Stepping Through the Stained Glass: Unveiling Aurora in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

The new character in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is none other than Aurora, the protagonist of Ubisoft’s critically acclaimed platformer RPG, Child of Light. This ethereal addition arrived as part of the free 1.30 update, initially on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia on March 31st. The Nintendo Switch version followed at a later date. Aurora’s inclusion marks a unique crossover, blending the dark, gothic atmosphere of Bloodstained with the fairytale-esque world of Child of Light. Her unique abilities and playstyle offer a fresh experience for both newcomers and seasoned Bloodstained veterans.

Aurora’s Arrival: A Crossover Event

Aurora’s integration into Bloodstained isn’t just a simple character swap. Her moveset and abilities are carefully crafted to reflect her powers and personality from Child of Light, while also fitting seamlessly into the gameplay of Bloodstained. Players can expect to wield her iconic sword and utilize the Light powers that define her character. This careful attention to detail ensures that Aurora feels both true to her origins and like a natural addition to the Bloodstained roster.

More than just a skin

What makes Aurora’s inclusion particularly interesting is that she brings a completely different approach to navigating the castle. Her ability to fly for a limited time and use light-based attacks offers unique advantages in combat and exploration, changing the way players approach familiar areas. This is not simply a reskin of an existing character; Aurora is a genuinely new way to experience Bloodstained. Eagle-eyed fans may have even recognized Aurora’s Theme played at the end of the Bloodstained launch trailer in 2019, foreshadowing her eventual arrival.

Exploring Aurora’s Abilities and Playstyle

Aurora’s gameplay is centered around her Light powers and her ability to fly. She can use her wings to traverse gaps and reach previously inaccessible areas, adding a verticality element to exploration that wasn’t as prominent with Miriam. In combat, she utilizes light-based attacks that are both visually stunning and strategically effective.

Adapting to Bloodstained’s Challenges

While Aurora’s powers are potent, she is not invulnerable. Players will need to master her flight controls and manage her energy carefully to avoid falling into traps or being caught off guard by enemies. Her unique strengths and weaknesses mean that players who are used to Miriam’s playstyle will need to adapt their strategies to fully utilize Aurora’s potential.

A Nod to Child of Light

Beyond her gameplay mechanics, Aurora’s presence is a loving tribute to Child of Light. Her dialogue and character interactions are faithful to her personality, and her visual design remains true to the game’s distinctive art style. This attention to detail is sure to delight fans of Child of Light who are looking for a familiar face in the world of Bloodstained.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aurora in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Here’s a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions about Aurora in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night:

1. Is Aurora free DLC? Yes, Aurora was added as a free downloadable content (DLC) character as part of the 1.30 update.

2. On which platforms is Aurora available? Aurora is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch. However, her initial release was on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia, with the Switch version arriving later.

3. Does Aurora have a unique storyline? Aurora doesn’t have a separate, dedicated storyline. She is playable throughout the main Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night campaign, replacing Miriam.

4. Can Aurora use all of Miriam’s equipment? No, Aurora has her own set of equipment and abilities that are distinct from Miriam’s. She uses a sword and her light-based powers.

5. How does Aurora’s flight ability work? Aurora can fly for a limited time, and players need to manage her energy consumption carefully while in the air.

6. Is Aurora stronger or weaker than Miriam? Aurora’s strength is situational. Her flight and light powers give her an advantage in certain areas, while Miriam’s versatility might be better suited for others. It depends on the player’s style and the challenges they face.

7. Does adding Aurora affect existing save files? No, adding Aurora doesn’t affect existing save files. You can choose her as the playable character when starting a new game.

8. Is Aurora the only guest character in Bloodstained? No, Bloodstained also features other guest characters, such as Zangetsu.

9. Was Aurora’s inclusion hinted at before the official announcement? Yes, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Aurora’s Theme played at the end of the Bloodstained launch trailer in 2019.

10. How does Aurora fit into Bloodstained’s gothic setting? While Aurora hails from the fairytale world of Child of Light, her powers and determination to fight evil align with the themes of Bloodstained.

11. Is Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night connected to Child of Light? No, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and Child of Light are not directly connected in terms of story or universe. Aurora’s inclusion is a crossover event.

12. Will there be more guest characters in future Bloodstained updates? There have been no official announcements regarding more guest characters in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.

13. Who created Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night? Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was created by Koji Igarashi, known for his work on the Castlevania series.

14. Where can I learn more about game design and development? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for valuable resources and information. You can learn a lot by attending events organized by the Games Learning Society.

15. Is a sequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night planned? Yes, a sequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is in early development, which was announced in June 2021.

The Legacy of Igarashi: Blending Worlds

Koji Igarashi’s influence on the genre is undeniable. He is also known for his deep understanding of game design and his willingness to experiment with new ideas, making Aurora’s inclusion feel like a natural extension of his creative vision. The spiritual successor to Castlevania, Bloodstained, continues to evolve, bringing exciting gameplay and surprise characters for its loyal fan base.

A Bright Future for Bloodstained

With a sequel in development and continued support for Ritual of the Night, the future looks bright for the Bloodstained franchise. The addition of Aurora is a testament to the game’s willingness to embrace new ideas and collaborate with other creators. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bloodstained or a newcomer drawn in by Aurora’s unique charm, there’s never been a better time to explore the dark and dangerous world of Ritual of the Night.