlood_]

I feel like we somehow grew up in the same neighborhood, because I had similar enjoyment from growing up in the 80s - super soakers, castlevania discovered from a video rental store, etc. Just crazy the similarities. I really do enjoy these vids as it is pretty much how my friends and I would sit around and talk gaming.

[@asturides]

Just finished Curse of the Moon (1) on my PS Vita. Very good game, I'm sad that the sequel is not available there, going to have to play it on PS4 or PC :'(

[@coryfusting9294]

Not gonna lie I actually prefer the Curse of the Moon games over Ritual of the Night

[@marhansgamingchannel4732]

Same here.

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

I do as well and I am not even a 80s kid or anything, have zero nostalgia regarding the 8bits. Now regarding ritual of the night, I played basically every mainstream metroidvania in existence, so my expectations were a little "harsh" so to speak. Compared to the best metroidvanias that I played, ritual of the night is just ok

[@EviltheNub]

Ritual of the night was like playing Aria of Sorrow for the third time. It didn't really bring anything new to the table. Curse of the Moon definitely felt like it improved upon the foundation that the NES Castlevania games laid down.

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

@@HeavyMetalSonicRM It is indeed floaty garbage, but if you like the subgenre... why not? It's a decent effort. But if you didn't tried yet the really good ones like hollow knight, axiom verge, guacamelee, ori, etc.. then there's no reason to play this game, lol I only give it a shot because I had no other metroid to play + I am a huge fan

[@VegetaHitsGirls]

Curse of the moon feels tighter and more focused.

[@suprshin]

I loved Curse of the Moon and I wished they did a third one. :(

[@derekheath5037]

Ryan, you look great, I hope you’re doing well my man! Stay strong!

[@Cowclops]

Regarding why they did or didn't make it more like 16 bit games like Rondo of Blood - from seeing the footage it almost looks like they do a bunch of things that would be impossible on an NES (huge bosses, lots of animation frames, lots of parallax scrolling) but they simply keep the color palette NES-style. I'm fine with the "mix and match" approach to retro style games - they aren't hogtied by slow cpus and tiny amounts of ram, they just designed the pixel art like its 8 bit. Thimbleweed Park is similar - they used a relatively high color palette, but with pixellated artwork that would look right at home on a PC from 1990. And the character pixel art looks like it could even be straight out of Maniac Mansion (not a coincidence since the original artist, Gary Winnick, worked on Thimbleweed Park too). They certainly imposed limitations for stylistic purposes, but thankfully didn't design the game to be so simple that it actually runs on an 8086 or a 286 or 386.

[@Yarott75]

They removed kill/spare/pass, that was said in the NGPlus stream.

[@ericnewton7833]

Wow 2 player mode is interesting. I think Mike should do a stream with Erin playing it.

[@PrincessofPower84]

Happy 40th Birthday, James!! 🎉🎂🍾👑

[@Bradyn192]

Happy Birthday James ❤️

[@FDestroy3r]

Ryan looks great! Keep going dude! :)

[@JunFan777]

I always thought Castlevania 1 was much harder then Castlevania 3. As a kid I never beat the original but was able to finish Dracula's Curse without too much difficulty.. . GODDAMN HUNCHBACKS!!

[@diezgp]

You look great, Ryan.

[@ThunderTheBlackShadowKitty]

Happy 40th James. You haven't lost any of your luster. Rock on.

[@NirnBootMod]

Wish it had a 4:3 option though because I like to hook my PC up to an RGB CRT TV to get those sweet scanlines in certain types of games. Looks like these can really only be played properly in widescreen, though.

[@meeshobatayeh3413]

Hi everybody Happy birthday James

[@MarioMarley]

Happy birthday to James!

[@kraid80]

I'm on episode 2 at the moment and damn I had to switch to casual mode to beat the Pharaoh boss, I feel such a wimp but that was too hard even compared to old standard!

[@alexskibicki2262]

This game looks pretty cool. I sure would like to play it. Also happy birthday, James.

[@toryficarola]

Happy 40th Sir James!

[@Exile19941]

Happy birthday james

[@Nac017]

Happy 40th James!

[@Omn1Slash]

seeing that Super Soaker 50 brought me wayyy back! Good to see Super Soakers are back! Thanks for the trip down memory lane... also can't wait to play Curse of the Moon 2.

[@loudlawnmower]

This game kicks ass got it opening night w my friend and had a blast 😝

[@Jason_The_Stooge]

Happy birthday James

[@bucknutty952]

Ryan is like the textbook picture of "Manchild"

[@LittenMandrake]

Missed seeing Ryan. Feel like the Retail Reviews never come on my suggestions.

[@Darklorddrahzer]

ryan is actually looking good, good work bro!

[@SirBlueWhale]

Happy birthday!

[@bicentenialkid]

Happy birthday James, welcome to the 40 club.

[@miokuroki4097]

I wish James reviewed this. This game is straight Castlevania's descendant.

[@luqwyy4633]

hey James can you review Top Banana for the upcoming AVGN game , it has a pure shitting graphic that enough to give you seisure

[@luqwyy4633]

Amiga

[@baalfgames5318]

Let me guess, you heard about that game from whosthisgit.

[@luqwyy4633]

@@baalfgames5318 YESS !! and i think that game deserve it 🤣🤣

[@marhansgamingchannel4732]

Sounds interesting 😂😂😂

[@ospididious]

Thank you for reviewing this. I was curious about it. I think I might have to pick it up. Clearly, you guys love Metroidvainias. Have you tried "A Robot Named Fight" ? Its like a procedurally generated love note to Super Metroid.

[@erickbrags]

I'm in love with the Bloodstained franchise, great classicvania and metroidvania games.

[@blindcrow849]

Ryan is getting on shape.

[@chrisgliniewicz7725]

Dude Ryan your beard is amazing! Lookin good

[@teddyt314]

Congratulations Ryan!

[@jakarnilson]

A Super Soaker. What a horrible day to be stuck in a heat wave.

[@BryBry2ply]

Pat's book just chillin on the counter

[@starlightfox8982]

Happy 40th birthday, James!

[@HighFalutinTootin]

Loved watching you play bloodstained curse of the moon and this new game looks cool also

[@mrbrocephus3849]

Score Boppers and super water guns and water balloon fights were great in the 90s

[@JerkyMcDoogle]

I definitely did not cry when i saw the super soaker

[@clydefrosch]

also, those new characters seem to be inspired by other castelvania characters. the spear one is from the genesis game, the gun one is kind of like Albus from Order of Eclesia. Hachi is just a megaman x mech suit though..