Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2
Jul 10, 2020 6 years ago
Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability. The multiple-scenario structure of the previous title returns with an epic new story supervised by IGA (Koji Igarashi) himself. Players take control of Zangetsu, a swordsman from the far east who bears a deep grudge against demonkind and the alchemists who summoned them. Zangetsu must battle his way to the demonic stronghold, but he doesn't have to do it alone! Zangetsu can ally himself with a brand new cast of characters he meets along the way and add them to the playable roster. Three brand-new playable characters appear in Curse of the Moon 2, including the exorcist Dominique. All characters from the original Curse of the Moon game are playable, too! Each new character adds a variety of gameplay options, abilities, and ways to complete the games' many stages. Players can also create demon hunting duos in 2-player local co-op, available for the first time in the series! Work together with a friend, mix and match the strengths of two different characters, and conquer stages in tons of new and exciting ways.
What it’s like
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a tightly crafted homage to 16-bit era platformers, prioritizing precise, rhythmic combat over sprawling exploration. You guide Zangetsu and a rotating roster of allies through linear, dungeon-crawling stages filled with intricate enemy patterns and punishing boss fights. The experience feels like a love letter to classic arcade action, where mastery comes from memorizing layouts and coordinating character abilities rather than complex narrative choices. Visually and sonically, it delivers a lush retro aesthetic with vibrant pixel art and a driving chiptune soundtrack that enhances the frantic energy. While the story provides a dark fantasy backdrop supervised by IGA, the true draw is the mechanical depth; switching between characters like the spear-wielding Dominique or the Corgi pilot Hachi creates a dynamic tactical layer. It is a polished, high-octane action game where the satisfaction lies in perfect execution and cooperative synergy.
Strong in Audio / MusicCombatGameplay / MechanicsPacingPolish / PerformanceVisuals / ArtAtmosphere / MoodCharactersCo-op / MultiplayerDifficulty / ChallengeProgression / ReplayabilitySystems Depth / Build Variety
Keep in mind The linear stage structure offers minimal exploration or world-building compared to Metroidvania titles, which may disappoint players seeking open-ended discovery. Additionally, the difficulty curve is steep and unforgiving, potentially frustrating those who prefer accessible platforming experiences.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from en.wikipedia.org, destructoid.com, metacritic.com, thegamer.com, foreverclassicgames.com, playstation.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 10, 20206 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 10, 20206 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 10, 20206 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 10, 20206 years ago |
