Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Pros

• Authentic 8-bit retro-inspired aesthetics
• Fluid controls within platforming and combat
• Multiple playable characters enhance gameplay variety
• Branching level paths and multiple endings for replayability

Cons

• Relatively brief, with a few hours of gameplay
• May feel derivative to players unfamiliar with genre classics

A nostalgic nod to classic 8-bit action platformers, "Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon" brings a pixel-perfect revival that nods reverently to its spiritual predecessors, offering tight, demanding gameplay and a tastefully modernized take on a beloved genre.

Retrotastic Revival

"Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon" wears its inspiration proudly, glittering with echoes of the golden era of side-scrolling vampire hunters. While it echoes the legacy of classic titles in its aesthetic and mechanics, the game introduces several enhancements that elevate it beyond a mere carbon copy of the past.

The story begins with the protagonist Zangetsu, a demon-slaying warrior with a deep grudge, who sets out on a grim journey. As you progress, the game throws a delightful twist into the old retro formula, allowing you to encounter and ally with three additional characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. This not only adds depth to your combat strategies but also encourages creative exploration of the games branching paths.

Modern Mechanics in an Old-School Wrapper

The developers have paid painstaking attention to replicate the look and feel of the era with success, that they've retained the pixelated charm without stiff control limitations often associated with vintage games. The characters move with deliberation but fluidity, ensuring that the platforming elements and encounters with ghastly creatures demand player skill without frustration due to unresponsive controls. It's a delicate balance that "Curse of the Moon" strikes with precision.

The level design is a tribute within itself, featuring the forked pathways that were a staple of the genre, urging players to replay levels to discover every last secret and nuance. Each route you take influences not just the immediate gameplay, but also which ending you'll witness, adding a layer of replayability.

Graphical Makeover That Honors Its Roots

Graphically, the game is a pixel art wonder, bursting with character and dark, gothic vibrancy that remains true to the mood the game aims to depict. Even though there are discernible upgrades, they do not compromise the retro experience. Instead, the visual improvements complement the gameplay, offering a more polished look while maintaining an authentic 8-bit atmosphere.

Feeling the Length — but Wanting More

Perhaps the most fervent critique that could be leveled at "Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon" is its brevity. The adventure can be concluded within a handful of hours, which, while authentic to its inspirations, leaves the modern player somewhat wanting. The different endings and variable difficulties add some extending grace, but the longing for just a bit more content is palpable.

Despite its short duration, it's the quality of the experience that "Curse of the Moon" prides itself on, offering intense and rewarding gameplay that may justify its shorter length, particularly when considered alongside its budget-friendly price point.

Conclusion

In summary, "Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon" is an exquisite tribute for those pining for the bygone days of 8-bit platformers, incorporating enough modern sensibilities to avoid feeling like a mere relic. It captures a fine balance of challenging gameplay, a gothic-vintage art style, and atmospheric sound design that will please both veterans and newcomers to the genre.

Pros

• Authentic 8-bit retro-inspired aesthetics
• Fluid controls within platforming and combat
• Multiple playable characters enhance gameplay variety
• Branching level paths and multiple endings for replayability

Cons

• Relatively brief, with a few hours of gameplay
• May feel derivative to players unfamiliar with genre classics