Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, is an expertly put-together homage to classics such as Castlevania III and Rondo of Blood. The controls feel right, the challenge is satisfying, the presentation is nostalgic, and there are numerous reasons to keep returning to it. For fans of old-school Castlevania, or those just seeking an excellent challenge, don’t skip this title!

A bigger problem is that it doesn’t quite have enough new ideas of its own. Where the likes of Shovel Knight use classic games as a foundation to build upon, Inti Creates is often content to merely walk in the footsteps of those 8-bit favourites. As such, those with the deepest affection for retro games are the most likely to find it just a touch too familiar.