Bloodstained, the sequel to Castlevania by Koji Igarashi, launched last year after a successful Kickstarter that included a stretch goal for a roguelike mode. Now it seems that the team has decided to shelve this mode in favor of a randomizer as a result of over-expectations.

It has been five years since Bloodstained hit Kickstarter, so news that the mode will not materialize is a bit late. According to a Kickstarter update by Igarashi, "Code created early in the game's development does not currently support this type of gameplay."

Given that this incompatibility has always existed, backers seem less than pleased to learn of it now.

"I would have liked to be surprised by the cancellation of a prominent stretch goal, but I am not." Unfortunately, from the explanation given, I can only conclude that you did not intend to fulfill this promise."

"It's pretty cool that the game code is "incompatible" with roguelike mode," wrote another.

Some supporters seem pleased that an alternative was given, but disappointment is the prevailing reaction.

The randomizer mode allows players to play a story campaign with up to eight game parameters. There is a timer and the ability to share seeds so you can challenge others to win your run.

The new mode will launch simultaneously with the "Zanzuki" update, which unlocks new playable characters and is free for all players. Both will be released later this year.