Level Design For Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Now In Progress

In a new video Q&A, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night director Koji Igarashi takes on more questions from fans. To begin with, Igarashi reveals that the monsters in the game are based primarily on the Lesser Key of Solomon. Answers to some of the other questions he was asked can be found below.

On ideas Iga has had in the past, but not implemented in his game:

As I’ve made my games over the years, I’ve actually used the vast majority of area ideas. I’ve considered having a Maya civilization or something, but that’s about all I can think of. Items, too, I pretty much use all of the ideas I have, so I can’t say there’s much I’ve passed on.

If Bloodstained takes place in a historical or fictional setting:

Well, it’s technically a fictional world of course, seeing as they summon demons. But as far as the setting, I’m more pulling from real-world history than just actual locations. It takes place in England around the late 1700’s, a decade or two into the Industrial Revolution. It was around that time that a great deal of the population in England died in accidents, and that’s the aspect of history I’m aiming to work into the story of Bloodstained.

Biggest inspiration for designing Gothic-style games:

I like the gothic horror genre. Movies, books, things like that. Stained glass is also a major part of Bloodstained, and I like stained glass so much I’ve actually made it myself before. I’ve also got some antique furniture in my home. That’s all a very broad source of inspiration for me.

Will Bloodstained have any areas outside Gebel’s castle to add variety?

At first I considered including a wide variety of areas but I decided to make the castle the focal point. That doesn’t necessarily mean it lacks nature. I could just have trees in the garden, for example, or a vast cave beneath the castle. So it’ll take place in the castle, but it won’t be confined to manmade settings.

What new additions one can expect to level design:

Now that we’ve finally raised the funds needed, we’re only starting on all the level designs now. I want to take my time and carefully plan them now that we can finally focus on the game itself. As I come up with the new storyline and materials for the game, I’d like to incorporate a few things that catch players off guard, so I hope you like it.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is scheduled for release in March 2017.