Summary
- Bloodstained included Shantae-themed items in its final update, which provide a boost in the early game.
- Shantae gear in Bloodstained can be upgraded throughout the game, staying relevant past early bosses.
- Players can equip a Shantae costume to Miriam in Bloodstained, adding some personality to the crossover.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's crossover with Shantae ended up providing a few significant additions to the former title. While Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night released in 2019, it was only a few short months ago that it received what is expected to be its final major update. In addition to the maintenance that would be expected, it also brought about a crossover with well-known indie franchise Shantae. While none of Shantae's characters made an in-person appearance, several gifts based on the series were made available to players. The crossover was a worthy addition to the final update.
Shantae isn't the first game to cross over with Bloodstained. In fact, several other indie titles have been associated with it as well. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has areas based on Kingdom: Two Crowns and Journey, featuring unique enemies and collectibles. Bloodstained's protagonist Miriam also makes an appearance in Blasphemous for a quest, as well as a summon after completing said quest. Possibly the most impressive crossover comes in the form of Child of Light's Aurora, who was added as a playable character with her own story. When it comes to crossovers, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has done well.
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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's Crossover With Shantae Brings Welcome Additions
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Now Has Free Shantae-Themed Items
Players starting a new game after the surprise update of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will find several items in their inventory by default:
- Risky's Bandanna
- Risky Blade
- Risky Pistol
- Half-Genie Outfit
- Half-Genie Vest
- Half-Genie Tiara
- Half-Genie Fireball
Most of these items will be better than anything players will find on the Galleon or the initial area of the castle, providing a decent boost in the early game. Of course, players aren't required to use these items if they don't wish to, but the Shantae items have a few extra traits in addition to being helpful tools for the first few areas.
Bloodstained's Shantae Weapons and Armor Can be Upgraded Throughout the Game
Despite being obtained at the beginning of the game, the Shantae gear won't fall out of relevance after Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's early bosses. In a rare move for the game, the Half-Genie Outfit, Risky Blade, and Risky Pistol can all be upgraded by Johannes, similar to the weapons that require the 8-Bit, 16-Bit, and 32-Bit coins. If the player is willing to collect and spend the materials necessary to do so, the Half-Genie Outfit and Risky weapons could remain relevant throughout the game. Outside of the aforementioned 8-Bit weapons, most dear in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night can't say the same.
Shantae's Gear Offers Cosmetic Easter Eggs in Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's Shantae items also provide a few cosmetic bonuses when used. Outside of instances like the armor that turns Miriam into Shovel Knight in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night or paid DLC, the player can rarely change Miriam's main outfit. However, if they equip the Half-Genie Outfit, Miriam's costume will change into one resembling Shantae's, and it will also allow the Half-Genie accessories to be visible as well. In addition, wearing said outfit, its accessories, and Risky's Bandanna will change Miriam's status bar, making it sparkle while giving her image Shantae's hair. It's a fun addition that adds more character to the crossover.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night may be done with major updates, but it's finishing on a high note with the Shantae crossover. Since there are already plans for a sequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, one more batch of content plays to the game's benefit. By giving players more items to experiment with, as well as the possibility of a Shantae-themed challenge run, the crossover provided plenty, even without any characters crossing over. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's Shantae crossover gives the game a good swan song.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 89%
- Released
- June 18, 2019
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Developer(s)
- ArtPlay
- Publisher(s)
- 505 Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Bloodstained®︎: Ritual of the Night is a gothic horror action side-scrolling RPG set in 19th century England. A paranormal force has summoned a demon-infested castle, revealing crystal shards infused with tremendous magical power. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist's curse which slowly crystallizes her body. To save humanity, and herself in the process, Miriam must fight through the castle and defeat the summoner, Gebel.
Collect, craft and unlock a vast array of weapons, equipment and loot to defeat the countless minions and bosses of hell that await!
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Bloodstained
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Metroidvania, Side-scroller
- How Long To Beat
- 15 Hours
