Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has witnessed significant post-launch support since arriving in 2019. It's most recent update was rather hefty, bringing us a crossover with Kingdom: Two Crowns alongside Classic Mode, the latter featuring an 8-bit retro aesthetic. As it turns out, we've been missing a pretty big secret this whole time within Classic Mode's menu.
Inputting the famous Konami Code here grants access to Bloodstained's new "1986 mode", a reference to Castlevania's original launch year. Once done, 1986 mode appears on screen, also giving Miriam a new outfit when you play.
1986 Mode is the closest Bloodstained can get to Castlevania without incurring a lawsuit, replicating Simon Belmont's playstyle from Castlevania by including several gameplay changes. Climbing stairs is now restricted, Miriam cannot backflip or backstep, has decreased midair control, and can no longer use an extended whip.
It's amazing to see this included, but, as you might expect, this mode isn't one to be taken lightly. Providing a significant challenge that'll test even seasoned players, you have to wonder if further secrets remain hidden away.
The use of the Konami Code in this instance is also a nice way to pay tribute to Kazuhisa Hashimoto, the man who created the code and who sadly passed away last year.
Will you be trying out 1986 mode? Share your thoughts down below.
[source gonintendo.com, via ign.com]
Comments (22)
Where's the code that makes the Switch version good?
Have the frame rate and other issues been fixed yet? I’ve heard mixed things about it post-patch.
first two comments already asking the real questions
I agree. But to be this so called Castlevania mode seems more appealing the the original.
@JuiceMan_V The main game runs just fine now. The classic mode could use some frame rate work etc. I got the game at launch tried it then quit till they fixed it and then just about a month or two ago I played the main game, I had fun with it. It was perfectly playable and I didn't notice any lag or other major issues that were present in the beginning.
@Munchlax I got it late last year and without any context of how it plays on other systems I absolutely loved it - probably my favourite game of last year. If you like metroidvanias, particularly the DS Castlevania entries, then I heartily recommend it. I can't comment on how different it is to launch state but I didn't hit any issues other than a couple of corridors with minor frame rate dips and one annoying vertical room transition with a long pause. Certainly nothing gameplay affecting and no noticeable input lag.
Not a big fan of classic mode though. It's nice that it exists but I just can't get the hang of the jump mechanics and whip speed. Circle of the Moon is a much better take on sold-skool castlevania IMO.
That's the first thing many of us tried, it was pretty disappointing to be honest and the other Bloodstained games do a better job of mimicking those old Castlevania games
The only problem I have with this game now it's on the game card, it's the only one of my game card to malfunction and I think has nothing to do with the developer (other than buying cheap cards)
I got a physical copy of this game 2 weeks ago and I'm having a blast with it, so much fun and the soundtrack is simple amazing, this games oozes atmosphere - highly recommend to anyone. One of my favorite switch titles to date.
@JuiceMan_V not published yet ... that code is TBA🤣
@JuiceMan_V It's not good, it's a damn masterpiece of metroidvania.
@Munchlax My only complaint is that the game takes forever to load. Longer than Animal Crossing New Horizons.
@JuiceMan_V Imagine if that actually was a code. LUL
That's really cool, i tip my hat to them for doing that.
@Munchlax Yes months ago. Did a few playthroughs during the Summer with zero issues. The game is straight-up fantastic!!!
Loved this game when I beat it during the summer/ fall last year. Lots of new content and doing a playthrough with Zangetsu every now and then. Amazing game, sorry to the people that got burned in the beginning but glad I waited a while for the game to reduce in price. Helps always having a back catalogue!
@JuiceMan_V i know the real Konami code for the switch version
Until they fix performance issues, don't get it on Switch, get it on PC instead.
@Munchlax
It plays fine now. No bugs or input lag. I think it crashed a couple of times tho. And one whole section runs at like 15 FPS (the tower of the twin dragons), but I think the other versions are struggling as well in that level.
It's a fun game, SotN it's on another level but for 20 quid I'd get it again.
This game is amazing and plays absolutely fine.
Bought it last year around April and there are NO noticeable glitches or hiccups. The game is a blast and definitely a must for your system if you don’t already have it.
Don’t listen to people about the bugs. They were there in the beginning it it is all fixed now for the most part. Do not be weary. Pick it up.
This game is the prime example that whenever a switch game also has a pc release, get the pc version.
A more challenging version? No thanks. I'm good.
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