Bloodstained Curse of the Moon Review

*Also on Vita!
Inti Creates recently released the retro throwback side story to Bloodstained Ritual of the Night, Bloodstained Curse of the Moon. This 8bit inspired platformer is the spiritual successor of Castlevania III, containing many of that games traits. Let's take a look!
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As always, thank you guys for all your support!

[@SegaLordX]

This game is also available for the PS Vita handheld. I forgot to mention that in the coverage here. I added this information to the video description right after I posted it, but judging from the messages I'm getting from indignant Vita supporters, nobody reads the video descriptions. Sorry for the oversight. :)

[@jairescalante6619]

Sega Lord X what system should I get it on?? Is it 2 players?? I really want to get this on vita but I’m not so sure

[@SegaLordX]

The game plays great on everything. Get it for the machine you play most. It's 1 player.

[@nickstrong1558]

Sega Lord X will ritual of the night be released on the 3DS?

[@BlueLightningSky]

Won't lie. This actually looks better than ritual. The 8bit design looks more charming than the 3D models. They should have used sprites for ritual but as a 16 bit game.

[@realamericannegro977]

I know right. Personally I think it should have atleast been 32 bit.

[@jpixels4042]

If you look at the original concept it had a beautiful vanillaware look. The game is still awesome though!

[@Maximusbyronus]

You are right, Ritual of the Night definitely should have used sprites. After playing both Ritual and Curse...I definitely enjoyed Curse of the Moon more. Ritual of the Night (is a decent game but) failed as a spiritual successor to Symphony of the Night.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

The problem with sprites in an HD world is that hand drawing all those images and animations and character angles and positions and actions in high resolution is a MONUMENTAL task. The reason 3d caught on when it did is the fact that asset artists (3d modelers) can create a single character model, set up a skeletal system, and have literally hundreds of animations and actions with only a small amount of extra effort. I would know, as my brother is lead 3D model artist at Double Fine Productions (Psychonauts 2). The massive amount of characters and animations for those characters mean that sprites are out of the question, except in very specific games\genres and\or small projects. It already takes 3+ years to complete a AAA title, with the benefit of 3D models simplifying design and animations. 2D sprites are a HUGE amount of work, especially at modern resolutions. Sorry.

[@Spawn-wt6ul]

I am sooooo in love with this game, like yourself, I grew up in the 80's playing, Castlevania and Metroid were ALWAYS my favorite game franchises....The BloodStained franchise just joined that list. I am so happy about this, THANK YOU INTI CREATES and IGA.

[@professorwh042]

Just picked it up on my Switch. I’ve been waiting for a a game like this for a while. Also, it’s great that you’re back. You convinced me to import a Sega Saturn from Japan last year (as I’m not even gonna try with American copies), and I can’t wait to keep collecting. Absolutely amazing system and games.

[@SegaLordX]

Glad you are enjoying it. :)

[@js.sunset]

Welcome back! I missed you, man.

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you. Good to be back.

[@erfolgreich]

This game is quite a catch!

[@kornstory]

Damn it’s good that you’re back.

[@SegaLordX]

Thanks bud. Appreciate that. :)

[@dannys1392]

I love the 8 bit sound and music in this game :-)

[@SegaLordX]

Agree. It's a great throwback to the art and tunes of the 80's and early 90's.

[@FarnhamTheDrunk1]

yep michiru yamane and ippo yamada outdid themselves again...

[@NintodoMan64]

So I take it, if we buy this game for $10, it shows Konami that we condone Igarashi for making good Castlevania games and not halfassed ones that Konami usually make. Correct? I bought Curse of the Moon to send a message to Igarashi and Konami.

[@SegaLordX]

At the very least it shows everyone that a good retro game is worth making.

[@NintodoMan64]

Sega Lord X well I’m considering getting into this new “Bloodstained” IP if Curse of the Moon’s already treating me like royalty! 😌👌

[@StandingUpForBetter]

Love the fact the Vita and the 3DS are getting some love with this game. Thanks for the update and glad to see you back.

[@SegaLordX]

I updated the description to include it was coming to Vita. I completely forgot to do so while recording.

[@IanHollis]

Just started playing it today and it's bloody fantastic (excuse the pun).

[@AndyKazama2]

Ian Hollis waiting for my backer code *sigh*. So glad the reviews are strong.

[@xanowrath6693]

I had to log in to my backer account to get the code. It is probably waiting for you there if you got it on Steam. Enjoy, it is a great game.

[@Dynamode8]

You're review style reminds me of ClassicGameRoom (Lord Karnage), who sadly isn't the same anymore. It's very relaxing, entertaining yet informative. Thanks for the review, looking forward to this game.

