Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

[KaboomKid]

I think there's some good gameplay stuff in this trailer. Each of her weapons seem to handle much differently, which is nice, and I really like how some enemies can gang up on you in certain environments if you're not careful. I also like how those spear guards, along with the boss, seem to show some genuine application for the backdash for movement. It's cool that they might be designing around that tactic more intentionally than in some of the other Igavanias.

The overall movement looks to be the same as the demo, which felt pretty responsive and very SOTN-esque to me, so I honestly think they should leave it alone. They could tweak some animations maybe, but the floatiness is going to feel pretty prevalent in any case. That's just the style.

Spoiler: (Dashing is already used a ton in speedruns for the demo btw)

Visually the only things that really bothered me in the trailer were the extreme glossiness on the rocks in the rotating outdoor area, the lack of movement on objects like the chandeliers, and seeing that giant bell just explode into a pile of rocks. The belltower environment looks rough in general, but I think some of the other interiors are fine, such as the main castle hallway area. They're at least on par with the visuals in the demo, or slightly better, which I'd consider the baseline for what to expect from this game.

Graphics-wise, games like Trine, Shadow Complex, and the newer Strider are all in the same circle of what I think Bloodstained is shooting for visually. While those games show that Bloodstained could still be doing a lot more with its lighting and colors, I think on that level the competency in the modeling looks fairly on the mark so far. If they can improve the game's overall performance to match, that'd be ideal.

 

[Aden]

I doubt the visuals are complete

As said, they recently said the game is ~30% done, so I imagine there is a high chance for them to improve, and I hope they do. I just said right now it definitely does not look good, which for WIP isn't necessarily condemning.

Gameplay looks cool tbh.

I like the blood boss, just something about the movement seems a little off to me, might be nothing, might be animation.

 

[KaboomKid]

Apparently there was a gameplay video posted the other day showcasing the whole E3 demo. No music, unfortunately, but shows lots of weapons and items.

Obviously seeing this completely nullifies my negative impression of things like the falling bell. It's good to see everything in context.

Some weapons look more useful than others, but I like that there's already a big range on display. Whip actually looks pretty cool, but spear seems kind of worthless next to the claymore. Familiars look reeeeaaally useful!

 

[Zeriam]

The Courtyard & Zangetsu

Courtyards are just as important to an IGAvania as castles, right? Maybe not?
Well, this time the courtyard is a very important part of the game, and that’s why we’re sharing a look at this area.

Zangetsu is a samurai character we’ve previously announced. He resents anyone and anything tainted by demonic power.
As a result, he’s hostile toward Miriam, whose existence is directly connected to the demon ritual.
This is also a new stage we’re introducing for the first time.​

 

[Zeriam]

Development Update - Meet The English Voice Acting Team

Spoiler

You can tell it's spring—the updates are in bloom! This month we've got a lot to talk about—SXSW in the recent past, the English voice acting team in the present, and the next chance to play Bloodstained in the near future. So let's get right to it!

Hello everyone, IGA here. This month we participated in SXSW, in Austin, Texas. I had never heard of it, but it’s a long-running event in the film and music communities, and while we were there I felt the energy from the entire city. It felt like a Japanese matsuri (festival).

Without thinking of it, I decided to wear my usual cowboy hat on my first trip to Texas. Wait a minute—Texas has real cowboys! I was worried that the people there would judge me, but everyone I met was really kind.

Of course, I didn’t really see any cowboys there…

We shared lots of new content during our SXSW panel discussion. First was a newly redesigned version of Vepar. After weighing a lot of community feedback, we decided to implement some of the changes you recommended and drastically improve the overall quality; now she looks more like a scary boss. My favorite detail is the seaweed.

We also showed a new feature—the crafting system with Johannes, which allows you to craft items and food. You still have to enter the alchemy room to craft foods, but it’s really just Miriam cooking. Food has always been used as a healing item, but we’ve added a new feature for Bloodstained. Now eating a new food item for the first time produces a permanent stat boost. Like weapons and armor, good food can make the player stronger.

