Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is a Metroidvania game developed by ArtPlay. Please take note that the latest update adds new game modes such as Speed Run mode and Boss Rush mode as well as bugs/glitches fix, so it is recommended to install it. I completed this game without installing the latest update, so my review will be based on the base version.
Story
Miriam is a Shardbinder, who can use demonic crystals called Shards to fight her enemies. After a long sleep, she finds out that her friend, Gebel leads an army of demons to fight against humanity. Miriam finds her way to the castle that he is said to be hiding, and plans to stop the demons from destroying the entire world.
The story is simple. Simple plotline, but nothing bad or memorable about the story. Lore is pretty good,. by reading journals scattered around in the game. Characters are decent, and Miriam is a good lead character, despite lack of development. Supporting characters are decent, but not too great either.
Gameplay
This game plays in 2.5D plane as well as using 2.5D graphics. As Miriam, you will explore different rooms in different areas, where they may contain enemies, chests, save rooms, and etc. Progression is simple. You will need to explore each area's rooms and defeat the boss of that area to progress the story. However, it is not as simple as it looks, as the game only gives minimal hints as to where you need to progress, so you may have to do some backtracking to previous areas to find new areas, as well as using certain Shards or items to progress in certain areas. As you explore in the game, you can also teleport to different main areas by using the teleporter in certain rooms.
Miriam gains a level when she accumulates enough experience points by defeating demons. As she gains a level, she will gain stats increase. You may also customise Miriam further by equipping different equipment and new Shards. Different equipment may bring different bonuses, such as increase of strength. Shards also come in different type, which can be obtained by defeating enemies.
This game also has Alchemy system, where you can create different varieties of items by spending a certain type and amount of materials. However, you can only create certain items if you have the necessary recipes, which can be found by opening chests scattered in the game. You may also dismantle an item to materials, at a cost. You may also purchase new items such as healing items, accessories, and weapons from the merchant.
Combat is straightforward. As Miriam, she can use regular attacks while standing, crouching, or jumping. Different weapons have different pros and cons, so experiment them well. She also can use Shards for magic attacks, which drains her MP bar. MP regenerates over time or you can refill it by collecting magic orbs scattered in the game. You may also use special weapon techniques in combat, and they can be learned by reading certain books in the game. She may also backstep to avoid attacks, as well as slide to get through tight spaces.
Enemies come in different variety, such as demonic dogs, demonic archers, skeleton dragons, and etc. They have different levels, stats, and weaknesses. Defeating them yields experience points, and rarely items.
Boss fights are harder than regular demon encounters, as they possess dangerous attacks and higher stats. Proper strategy is required when fighting them, as well as memorising their attack patterns to avoid dying faster. Defeating them will gain you experience points, as well as new Shards.
Overall gameplay is solid. Good variety of enemies, good combat system, good boss fights, decent puzzles and platforming sections. However, I find that the lack of forward dash or dodge roll for Miriam is glaring enough, as the backstep move is not adequate enough to dodge attacks, personally. Some of the Shards also have weak utility, so expect most of them to be obsolete from the start.
Graphics
This game has pretty visuals. Colourful environment and areas, good character model designs, good monsters, and consistent framerate. Please take note that the base version has slowdowns in certain situations and bugs while playing the game. Installing the latest update may fix some issues, so it is highly recommended to do so.
Sound
The music is pretty decent. Some memorable area themes and great boss theme. Other than those themes, not many stand out much. The English voice acting is pretty good, and you may switch to Japanese voices if you want to do so.
Replay Value
Currently, the game has moderate replay value. You can play the game again in New Game Plus mode after beating the final boss, complete your bestiary entries for items and Shards, fight optional demons, and etc.
Conclusion
A pretty good game but with flaws. Pretty good gameplay, pretty visuals, and decent replay value. I do suggest that you wait from buying this game until the game is updated enough where bugs and glitches are fixed.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 7/10
Final Score: 7.3/10 or 29/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting lore.
- Good combat system.
- Good boss fights.
- Good enemy variety.
- Decent replay value.
Cons
- Bugs and glitches.
- Story is nothing special.
- Lack of forward roll move.
- Many Shards with poor utility.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation Store page.
This is a Metroidvania game developed by ArtPlay. Please take note that the latest update adds new game modes such as Speed Run mode and Boss Rush mode as well as bugs/glitches fix, so it is recommended to install it. I completed this game without installing the latest update, so my review will be based on the base version.
Story
Experience Miriam's adventure.
The story is simple. Simple plotline, but nothing bad or memorable about the story. Lore is pretty good,. by reading journals scattered around in the game. Characters are decent, and Miriam is a good lead character, despite lack of development. Supporting characters are decent, but not too great either.
Gameplay
Explore the mysterious castle.
Customise Miriam with different weapons and accessories.
This game also has Alchemy system, where you can create different varieties of items by spending a certain type and amount of materials. However, you can only create certain items if you have the necessary recipes, which can be found by opening chests scattered in the game. You may also dismantle an item to materials, at a cost. You may also purchase new items such as healing items, accessories, and weapons from the merchant.
Fight a variety of demons.
Combat is straightforward. As Miriam, she can use regular attacks while standing, crouching, or jumping. Different weapons have different pros and cons, so experiment them well. She also can use Shards for magic attacks, which drains her MP bar. MP regenerates over time or you can refill it by collecting magic orbs scattered in the game. You may also use special weapon techniques in combat, and they can be learned by reading certain books in the game. She may also backstep to avoid attacks, as well as slide to get through tight spaces.
Enemies come in different variety, such as demonic dogs, demonic archers, skeleton dragons, and etc. They have different levels, stats, and weaknesses. Defeating them yields experience points, and rarely items.
Boss fights are harder than regular demon encounters, as they possess dangerous attacks and higher stats. Proper strategy is required when fighting them, as well as memorising their attack patterns to avoid dying faster. Defeating them will gain you experience points, as well as new Shards.
Overall gameplay is solid. Good variety of enemies, good combat system, good boss fights, decent puzzles and platforming sections. However, I find that the lack of forward dash or dodge roll for Miriam is glaring enough, as the backstep move is not adequate enough to dodge attacks, personally. Some of the Shards also have weak utility, so expect most of them to be obsolete from the start.
Graphics
Pretty visuals. Bugs and glitches are present.
Sound
Decent music and English voice acting.
Replay Value
Moderate replay value at the moment, but may increase in the future.
Conclusion
Pretty good. Wait until all updates are released.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 7/10
Final Score: 7.3/10 or 29/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting lore.
- Good combat system.
- Good boss fights.
- Good enemy variety.
- Decent replay value.
Cons
- Bugs and glitches.
- Story is nothing special.
- Lack of forward roll move.
- Many Shards with poor utility.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation Store page.
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