Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Legendary developer Koji Igarashi, known for his work on the classic Castlevania games, has delivered a modern day love letter to the classic metroidvania adventure with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on PS4. You play as Miriam, an orphan cursed by an alchemist to slowly turn into crystal, and must fight your way through a demon-ridden castle to save herself and potentially all of humanity.

This is rich gothic atmosphere and detail, all hand-painted and very beautiful to behold. The vast castle is full of secrets, secret rooms, and gives an incentive thorough exploration, countering formidable enemies. A dark and eerie world energised by the dynamic soundtrack helps to make the player completely absorbed in the game.

It features a mix of combat, platforming, and RPG parts. Miriam is capable of using an extensive variety of weapons and magic, each of which can be tailored to suit specific combat situations. This is complemented by a robust crafting system, giving you the chance to maximise your play-style in the face of whatever the game throws at you.

The story of the protagonist Miriam and her quest for survival and revenge is a strong point, as the game has a memorable story cast, and captures the player with a story that will keep you hooked from the beginning until the end. The boss encounters can be rather fierce and demand patience and thought if you are to defeat them which gives a tough but fair challenge.

If you are a fan of Metroidvania games or even looking for a fun, well-made adventure, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the game for you. Get ready for an epic adventure of darkness and magic!