Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it is generally good and fits the retro aesthetic, it does not reach the memorable heights of the first installment's soundtrack. Some praise the soundtrack as catchy and enjoyable, while others find it repetitive or lacking in standout tracks. Overall, the music is considered solid but falls short of the expectations set by its predecessor.

The story in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it simple and corny, while others appreciate its charm and character development. Although the narrative features interesting moments and encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover different story paths, many feel it lacks depth and originality compared to its predecessor. Overall, while the story serves its purpose in driving gameplay, it is often seen as a secondary aspect to the fun mechanics and level design.

The graphics of "Curse of the Moon 2" have been widely praised for their polished, colorful 8-bit aesthetic that effectively captures the classic Castlevania vibe while incorporating modern playability. Reviewers highlight the game's beautiful environments, detailed pixel art, and smooth animations, noting that it successfully pays homage to retro gaming while offering a visually appealing experience. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, enhancing the nostalgic feel of the game.

The game boasts high replayability, with multiple routes, characters, and endings that encourage players to explore different strategies and experiences. Many reviewers highlight the variety of gameplay modes and episodic content, which significantly enhance replay value. However, some players feel that while replayability is abundant, it may require multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate all the content available.

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

Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is largely viewed as tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later levels where players must replay sections multiple times to unlock content. While the initial levels are engaging, the need to farm for upgrades and the slow pace of progression detract from the overall experience, making it challenging for casual players to enjoy the game fully. Despite the appealing difficulty and music, the grind often overshadows the fun, leading to frustration among players.

The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous users reporting persistent glitches and bugs that have not been addressed by the developers. While some players find the core gameplay enjoyable, the technical issues, including problems with screen resolution and control responsiveness, significantly detract from the overall experience. Many users have opted for refunds due to these unresolved stability concerns.

The humor in the game is a mix of quirky and tongue-in-cheek moments, highlighted by amusing character interactions, such as the comical exchange between Zangetsu and Robert. While some elements may feel forced or unnecessary, players find genuine hilarity in the absurdity of certain situations, particularly in later stages of the game. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted contrast to the game's darker themes, though it may not resonate with everyone.

The game features a blend of goofy and heartfelt storytelling, with character development effectively conveyed through campfire scenes that allow characters to relax and reflect without dialogue. The well-crafted character interactions, particularly for Zangetsu and Robert, enhance the overall depth and design of the characters.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by significant character development and heartfelt moments, particularly from episode 2 onward, where a character confronts their biases and experiences a poignant breakdown, leading to unexpected comfort from another character. While the story maintains a goofy and over-the-top tone, it effectively balances humor with genuine emotional depth.

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.

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