Critics generally reviewed Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night favorably, but the displayed scores vary by platform. GameFAQs’ Metacritic summaries show a noticeable Nintendo Switch dip; they do not establish one score for every version or a single cause for the difference.
Critic scores by platform
GameFAQs reproduces the following platform-specific Metacritic summaries. Treat them as an aggregator snapshot: the scores and review counts can vary between platform listings and may change over time.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Ghost of Tsushima - PlayStation 4 | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Kingdom Come Deliverance Royal Edition PS4 | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Bloodborne - Game of the Year (PS4) | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Deluxe Edition (PS4) - PlayStation 4 | $21.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Evil Dead: The Game - PlayStation 4 | $20.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| Platform | Displayed critic score | Critic reviews |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 | 83/100 | 26 |
| Nintendo Switch | 74/100 | 17 |
| Xbox One | 84/100 | 11 |
| PC | 83/100 | 54 |
The Switch figure is lower than the displayed PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One figures. That gap is a reason to keep platform scores separate, not proof on its own of why reviews differed. A GameFAQs excerpt for a Switch review mentions poor optimization, but the available summaries do not establish a comprehensive performance ranking across platforms.
What critics praised
In GameSpot’s review, Steve Watts gave the game 8/10. He praised its interconnected exploration, flexible combat, quality-of-life features, and goofy humor. Weapons and Shards let players shape how they fight, while the connected map recalls the exploratory structure associated with classic Castlevania.
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Other positive excerpts reproduced in Metacritic’s listing emphasize the game’s appeal to Castlevania and Metroidvania fans, its satisfying exploration, and its familiar genre identity. A separate PC listing includes an 88 from IGN, whose review describes a castle of monsters and mysteries in the vein of classic Castlevania; that individual score is not the aggregate.
What critics found less successful
Watts reported technical hiccups, especially in graphically intense areas, and found that some navigation powers were assigned awkwardly to commands usually used for combat. He also called the story bland, while praising the game’s style and comic tone.
Rank #2
- Huge realistic open world: majestic castles, wide fields, all rendered in stunning high-end graphics
- Nonlinear Story Solve quests in different ways and then bear the consequences of your decisions.
- Character development: choose your gear, improve your skills and earn new perks
Other excerpts point to criticism of conservative design, combat or hitbox issues, and a dated feel. Those are individual critics’ assessments, not a shared finding about every platform or version. The lower Switch aggregate should not be treated as a verdict on all versions.
Why the game’s nostalgic approach divides opinion
The qualities critics praised and criticized are closely connected: Bloodstained deliberately leans on familiar Castlevania-style conventions. That can be a draw if you want interconnected exploration, weapon-led combat, and recognizable genre structure. If you want a more novel take on the formula, the same closeness to its inspirations may feel conservative.
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Rank #3
- A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.
- Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you'll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city's dark secrets.
- A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of PlayStation 4.
Watts summed up his view in GameSpot: “It is exactly what it set out to be: a return to the style of a bygone era, with a few modern improvements.” Metacritic reproduces Destructoid’s separate description: “Bloodstained is occasionally frustrating, refreshingly open, and as promised, wholly Castlevania.” Both are individual review excerpts, not a universal consensus.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the reviews if you’re choosing a version
- Check the platform and review count. The displayed figures above come from separate platform listings, not a single cross-platform pool.
- Look for the reviewer’s priorities. Exploration, combat flexibility, technical performance, and appetite for nostalgic design all shape the assessments.
- Don’t infer a current performance ranking from aggregate scores. The cited summaries do not establish how the game performs across platforms today.
GameSpot’s review was written by Steve Watts and dated July 2, 2019. Watts disclosed that it was based on approximately 17 hours of PlayStation 4 play and that the publisher provided review code. That is the basis for his review, not an independent test of every platform. The game listing names ArtPlay as developer and 505 Games as publisher, and lists Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam versions.
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Best Value
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Rank #4
- Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Deluxe Edition includes: Base Game, Official Digital Soundtrack, Unique Kena Staff, Golden Rot Skin, Retail Exclusive Sticker Sheet, Unique Celebration Hats for Rot
- Find the Rot: Timid and illusive spirits scattered throughout the forest. They maintain balance by decomposing dead and rotting elements
- Build Your Team: Find and collect Rot to gain powerful abilities, make discoveries, and transform the environment
- Explore: A forgotten village and a strange curse; Draw on the power of the Spirit Realm to restore this once-majestic world
- Fast-Paced Combat: Spirits have become corrupt, trapped, and unable to move on, challenging Kena at every turn
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
