Bloodstained has all the things you'd expect from a retro style 8-bit like platformer (and then some):
- faithful, NES-era graphics (with consistent sprite and tile work)
- solid game play (plus adequate game length and replayability)
- awesome music (not a single dull track)
- and proper challenge! (for both veteran and casual players; checkpoints and no game overs)

My only nitpicks would be: gamepad-oriented UI (though game plays well on a keyboard) and somewhat limited storytelling (inline with 8-bit limitations, true, but Shovel Knight did better in this department).

All in all, highly recommended for Castlevania fans and NES kids.

Bloodstained has all the things you'd expect from a retro style 8-bit like platformer (and then some): - faithful, NES-era graphics (with consistent sprite and tile work) - solid game play (plus adequate game length and replayability) - awesome music (not a single dull track) - and proper challenge! (for both veteran and casual players; checkpoints and no game overs) My only nitpicks would be: gamepad-oriented UI (though game plays well on a keyboard) and somewhat limited storytelling (inline with 8-bit limitations, true, but Shovel Knight did better in this department). All in all, highly recommended for Castlevania fans and NES kids.