Here in 2026 I can't recommend this game. If you're a fan of SOTN or the other IGA games, you'll be guilt tripping yourself the whole time for thinking this game is bland/mid. There are lesser known, flawed indie metroidvanias that run circles around this crowd-funded game. I had a lot to say while playing this game but after reading a bunch of the negative reviews, I'd essential be repeating what they all said. I got sucked into the grinding aspect of the game until I stopped and thought "Why am I doing this? I'm sure I could make it far with the set I have now?" After thinking this and buying a bunch of healing items, I made it to the final bosses that day. So the game is EASY and can only be difficult by ANNOYING you with deliberate, trolly enemy placement and head scratching level design. You'll never play this game and think "OOOH THAT WAS CLEVER! GOOD ONE IGA!"
Speaking of IGA, I really think he was headed in the right direction with the DS games, that series of game ended with Order of Ecceslia which is arguably the best (and most challenging) game. Makes me wish he made a spiritual sequel to that game and not this nostalgia bait ass game. OoE feel like he was building on his previous knowledge of creating these games, Bloodstained feels like a huge step back. You won't see areas, enemies or bosses that'll motivate you to keep going. After dedicating several goon sessions to Dominique, I will be moving on. Farewell.

This is one of the few games I ever backed on kickstarter, and while it was a painfully long waiting experience (and I still haven't received my special physical edition copy as of Jan 2026 a whopping 10 years later), but I still recommend this game because it really puts the vania in metroidvanias. There is a good variety of weapons, enemies, abilities, and the bosses are just challenging enough without being bs.

Now if Irgarashi would only get my special edition physical copy!

♥♥♥♥ epic games, give my game back