Summary
The studio behind 2019’sBloodstained: Ritual of the Nighthas 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 toBloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
Developed by ArtPlay, an indie developer led by formerCastlevaniaseries producer Koji Igarashi,Bloodstained: Ritual of the Nightis the product of one of themost successful Kickstarter projects in gaminghistory. 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.
Heralded as thespiritual successor toCastlevania: Symphony of the Nightdue to its rewarding Metroidvania-style gameplay and stylish 2.5D graphics,Bloodstained: Ritual of the Nighthas 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
Chaos Mode, the first new game type coming to theacclaimed 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 forRitual 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 Nightwas 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
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Bloodstained®︎: Ritual of the Night is a gothic horror action side-scrolling RPG set in 19th century England. A paranormal force has summoned a demon-infested castle, revealing crystal shards infused with tremendous magical power. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist’s curse which slowly crystallizes her body. To save humanity, and herself in the process, Miriam must fight through the castle and defeat the summoner, Gebel.Collect, craft and unlock a vast array of weapons, equipment and loot to defeat the countless minions and bosses of hell that await!