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you. I really try to let the viewer decide for themselves if they like what I'm showing. I just want to narrate the basics and let the video itself sell them on the graphics and gameplay. 8-bit platformers like this are simple creatures, and talking about or showing too much can impact the viewers own experience with the software.

[@chadhigdon1386]

Wow. Really does look like a must play

[@SegaLordX]

If you enjoyed the NES games, it definitely is. The later challenge is beast for experienced players, too.

[@spbn0va715]

Physical copy? I want!

[@vientopopmctinny651]

im totally dissapointed...the konami code dont work. 🤔

[@SegaLordX]

Ha! That'd have been awesome if they trolled Konami with that.

[@Enkeria]

Lawsuit if that code was anywhere near this spin-off or the main game.

[@arjanzweers6542]

The Konami code never worked in any of the Castlevania games but it would have been fun if it did work here though. Although I do wonder how you plan on using it on a Playstation controller since it has no A or B button.

[@oromain]

X/O replaces A/B for Playstation. Anywho other games and properties can use the Konami Code fine, it's not trademarked, copyrighted, or patented. No one else can _call it_ the Konami Code, but the code in and of itself can be used by any developers who want to use it. There's tons of non-Konami games that use the Konami Code. Wikipedia literally has a list! KZbin usually doesn't like links but search "List of non-Konami games using the Konami code"

[@lnsflare1]

It'd be funny if it caused you to immediately game over.

[@ERMediaOfficial]

If you like Retro Castlevania, why not check out Citadale - The Legends Trilogy on Steam? It's all 8Bit fun :)

[@c2ironfist]

Omg when did you come back?!!!!! Am I Dreamcasting????!!!

[@SegaLordX]

Month ago. Giving it another go.

[@c2ironfist]

Sega Lord X soo glad your back! I hope things are well Sega Lord Missed your videos :)

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you. :)

[@zodiac909]

WHY CANT WE HAVE GAMES LIKE THIS ANYMORE!?!?!??!?!?

[@Spawn-wt6ul]

Because all they want to give us is DUDE BRO FPS SHOOTERS... That's what these n00bs kids buy up like crack, it's sad and pathetic. We played games for STORY, CHARACTERS etc.... Not online multiplayer and leveling up fake guns lol.... All these games today are the same game with different art skins, that's it. FUCK THEM!

[@lnsflare1]

You can, you just need to go to the Indie or AA scenes more often than not. Though they're full out Metroidvanias and don't really have Gothic themes (though they can get creepy AF), Guacamelee!, Ori and the Blind Forest, Axiom Verge, Owlboy, Shantae: Half Genie Hero, SteamWorld Dig 2, Rabi-Ribi, Iconoclasts, etc... are all pretty great. Actually, since I think this is level based, something like Shovel Knight or Striker Gunvolt may be more apt comparisons.

[@tigerfestivals5137]

zodiac909 there's tons of games like this in the indie scene, and many of them are just as good as this one.

[@DrachenBaren2010]

Plus uh.. we did just get this one lol

[@tigerfestivals5137]

Spawn 1210 except games like this (and most retro games of the nes era that aren't rpgs or adventure games) are really lacking in the story and characters department, so I really have no idea what you mean.

[@garvensman]

This game is fantastic! I'm really hoping Ritual of the Night turns out as good as this game did. Inti Creates has put out some absolutely stellar games recently. They rarely put out bad games, but they've just been on fire recently. Every game they put on Switch has just been amazing, and Curse of the Moon is no exception. I love all the possible endings, it's great.

[@marcoantoniocastillomartin6081]

Welcome back!! Greetings from México!!

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you, Marco. :)

[@radracer8889]

I’m 5 levels in, and this thing is amazing. MUST BUY!

[@eblizzard2842]

I haven't gotten to playing Bloodstained yet, but if anyone who owns a PS Vita enjoys these kinds of retro throwback games I recently started playing Axiom Verge. It's great so far! Old school, kind of has a Contra/Metroid thing goin' on. Very cool stuff.

[@SegaLordX]

I beat it on the PS4. Axiom Verge is definitely legit.

[@viewtifuljoe99]

Guess I have to pick this up on my 3ds!

[@SegaLordX]

I'm really curious to see how it looks there.

[@viewtifuljoe99]

I'm not holding out any hope for them putting in the effort for the 3d effect since no developer seems to care anymore but these retro throwbacks like Shovel Knight look so great on the 3ds system's lower res screen

[@Knightfall8]

is the 2.5D Bloodstained going to be on steam? or just the retro version? because I want both

[@SegaLordX]

There is a PC version coming and it should definitely be on Steam.

