Review: Bloodstained Curse Of the Moon 2 (Nintendo Switch)

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Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates are back with more retro sword-and-whip action! Curse of the Moon 2 brings classic 2D action and a dark, 8-bit aesthetic together with modern playability.

Pros:

  • Classic retro 8 Bit graphics.
  • Download size.
  • Can rebind controls.
  • 8 save slots. Can copy and delete individual save slots.
  • Two difficulties-casual and veteran. Casual gives no knockback on hits and infinite lives whereas veteran does knockback and lives are limited.
  • 1-2 player support (local).
  • Action-platformer gameplay.
  • Big boss fights.
  • Meet and use new characters who have unique abilities and secondary item usage.
  • Lamps-checkpoints.
  • Instant swap between characters.
  • Multiple routes and secrets in levels that only certain characters can utilize.
  • World map level select.
  • Smash able lanterns for drops like health, cash, magic potions, and secondary items.
  • Castlevania inspired.
  • Beautiful soundtrack.
  • Very simple easy to learn controls.
  • Difficult.
  • New game plus support.
  • If you quit you get to keep any collected items.
  • Characters can share power-ups and even combine them.
  • Replay value with a new game plus.

Cons:

  • Difficult.
  • Can’t save progress mid-level.
  • Inconsistent difficulties.
  • Takes a little while to get going.
  • No touchscreen support.

  • 9/10
    Graphics - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Sound - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Accessibility - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Length - 9/10
  • 10/10
    Fun Factor - 10/10
9.2/10

Summary

The first game was one of the surprise hits of the year so to hear of a sequel I couldn’t wait but I also feared it wouldn’t live up to the first game. It does live up to the previous game and in fact, surpasses it in both content and gameplay. It introduces a few new mechanics, tightens up the platforming making it easier to go up sloped platforms and introduces a whole load of new characters with unique new abilities. Characters can now share the abilities so it’s easier than ever to build dream team setups. Levels feel more varied and open, still sticking to multiple routes and replay values with paths needing a particular character ability. Boss fights are still the main event and they do not disappoint. What I really appreciated was the difficulty as it allows different players different experiences, whilst the easier difficult is usually frowned upon, here it still gives a challenge but never really infuriates the player. It is a good difficulty for your first playthrough as the veteran difficulty is hardcore no messing around. All-round it is a must-play must-own masterpiece of platforming action.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!