PGC NEWS

The early months of 2015 were considered a crucial period for the PS4, with Sony scheduling the release of a series of exclusive titles like The Order: 1886, Bloodborne, and Until Dawn. However, the disappointing reception of The Order: 1886 left fans skeptical about Sony’s upcoming offerings. Developed by FromSoftware, the creators of the Souls series (Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls II), and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, Bloodborne promised to be the PS4’s first must-have exclusive. But does it live up to the hype?

alt text demonstrating the gothic atmosphere of Bloodborne

A Worthy Successor to the Souls Legacy

Veterans of the Souls series understand the franchise’s core tenet: death is a constant companion. Bloodborne maintains this challenging difficulty, creating a compelling and rewarding gameplay loop. Players are thrust into the expansive, gothic world of Yharnam, tasked with uncovering the mysteries plaguing the city and surviving its horrors. The game offers minimal guidance, encouraging exploration and discovery. While exciting for experienced players, this lack of direction can be daunting for newcomers.

Like its predecessors, Bloodborne utilizes a single currency, Blood Echoes, used for purchasing equipment, items, upgrading stats, and enhancing weapons. Bonfires, the familiar respite points in Souls games, are replaced by Lamps. These serve as checkpoints, allowing players to fast travel, restore health, and return to the Hunter’s Dream, the only safe haven in Bloodborne. Here, players can spend Blood Echoes to prepare for their next foray into Yharnam.

alt text showing combat in Bloodborne

Bloodborne avoids the pitfalls of Dark Souls II, which disappointed many fans with its diluted difficulty and uninspired boss encounters. Instead, Bloodborne shifts from the passive “sword and shield” combat of previous titles to a more aggressive approach. Shields are replaced by firearms, encouraging a proactive playstyle. This shift demands strategic thinking, requiring players to maximize the effectiveness of each attack against multiple enemies. To further incentivize aggressive play, successfully landing attacks after taking damage allows players to regain a portion of their lost health.

A Haunting and Atmospheric World

Miyazaki’s return as director is evident in the meticulously crafted world of Yharnam, a Victorian-era inspired city steeped in darkness and despair. While the narrative is subtle, the pervasive sense of desperation among the afflicted citizens and the unfolding tragedies paint a grim picture. Miyazaki successfully reintroduces two key elements absent in Dark Souls II: a cohesive world and memorable boss battles.

alt text depicting the detailed environments of Yharnam

Yharnam’s interconnected design encourages exploration and discovery. Every character, enemy, and boss encounter feels purposeful. This intricate world design fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity, drawing players deeper into the game’s mysteries.

The boss battles are another highlight. Unlike Dark Souls II‘s forgettable encounters, Bloodborne‘s bosses are challenging and memorable, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses. Defeating a boss in Bloodborne is a truly exhilarating experience, amplified by the game’s haunting soundtrack.

alt text showing a Bloodborne boss fight

The game’s audio-visual presentation further enhances the immersive experience. Eerie sounds, screams, and whispers combine with the howling wind to create a chilling atmosphere. The detailed graphics, showcasing the gothic architecture of Yharnam, are stunning.

High Replay Value and Online Features

Bloodborne offers a fulfilling single-player experience, but the online features add another layer of depth. Players can engage in PvP combat or cooperative play by invading other players’ worlds or summoning allies into their own. The unpredictable nature of these interactions adds an element of surprise and excitement.

alt text showcasing the eerie atmosphere of Bloodborne

Chalice Dungeons, procedurally generated dungeons, provide endless replayability. Players can create and share their own dungeons, offering a continuous stream of new challenges. For those who conquer the main game, New Game Plus (NG+) and subsequent playthroughs offer increased difficulty and new surprises.

Technical Hiccups

Despite its strengths, Bloodborne suffers from some technical issues. Long loading times between areas can be frustrating, especially after dying or traveling to and from the Hunter’s Dream. Other minor bugs, such as enemies getting stuck or quest items not appearing, can also occur.

alt text showing another aspect of Bloodborne's gameplay

Conclusion

Bloodborne is a must-have experience for PS4 owners. Despite some technical shortcomings, the game’s challenging gameplay, haunting atmosphere, and intricate world design make it a worthy successor to the Souls legacy. The high replay value and online features ensure that players will be lost in the nightmare of Yharnam for a long time to come.