Highlights
- Update 1.5 for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night brings new multiplayer modes and cosmetic packs on May 9.
- The game, a successful Kickstarter project, is praised for its Metroidvania-style gameplay and 2.5D graphics.
- Chaos Mode offers cooperative gameplay, while Versus Mode introduces a competitive PVP experience.
The studio behind 2019’s Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has just released the surprising news that a massive update is headed to the game next week. Update 1.5 will bring new cosmetic packs and two new multiplayer game modes to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
Developed by ArtPlay, an indie developer led by former Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the product of one of the most successful Kickstarter projects in gaming history. The crowdfunding campaign raised more than $5.5 million, over 11 times its original goal, and the retro platformer has since sold over 2 million copies. Set in 18th-century England, the player controls the orphaned Miriam as she battles through a demon-infested castle to cleanse herself of an alchemist’s curse.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Sequel Confirmed
ArtPlay and 505 Games officially confirm a Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night sequel is currently in the early stages of development.
Heralded as the spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night due to its rewarding Metroidvania-style gameplay and stylish 2.5D graphics, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has received multiple updates over its five-year lifespan. While previous patches have added additional playable characters and single-player experiences, ArtPlay’s latest development roadmap shows that one of the biggest updates yet is just around the corner. Update 1.5 will launch on May 9 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, and May 16 for Nintendo Switch. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s final free content update will feature two multiplayer modes and a free cosmetic pack. Miriam’s appearance will be further customizable with three premium cosmetic packs featuring “multiple unique clothing items and weapons, each with upgradeable stats.”
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Roadmap Details
- May 9: Update 1.5 releases on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, adding two new multiplayer modes, plus one free and three paid cosmetics packs.
- May 16: Update 1.5 releases on Nintendo Switch.
- TBA: “Classic II: Dominique’s Curse” Premium DLC, a retro paid expansion with a brand-new story on an even bigger map.
Chaos Mode, the first new game type coming to the acclaimed dark gothic fantasy adventure, will allow two players to team up against demonic hordes of enemies and bosses in a cooperative battle for survival. “Powerful upgrades” can be earned by completing challenges as players battle through a series of randomized encounters. Meanwhile, Versus Mode will provide a competitive counterpart in a “special PVP mode created just for Ritual of the Night.” Two players will battle waves of demons in separate arenas, earning souls to spend on more powerful weapons and armor as they attempt to outlast their opponent. Players can also purchase unique abilities to interfere with their rivals, such as filling their room with fog and reversing their controls. Both multiplayer game variants support local play and online matchmaking on the same system, but neither will support cross-platform play.
ArtPlay also revealed that a subsequent expansion is in development. “Classic II: Dominique’s Curse” will be a premium DLC featuring “the same retro-gameplay as Classic Mode but with a bigger map and its own canon storyline.” The studio also announced it will soon start working on the physical PC version of the game, the final Kickstarter reward to be delivered. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was recently added to Game Pass, meaning Xbox players have time to practice before the multiplayer update goes live next week.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
$19 $30 Save $11
From Japanese indie game studio ArtPlay comes Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Players take on the role of Miriam in this Metroidvania on a quest to save herself from a curse. The game is a side-scrolling RPG full of combat and challenges, similar to its spiritual predecessor, the Castlevania franchise.
- Released
- June 18, 2019
- Developer(s)
- ArtPlay
- How Long To Beat
- 15 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium