As much as we've been enjoying Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night here at Nintendo Life, it's hard to overlook the fact the Switch version has some serious issues. Assets are weaker than other versions, the frame rate is halved, the game can be unstable and the load times are also rather painful.
Fortunately, Koji "Iga" Igarashi and his team have acknowledged the problems with the Switch release and are now planning to issue a series of updates to enhance the overall experience. In a new Kickstarter blog post, these upcoming fixes for the game have been revealed and are estimated to arrive around mid-July.
Nintendo Switch (Status—fix being tested)
- The fix is currently in test, the submission date we were working toward has been delayed due to a graphical bug that has reemerged.
- We anticipate testing will be completed by next week, which would mean an ETA of public release during the week of July 15, 2019.
Improvements
Map Improvements
- Map close button has been remapped to standard exit/close button
- Marker button has been changed
- Trail display button has been changed
- Map scroll speed improved
- Zoom in and zoom out improved
- Zoom level retained when reopening the map
- Auto-center when opening the map
- Bug fix: No longer displaying enemies for completed quests
Fixed items getting stuck on walls/geometry
- The functionality of waiting until the item is collected automatically has been left in, in case the issue persists.
Switch-specific Improvements
- HD Rumble issues in certain areas of the game have been fixed
- Enabled Traditional Chinese language option
- Fixed instances where the game would crash while transitioning between rooms
- Work has been done on the technical "non-visible" side of things to improve input delay, stability, and various optimizations. The teams are continuing to work on these items and we'll have future updates and plans to share soon.
"Iga's Back Pack" DLC
Nintendo Switch (Status—DLC approved, release imminent)
- The DLC has been approved by Nintendo, we're just taking the final steps to make it go live.
It's great to see there is a mention of improving the input delay, stability and optimization, as these are all major problems in the Switch version right now. If you would like to find out more about this game, be sure to check out our review and also view Digital Foundry's video for the technical analysis.
How are you finding Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on the Switch? Tell us below.
[source gonintendo.com]
Comments 70
Eh maybe I will double dip when it hits a sale and everything is fixed but for now I am enjoying it on PS4.
returned my switch version for the PS4 version. Might download the switch version later.
I wanted to buy it but I'll wait until all the issues are fixed as I don't want to suffer another bad port for the Switch like I've had to deal with in WWE 2K18
I don't have a PS4 yet but plan to get one as soon as I can
LOL The version they sent out to die seems to be leading the pack in terms of sales. Now they're scrambling to make it presentable.
I already returned my copy. I've played a bit of it on PC, but, if I'm being honest, I really want this as a portable experience. I'll keep my eye on the Switch version and see if they eventually make it presentable.
wat about improvements on the visuals like wen your suppose to be standing on water but its all ground that issue needs to be fixed as well.
@Ralizah i agree 505 dev royally fked up the switch version im hoping iga doesnt use them again for any potential sequels for this series.
@Ralizah I agree I want it portable too but I am not willing to pay for a broken game at this point.
Oof, this game was going to be a day one purchase on Switch. It baffles me that the best-selling version of the game is also the worst. Even if they fix the many issues it has, I'm not picking it up until it goes on sale. There's no excuse for the state it's in at launch, they've been working on this game for years. I'll just go back and replay Castlevania games when I get the urge for that experience.
I'm sure that this game will still a bad port ...like all the bad ports fixed
Returned my Switch copy to play it on my Scorpio. Which bums me out, because I wanted to have this bad boy everywhere I went. I was willing to accept the typical Switch visual and FPS downgrade, but the whole package is a mess. Maybe later on down the line. Black Friday..?
Good, that is when I will buy it then.
@Ralizah I've been playing on PS4 but really want it on Switch so have stopped for now, I'll be keeping an eye on this update to see if it's worth dipping into afterwards
I have stuff to play on PS4 and PC. I want this one on Switch.
Ok with waiting see if they manage to fix it.
Yeah I not buying this... That digital foundry video tainted the game for me.
