Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its solid quality and catchy tunes, while others feel it doesn't quite match the memorable soundtrack of its predecessor. Some players appreciate the retro chiptune style and the overall atmosphere it creates, but a significant number express disappointment, citing repetitiveness and a lack of standout tracks. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally considered good, it is often viewed as a step down from the first game.

The story in "Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2" is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its expansion on the previous game's narrative and character development, while others find it simplistic and repetitive. Although the game introduces multiple endings and encourages replayability through different character arcs, many reviewers noted that the plot lacks depth and originality compared to its predecessor. Overall, while the story has its entertaining moments and heartfelt interactions, it often feels like a less engaging version of the first game's narrative.

The graphics of "Curse of the Moon 2" have received widespread acclaim for their polished 8-bit aesthetic, which successfully captures the classic Castlevania vibe while incorporating modern gameplay elements. Reviewers highlight the game's beautiful environments, detailed character designs, and smooth animations, noting that it stands out as one of the best examples of retro-inspired visuals in contemporary gaming. Overall, the graphics are praised for their nostalgic charm and vibrant presentation, making the game visually appealing and engaging.

The game boasts high replayability, enhanced by multiple characters, varied routes, and numerous endings, making each playthrough feel fresh and engaging. Players appreciate the episodic structure and the ability to tackle levels with different strategies, which significantly increases the game's longevity. While some note that achieving full completion may require multiple runs, the overall consensus is that the replay value is substantial, especially for fans of retro platformers.

The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with initial reports of significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly on older systems. However, the recent update (1.1.1) has addressed many of these concerns, notably fixing the stuttering problem for most players, though some issues like crashes when switching to fullscreen remain. Overall, while improvements have been made, further optimization is still needed for a smoother experience on lower-end hardware.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly when attempting to achieve 100% completion or replay levels with different characters. While the initial levels are engaging, the later stages often feel like a slog, with many players expressing frustration over the need to repeatedly navigate slow-paced levels and hunt for missed upgrades. Overall, the grinding detracts from the enjoyment, despite the game's strong music and some challenging elements.

The humor in the game is a blend of quirky and dark elements, with standout moments like the hilarious dialogue between characters Zangetsu and Robert, which adds a lighthearted touch to the otherwise grim setting. While some players find the humor hit-or-miss, particularly in the context of gameplay mechanics, the overall playful spirit and unique character interactions contribute to a comedic experience that resonates well in certain scenarios.

The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous users reporting persistent glitches and bugs that remain unaddressed, leading to frustration and even refunds. While some players find the core gameplay enjoyable, the technical issues, such as screen glitches and problematic controls, significantly detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern, overshadowing its potential.

The game features a blend of goofy and heartfelt moments that enhance character development, particularly through campfire scenes where characters reflect and bond without dialogue. The well-crafted character interactions, especially for Zangetsu and Robert, contribute significantly to the overall depth and design of the characters.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by heartfelt moments and significant character development, particularly from episode 2 onward, where a character confronts their biases and experiences a poignant breakdown, leading to unexpected comfort from another character. The blend of goofy elements with deep emotional storytelling enhances the overall impact.

The monetization model is praised for being fair and transparent, avoiding exploitative practices such as pay-to-win mechanics or excessive microtransactions. Players appreciate the absence of nickel-and-dime schemes, indicating a focus on player experience over profit.

The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with stage aesthetics and animated transitions reminiscent of the first installment. Players appreciate the engaging music and controls, all while enjoying the unique experience of playing as a corgi in a magical suit of armor.