While I was there I also met some members of the Official Bloodstained Discord server. For my birthday, I received a copy of the Ars Goetia book from several of you. It makes for really great reference material—there are symbols for each demon. Thank you very much! I promise to make good use of it. I met many new people, and it really made my SXSW visit worthwhile. I hope to go again someday.

This month we’ve been implementing the English voices into the game. Although there’s a language barrier, I know the actors did a great job and they sound very cool. I want to let everyone hear them soon.

Thank you for your continued support, and I’ll see you next time. - IGA

It's time to introduce the English voice actors! First, let's introduce the whole cast:

Miriam - Erica Lindbeck
League of Legends - Taliyah, Zoe
Persona 5 - Futaba Sakura
Nier: Automata - Anemone
Street Fighter V - Menat

Zangetsu - David Hayter
Metal Gear Solid - Solid Snake
The Castle of Cagliostro - Lupin III

Dragon Age: Inquisition - Lieutenant Renn

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket - Bernard Wiseman

Gebel - Ray Chase
Final Fantasy XV - Noctis Lucis Caelum
Nier: Automata - Eve
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders - Rubber Soul
Tales of Berseria - Artorius Collbrande

Johannes - Ben Diskin
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure - Joseph Joestar

Naruto Shippuden - Sai

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin - Char Aznable

Halo 4 - Jared Miller

The Coachman - Fred Tatasciore

Overwatch - Soldier: 76

Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Zeratul, Rory Swann
God of War III - Ares, Barbarian King, Typhon
Mass Effect - Saren Arterius

Dominique - Fryda Wolff
Mass Effect: Andromeda - Sara Ryder
Fallout 4 - Vault Security
Octodad: Dadliest Catch - Stacy
Killer Instinct - Mira

Gremory - Kari Wahlgren
FLCL - Haruko Haruhara
Samurai Champloo - Fuu Kasumi
No More Heroes - Jeane
Eureka Seven - Anemone
Fate/Zero - Saber

Anne - Rena Strober
Fire Emblem: Fates - Azura
Persona 4: Dancing All Night - Kanami Mashita
Sailor Moon Crystal - Esmeraude
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma - Akane Kurashiki

Alfred - Christopher Swindle
Transformers: Robots in Disguise - Ragebyte
Lego Dimensions - Brain Gremlin / Betelgeuse
Disney Infinity - The Hoarder

Mysterious Man - Robbie Belgrade
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - Alucard
Tekken - Announcer
Mega Man X7 - Signas
Shenmue - Pedro Warren

English Voice Acting Directed by Jamie Mortellaro
Halo 4
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
EverQuest II
Knack

Not only do we have Iga, but we also get David Hayter and Robbie Belgrade as a triple "fuck you" to Konami.​

 

[SanoBaron]

this is an outstanding voice cast and crew.
I mean, Erica Lindbeck AND Kari Wahlgreen?
I expect nothing from best girl VAs.

 

[shoryusatsu999]

If you're thinking of changing your platform(s) or slack backing Bloodstained, you might wanna do it soon; May 14th is the last day you can slack back Bloodstained through Fangamer, and May 18th is the last day you can change the platform(s) you want Bloodstained and the retro minigame on. Afterwards, you'll be locked into the Steam version of the retro minigame if you haven't chosen already.

EDIT: Also, the beta's supposed to start up some time in June.

 

[Zeriam]

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon Official Trailer

Castlevania 3 Remake looks great.​

 

[Squire Grooktook]

I'm honestly way more excited for this than the main game.

Like, I love a good metroidvania, but at the end of the day, give me the tight linear action!

 

[PastelOctoling]

It's on the Eshop now. 10.00 is a fair price to pay and I'm excited to play the game honestly. So I snagged it and I'm jumping into the game.

Rest in peace Octo Expansion money. You will be missed.

 

[Aden]

I've been enjoying it. So far it seems like Dawn of Sorrow except better.