[@machineofadream]

A lot of these Kickstarter projects have trouble delivering the game promised at all, much less the incentive bonuses. Well done to the devs and whomever else was handling this project.

[@lrdalucardart]

The problem is, Devs tend to get greedy(in a good sense) with their skill by starting to over exceed everyone's expectations by adding new content, music, graphic improvements and what not...that is... until their gathered budget for that initial project starts falling short(now here is the bad sense). And they get unable to deliver the game they once had envisioned at the start of the project because they got sidetracked from the main course.

[@thedefaultpodcast8064]

What program do you use to edit your thumbnails? They're really good!!

[@SegaLordX]

Mostly just the free online places like befunky and sumopaint. Most of them are good enough for simple edits.

[@Nintentional]

Bro that’s an awesome channel name 👍🏼👍🏼

[@SegaLordX]

Haha, yeah, no misunderstanding what you'll find on my channel. ;)

[@HesarealNoWhereMan]

No online multiplayer so this game is 👎 Just kidding this game is fantastic!

[@SegaLordX]

A co-op mode woulda been cool. Double the enemy count and force shared resources.

[@greenkidd529]

the full game is supposed to have some form of online multiplayer and coop

[@greenkidd529]

i think two fo the stretch goals are suppoesed to be coop and online multiplayer for the full game

[@Enkeria]

Greenkidd highly limited co-op, but yes. There will be a minor feature like that for the main game.

[@TheGreatTave]

It needs a battle royal mode or it'll flop.

[@MisterSouji]

This game is just a ripoff of Master of Darkness for the Master System. :-D

[@metalliholisti3728]

MaxSonic This game is inspired from Castlevania 3 for NES.

[@MisterSouji]

I know. And Master of Darkness is a Castlevania clone for the master system.

[@Fattydeposit]

Welcome back

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you, good sir. :)

[@FarnhamTheDrunk1]

this game is easily worth 20 bucks, but its only 10.... MUST BUY for ANY castlevania fan.... seriously this game is fuckin amazing and the replay value is fuckin off the chart

[@Venra]

Yeah! Sega Lord X is back. Nice to see You again.

[@SegaLordX]

Appreciate the welcome back. :)

[@riggel8804]

This didnt feel like a review. No pros and cons along different dimensions given i. E. Graphics, game play, sound... Not much more was given than is offered in the official advertisement

[@Ivanselectsongs]

Hate to say it, but Hollow Knight makes the new project look like shite. Still looking forward to playing it, I love the genre and am sure it will be "good for what it is"

[@cesarflores2760]

Im a little bit scared, Mighty NO 9 suckss, but Mighty Gunvolt is amazing... so, is this game is amazing the original Bloodstained will...

[@ananousous]

Augusto Hernandez ...will make us cry like an anime fan on prom night

[@camilolopez-qo8lk]

What about physical version?

[@SegaLordX]

Not yet. I'm hoping it sells well so we get one.

[@015Froggy]

GAIDEN-VANIA???

[@Rokutarox3TV]

great game.. question: ritual of the night isnt released yet??

[@SegaLordX]

No. Still no concrete release date.

[@Rokutarox3TV]

Sega Lord X oh ok cool been waiting for this game

[@MartellThaCool]

I'll get this game for the Nintendo Switch very soon if it comes out for a sale

[@Kerannnng]

You know back in 1998 Bloodstained would be been the laughing stock of the gaming community just for the graphics alone but you know retro has been cool since 2010 all of the sudden. Ive always been into classic video games ever since I bought NES carts for 25 cents at Funcoland. People back in those days thought I was weird for playing Contra 1 instead of looking at Lara Croft's pyramid boobs but now the same hypocritical people who follow any fad are buying $100 NES carts. They don't deserve Bloodstained. Screw these poser "retro gamers" of today. They turned my hobby into a fashion statement just like their weird looking Dr. Robotnik mustaches and Duck Dynasty beards.

[@teddym2808]

I like the soundtrack but honestly I was disappointed i the game... and I know I am in the vast minority.. I played through it once on night of purchase and have never looked at it again.. on the other hand, you wouldn't believe how many times I have played through NES castlevania 1 and SNES castlevania IV..

[@TheAdam159]

fantastic game. Downloaded it this morning. I totally forget I'm not playing an NES Castlevania game. Very authentic

[@Deadwolf27]

Thank you for talking about this game. Not enough people have been

[@Tolmonster]

I'm an XBOner. Wish I could give them my money now. This is an immediate buy. I didn't support on Kickstarter, but I have a moral obligation to support this degree of love and fan service.

