Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Spiritual successor to Castlevania
Bloodstained is Koji Igarashi's Kickstarter-funded return to the Metroidvania genre he helped define at Konami.
Overview
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019) is an action-adventure game directed by Koji Igarashi, the former Castlevania series producer at Konami. Funded through Kickstarter, it raised over $5.5 million, becoming one of the most successful video game crowdfunding campaigns.
Design Philosophy
The game deliberately recreates the “Igavania” style:
- Exploration-based progression: Abilities gate access to new areas
- RPG elements: Equipment, levels, and crafting
- Gothic atmosphere: Dark castle setting
- Shard system: Absorb enemy abilities
Development Story
After leaving Konami, Igarashi turned to crowdfunding to create the Metroidvania game fans wanted. The campaign’s success demonstrated demand for the classic formula.