I just hope they'll do a second run of Switch carts with the bug fixes implemented later down the line. I love Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon and bought a physical copy of it from Limited Run, but I'm waiting on Ritual of the Night until there's a physical version that doesn't need fixing.
One thing I hope they fix is removing the extreme vibration from the HD rumble when HP is low.
Still won't fix the fact they didn't attempt to target the hardware correctly in the first place...
I couldn’t wait for this fix , I’m enjoying it very much on PS4.
Good guess ill get it on order now
Really having a good time with Bloodstained, the technical issues are there but hugely overblown by the internet. Optimization is welcome though.
@Quarth it’s the most annoying aspect of the game for me but I can’t help but think all the other issues have been exaggerated it’s really not as bad as what people are saying
too late, already finished it. The port could have been better but I did not experience any major issues...
@Gs69 Yeah, I agree. Sure, it's a little bit sluggish and somewhat unpolished, but it's not the "technical trainwreck" that NL wrote in the headline of their review. Hopefully these updates will fix some of the major problems with the game.
I have the physical sitting in my backlog whilst I keep on playing Mario Maker. Will get around to it sometime, probably after the problems have been fixed.
Surely they did testing and knew this game was not ready, why do people rush things, yes I know it was delayed, but I would rather have a stable game than a mess
I still don’t understand why all the visual compromises had to be made considering it’s only running at 30 fps. Octopath, Hellblade, and the upcoming Dragon Quest XI also use Unreal Engine 4 and look and run a lot better than this game. I know it’s a smaller team, but it’s still a shame they didn’t wait a bit longer and optimize it.
Input lag really needs to be fixed
Just 100% it. Nothing wrong with it. I didn't really buy into the whole "fake news" thing before this issue was hugely exaggerated online
I hope they release a physical 'complete edition' one day for Switch, that includes DLC and the updates. I am loath to buy a physical release if the game on the cartridge is in this state.
I bought this game for Switch day one, and it's not as bad as some are saying. I wanted this game as a handheld experience as well and I'm glad I bought it, yes it's not perfect and it's definitely a downgrade from any other versions but I honestly don't find it to be so horrible that it's worth taking back. However I could be part of the bottom percent of people that feels that way this is just my opinion.
@Quarth hope so got to admit I’m really enjoying it technical issues aside I just hope they fix the input lag it has been bad for me at times when docked and using a pro controller
Good they are fixing it!
Loved my first playthrough game isnt that bad as people saying it is.
Can only get better now!!
As was expected from the start. DLC coming soon even sounds like bigger news here.
I don't get the need to play a 20 hour game portable. If it's a 100 hour rpg I can understand how the only way one could fit it in the schedule was by playing on the go. It's as if people hate using their TV.
So its still gonna be ugly as..guess there is no helping it anymore
@SuperRetroArt it could run at 320p and there would always be a few contrarians saying "it's not that bad." There isn't any fake news here but I guess using that line doubles down your point that it's good enough.
@sixrings I do, because it means I have to sit in front of the TV all the time. Much easier to take a portable device around and play in the living room, bedroom, bathroom, garden, etc.
I've run into several occasions where the game just freezes for at least 10 seconds (music still playing) before it starts working again. For example, at the end of the dragon boss fight, or when jumping up and down between certain rooms (which is horrible if the room above doesn't have a platform to land on when jumping straight up, because if you fall down you're going to spend half a minute just to switch screens from the bottom to the top room). In addition, sometimes the attack and jump controls stop working entirely, this happens especially often when you're floating on water. Still, the worst thing is the rumble in portable mode going out of control whenever your health is low. It doesn't stop BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZing until you finally get your health back up (which isn't easy with how few health items the game gives you - which in itself is a good thing), and even BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZes all throughout any cutscenes you start when low on health.
The game itself is still great, though. I especially like the neat little touches they added with items that actually change stuff in the game, like eyeglasses actually making the image significantly more zoomed in, or voice modulators making you squeak (the voice modulation also persists in cutscenes, which makes them absolutely hilarious when your companions are talking about the end of the world, and your character is squeaking away in a chipmunk voice in reply).
