![]() ![]() I can’t stress enough how big of a deal two-player support is in a game like this. I also gained a new appreciation for the level and boss designs every step of the way. Other times, I couldn’t rely on my old tricks to bypass powerful foes or circumvent nasty platforming gauntlets. At times, I felt totally overpowered (in a good way). Inti Creates did a fantastic job of shaking things up across these story “episodes.” The broader content remains largely the same, but it doesn’t wear thin. You’ll have access to different characters on each of the four main playthroughs (the last of which has a pair of exciting bonus stages), so if you’re worried you missed Miriam, Alfred, and Gebel, don’t sweat it. In terms of sequel refinements, the checkpoints are more considerate and clear, the bosses are more elaborate (and they have health bars), and the multi-playthrough payoff is much stronger.Īs I alluded, replayability is a huge priority for Curse of the Moon 2. The world-map progression is linear, but the levels are layered with alternate routes, character-specific shortcuts, and secrets. Like the last game, you’ll cut down demons in eight densely-packed levels, picking up recruits (and permanent upgrades to your health and energy reserves) along the way to each boss battle. As long as you smash every candle in sight, you’ll stay topped up. Everyone has an individual life bar, but they share a common mana-like resource for special attacks. ![]() ![]() The first game’s character-swapping conceit is back for round two, and not only does the original roster return, there are three new playable characters.īetween the spear-stabbing Dominique, the bomb-chuckin’ sniper Robert, and Hachi – a dog in a mech that can stomp on spikes, hover in place, and temporarily go invincible – there’s a character for every playstyle. If Curse of the Moon only starred its sword-slashing lead protagonist Zangetsu, it would still be pretty good, but not nearly as memorable or fun. Over the weekend, I happily cleared the sequel four times – twice alone, twice in local co-op – and it’s still calling my name.īloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 (Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One) And if you’re wondering how much more mileage Inti Creates could possibly get out of its Castlevania III tribute, I have great news.īloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 isn’t the kind of modernized retro game you’ll tear through once or twice only for it to slip out of sight and out of mind, never to be touched again. If you’ve only played one but not the other, you should reconsider. The latter is a single-sitting action-platformer that would’ve been an ideal rental back in the late ’80s or early ’90s. The former is a satisfying level-grinding power fantasy across a sprawling, secret-filled map. They’re both great for different reasons. Modern Castlevania fans have the IGA-led Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, and classic Castlevania fans have the 8-bit-style Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon. Classic Castlevania vibes with a modern co-op twistĮven if Konami has firmly planted itself on the sidelines, it’s a darn good time to be a vampire hunter. ![]()
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