If you’re a fan of the genre-melding marvel, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, you’re on a quest for other games that match its intensity and immersive experience. This article brings a fantastic arsenal of top-notch games similar to Bloodstained’s magical concoction of Metroidvania style and profound RPG elements.
You’re about to embark upon a thrilling journey exploring these games that, like Bloodstained, serve up a satisfying mix of exploration, combat, and a captivating narrative. Whether you’re an avid pro-gamer or a leisurely participant, these ten games will perfectly cater to your gaming palate craving for a Bloodstained-like experience!
Understanding Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Developed by ArtPlay and released in 2019, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night became an instant hit amongst fans due to its unique blend of the Metroidvania genre and deep RPG elements.
From engaging combat sessions, and large maps emphasizing exploration to RPG elements, the game sparked an itch among its players, leading to them searching for similar games to fill the void.
Overview of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
The story unfolds with the main character, Miriam, who wakes up from a coma to find herself under an alchemist’s curse. As the plot thickens, she sets off on a quest to find her missing friend Gebel, and eventually cut down scores of fearsome foes along the way.
Key gameplay mechanics in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
The fascinating part of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night lies in its gameplay mechanics. It merges platforming with RPG elements, which means apart from the action-packed combat sessions, you will engage in exploration, upgrades, and the use of Shards – a type of ability acquired by defeating enemies.
The impact and popularity of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Released as the spiritual successor of Castlevania, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night didn’t disappoint its fans in the least. The game successfully replicated the charm of the beloved Castlevania series and extended it by introducing innovative gameplay elements, making it popular amongst varied gamers.
1. Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon
Release date and developers of Bloodstained: Curse of The Moon
Creating a ripple among gaming enthusiasts, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon was released in May 2018 as a companion title to Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night.
Game genre and platform availability
Developed by Inti Creates, it belongs to the platform game genre and is available on platforms like PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC.
Comparing the gameplay with Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon follows the classic Castlevania style blending perfectly with the world of Ritual of the Night, featuring 2D graphics and engaging gameplay, thereby forming an ideal choice for those who fell in love with Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night.
2. Code Vein
Brief history and release of Code Vein
Known as the anime Dark Souls, Code Vein, an action-role-playing game, was released in 2019 by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Genre classification and the platforms it can be played on
Carrying forward the blood theme of Bloodstained, the game is available for platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
A look at Code Vein’s gameplay similarities with Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night
Players would find several gameplay similarities with Bloodstained when traversing the large maps of Code Vein that require exploration and combat tactics. Although a 3D game, the game’s RPG elements are strikingly similar to Bloodstained.
3. Axiom Verge
Interesting facts about Axiom Verge’s release
Axiom Verge, more akin to Metroid than Castlevania, was launched in 2015; and developed by Thomas Happ.
Game genres and platforms it’s accessible on
Axiom Verge carries an indie-type metroidvania genre and is accessible on platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, PS Vita, and PC.
A comparison of Axiom Verge’s gameplay with that of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
While Axiom Verge’s combat is notably different from Bloodstained, players will find the similar themes of exploration delightful, making the game an ideal choice to play after Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
4. Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
Release of Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
A hidden gem mostly passed under the radar, Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight was released in 2016.
Platforms and game genre of Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
Developed by Bombservice, its fanciful art style and platform-genre gameplay are available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC.
Similarities between Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight and Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night gameplay
Despite the cutesy graphics, the dark storyline and the gameplay that involves a similar exploration-involving mission earns itself a mention in this list.
5. Dark Souls
When and who released Dark Souls
Considered a cult classic, Dark Souls was developed by FromSoftware and was released in 2011.
Accessibility and genre of Dark Souls
This action RPG is available on platforms like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.
Investigating similarities between Dark Souls and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night in terms of gameplay
Though not a Metroidvania, Dark Souls scores similar to Bloodstained in terms of rewarding gameplay, multiple routes, secret passages, and diverse bosses.
6. Dead Cells
Launch date and developers of Dead Cells
Launched in 2017, Dead Cells was developed by Motion Twin, providing a blend of Metroidvania gameplay with roguelike elements.
Genre features and platform availability of Dead Cells
Accessible on platforms such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, players will find challenging combat scenes and unpredictable exploration due to its procedurally generated levels.
Analyzing the gameplay elements Dead Cells shares with Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night
Like Bloodstained, Dead Cells features challenging gameplay with interesting exploration backed by procedurally generated levels.
7. Hollow Knight
A brief history of the release of Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight, a game echoing love for the Metroidvania genre, was developed by Team Cherry and released in 2017.
Understanding the genre and platform accessibility of Hollow Knight
Being a blend of action and adventure, it is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Breakdown of Hollow Knight’s gameplay compared to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Notable are the exploration, world-building, and the charm system enhancing player abilities, all echoing Bloodstained’s gameplay mechanics.
8. Metroid Prime
Key facts about the release of Metroid Prime
Leading the Metroidvania genre pack, Metroid Prime was developed by Retro Studios and Nintendo and was released in 2002.
Platforms the game is functional on and its genre
This first-person action-adventure game is available on platforms such as GameCube and Wii.
Metroid Prime’s gameplay shared similarities with Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night
Despite the 3D first-person perspective, players witness the right blend of platforming and puzzle-solving that forms the crux in Metroidvania titles, crafting a similar echo to Bloodstained.
9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
A look at when and who released Castlevania: Symphony of The Night
Symphony of the Night was released in 1997 and was developed by Konami.
Understanding the genre and platforms Castlevania: Symphony of The Night is available on
This action-adventure game is available on platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Sega Saturn.
Analyzing gameplay similarities between Castlevania: Symphony of The Night and Bloodstained: Ritual of The Night
Symphony of the Night’s gameplay elements form the base of Bloodstained’s core mechanics – from platforming, exploration, and character upgrading, thus rightfully earning its place on this list.