@nintendoknife maybe I'd feel the same way if I watched lots of TV but I only watch sports and play games so I don't feel the tv has monopolized my life. Plus if I'm going to watch something I want it on the best display possible. Then again I'm not the dude who watches tv shows on his phone on the subway to work.
I prefer to play Metroidvania's in handheld mode but after the horror stories, I returned my unopened copy and bought the PS4 version. What a shame.
I’ll wait to buy the Switch version until the game is patched and runs well - or until I see a sale on Steam, to see how it runs on my notebook.
It’s a pretty sad look, though, if they didn’t consider that the majority of IGA’s fan base was on Nintendo consoles due to the portable Castlevanias. The console ones didn’t light any chart on Fire.
Nope, already returned my copy and got the PS4 version.
@sixrings Oh, I don't care about the TV monopolising anything, I just don't like it because sitting in the same room all the time is a bit hampering if you can also go portable and sit in whichever room's the nicest at that time of day. Playing local multiplayer on a TV is fine, but when playing alone, I'll choose comfort and ease of use (quite literally pick up and play) over big screens any day.
The input lag on jumping is the only real issue I have with the game. The rest of the stuff I’ve had problems with are more annoyances than anything.
Now, what should I do with the 700,000 gold I have in the game?
Not on Switch (still disappointed it's a mess because I wanted it portable), so I'm most excited about the map fix. It's absolutely baffling how the map doesn't already auto center upon opening, with a clear and obvious marker showing where you are. Every time I open it, it's a game of Where's Waldo to see where i actually am.
I’m just glad to see they’re focusing on improving this version. It would be a true shame if they just left it as is and never addressed any of it, because it’s a great game, and having it on Switch is killer.
@Agramonte
That’s what I’m doing. As I played a little further in the game I started noticing issues more and more. It’s not unplayable by any means, but it’s definitely not optimal either.
I’ve got Red Faction and Mario Maker 2, and I’ve been going ham making full length, Nintendo-quality levels left and right, and with DQ Builders 2, God Eater 3, Marvel Ultimate and Fire Emblem all weeks away, I’ve got no problem waiting until several of these patches release.
I’ll probably check back on it next year in a slow period once all the patches are complete.
@RiasGremory
Be cool. Way Forward helped with the Switch port. They will get it figured out. Honestly, the game should have launched in late July / August.
I am still having fun with it. Do not regret my purchase as I would rather play on my Switch that my PS4. They should have waited. However, I welcome these updates.
The game is not unplayable on Switch as some would have you believe. However, I have not played the PS4/PC/XBOX versions so I can imagine going from those to the switch might be jarring.
I'm having a blast with it and I have full confidence in the fixes that are incoming.
Passing this even with the fixes since I can get the superior PS4 version any time without waiting for updates. I think the worst thing from this experience is more people will hold off from buying games that have multiple console versions until they see the reviews.
@Gs69 Yeah, it seems fun so far. Granted I'm not that far in, but it's a cool game.
@JaxonH
"I’ll probably check back on it next year in a slow period once all the patches are complete"
Exactly. This reminds me of Arkham Knight on PC. Broken at launch (10X more than this), but I wanted to play it on PC. Put it away till they patched it up (they did)... I even skipped on my money back from WB/Steam..
Have F1-2019, Sea of Solitude is out tomorrow and not even opened Judgment because I forgot about the MH: World Iceborne BETA.
FireEmblem, Astral Chains, Oninaki are out in a row on Switch.
I have the "HORI Switch Split Pad Pro" on Pre-order - I can circle back then. It will be a perfect combo.
I understand that the switch version is definitely inferior, but I feel like the "hardcore gamer" circle has definitely overreacted when it comes to this game on switch. I've put about 10 hours in, and it is perfectly playable, it's even my goty so far. If you have other systems, then yes, definitely buy it there. But if you DO want the option to play it portably, it's really not bad.
