Multiple Bloodstained Titles Ignite Debate Among Gamers | Which One to Play First?
Edited By
Tanya Melton
A lively discussion has emerged in gaming forums regarding the order in which to play the Bloodstained series. Fans are weighing in on the connections between these titles, with many arguing for specific sequences based on storyline continuity and gameplay style.
Understanding the Bloodstained Series
Gamers are asking which Bloodstained title should be their starting point. The consensus leans toward Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (RotN) as the main entry, praised for its immersive Metroidvania gameplay. One comment states, "Play Bloodstained RotN first, then CotM games."
Bloodstained games share a common setting and atmosphere but diverge in their storytelling. The Ritual of the Night is noted as the primary narrative, featuring classic gameplay reminiscent of Castlevania. As one fan put it, the game offers "a super version of Symphony of the Night." It includes a Classic Mode, which plays like Super Castlevania IV, with a non-canon story.
Community Opinions on Game Order
Fans have provided varying opinions on how to approach the series. Here are some key points:
Ritual's DLC: Additional content like Classic Mode 2: Dominique's Curse connects directly to the main storyline and is considered canon.
Curse of the Moon Titles: These are standalone with distinct 8-bit graphics and gameplay mechanics, giving players branching story paths.
Future Releases: The upcoming title Scarlet Engagement is expected to be a prequel to RotN, which has fans curious about how it will fit into the existing narrative.
One fan emphasizes the importance of understanding the timeline: "I always play game series in release order. Look up the games and find the one that came out first. It’s very simple." This highlights the variety of approaches gamers take to enjoying a series.
Key Insights from the Community
Here's what gamers are saying:
💡 "All games share the same setting, atmosphere, and characters but the storylines are different."
🔄 Curse of the Moon is designed as a self-contained experience, allowing versatility in how they are played.
🚀 "The story is non-canon" refers to more casual modes, while players praise the DLC as a worthy continuation.
Takeaways
📌 Many players recommend starting with Ritual of the Night for its core storyline.
⚙️ Curse of the Moon titles offer unique gameplay experiences and graphics.
🎮 Anticipation builds for the upcoming prequel, Scarlet Engagement, promising new lore.
As players gear up to explore the Bloodstained series, the conversations continue. Each title serves a purpose, ensuring fans remain engaged across multiple platforms.
What’s Next for Bloodstained?
With the excitement surrounding Scarlet Engagement, experts estimate around a 70% chance that this prequel will enhance existing narratives and offer gameplay mechanics that renew interest in the series. Players are likely to see enriched story arcs that build on Ritual of the Night, while the success of various DLCs suggests future expansions will become integral. The community's preference for deeper storytelling could lead developers to focus on blending gameplay with narrative continuity, potentially boosting interest in past titles. As the discussions continue to shape the series' culture, these developments will likely lead to increased engagement in gaming forums and across platforms.
A Surprising Echo in History
The situation around the Bloodstained series bears a resemblance to the rise of indie game phenomena like Shovel Knight, which revived interest in retro gaming tropes while cultivating a dedicated fan base. Just as Shovel Knight succeeded in blending classic gameplay with modern design, Bloodstained may capitalize on nostalgia while also innovating. This unique moment echoes the resurgence of classic board games in a digital age, where familiarity meets novelty, reminding us that even in gaming, history can repeat itself in unexpected and fruitful ways.