Recent reviews by UncleYim

I am not a frequent flyer in the "Metroidvania" genre, but always had an interest in the dozens of games that populate it. Many can be overwhelming in the sheer flexibility, difficulty or complexity that inhabits the game. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, however, makes it accessible to newcomers while retaining the appeal of its forefathers. With a large map to explore, plenty of customization options to suit your playstyle, a fairly simple yet engaging (enough) story, and like-able cast of characters, Bloodstained has the all the bells and whistles needed to be a standout in the genre. It is perfect for beginners and veterans alike.

+ Appealing graphics and sound design
+ Great Map to get lost in
+ Decent story and characters
+ Fun moment to moment gameplay
+ Feels like a love letter to Castlevania

- A bit of learning curve to figure out the magic and combat
- The story uses a lot of archetypes and cliches from the genre. This is intentional but some may not like the lack of nuance
- Doesn't revolutionize the genre, which may turn off those looking for something new

8.8/10
Highly recommend to Metroidvania fans; Recommended to anyone interested in exploring the genre