When it comes to modern Metroidvania masterpieces, few titles have generated as much excitement – or reverence – as Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Developed by Koji Igarashi, the creative force behind Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, this gothic adventure is currently available on PlayStation Plus Extra. But time is running out: Bloodstained will vanish from the service on May 20, giving fans and newcomers just a short window to experience its demon-infested castle before it’s gone.
For fans of side-scrolling action and intricate castle exploration, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night resurrects the spirit of classic Castlevania with a modern sheen. Players step into the shoes of Miriam, an orphan cursed by alchemy, as she navigates a 19th-century English fortress overrun by demons. The setup is pure gothic drama: a haunted castle, a tragic hero, and a world-saving quest that quickly pulls you in.
What sets Bloodstained apart is its faithful adherence to the Metroidvania formula Koji Igarashi helped define: interconnected zones, gated progression, and a satisfying drip-feed of new powers and abilities. Defeating bosses or discovering hidden passages opens up new areas, ensuring that backtracking always brings fresh rewards. But Igarashi’s team doesn’t stop at nostalgia — they introduce a clever “Shards” mechanic, letting Miriam absorb enemy abilities to customize her combat style. Whether you prefer summoning spectral allies or launching devastating magic, the system keeps experimentation front and center.
Bloodstained’s atmosphere is thick with gothic flair: stained glass corridors, eerie music, and grotesque monster designs immerse you in a world that feels both classic and fresh. The combat is punchy, with plenty of weapon variety and customizable loadouts. Crafting and resource collection offer an RPG-lite layer, deepening your connection to the game’s world.
But it’s not all flawless. At launch in June 2019, the game received widespread praise for its level design and sense of discovery, but also some criticism for technical roughness — including performance hiccups and occasional bugs, especially on certain platforms. While subsequent patches have addressed many early issues, some areas still show the limits of the game’s indie budget when compared with AAA contemporaries.
Despite these imperfections, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night remains a must-play for anyone craving that signature “Igavania” blend of exploration and action. With its departure from PlayStation Plus Extra imminent, now’s the perfect time to see what makes this title a worthy successor to Symphony of the Night. If you missed the Castlevania renaissance or want a reminder of why the genre endures, don’t let this gothic gem slip away.
TL;DR: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Koji Igarashi’s Metroidvania homage, leaves PlayStation Plus Extra on May 20. Don’t miss your chance to explore its gothic castle, absorb enemy powers, and relive the magic that made Castlevania legendary — minor technical flaws and all.
Source: 505 Games via GamesPress