This makes me happy. They should have known from the start that portability on switch would increase sales of the game.
Is the input lag noticeable in handheld mode? I've been hooked on this game on PC and would love to play some more on the go. I'm tempted to pick this up today on Switch.
@MisterMan I played handheld exclusively and I haven't noticed it. But it might be me. It's playable. The only issue I have noticed is the framerate in some areas and split second freezes here and there. Loading times is a non-existent issue. They ain't gonna fix the graphics anyway lol so if you are tempted get it and enjoy. It'a a good game
Looks like a lot of things need be fixed.
@ifcatshadwings Thanks. I think I will double dip and pick this up on Switch as well. If anything, it'll be interesting to compare the ports and see what all the fuss is about.
I have a copy coming from Amazon when the Switch version dropped to 32 bucks there, plus added a D-Pad Joycon (mostly for old school fighters in handheld mode), hoping this patch is out by the time it arrives.
They released an unfinished game....I'm upset but at the same time I'm glad they are actually doing something about it.
Why does it need a patch? It was a 7/10 according to NL. It was fine.
The real tragedy of this is there's no reason the technology of this game should have been limited at all versus the PSX1 versions here. It's not a demanding game, it's a UE4 2.5D platformer. There's no technological reason this isn't running 1080p/60 docked with all the visual features enabled. This is just a developer that's not familiar with the engine tech trying to brute force solutions.
@graysoncharles Yoshi's Crafted World makes my docked Switch rev the fan up like a PS3, also
Shame Epic can't optimize better with all that Fortnite money. Guess they're too busy paying off ever publisher for more exclusives.....
Switch pro is anything but all but confirmed. Switch mini is all but confirmed. Pro seems unlikely at best. Switch mini was inevitable by pokemon and there's enough pieces pointing at it now we all know it exists. A pro would introduce a lot of problems they don't need. I do suspect "new 3DS" type harware revision that may happen to have slightly better specs. But not a "X1S/X1X" scenario for Switch. Even MS hates that situation, it was just a necessity for them in last place to come up with "something" to make them matter. Sony had better prices, more popularity, and more power, Switch had portability. XBox had a tarnished reputation.
Good. I'm glad they're fixing these issues, and I'm glad they're fixing them soon. I love this game, but I decided to put off getting any further in the game until everything is patched. Or at least until it's in a more playable state. I wasn't having too many issues about 5 hours in, but then I ran into the 30-60 second screen loads. That was maddening.
@NEStalgia Yeah, I've been thinking there should be no reason at all why this game has been dumbed down for Switch. Quite honestly, I hope it gets ultimately gets patched to the point that it reaches parity with the other versions.
@ifcatshadwings Not true. I've been having horrible issues with load times in handheld mode.
@FLEEBS that's weird. Do you mean the loading screens with the symbol spinning? I didn't time it,but they were much faster than what you described. I would have certainly noticed a 30 second, let alone a minute of loading. Do you have the digital game or the cartridge? I have the cartridge
@ifcatshadwings I have the cartridge. I got to a point where the spinning, loading icon was not showing, and I had a black screen while waiting for the game to load the next screen. Not loading to a different area, either. Just to a different screen within the same area. Having said that, I have had other instances where the loading (with the icon showing) was what I felt was still annoyingly long, but not near as long as what I experienced with the black screen. I'd say maybe 20-30 seconds.
@FLEEBS yeah I know what you mean, that's certainly a nuisance, these black screens are quite common during the game, but they usually last like 1 second or so, certainly not some nightmarish lenghts I have seen in a youtube video about issues. I have also noticed that if go forth and back they tend to become shorter until they stabilise. So maybe leave the game open? I do that all the time. I am quite sensible to loading times, and I have had no issues with the game, probably because the fact the game is always running (thus avoiding booting times and such) compensated the nuisance. I am still very happy with choosing the switch version for ease of use, but I understand some people might find it not acceptable
My copy is still sealed well within the return period. I'm hoping they can clean it up before it goes back. They have 90 days.
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