PS4 exclusive Bloodborne has finally arrived - but can it live up to its excellent predecessors?
As platform exclusives go,Bloodborneisnt the usual offering.
I should make one thing clear from the off, though.
Youre going to die, a lot.
So, get ready for a challenge.
Comparisons with theSoulsseries when reviewingBloodborneare unavoidable, and for good reason.
TheSoulsseries was superb, andBloodbornecontinues the style to the letter.
What weve got here is a game thats aSoulsrelation through and through.
How does it achieve this?
The short, simple answer lies with the new combat system.
Its fast, dangerous, and rewards sharp reflexes and those who learn their foes attacks.
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This isBloodbornein a nutshell, really.
Just likeSouls parries and ripostes, its all about mastering the timing.
This speedier combat is all made more difficult thanks to the lack of defensive options.
This is all about skill and speed.
To address the balance, From has added a new regain system, which is a brilliant touch.
So, if you get hit, theres a big focus on pressing the attack instead of running away.
Rushing through the game and not taking time out to explore will make your time here much more difficult.
Blood echoes are used much like souls in the previous games.
you could use them to buy items from merchants, as well as in crafting and upgrading weapons.
The more you level up, the higher the cost of each level increment.
Levelling up is simple enough, but it does also raise some concerns that harken back toDemons Souls.
Instead, this stat deals with weapon elemental damage.
It easy enough to figure out, but isnt as clear as it could be.
The hub world, The Hunters Dream is mostly left unexplained, unless you stumble over certain features yourself.
If in doubt, dont feel bad for consulting the wiki.
It also has co-op and PvP, but this is handled in a different way than before.
This consumes a single insight point, but gets you some much needed help.
Of course, this multiplayer is just the start.
Bloodbornes story mode is complemented by the new Chalice Dungeons.
These randomly generated dungeons are created using different chalices, found within the games story.
Performing rituals with these is how you create a new dungeon, which is randomly created.
Most notable are the loading times, which are just painful.
All you could do is sit and stare at theBloodbornelogo, anger rising within.
The camera has taken a big step back here.
Although not perfect, From had managed to improve the camera inDark Souls II.
Here, though, the camera can be a problem.
Its possible to overcome this with practise, but a more fluid camera would be welcome.
Connected to this camera issue is the frequent problem of getting stuck on the environment when dodging and fighting.
Its just bliss, and is what gaming is all about.
Bloodbornereally is everything we hoped for, and is the next evolution of From Softwares infamously tough games.
Rating:
5 out of 5
