Bloodborne
Developed By:
FromSoftware
Published By:
SCE Japan Studio
The game has haunted my dreams for months because of the sheer brutality of the first game I ever played like this; Dark Souls. And apparently at some point in the past, before PlayStation 4, there was a discussion of doing one of those games for the upcoming “next-generation” console. And Bloodborne was well, “borne”. Well here is what I am putting into writing as the first part of my review for the game. Since I am getting mercilessly punished for hours.
In a somewhat short introduction. If you have played anything from the Dark Souls series, you know what to expect. This game is setup in a way that makes taking on even the weakest characters take multiple swings. Let alone strategy if you have run into multiple types of enemies at once. Enemies have pitchforks, torches, shields, axes, swords, and more. And when mixed up in what is referred to as mobs, you can see how difficult it really can be dealing with four people at once. Never mind bigger groups like in the first level where there are dozens of people surrounding the bonfire.
The Shadow Knows...
The game takes place in a town that has an older, Gothic style. All of the settings so far I have experienced are nice, under the macabre coat of paint that shines. You are looking for help in dealing with an illness that has swept you, and your path takes you to a town corrupt with its own problems, and on the night of “The Hunt”. All of the lesser people and citizens are hiding behind closed doors and locked homes, as other hunters and people go out looking for these hulking wolf-like beasts and other monsters of the deep. Something is amiss here, even massive Ogre-like creatures roam very tight spaces, making combat impressively difficult.
You build your character in a deep enough system that allows you to have multiple characters for multiple playthroughs. The main three weapon choices are insanely devilish, with a massive axe, the transforming saw-blade, and the slow, but destructive T-shaped saw long blade. You also get your choice of a Blunderbuss Shotgun-like gun, or a pistol with impressive range and accuracy. Armed with both of your choices, and your newly created character, you are dropped outside of town with the idea of exploring it. You will quickly find yourself second guessing things as you traverse the confusing corridors of Yarnahm. Planning ahead your trials, only to fail miserably time and time again. There is no difficulty, only determination when faced with insurmountable odds.
The weapons and items available to your character will unfold as the attempts through the initial levels unfold. Each having its own need, Molotovs, pebbles, throwing knives, etc. all have their place in the gameplay and are best for certain situations. Think of these not as weapons, but tools to advance your battle. This game will test you until your limits. Do not just run around swinging your weapons, you will die. You need strategy, cunning, and lots of Blood Echoes to reach the end of this game. But be careful, if you die, those Echoes could become lost. If you don’t recover them on your next run, you lose them forever.
Dreams of a Hunter can be cumbersome to handle...
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In a difficult situation? Learn from your other hunters by watching their deaths unfold, see what not to do to survive. If you find a secret or tactic that is worthwhile, leave a note with your notebook. Others will find it useful and rate it accordingly. Still stuck? You will eventually earn a bell you can chime to bring a co-operative partner into your fight. Be wary as these fights will get difficult, and you should only save the use of the bell until when you need it. Take care of your partner in the Hunt. You cannot summon into boss battles typically, although there are nightmare situations where your fellow Hunters are welcome. Back in Hunter’s Dream however (your hub world), you will see various tombstones waiting to release their secrets to you. And once the Library doors open you will find yourself faced with opportunities to grow your weapons abilities by the use of blood. Strength, Skill, and Speed are attributes of the weapons. And as they expand, you will see more latent abilities present themselves. Think of these weapons not as disposable, but indispensable. Break one, and you will lose what you did until you repair it. Keep an extra my fellow Hunter. You also have the unique ability to utilize the storage features in the Library as well. Once you have reached the maximum of an item, additional will be put in your Storage inventory in the Library which holds everything from weapons and armor, to Pebbles and Throwing Knives. Even extra ammo is kept in storage. After enough questing and grinding, you can see how this can be irreplaceable feature for those punishing boss fights.
I am still trying to complete everything the First main area has to offer, but I am getting closer. The two wolves fell in tandem on the bridge, as did the entire waterways full of hideous monsters and traps. My blade is swift, and my skill is increasing. I have slain the Axe-Wielding Ogre in the nook by the big gate, he hates fire; but I have yet to slay the Cleric Beast in the Nightmare on the bridge, nor have I taken out the Father in the Graveyard… I will push on through this punishment. And after FromSoftware’s amazing Dark Souls game, I was compelled to feel punishment again. Bloodborne, the game I cannot put down, even when it abuses me so…