[@TheGalamoth]

whats the name of the song at the end lol

[@SegaLordX]

Stage 1, Batman for the Sega Genesis.

[@ShadowBasch]

Release of this game is bizarre, I still can't find it on my playstation store in finland, it should've been released in Europe 24th... I am very frustrated because I want to play it!

[@avisionaryvoice]

WHY HAVEN'T THEY BRUNG CASTLEVANIA TO THE SWITCH???WE HAVE MARIO OF COURSE,AN UP AND COMING MEGAMAN AND YOSHI....WHERE IS CASTLEVANIA?

[@jnjuice1690]

The branching paths work in a way that if you kept all of your teammates alive, you will have access to the quickest path to the boss. If you lose any member of your team, you may be forced to take alternate routes that are treacherous and much longer than the quickest route. Also, I guess I am the only one that thinks that the adherence to the nes style has its cons. Had the playstyle been more like bloodlines, rondo, or even supercastlevania 4, I might have enjoyed it more. The game is fun though, and I am glad they included a casual mode.

[@jeremycline9542]

I like the music a lot. Just curious: kan Konami block a game like this,, or do the creators have their blessing?

[@SegaLordX]

Since this game isn't using any characters or story elements from Castlevania, Konami really can't do anything.

[@jeremycline9542]

Sorry guys didn't want to be negative, was just curious about how this stuff works. I guess Konami would lose fan support if they ever did something so unnecessarily harsh.

[@Seekeroftruth806]

Jeremy Cline Konami may own castlevania but doesn't own vampire hunters or platform style game or any of that

[@Crazyoldman84]

I'm an 80s gamer but never these games and I love 2d action platforming. So I'm pretty excited to play this and the older style ones.

[@tyronedrane8394]

This is in my eyes is the continuation of castlevania it's just a different chapter. In my alternate universe the Sega Dream X short for the Sega Dream Extreme has ritual as a launch title.

[@Atrahasis7]

Meh I dont like the characters honestly. And Odallus was a better castlevania inspired retro game. Its okay I guess.

[@KazeVongola]

Looks great, unfortunately its digital only so I'm gonna have to skip it. Hopefully it will be included in a special edition of the main game.

[@pferreira1983]

I appreciate the work that went into this but I don't think recreating Nes games today is a good thing. There's a reason Nes games back then were so terrible when compared to Master System.

[@mad0gre]

Your retro game reviews are pretty good. Got this game and it scratched that itch I had for some Castlevania action.

[@Enkeria]

* IGAvania. Not Metroidvania. The retro mini-bonusgame is an Classicvania.

[@chrissantana1836]

I'm stuck on the Turtle looking asshole at the end of level 2........WTF.....

[@Bloodyshinta1]

That was the most cursory, uninspired review I've ever seen, i want my 6 minutes back.

[@robertdanker6193]

Picked it up Day One!!! Love it!! A castlevania fan dream come true!!

[@leoevo05]

Reminded me of ninja gaiden for the NES to be honest. Be getting this game anyways cause I am a huge fan.

[@derossetmyers47]

I got mine on 3DS the day before this video was posted. Do you live in Europe?

[@justinhaupt5326]

Curse of the moon really does look fun and cool but it doesn't look like there's very many things on the screen at one time

[@em3sis]

I've completed two endings and I want more. This game is sick af.

[@zevzero]

So happy with this game. I love how it has a Casual mode for people who are not very good like me lol

[@metalslug26]

Dude!! Glad to have you back!! I thought KZbin had removed you from subscriptions. Subscribed again.

[@SegaLordX]

Thanks, man. I had some personal issues to attend to so I shut the original channel for awhile. I think I have everything where I want it now, so I'm trying again.

[@sunnohh]

Formative? Or are you just that formidable? Love the vids!

[@GrowinLight]

Now lets see another 16 bit game :)

[@sfturbo]

Can't wait for ritual of the night....

[@Maskedheroful]

Beat the game for the 5th time around and it's awesome the multiple endings are worth it !

[@KnjazNazrath]

More excited for this game than Ritual tbh, shame it'll never be on a sale.

[@bobjones1783]

just bought it and beat the first 2 stages. so far I really enjoy the game design and music, and even if I find the graphics a little bit lacking (even for 8 bit style, imo cv3 looks better than this), as the reviewer said at $10 it's a steal. I'll also support any effort to revive castlevania as it's my favorite game franchise of all time.

[@SegaLordX]

Mine as well. I support anything that even resembles the series.

