Vintage-style 3D cutscenes return in 6-year hiatus for reemerging Bloodstained video game project.
Taking Another Look at Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement
I was taken aback when Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement surfaced, six long years since the last installment, and the vibrant mishmash of aesthetics threw me off. Even in a sea of Castlevania-inspired games drenched in gothic settings, it felt impossible to shake off the looks-alike clones. But once the title dropped, Koji Igarashi's signature was evident.
Truth be told, I'm not thoroughly convinced about the aesthetics just yet. The original Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, like a chameleon, flipped between visual styles. It showcased vintage treasures tossed into 3D hallways as if they were painted on, with damage numbers and items mimicking the same discrepancy. The monsters and NPCs were fully rendered in 3D. The style was a curious mix that never fully embraced a retro look or a modern one, instead settling uncomfortably in the middle.
The new game appears to be aiming for the same style, yet takes it further with fully 3D models – except now, they're all donned with cel-shading, even the treasure chests. It looks slightly more consistent until a cutscene plays, leaving you with the feeling you've transported back to 2010. Outside of the 2.5D levels, the character models are surprisingly soft and lack intricate details, akin to Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. It's not even ugly; it's just disconcerting amidst the rest of the game.
Yet, it's the jarring contrast that makes this prequel to Bloodstained 2019 stand out. There was a brave decision not to opt for a full reboot and rather stick to the established style. While some might argue that titles like Blasphemous and even Hollow Knight seem more cohesive and heir to the Castlevania legacy, it's interesting to see an alternate approach.
What truly captures the attention, however, is the prospect of juggling two protagonists. In contrast to choosing a character at the onset, both Leonard and Alexander can be controlled simultaneously. As mentioned in the PlayStation Blog, you directly manage one character, while the other leaps in to offer assistance. Fiddling with combo attacks using both characters seems devilishly entertaining. The disjointed cutscenes might be a deal-breaker, but the dual protagonist scenario has me hopeful.
You can't take a peek at the final product until 2026, with the Steam page up and running.
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Tyler ColpWith a career in gaming and PC hardware under his belt for 15 years, Tyler specializes in action RPGs, MMOs, and the weird and wonderful corners of the gaming world. Captivated by Diablo 4, Elden Ring, Overwatch 2, and Final Fantasy 14, he's dedicated to covering an eclectic mix of broken, beautiful, and bizarre games.
- In the realm of technology and gadgets, the upcoming game Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, scheduled for release in 2026, stands out with its unique stylistic choices, blending cel-shading and retro aesthetics.
- As I delve deeper into the world of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, I am intrigued by the prospect of controlling two protagonists, Leonard and Alexander, simultaneously, a feature described on the PlayStation Blog.
- Despite the disjointed cutscenes, the dual protagonist scenario in Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, coupled with the promise of entertaining combo attacks, holds the potential to create a captivating gaming experience in the future.
