Koji Igarashi takes to Kickstarter for new project, turns David Hayter into stretch goal

Many already knew it was coming based on rumors that have persisted over the past few weeks and months, but Koji Igarashi (former famed Konami producer for many a year), has finally launched a Kickstarter for his new game. It is a game that shares many similar traits to his previous work on Castlevania – but likely not enough to base a lawsuit on. That’s a good thing, as Konami seem annoyed enough right now to do that if they got out of the wrong side of the bed one day. The new game is called Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.

So what is new about Bloodstained, other than the fact it will play very much like Castlevania did? Well it is going to be a 2.5D game, not the 2D most were expecting. Based on talk on gaming forums, the depths of social media, and the Kickstarter’s own comments section, not everyone is happy with the move from 2D – but looking at the high rate of money being pledged it seems many others do not mind.

The game only exists as concept art right now – no one knows what it will actually look like. Keiji Inafune’s Mighty No. 9 started life in the same way, initially showing beautiful looking art, but not everyone was happy with the final look of the game when it was revealed. There is a chance the same might happen here – as Inti Creates (who worked on Mighty No. 9), will also be working with Iga on Bloodstained.

The Kickstarter page gives some detail on what to expect, and answers some questions on why some old Castlevania folk are working on the game, whilst others are not. Here are a few quotes grabbed from it.

You are Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist curse which slowly crystallizes your skin. You must battle your way through a demon-filled castle summoned by Gebel, your old friend whose body has become more crystal than flesh. Bloodstained’s story unfolds as you explore Gebel’s hellish castle; a sprawling structure that features a variety of locations. As you explore the massive castle you’ll find warp gates that will allow you to travel quickly without having to backtrack too much.

It’s not an Igavania without leveling, and Bloodstained will be no exception. In addition to the classic elements everyone’s come to expect, enemies in Bloodstained will drop a wide variety of items, materials, and magi-crystals necessary to create the items that will get you safely through Gebel’s castle.

As with all Kickstarters,  you can spend a whole lot of money on this should you want to. A simple $28 will get you a digital copy of the game. and a couple of hundred dollars will get you various limited editions. If you are willing to spend many thousands , you can meet Koji Igarashi. He’ll probably whip you if you pay him a bit more. Of course, if you do not want to jump aboard now, you can wait until the game is actually made, and buy it then – like the old days when things were less confusing,

There are stretch goals in there too. $500,000 pledged will mean the project will be a success. An extra $200,000 means a second playable character will be added to the game. A little bit more extra money means David Hayter (of Metal Gear Solid fame) be summoned and unleashed on your ears.

According to the Kickstarter page, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (not symphony, ritual), is scheduled for a March 2017 release on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC if everything goes to plan.

Bloodstained backwards spells Deniatsdoolb!