[@miguelespinal2889]

This game is perfect for handhelds I’m loving it on my vita

[@xombiemike]

It's a truly excellent game and I can't wait for Ritual in late this year or early next!

[@josemartinez-sy8kn]

Glad to see your back really have been missing your Chanel. Always great content

[@SegaLordX]

Thanks, Jose. Really appreciate the kind words.

[@michaeloffgrid]

Dude, you're back! You have been missed, my friend. I already gave you a like and haven't even watched the video yet.

[@SegaLordX]

I appreciate that. Thank you. :)

[@gvirux999]

the character zangetsu reminds me of the 8 bit ninja gaiden sprite.

[@conorsulli]

Backing konami of all companies via a kickstarter is asking for a shit storm.

[@Drhotdog2334]

Welcome back

[@SegaLordX]

Thanks, Carlos. :)

[@RyonMugen]

YO Brother when did you return!?

[@SegaLordX]

About a month or so ago. Thought I'd try again and see how it went.

[@jaymzx2587]

Great video man! Really good idea to review new & trending games, which have roots in the retro genre. Suits you just fine! Love your pacing and choice of words. You sound powerful, every word well thought out. Keep going strong man, you’re already almost @1k subs

[@SegaLordX]

Thank you. Yeah, I'm rapidly approaching 1K subs and only been back a bit over a month. I'm really happy with the return so far. You guys supporting me have been great. :)

[@elgigante2001]

Holy crap your back!! 😆Gotta resub and get ready to enjoy some more Sega Lord X goodness.

[@SegaLordX]

Indeed. Thanks for the continued support. :)

[@Seekeroftruth806]

The game is nice but really short for 10 bucks

[@err0r0b0]

The game sounds like a tampon advertisers wet dream..

[@SlippyMcDervish]

I LOVE IT (playing on Switch).

[@silliussoddus1715]

I've got a huge chopper in my underpants

[@robertkramer685]

Nice review AND nice "Batman (1989) for Genesis/Mega Drive" music in the outro. :)

[@SegaLordX]

Thanks. I always was a big fan of that music. Great soundtrack all around.

[@robertkramer685]

Me too! :D

[@Ddarke11]

I like this so much more than the 2.5d one.

[@iminimal86]

somehow i've get this game for free... ^^

[@josemariamonzon9809]

Im glad you came back men!

[@mikeclark4480]

Great review ! Love the look of this one !

[@RichardDotJee]

Oh man! Happy to see you back dude! 😀👍

[@SegaLordX]

Good to be back. Thanks, man. :)

[@thetoondevil]

This game just looks beautiful

[@mrpepperami01]

He’s back. Wondered where you got to. Glad to see you up and running again

[@SegaLordX]

Needed some time away to refocus. Ready to try again with a different perspective.

[@mrpepperami01]

Sega Lord X totally. That happens to us all. There are more important things in life than games......just not many😉 All the best with it. Your stuff is great and you are from the same era as myself so it’s nice to a similar perspective.

[@danmakuman]

I'm not too much into Castlevania's Metroid style of gameplay, so I think this one is the best choice for me.

[@SegaLordX]

Definitely. It's very much old school Vania in many ways.

[@oromain]

They're making a Classic Mode in Ritual of the Night that's supposed to be stage based like this game as well. So there might be something in there for you too, though I'd wait for it to come out to be sure of course.

[@Ramjet164]

Same here.

[@FarnhamTheDrunk1]

@Oro i have no doubt that bloodstained RotN will be a masterpiece in every way... its IGA after all, his attention to detail is astounding...

[@JoeyVibezGaming]

Yeah too bad the bosses are 3D modeled

[@doomergoythehammer3020]

Best 10 bucks I've ever spent.

[@cristhianbenitez5084]

Do a review on blasphemous

[@wojiaobill]

great video dude, thanks

[@CheapJabroni]

Castlevania has as many terrible games as they did good ones...maybe more

[@Gitbitty]

CheapJabroni I disagree Good castlevania games: Castlevania, Castlevania 3, Castlevania 4, Castlevania Bloodlines, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, Castlevania sotn, Castlevia circle of the moon Castlevania harmony of dissonance, Castlevania Lament of Innocence, Castlevania Aria of sorrow, Castlevania Dawn of sorrow, Castlevania portrait of ruin, Castlevania order of Ecclesia Average Castoevania games: Castlevania dracula X port to snes, Castlevania lords of shadow, Castlevania 2 Bad Castlevania games: Castlevania lords of shadow 2

[@B1az1ngSuN]

omg this looks beautiful